Paris, France — National triple jump champion Shanieka Ricketts is heading into her third Olympic Games with a renewed focus and dedication to earn her first medal.
The 32-year-old athlete is mentally ready to realize a podium end on the Paris Olympics this yr.
Ricketts didn’t make the ultimate 12 in her first Olympic look in Rio 2016 and completed fourth at Tokyo 2021. This season she has a finest soar of 14.68m, however regardless of this, she believes that executing her jumps correctly will safe her a spot among the many medals.
Hungry and decided
“I’m hungry, decided, and targeted going into this championship,” Ricketts instructed the media. “In the case of the triple soar on the Olympic Video games, it doesn’t matter what occurs earlier than; it’s all about who reveals up, and that’s what I’ve been specializing in, ensuring that I present up on the Olympic Video games.”
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Thea Lafond leads the world rankings with a 15.01m this season, within the damage absence of world report holder, Venezuela’s Yolimar Rojas, making the Dominican the one lady to surpass 15 meters. Ricketts, a 2019 World Championships silver medalist with a private better of 15.03m, understands the problem forward however stays assured in her skills. She believes {that a} soar of a minimum of 15m shall be essential to safe a podium end.
“I feel to be on the rostrum, you must soar a minimum of 15m; 14.9m could be on the rostrum, however I feel the secure distance is 15m, so that’s undoubtedly what I’m focusing on for the Olympic Video games,” Ricketts defined. “Coaching has been going exceptionally properly, and though not all of it reveals in competitors, I’m assured and forward of the place I used to be final yr in coaching. I’m undoubtedly trying ahead to only going on the market and placing my finest foot ahead.”
Grounded and targeted on executing
Regardless of her confidence, Ricketts stays grounded and targeted on executing every soar with precision. “I’m prepared and excited, however I don’t wish to get forward of myself. I’m taking every day because it comes,” she mentioned simply forward of Friday’s Opening Ceremony.
“Tonight I’m carrying the flag as one of many Jamaican flag bearers, and subsequent week Friday and Saturday, I shall be competing, so, I’m simply taking it day-to-day and attempting to not get too overwhelmed in order that I can keep composed and compete to the most effective of my skills.”
As Ricketts prepares for her occasions, she embodies a steadiness of pleasure and humility, making certain she stays targeted on her objective of reaching the Olympic podium with a soar of 15 meters or extra.
