Ralford Mullings retains men's discus title at JAAA/PUMA national championships

Ralford Mullings successfully defended his men's discus title at the JAAA/PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships, registering 64.31 metres to claim back-to-back national crowns on day three of the meet.

The 24-year-old fouled on his final attempt but had already done enough to secure victory. He won last year's final with 65.32 metres and is now a two-time national champion in the event.

Fedrick Dacres, a five-time national champion who placed second in last year's final, moved up to the runner-up spot with 62.97 metres on his last throw. Dacres had earlier posted 61.52 metres and needed a major effort to overtake the leader under the available lighting.

Raquille Broderick finished with a mark of 62.87 metres, matching his season's best. Broderick, whose personal best stands at 64.15 metres, was fifth in last year's final. Chad Wright took fourth with 60.55 metres as his best effort; his final throw measured 58.79 metres, well below the 67.92-metre personal best he set on 12 April, when he entered the championships as Jamaica's second-best thrower this season. Wright, who placed third in last year's final, is also aiming to represent Jamaica in both powerlifting and discus at the Commonwealth Games this summer.

Shamir Reid was fifth with 59.81 metres, followed by Kai Chang (58.86), Jamaica College schoolboy Joseph Salmon (56.97), Delano Lawrence (56.37), Yakine Bowen (56.26), Tia Josh Mowatt (50.26), and De'Jour Budai (45.35).

Commentary during the competition noted that the world-leading mark in the event stands at 74.04 metres, and that throws beyond 70 metres at a global championship typically bring a medal.