Bennett: Bolt’s 9.69 in 2008 is my favourite Olympic Games memory
Published:Friday | July 26, 2024 | 12:09 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
THE wait is now over as the Paris Olympics will officially begin today.
As Jamaicans wait anxiously for the start of the track and field competition on August 1, national track and field coach Corey Bennett shared that he will have his eyes fully focused on the start of the athletics programme.
“I’m pretty excited as I’m eagerly awaiting the track and field section. I believe that whenever you think of the Olympics you think of track and field, and I can’t wait for it to start,” he stated.
Bennett, the head coach at both Hydel High and Calabar High, revealed that his favourite memory from the Games was the 2008 edition when Usain Bolt lowered the men’s 100 metres world record from 9.72 to 9.69 in stunning fashion.
“The one that really sticks with me is Usain Bolt’s 100m in 2008. Even though he’s gone faster since, that one gave me goosebumps and it was mind-boggling in the manner in which he did it. That one is certainly my all-time favourite moment,” Bennett explained.
Bennett said that while the American team looks the part, on paper, Jamaicans should make some noise of their own which will make the Olympics very special. The highly respected coach added that he’s eager to see the fitness level of many-time national champion Shericka Jackson, and expects something special from national 100m hurdles record holder Ackera Nugent.
“We have some good prospects but the American team looks really good. They always look good but I believe we are making a resurgence in the men’s sprints. I’m eagerly awaiting the performance of Shericka Jackson and to see if she’s back to full fitness. Ackera Nugent should also be a special one,” he added.
As for the main event on Bennett’s Olympic calendar, he revealed that those will be in sandpit.
“I can’t wait for the men’s long jump and triple jump. Long jumper Wayne Pinnock is someone to look out for and we are also hoping for full fitness for young triple jumper Jaydon Hibbert,” he stated.