Morgan comfortable at the top

PARIS, France:

National discus record holder Jason Morgan says he is eager to make a mark on the lucrative Diamond League circuit as he looks for a better showing here compared to his 62.26m effort in Shanghai in May.

Morgan, who enters the competition with the leading distance this year in the event, 68.19m and as the only thrower with a mark over 68m this year, says he is fully assured of his ability and believes he can match up to the best the planet has to offer in the event.

"I'm definitely elated and humble for the opportunity, my aim is to make the best of every meet," Morgan told The Gleaner in the build-up to tomorrow's meet, the Areva Paris Diamond League meet, which takes place at the Stade de France.

"It's important for this meet, I'm coming in with a mindset of wanting to do really well. I've seen some progress after trials and I'm feeling good about that. I don't feel any pressure, but personally, for me, I want to do better than I did the last time," added Morgan, who was far from his best at the recent National Senior Championships where he took second place with a 61.89m mark. He followed that up with a 61.78m throw in Nancy, France, on Wednesday.

"The plan and focus is for the World Championships. I'm still a bit loaded because the plan is to be in the best condition for world champs and the ultimate goal is to get a medal there," added Morgan, who underlined that he felt in place among tomorrow's competitors, some of the biggest names in the event such as Olympic and World Championships silver medallist Piotr Malachowski and Commonwealth champion Vikas Gowda.