Smith determined to give all at testing World Championships
TOKYO, Japan — For Ackelia Smith, this World Athletics Championships has already been a test of resilience.
After battling through disappointment in the women’s long jump competition, Smith is turning her focus to the triple jump final, determined to leave Tokyo with a performance she can be happy with.
Smith only managed a 6.34m mark in the long jump qualifiers and failed to advance to the final.
She admitted that recovering from her struggles in the long jump was one of the most difficult experiences of her young career, but one that has also strengthened her approach and determination as she looks ahead to the triple jump competition.
“First off, I am beyond happy that I made it to the final as it relates to the long jump and recovering. it was probably the hardest thing I have had to do mentally, probably the hardest thing I have had to do in my career as an athlete,” said Smith.
“It’s good to have support around you and it’s good to know when to ask for help when you need it, so I made sure. I realised that I was having an issue so I went to seek out help and I was able to get it and that’s what really helped me to push through. All I will say is that mental health is really important,” Smith added.
That renewal showed in her triple jump qualifying, where she produced a consistent series of efforts over 14 metres — 14.21m, 14.14m, 14.09m – something she had not managed all season.
“With regards to the series, I think I had a pretty good series in relation to what I have been doing throughout the season,” Smith said. “I was having fun out there, which I don’t think I have had this much fun this season. I guess I was being competitive. The jumps were not as big as I wanted them to be, but there were some small improvements, I see them, so I am just going to take it one day at a time and when the final comes around I will get my big jump — I hope and believe.”
Her faith remains a driving force, as does her confidence in the work she and her support have put in on the training ground.
“It goes back to mental health,” Smith noted. “I know what I am capable of, I have seen the results in practice. I haven’t quite seen them at the meets as yet but I have seen the results in practice and I know what I am capable of. It only takes one jump to get it and I am praying to God that this one jump comes in the final. I am going to do my part and allow God to do his part.”
