Anderson embracing the journey
800m runner at his second consecutive World Championships
BUDAPEST, Hungary: National 800 metres record holder Navasky Anderson has been counting his blessings since qualifying for the World Athletics Championships hours before the qualification deadline. Now in his second consecutive appearance, he hopes...
BUDAPEST, Hungary:
National 800 metres record holder Navasky Anderson has been counting his blessings since qualifying for the World Athletics Championships hours before the qualification deadline.
Now in his second consecutive appearance, he hopes to continue his pursuit not only in perfecting his craft, but be a part of the charge that sees him not be the lone competitor in the event for future global games.
Like last year Anderson lowered the national record to book his spot on the world championship team, at the time breaking a 45-year-old record in the process. But unlike last year when it was the culmination of a strong college season, Anderson needed to lower his own mark on July 30, the final day of qualification to achieve the standard just to make the flight to Budapest. Anderson placed second at the National Championships, but up to that point, did not achieve the standard.
This season may have been a far cry from what last year was but the fact that he was able to make it just in time for him, for the people that have been a part of his journey, was the most satisfying for him.
“It was a lot of hard work, determination. Chasing the dream, chasing the goal and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Because I am not just depending on myself, I have a lot of people who are depending on me. My family, my coaches. There are a lot of people out there that want to see me happy. A lot of people that want to see Jamaica in the 800 metres as well,” Anderson told The Gleaner. “It was a tremendous performance from me and using that energy to channel into greater performances. I am looking forward towards this championship.”
A disqualification in the NCAA Indoor Championships was followed by an outdoor season hampered by injuries. And while it was a rocky road, Anderson has taken a philosophical outlook on his path to another appearance on the big stage.
“It wasn’t the best transition coming into the outdoor season. Had a lot of injuries. But sometimes you have to buckle down through the storm because after the storm there is going to be sunshine,” Anderson said. “By the grace of God, I’m here, with the qualification standard, and I have been working and staying consistent. Whatever happens, as long as I stay working and stay consistent, you are going to get the results that you desire.”
It is why he takes his moniker as the “People’s Champion” seriously. Anderson says that the country’s potential in the 800 metres is great and that he is eager for bigger representation in the field, leaning on the experience he gained in Oregon in his senior championship debut.
“I need to see Jamaica in the 800 metres coming on top. I don’t want to be the only one being successful in the 800 metres. There are a lot of guys like Tyrese Reid and Rojay Hamilton (current national champion). A lot of guys are coming into the light, and I want to have those guys help me to push it into the spotlight because we can do it,” Anderson said.
“As long as I live I am going to do whatever it takes. Keep working, keep training. I‘m blessed. I feel blessed. And as the people’s champion, I will keep representing Jamaica I am going to keep doing what I love,” Anderson said.
The men’s 800 metres first round begins next Tuesday.