Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

HE SWITCHED allegiance to Great Britain and Northern Ireland and then went to train with Sue Humphrey in Texas but 12 months later, Germaine Mason is back training at home.

High jumper Mason, who holds all three Jamaican national records - outdoor (2.34 metres), indoor (2.30m) and junior (2.27m) - said for the first time in more than a year, he was happy at training.

"Definitely. I am feeling much more happy in terms of training," said Mason, the four-time national champion, who won silver and bronze medals at the World Junior Championships in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

"Last year I was very lonely because I was training by myself which can be good and bad," said the 2003 Pan-American Games champion.

"I needed my friends around me to support me and motivate me during training and competition and I am getting that here at MVP," said Mason, who enjoyed tremendous success at the club before moving to Texas.

Mason, who won Jamaica's first high jump medal at a World Indoor Championships in Budapest, Hungary in 2004, is now deep into his pre-season training.

"I am very happy with this pre-season training because last year I wasn't getting any of this type of work. So, it's been very good so far. It has been showing in training that I have improved in everything I do so far," explained Mason, who made his debut for Great Britain at last year's European Championships.

Impressive career

The 24-year-old Mason, who was cleared to compete for Britain last March after an impressive Jamaican career which saw him win CARIFTA Games and Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Junior titles, is aiming for a personal best in what he regards as a very important year.

"I plan to do a PB. I am not sure wha it will be yet, but I am looking forward for a personal best this season," said Mason whose best jump in 2006 was 2.31m.

"I am working very hard towards it because this is a very important year for me. I have to prove to the British federation that I am there to stay and represent them to the fullest of my ability," said Mason, who opened his season with a 400m run at the Queen's/Grace Jackson meet two weekends ago.

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