Newly crowned national 110m hurdles champion Orlando Bennett has his sights firmly set on a podium finish at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo, Japan, in September.

Bennett, who finished seventh in the final at last year’s Paris Olympic Games, made a powerful statement at the National Championships on Sunday, winning in 13.10 seconds. He finished ahead of Demario Prince, who finished second in a personal best time of 13.12 and Tyler Mason 13.22.

But for Bennett, the focus is already on the bigger stage, and according to him, he is not going to the World Championships just to participate.

“I am definitely aiming for a medal because I have passed the stage where it is all about making a team. It is about running fast continuously and running fast under any conditions,” said Bennett.

The 25-year-old Bennett, who is coached by Glen Mills at the Racers Track Club, has gained valuable experience over the past few seasons, having raced against some of the best in the world, including Grant Holloway and Shay Cunningham. He said that exposure has sharpened his mindset.

“I have competed against great competitors, you name it, and I would say competition-wise it is good and so I am getting used to it. So, the sky’s the limit,” he said.

Bennett noted that his winning performance was no fluke as it was a calculated effort to lower his personal best and test his consistency on the big stage.

“I am not surprised with my performance because I came out here with the intention to run a personal best,” he said. “The race felt good, but the semi-final wasn’t that good technically because I had to do some adjustments. I got it right in the final, and it felt like a well-executed race.”

Bennett highlighted that his focus has now shifted to maintaining peak form and translating that into results on the Diamond League circuit and ultimately, the World Championships.

“I just have to get used to running that fast and see if I can replicate that on the Diamond League circuit as well,” he said. “Then just be prepared for the World Championships in September.”

While expectations are rising following his Olympic final appearance and recent national title, Bennett pointed out that he remains grounded and focused on delivering what he knows he is capable of.

“I think, coming off an Olympic final, I feel that the expectations are going to be great,” he said “But I have to take myself away from pride and just understand that it is expected of me to do well, so that is where my standard is right now.

“I’m feeling great because there are no injuries, and so I just have to keep fit and healthy and keep on going through the season,” he said.

— Robert Bailey