STUTTGART, Germany — National shot put champion Rajindra Campbell believes he has a strong outside chance to win a medal at the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Campbell, who has had a good season this year, is backing himself to produce an outstanding performance for his country, and noted that by not being among the medal favourites he has nothing to fear going into the competition.

“I think the odds are in my favour because I am somewhat of an underdog. I think no one really expects much from me, so there is no pressure. I just have to go out there and execute, and hopefully, the results will be what I am hoping for,” he said.

“Right now, I think it is going to take something special to make the podium, but I am definitely looking for a new national record. So, whatever that is, I am going after it, and hopefully, I will be on the podium. I am going to go out there with a clear mind, be aggressive and consistent, and the results will show,” he said.

Campbell, a finalist at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, last August, is currently ranked sixth in the world with a season-best throw of 22.16 metres.

Joe Kovacs of the United States is the world leader in the event going into the Olympics with his mark of 23.13 metres. According to the 28-year-old Campbell, he has benefited a lot from his experience in 2023 and is much wiser in his approach going into the Olympic Games in Paris.

“I think that last year in Budapest, Hungary, my goals were not ambitious enough. I aimed to make the final, which I did, and after I made the final, I realised that if I had aimed further, I could have achieved more. But this time around, the sky’s the limit.

“I know that for me to win a medal in Paris, I can’t complicate things because I have been having a good season so far. I think that I am ranked sixth in the world right now.”

Campbell, who set the national record of 22.22 metres last year, said he has been very consistent with his throws this season, and he is hoping to take that form into his first Olympic Games.

“I have been having a good season so far because my average is way better than last year. It was 20 metres, and this year it is 21 metres high,” he pointed out.

“I have thrown 22 metres already so far this season, so it has been a better season than last year. It was more of a trial and error in 2023, but this year I am way more confident and much more mature.

“I am excited to be going to the Olympic Games, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I like my chances going in, but there are certain athletes that are deemed ahead of others. I feel that it is about who shows up on the day, and I intend to be one of those who shows up,” Campbell said.