New Stadium ring gets passing mark

Refurbishing work to the surface of the throwing ring at the National Stadium is now complete, following recent complaints from World Championships discus silver medal winner Fedrick Dacres.

Dacres, the national record holder, and several other throwers, withdrew from the SW Isaac Henry Invitational Meet, which was staged at the venue on February 22, citing a lack of traction in the ring, which was described as dangerous.

Dacres, who, along with the country’s other top thrower, Traves Smikle and Glenford Watson were at the venue yesterday, testing out the new surface, was happy with the improvements.

“Excellent job by the people who reconstructed the ring as it now has enough traction, and we were able to glide easily and is truly first class,” Dacres told The Gleaner.

First Vice President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, Ian Forbes who was contacted by the facility’s managers, Independence Park Limited to put a technical team in place to rectify the situation, was also pleased with the result.

“I am pleased that the work has been done to satisfy these athletes, as it was always a work in progress,” Forbes said. “Three of our top throwers tested the ring, and they are now satisfied, and credit must be given to some of the coaches, including Julian Robinson, Linval Swaby, and Marlon Gayle for their input.”

Athletes satisfied

According to Forbes, the athletes tested the ring in various scenarios, with water placed inside the area to replicate rainy conditions. He noted that the ring satisfied all requirements and that everyone involved in the process was left extremely satisfied with its grip.

Forbes added that testing would continue and that several of the island’s top throwers have been invited to compete at the Carifta Trials this weekend.

“The new ring will be used at this weekend’s Carifta Trials, and we have also invited some of the top senior throwers, including (Fedrick) Dacres, for a friendly competition during the Trials,” said Forbes.