Northeast High School rising senior Damion Thomas had what his father calls his best race ever in the 110mH at the Jamaican Junior Trials in Kingston. Thomas lined up against Dejour Russell of Calabar and Rohan Cole of UTech two of the fastest hurdles in the world, and came away with the win in 13.5s into a -3.2 m/s wind to earn one of two coveted spots on the island nation team for the IAAF World U20 Championship in Poland next month. Coach Thomas says he was very pleased with his son's performance.
"I felt that was his best performance ever, and what makes it even more special was the -3.2 wind they were running into. It was a race of three of the best Under-20 hurdlers in the world battling to the line and Damion came out on top. Great championship race!"
Coach Thomas adds that the key to victory was the beginning of the race.
"He needed to have a good first three hurdles because that is probably the weakest part of his race. He is very strong the last seven hurdles and I think that showed in the race."
For the younger Thomas, who won the 3A state championship in May as well as Flo Golden South, this was the confidence booster her needed.
"Running against the best in Jamacia as well as the world was very motivating and exciting. This was a quality win and confidence booster moving forward for me."
Thomas has run faster in 2016 with an all-conditions season best of 13.32w from the CARIFTA Games where he was first and a wind-legal personal best of 13.42 from the 3A Region 4 Championship. That time currently ranks him as the third fastest 110m hurdler heading into World Juniors behind Marcus Krah (13.32) and Trey Cunningham (13.35) of the United States.
In 2015, Thomas, who was born in South Florida, did not have dual citizenship, and looked like a shoe in to make Team USA at the IAAF World Youth Championships. However, at USATF World Youth Track and Field Trials, the then sophomore, strained his hamstring and finished 10th in the prelims. Since running for Jamaica presented more international opportunities like CARIFTA and CAC, he decided to run for the home country of his parents. The hurdler standout says he is excited to be a part of his first national team.
"It is a very satisfying feeling for me. Last year I ended my season on the wrong foot. This time around I persevered through and I just thank god for the opportunity to represent Jamaica."
