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Mullings wants to use nerves to propel Olympic discus

Published:Wednesday | August 7, 2024 | 12:10 AMDaniel Wheeler/Gleaner Writer
Ralford Mullings of Jamaica competes in the men’s discus throw qualification round at the Stade de France in Paris, France, on Monday, August 5.
Gladstone Taylor/Multimedia Photo Editor
Ralford Mullings of Jamaica competes in the men’s discus throw qualification round at the Stade de France in Paris, France, on Monday, August 5.

PARIS, France:

YOU CAN forgive Ralford Mullings for being a bit nervous in his Olympic debut.

In a year where his excellence has taken him all the way to the biggest stage, he hopes to channel those nerves into strength.

Mullings, along with national champion Traves Smikle and Roje Stona, will make history today when they compete in the men’s discus final at 1:25 p.m.

It will be the first time that three Jamaicans will compete in the event, and Jamaica will be the only country in the 12-man field with three representatives.

Mullings has had an excellent year. In an event where there has been greater depth in Jamaican talent than ever, the University of Oklahoma student has bettered his countrymen this year, with a personal-best effort of 69.67 metres.

“It’s been a great year. The most nervous I have been; could be probably trials, to make it on the team, and then this, of course,” Mullings said.

“But I mean, apart from that, it’s just training and making sure I am progressing through the season.”

Mullings is using the pre-competition jitters as fuel in his throws, and while it is still surreal, he is banking on using those nerves to perform at his best.

“The funny thing is that when I am super nervous, I just try to channel all my energy into the throw. So I hope that there is a lot more tomorrow (today),” Mullings said.

Mulling is also appreciative of how much encouragement there has been among teammates, with Stona and Smikle pushing him to be at his best.

Mullings believes having the three in a final means a great deal for Jamaica.

“It is definitely saying that Jamaica is becoming one of the most competitive discus-throwing countries in the world. We had to throw 64 high to make the team. There is a lot of encouragement. We are all trying to be great. So, definitely, they are helping me out with encouragement and motivation,” Mullings said.

“It is just ridiculous how competitive the country is becoming.”

The trio is aiming to claim Jamaica’s first Olympic medal in the event.