I want that record - Reid confident he’ll break long-standing 800m record

Outstanding Enid Bennett middle-­distance star Tyrice Taylor says that he will be going after the boys Class Two record in the 800m final tomorrow at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boy and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.

The 17-year-old Taylor, who is the fastest ­athlete over distance this season with an impressive time of 1:48.85 seconds, done at the Digicel Grand Prix final, said that his aim is to break Sherwin Burgess’ (Vere Technical) 32-year-old record of 1:48.84.

“I hope to do my best and get the time in the final on Saturday,” said Taylor in reference to the Vere man’s magical mark. “It is on my mind, but I just have to stay focused and ensure that I execute my race properly from start to finish.

“I am really confident to do good and great things in the final of the event,” Taylor said.

Taylor booked his spot in the final, after comfortably winning his semi in 1:55.40 seconds.

In fact, Taylor will enter the final with the third fastest time, behind Calabar’s Kimar Farquharson (1:51.93), who was a silver medallist in the event last year, and Tyrese Reid of Spot Valley (1:53.39).

Taylor added that he has worked very hard going into the championships and his entire school community is depending heavily on him to take home the gold medal at the championships.

“A lot is expected of me from my school because everybody is depending on me to win the gold medal, and so I am going out there to do my best,” said Taylor.

“I am expecting a very ­competitive race because all the other athletes in the race want the gold medal. I also want it, too. I am going out there to do my best and finish the race injury free,” he said

Dugion Blackman from Jamaica College and Tarees Rhoden from KC are the other main ­contenders for the gold medal in the final.