KINGSTON, Jamaica – Young Calabar high jumper Jovan Swaby has stepped up to the plate showing a lot of bravery as he competes through the pain barrier of a broken wrist in search of crucial points for his school.

When Calabar’s captain Demar Robinson was ruled ineligible to compete at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, Calabar looked down and out, as the experts had predicted the boys from Red Hills Road should win Champs by just three points.

Robinson was expected to deliver at least 14 points on a platter for Calabar, being the defending champion in the high jump, and he was expected to garner at least six points in the triple jump.

Robinson, the team captain and motivator, was booted from Champs, not having the required subjects to enter sixth form weeks before the grand show.

But Swaby, 17, is trying bravely to fill that void in the high jump qualifying to the final with a leap of 2.00m.

“I am all right. I can medal this year,” he told the Jamaica Observer after qualifying for the final set for late Saturday evening.

“One man can’t make Calabar win champs so I am just giving Calabar one more chance to win champs and I want to go out there and win,” said Swaby with his left hand in a white cast.

When quizzed about the pressure and pain he has to endure, Swaby, shook his head. “A little, but nothing major.”

“I just have to face the pain and go out there and do my best,” said Swaby, who broke his hand days before Champs started, knowing he was expected to fill the void left by Robinson.

Robinson himself was at the jumping area giving instructions and encouraging his schoolmate, but whether Swaby wins or not, he is already considered a champion for his brave and courageous effort.

He might not win, but he has played his part in lifting the morale of Calabar, who were well on their way to defending their title, leading with 190 points after 27 finals. They lead by 26 over Jamaica College and Kingston College in third with 159 points.