McLeod outlines targets for season
Published:Monday | March 8, 2021 | 12:09 AMRaymond Graham/Gleaner Writer
A number of Jamaicans will be involved in this weekend’s NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships to be held over three days, starting on Thursday at the Randal Tyson Track Centre, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
One of the Jamaicans who will enjoy extra attention following impressive performances at the recent South Eastern Conference (SEC) Championships, is former Garvey Maceo and Kingston College student Carey McLeod.
McLeod captured the triple jump title with 17.17m and recorded 8.25m at SEC for second in the long jump, with both marks placing him in the University of Tennesee’s record books.The former Garvey Maceo and Kingston College student is also number three in the world in both events.
In a recent interview with The Gleaner, McLeod spoke about his recent performances and expectations for the remainder of the season, including this weekend’s Championships and the Olympic Games.
ASSIGNMENT
McLeod noted that he expected the strong performances, given his level of preparation coming into the season, and is looking forward to this week’s assignment.
“I am looking forward to it. It is going to be something special, one to remember,” McLeod said. “I don’t feel pressured at all, it is just me against the sandpit.
“Being ranked that high in college and the world means a lot to me, but this just means I have to work harder to keep up my status, so the work never stops, and I can’t get complacent,” McLeod added.
“I was not surprised with my performances because I knew I was in better shape than last year, and Conference was just my second meet of the season,” said McLeod. “It felt good to be competing with the best jumpers you can find in the country, so it pushes you to do your best. I couldn’t have asked for better competition, and I enjoyed every trip down the runway.”
McLeod noted that despite talks of his potential to qualify for Jamaica’s team to the Olympic Games, his focus in on doing his best in the collegiate campaign.
“I have no idea what my coach has planned for me as yet, as we are taking it one day at a time, and trials is a couple of months from now. Maybe after the NCAA season, we will decide on that, but as of now, we are not worried about it,” McLeod stated.