Wayne Pinnock confident despite tough competition in long jump at Paris Olympics

PARIS, France — “I think I am physically ready to perform at my best, so I just want to put one out there and let the field chase me,” declared World Championships long jump silver medalist Wayne Pinnock as he prepares for the intense competition at the Olympic Games.

Pinnock acknowledged the formidable line-up of competitors but expressed confidence in his preparation and his ability to handle the pressure.

The 23-year-old Jamaican, who boasts a personal best of 8.54m and a season’s best of 8.40m, understands the challenge ahead. “I think it is going to be a real tough competition, and I think for sure probably 8.70 metres or 8.50 metres is going to win,” he said. “It is going to be a really challenging competition, but I am ready, and this will show the world what you are capable of doing.”

Entering the event in Paris as the third-best jumper globally, Pinnock will face world leader and world champion Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece, who has recorded a jump of 8.65m this season. Reflecting on his near miss at the World Championships last year, Pinnock shared, “I lost the gold medal by two centimetres last year at the World Championships, and that gave me the mindset to learn more about my event.”

Preparations have been good

Pinnock emphasized his preparedness and confidence, stating, “My preparations have been good, and I will be doing some light jumps this week to get ready for the event. The mindset is just to go out there, stay confident, and execute my game plan.”

The former Kingston College athlete, now realizing his lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “Growing up all my life, I wanted to be an Olympian and my dream has finally come through, so I have to thank God for giving me this opportunity. The mindset is just to go out there and stay confident and just execute my game plan,” Pinnock concluded.

As Pinnock steps onto the Olympic stage, his optimism and determination to perform at his best reflect his readiness to take on the world’s elite long jumpers and aim for a medal.

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