This one’s for Sarge - McKay

Veteran Jamaican martial artist Jason McKay yesterday dedicated his gold-medal performance at Saturday's Colorado Taekwon-Do Championships in Denver to his strength coach and Jamaica Constabulary Force colleague, Sergeant Camendo Thoms.

Fighting 5,000 feet above sea level, McKay was thrown into the open division after being hit with news that the organiser had made a last-minute decision to cut the masters competition.

McKay told STAR Sports that instead of withdrawing, he decided to put his endurance training to test in the rarified air.

"The masters division was cut and all heavyweights would have to fight together. This was at 5,000 feet above sea level, totally opposite to Jamaica's environment, but I was already there and ready to fight," McKay said.

Facing top Western United States heavyweights, McKay won gold by what he described as "sheer endurance.

"After being marred by injuries last season, this was really unbelievable to pull off. Thanks to my strength coach and sergeant, Camendo Thoms, who had me gain 20 pounds required for the super heavyweight division, while maintaining strength and endurance," he pointed out, adding that he was happy to bring home Jamaica's first goal of the combined martial arts team's 2017 campaign.