Andrew Harris, Gleaner Writer

Fitz Coleman, coach of the Olympic 110 metres hurdles bronze medallist Hansle Parchment, says Jamaica is now maturing in the event.

Coleman was speaking yesterday at a special ceremony, held at the University of the West Indies, to recognise Parchment's achievement.

"Maturity takes time and it (110m hurdles) has moved to a next level," Coleman said. "We are now beginning to mature in the event based on this achievement. In the past we have had fourth-place finishers and finalists," he added.

'Great honour'

The veteran hurdles coach, who has been working with Parchment for a number of years, described his association with him as a "great honour".

Coleman said Parchment's third-place finish on sport's biggest stage made him very happy, adding that prior to the final in London he was even more nervous than the athlete.

Parchment created history at the Olympics by being the first Jamaican and English-speaking Caribbean athlete to win a medal in the 110m hurdles, setting a national record 13.12 seconds.

Now, Coleman feels the sky is the limit for Parchment.

"The ball is in Parchment's court and it's up to him to deliver," he said. "Moving foward, he is in control of how far he goes."