The big leap
Parchment considers world record but admits need for perfection to accomplish feat
Published:Tuesday | August 10, 2021 | 12:09 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
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Fresh off his gold medal-winning performance in the men’s 110m hurdles at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Hansle Parchment has now set his sights on breaking the world record in the event next year. Parchment, who has a personal best (PB) time of 12.94...
Fresh off his gold medal-winning performance in the men’s 110m hurdles at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Hansle Parchment has now set his sights on breaking the world record in the event next year.
Parchment, who has a personal best (PB) time of 12.94 seconds, told The Gleaner that the world record of 12.80 seconds set by American Aries Merritt is well within his sights, but he admits that he will have to run a perfect race to achieve this feat.
“I wouldn’t put it out of my reach, but it is not going to be easy because it is going to be a lot of hard work and dedication,” Parchment said. “I think that if I can get everything correct and put it together, it’s possible.”
Parchment, 31, is well aware that has not run a PB since 2014, and says it is something that he is desperately looking to improve at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, next year.
“I have nothing else to prove really, but I have my own goals and I try to reach them and every time I go out it is just about trying to achieve my own expectations,” Parchment said.
“I am always trying to improve every time I go out on the track and I am looking to lower my time next year,” he said.
LOCAL HERO
Hundreds of people gathered throughout Parchment’s home parish of St Thomas yesterday to greet their local hero during a motorcade held in his honour.
Decked out in their Jamaica colours, persons lined the streets of Yallahs Bay to Morant Bay, waving their flags as they came out to catch a glimpse of Parchment.
There was also a short service of gratitude which was held at Morant Bay High School, Parchment’s alma mater, yesterday.
Parchment said he is happy for the love and support that he has received from the persons in his home town.
“It is a whole lot of excitement because everybody is out to support and I could not be happier and I just want to thank them for their love and support over the years,” he said. “I think that without, them we as athletes could not have done what we did for the country and our families over the years.”