It’s all about mental strength declared Yashawn Hamilton of Kingston College (KC) after he created an upset to win the Class Two long jump yesterday, the first final of the 2016 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships inside the National Stadium.

Hamilton leapt to 7.01 metres on his third jump before leaving to participate in the 200 metres heat, which he won in 22.17 seconds to easily qualify for the semi-finals.

He hurriedly returned to the long jump pit, but was not needed as none of his seven competitors had surpassed his best effort.

“It’s just mental. You just have to be mentally strong, and I have the 100m tomorrow,” said a smiling Hamilton.

“So I have to be mentally strong for this and carry a lot of points for my team and ensure that my team wins the champs,” he added.

“The jump wasn’t my best jump. I just went out there and listened to what my coach said. I have a lot of events, so I didn’t get to do the rest of my jumps, so I don’t know what would have happened with the rest of those jumps,” he continuled.

Despite having one of the best jumps this season, Hamilton was predicted to finish third behind Joel Morgan of Excelsior High, and his teammate Shacquille Lowe.

“I was looking for about 7.3 metres, but what came I just dealt with it and said that’s it,” he added.

When quizzed if he was surprised with his victory, Hamilton replied: “No, I wasn’t surprised. I know that I was a finalist last year, so I just came out and did my best and ensured that I am on the medal podium.”

— Howard Walker