CHRISTOPHER Young is happy to be able to represent Jamaica for one last time as a junior — and for the first time it will not be at a regional meet but at a global event.

Having previously represented the country at the Carifta Games, Young sealed his spot on the Under-20 World Championships team when he won the Boys’ Under-20 shot put with 19.14m on day 2 of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Senior and Junior Championships on the weekend.

For the 18-year-old, making the team was the ultimate junior achievement.

“I feel very great that I get to represent my country once again, even though it’s a more serious competition. It’s a world competition and not just a Caribbean competition so it’s a great feeling.”

He is not sure about the competition he will be facing in Cali, Colombia, where the event takes place from August 1-6, but he is prepared to give it his all when the time comes.

“I believe in myself so I will go and give it my best,” he stated.

With just over a month to go before he boards the plane to Colombia, Young says he has a few things to do to be in tip-top shape.

“I need to get stronger in the gym, fix up some of my technique, and I have a little injury with my groin so I will be going to the physiotherapist to work on that,” he explained.

The Edwin Allen High School student has battled Calabar athlete Kobe Lawrence all season but is looking forward to the two competing together as teammates in Cali, donned in the national colours.

“He has been a rival all season but now he is my teammate, and I think it will be good working with him,” he said.

And Young, who is accustomed to winning medals, is hoping for a podium finish at his one and only World Under-20 Championships. Fortunately for Young, he will have two chances to do so as he finished second in the discus competition behind Lawrence and so will be representing the country in both disciplines.

“It is very hard to say but, knowing me, I am going for a medal,” he said when asked if he thought landing silverware was possible.

The full Jamaican team to the championships is expected to be announced by the JAAA soon.

— Dwayne Richards