US-based Thomas excited about Jamaican representation

After a successful debut for Jamaica at this year's Carifta Games, where he won the gold medal in the boys' Under-18 110 metres hurdles, 16-year-old Damion Thomas is excited about competing for the country again.

Thomas, who attends Northeast High School in Florida, booked his ticket to the World Under-20 Championships next month with a win, the Under-20 110 m hurdles at last weekend's National Junior Championships.

Thomas won in 13.50 seconds, running into a strong head wind of 3.2 metres per second.

Thomas' parents are Jamaican. His mother, Dushane Thomas, was a high jumper at St Jago High School.

He qualifies to compete for the United States by birth but opted for Jamaica instead and has no regrets.

"For me it is an honour to represent Jamaica in the sport, and when I did so at the Carifta Games, it was a dream come true," said Thomas.

Thomas is ranked at number three in the event with a season's best 13.42 seconds.

GREAT FEELING

"Beating guys three years my senior feels great, and going out there and beating guys three years my senior is indeed a greater feeling. And also knowing that I can compete at the next World Junior Championships, it is a wonderful feeling, " he said.

Thomas was well received by Jamaicans at Carifta and is hoping for the same treatment when he goes to Bydgoszcz, Poland, in July.

"At Carifta, I was a little bit withdrawn at first, but I was well received by teammates and I am hoping for this wonderful relationship to continue. I look forward to competing against some of those same athletes I competed with in the United States and looking forward to medal for Jamaica," he concluded.