Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

Thomas

WHEN the names of athletes are released this week for the men's 100 metres at the National Championships, the list will not include a familar entrant.

Former Calabar High sprinter, Dwight 'Bigga' Thomas, who has represented the country at the senior level since 1999, will not be contesting that event or the 200m as he has switched to the110m hurdles only.

"Over the years, I have been pressured by notable track and field people to concentrate on the 110 hurdles as they think I am one of the most talented persons in this event in the world, but I did not listen as I saw the 100 metres as a glamour event and here also you have two chances as you are allowed to compete in the relay if you finish in the top four at the trials."

Thomas has represented the country in the individual 100m at several senior meets, including the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, where he also ran in the preliminary round of the men's 4x100 relay.

Competed successfully

"I am not switching because the 100 metres has become too competitive in Jamaica," he replied when asked if he only changed because of the serious competition in the Jamaica team." I did the 100 and 200 metres because these events were part of my contract and my agent did not want me to change and also I fell in love with those events and it was hard to change, seeing that I was doing well in them," he continued.

Thomas, who competed successfully in the hurdles event while attending Calabar, has been doing well since he changed focus this season. He is the country's number-one ranked athlete this season with a personal best of 13.37 seconds done in central Florida two weeks ago when he defeated a formidable field.

"I was very excited when I clocked 13.49 seconds in my first race this year in Florida. It was my first time in years doing this event and at that time it was the number-four ranked time in the world and it gave me the confidence I needed," said Thomas who has competed in four hurdles events this year.

"When I clocked the 13.37 seconds two weeks ago, I did so in a negative wind of 0.5 metres per second and that gave me more encouragement as that indicated that I could go much faster."

Thomas also beat former national champion, Maurice Wignall - a 2007 World Championships finalist - in a meet this season in Poland.

Qualifying standard

Thomas, who has already achieved the A qualifying standard, is looking forward to the National Championships, where he is aiming to be the champion.

"I know that it will not be that easy to win here as Richard Phillips is the defending champion and he has already clocked 13.42 seconds, while Wignall is very experienced and is running very smart on the European circuit and will be ready at the trials," he continued.

"My objective is to do very well at the National Championships and qualify for Berlin. I think I can run '13 low' in this event and after the trials I will be competing in at least four more races in an effort to try and lower my times."