Travis
Smikle, despite picking up an injury in June, has not given up on his
chances to excel at the World University Games and World Championships
this summer. Smikle, who has been working around his injuries, is still
motivated and confident as he stated that "the injury has affected me
in a number of ways in that, my training has been inconsistent and I
have a challenging time throwing. However, I'm optimistic that things
will improve as time goes by."
After
Missing the Jamaica Invitational meet on May 4th, he is looking forward to
start competing again this Saturday at the JAAA All Comers meet at the
National Stadium. He will then compete at the Biannual UWI Games to be
hosted by UWI Mona. He aims to get over 64 meters at these two meets. They will be used as stepping stones as he stated that his aim for
this season is: "to qualify for the World Championships, medal at
the World University Games, get over 65 meters and be consistent."
Smikle
is the current National Discus record holder at all levels and two
times National Senior Discus Champion. He has lead the revolution of throwing
events in Jamaica with his accomplishments as a Junior thrower. He
continues to excel as Senior athlete and has lift the standard of
Junior throwers in Jamaica. He is currently ranked 16th in the world
with 63.48m.
