McKenzie ready for spotlight as he leads off Jamaica’s Olympic quest

PARIS, France:

Having the honour of being the first Jamaican athlete to begin the country’s Paris Olympic Games quest has invigorated martial artist Ashley McKenzie. It is something that he cherishes and believes will be the most significant Olympic appearance of his career.

McKenzie leads the charge as he faces Yemen’s Hesham Makabr in the first round of the men’s judo 60kg tomorrow at 3 a.m. (Jamaica time) at the Champ de Mars Arena.

McKenzie, who was born in England, has already been to three Olympic Games, wearing the colours of Great Britain. However, he says that displaying the Jamaican colours will be the proudest moment of his career so far.

“I have never been prouder to wear a uniform. I am from the United Kingdom, and I was born and raised there, but to wear these colours it is so welcoming, and it feels so refreshing. The people that are around me are so nice. I’m proud, and I’m going to represent Jamaica the best I can,” McKenzie told The Gleaner.

His pride and commitment come from a year during which he had to deal with several circumstances on and off the mat in his quest to make it to Paris. However, he knows that his life could have taken a darker path had he not found judo.

“I had a massive injury. I had only a year to compete to make it to the Olympics. I’ve had deaths in the family. I’ve had ups and downs. At the end of the day, I am grateful for being here,” McKenzie reflected. “As a youngster, if I didn’t find judo I would probably be in prison by now. So for me just being here in front of the people who love me (is amazing).”

McKenzie needs to lose two and a half kilos to make weight for his opening -round match, a target that he is confident in hitting thanks to the support he has received.

“The Jamaica team has been so generous and given me the things that I need to be the best athlete I can be. At the end of the day I have trained (hard) and done everything that I need to do at this point, and I am excited,” McKenzie said.

With the prospect of competing with his family and judo club in the stands, McKenzie is embracing the moment of having the spotlight on him, ready to deliver.

“I’m an aggressive fighter. I don’t like to leave it to the referees. I like to deal with it myself. So I am just going out there with confidence and putting a smile on my face.

“I’m excited to be the first athlete to compete (for Jamaica). I know all eyes are on me (tomorrow). It’s giving me goosebumps. But I am going to try and represent as best as I can,” McKenzie said.