IF London Olympic Games 110m hurdles bronze medallist Hansle Parchment had his ways, he would slip into the country quietly after his finest season yet, get some rest start preparing for next season.

However, he knew this would not be possible as he was expecting a big reception when he gets back to Port Morant after his shock medal and national record 13.12 seconds at Olympic Stadium in London in July.

“Going home to Port Morant will be a big thing, but to be honest, I just want to get some rest; want to take some time off to gather myself and prepare for the next season,” Parchment told the Jamaica Observer in London on Monday as he got ready to head home.

Parchment had a breakout season, winning several major events, including the JAAA/JN IAAF World Challenge event and the National Trials in his third year of working with hurdles guru Fitz-Albert Coleman.

While his success may have been a surprise to many, Parchment told the Observer that at the start of the season the plan was to make the Olympic final.

“At the start of the season, the plan was for the Olympic final, not necessarily winning a medal, but we set the bar high; we trained hard and prepared themselves as best as possible, nothing less than the best,” he said.

With all the highlights and records, lowering his personal best five times during the season, Parchment, who started his final year as a psychology major at the University of the West Indies, Mona, this month, said what stood out for him was “my consistency. I am happy for that, but I do know I have a lot to work on, so I’m taking my time to move up”.

One of his marked weaknesses this past season was his start as he had to chase the field after the first three hurdles.

“The aim is to work on the start in the off-season,” he said, pointing out that “next season is going to be one to look forward to and if I am to continue to step it up to the next level, I would need to work on that aspect and I’m really looking forward to that”.

Parchment was recently a part of history, finishing third in a an IAAF Diamond League race in Brussels, behind the American Aries Merritt who smashed the world record, setting a new mark at 12.80 seconds.

Parchment, who clocked 12.14, his joint second best, said, “It was a really fast race, the track was great and to tell you the truth, I did not think he was running that fast.”

It was the longest season he has but his handlers prepared him for it.

“I think I’m strong,” he said, “I work closely with Mr Coleman who is very experienced at these kind of things and instructed me in what to do and when, and Juliet Campbell, my agent who has been there (as a former athlete), knew what to expect.”

He said studying psychology also helps him as an athlete.

“I believe it helps me to stay relaxed and focused on the goals we set out. I don’t get flustered going out on the track, not necessarily my personality, but I’m always confident,” he said.