US based, Troy Doris, Guyana’s best bet to medal at the Olympic Games this August is currently in Oslo,Norway where he will compete today at the Exxon Mobil Bislett Games, the seventh of the 14 Diamond League meets this season.
Stabroek Sport spoke with the world number three ranked triple jumper yesterday about his thoughts heading into today’s competition.
“I’m absolutely looking forward to this meet,” said the 27 year-old. “This is going to be the most competitive meet I’ve been to all year. It’s a Diamond League, but although it’s competitive it doesn’t change my mindset on how I’m going to compete.
Doris added “My only focus is to execute and do what I know how to do. Essentially competing against myself and having fun.”
Doris disclosed that his usual routine before a meet is to do a ‘shakeout’ and “just see how my body is responding to the stress or travel. Usually during the shake out I’m just imagining what the meet will be like and getting mentally ready. Just remembering my cues and reflecting on training leading up to the meet.”
Doris who rose to prominence after leaping 17.18m (national record) on May 14 in Florida, will also compete at the eighth Diamond League meet on June 16 in Stockholm, Sweden, sojourn is sponsored by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).
The Chicago area based Doris who was in Guyana enjoying the Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations last month, is thankful for the GOA’s and the local athletic association support leading up to the Olympics from August 5-21 in Brazil.
“I want to say thanks to the GOA AND AGG for supporting me and welcoming me with open arms. I also want to thank the community of Guyana for the kind regards I’ve received via social media.”
Doris continued “I’m looking forward to representing our country in the Olympic Games and with the support its given me even more motivation. It was an honor being in Guyana at a historical time and it’s a time I’ll never forget.”
The soft spoken jumper stressed that “Coming to Guyana solidified my “Why” in regards to track. The reason WHY want to have so much success and make an impact at various meets is because I’m doing it for my family and the people of this country.” (Emmerson Campbell)
