St Jago’s Martin to put all in Champs’ battle

Abigail Martin, with renewed confidence despite a difficult season, is hoping to continue St Jago's strong legacy in field events by creating an upset in the Class I girls' discus at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs), which starts at the National Stadium today and ends on Saturday.

Martin, who also competes in the javelin and the shot put, has had a solid campaign even after battling with injuries, which have limited her season. In the discus, she has the second-best distance of 53.59 metres going into Champs, a discipline which she calls her happy place. Only Holmwood Technical's Cedricka Williams, with 55.25, has thrown further this year.

Martin said that despite the challenges, she is in a much better place to perform at her best.

"It has been a bittersweet season, battling with a lot of injuries and trying to stay consistent going into Champs, but it has been better than last year," Martin told STAR Sports.

Martin finished fourth last year in a final where teammate Jamora Alves created an upset by snatching the title from Williams. While looking forward to another fierce battle with Williams, Martin says her resolve is to deliver for the people that mean the most to her.

"I always wanted to throw with her (Williams). She pushes me, and I also push her. It is always great competing with her. She is a very talented athlete," Martin said. "I always tell myself that I am a superstar, and I always believe in myself and know that I will do better because my mother and my family are depending on me; and I have a strong support system within my team."

As girls' vice-captain, Martin knows the importance of team unity, especially as St Jago hope to keep their top-three placing from last year. Even though her season has been far from ideal, Martin says injury or not, she is ready to give her all at Champs.

Martin's campaign begins today with the Class I girls' discus at 2:22 p.m.