Beckford’s goals taking shape

PARIS, France:

ROMAINE BECKFORD’S dream of making Jamaican men’s high jump competitive on the global stage has taken shape, accomplishing a feat last achieved over 60 years ago.

Beckford will be Jamaica’s second-ever Olympic finalist after his clearance of 2.24 metres was good enough to finish eighth overall in men’s high jump qualification yesterday. Beckford, the lone Jamaican in the field, was second in his qualifying group, which included defending co-Olympic champion and reigning world champion, Gianmarco Tamberi, who also qualified.

The last time that Jamaica had a finalist in the event was Ernie Haisley at the 1956 Games in Melbourne, Australia, six years before Jamaica gained Independence.

The significance of the moment was not lost on Beckford, who is insuring he is keeping the promise he made years ago of taking Jamaican high jump to the next level.

“Two years ago, I said that I wanted to be the one to bring back Jamaican high jumping for men. Lamara is doing her thing (for the women), the field events have been doing really well. It’s just that high jump has been out of the spotlight. But I want to bring it to the table and bring it to the level that we can start collecting medals,” Beckford said.

Beckford had first-time clearances at 2.15 and 2.24 but, before that, stuttered at 2.20.

“I think I executed pretty well. I wanted to keep everything on the first attempt. Knowing that the 2.20m wasn’t going to be a big deal, I tried to get it on my second and make sure that I got the 2.24 on my first attempt. I really wanted to get the 2.27. But I have to give God thanks, second Jamaican ever to make the final,” Beckford said.

The Paris Olympics has turned the spotlight on the strength of Jamaica’s field events, with four of the five medals coming from jumps and throws.

Beckford has been boosted by the performance of his teammate Wayne Pinnock, who won Olympic silver in the men’s long jump on Tuesday.

While he had to miss being in the stadium to see it live, he has been buoyed by Pinnock’s success and his journey.

“I had to be a little selfish knowing that I had to wake up at 5:30 (yesterday). But stayed up and watched it. Just seeing what he has been through, him having injuries, we have been through the same thing. That motivates me to come out and not let any injuries stop me,” Beckford said.

The men’s high jump final is on Saturday.

Daniel Wheeler