KINGSTON, (Reuters) – NCAA Champion Wayne Pinnock signalled his intention to challenge for a medal at this summer’s World Championships in Budapest by leaping 8.32 metres to retain his long jump title ahead of 2019 gold medallist Tajay Gayle with 8.27m on Saturday’s third and penultimate day of the Jamaican Championships.
Following a ninth place finish in Oregon last summer, Pinnock, who sits third in the world with a mark of 8.37m achieved two months ago, is now aiming to get to the final and secure an elusive medal.
“Most definitely, making my first world champs team was a big achievement for me (last year)… and there is a lot more left in the tank,” Pinnock told Reuters.
“I just need to go back to the drawing board and figure out some areas that need to be fixed up,” he added.
Carey McLeod also booked his spot by cutting the sand at 8.20m for third.
Shanieka Ricketts is now targeting her third world championship medal after leaping 14.79 metres (wind +2.6 m/s) to win her fifth national title in the triple jump.
