More work to be done, says national champion Distin

Where most would be basking in the glory after a championship win, high jumper Lamara Distin said there is more work for her to do in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games after claiming her third national title on Thursday.

Distin successfully defended her women’s high jump national title at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)/Puma National Junior and Senior Championships as she leapt to a winning height of 1.89 metres

The win made it her third crown at the national championships, having won in 2023 and 2021.

She finished ahead of Roschell Clayton who took second with 1.86m while former national champion Kimberly Williamson, 1.83m, was third.

Distin said this title was even more special as it booked her spot on the team for the Olympic Games.

“This one is really special because it’s an Olympic year, so making my first Olympic Games is truly a great feeling.”

However, Distin said she will not be sitting back on her laurels as there is more work to be done before her Olympic debut.

She explained she has been having difficulties with her approach in the event and her focus now will be on correcting her missteps before the Games.

“Just working on my approach. It’s not been going well since going outdoors because my approach has been inconsistent,” she said. “So I’m going back to the drawing board and just working on my approach is the main focus going into the Paris Olympic Games.”

Distin has been enjoying a terrific season this year, particularly in the indoor circuit where she had set a new national record of 2.00m earlier in February.

In the outdoor season, she was just shy of breaking her national outdoor record of 1.97m when she leapt 1.96m in April.

Ahead of the Olympic Games she will compete at the Paris Diamond League on July 7. That meet is expected to wrap up her preparations for the Olympic Games.

“I have one more meet before the Olympics which is the Paris Diamond League. So I’m just going back to drawing board and just try to figure things out. Hopefully, let’s see how I do in the Diamond League,” Distin said.