Gayle happy to be back sprinting again
Published:Sunday | July 17, 2022 | 12:14 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
EUGENE, Oregon:
THE NOW former World champion long jumper Tajay Gayle described his ability to compete in Friday’s final at the World Athletics Championships as miraculous and is grateful, despite the outcome.
Although dealing with the effects of a bone bruise, which put his participation in doubt, Gayle competed in the first round of the long jump but failed to land a single legal mark, fouling out of the competition.
Coach Stephen Francis had expressed doubt over his participation with his inability to sprint properly in Thursday’s final training session.
Gayle said that the decision to compete was made together with the coach and he felt that sprint speed coming back despite the end product lacking.
“The fact that I was able to run was a very pleasing sight for me. I was able to compete even know I didn’t get what I want. But I just have to accept it,” Gayle said.
Gayle had made last year’s Olympic final despite a serious knee injury and had competed in the final powering through pain. Gayle was adamant that he would not have jumped if not given the all-clear.
“If he had said no, then I would not have jumped,” Gayle said.
GAVE IT A TRY
“I came here blind. Not being able to train for three weeks. I just gave it a try. (Thursday) I wasn’t able to run at all. As I took one step my knee started burning. I’m not sure what happened to make me able to compete but I am very grateful to be up here.”
It has been a difficult season for the 25-year-old, only able to compete in three meets before the National Championships compared to last season when he had nine.
Gayle said that the lack of consistent competition this season was the main reason he competed at the National Championships, despite having a wild card.
“I had only two competitions and coach was saying that you can’t go to the World Championships like this. You have to get another competition in. I was supposed to go to Rabat (Diamond League on June 5). The airline officials didn’t accept the information that I was giving them. Because I didn’t compete at Rabat that’s why I ended up jumping at the trials,” Gayle said.
Gayle says that he has not considered the remainder of the season with the Commonwealth Games coming up next month.
“It is up to my coach. Honestly, I don’t know,” Gayle said.