Excelsior’s Graham credits discipline for both Champs medals
Published:Friday | March 28, 2025 | 12:12 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
Having won the Boys’ Class Two 100m title, as well as the bronze medal in the long jump at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, Excelsior High’s Michael Graham credits his discipline throughout training as the reason behind his success.
Graham picked up his first medal of the afternoon when he placed third in the long jump final with a leap of 7.02 metres, only bettered by Kingston College’s (KC’s) Amani Phillips, 7.15, and St Elizabeth Technical’s Rodeeki Walkers, 7.09.
He was on the track just hours later for the semi-finals of the 100m, where he advanced to the final eight.
Graham showed his perseverance as he took the gold medal in fine form, crossing the line in 10.46 seconds.
Having been left in the blocks, he powered home to win ahead of Holmwood Technical’s Jaydon Collins, 10.54, and Byron Walker of Calabar, 10.65.
After the rounds of competition, Graham said the workload was not difficult, as he had been conditioned to handle the high-level competition.
“It was not difficult at all because I’ve been doing this from Class Three. I just went out there and executed properly. I went out there with a great deal of discipline and continued to stay humble to execute in both events,” he said.
Graham, however, feels he still has a lot of work to do on his performances, particularly his start in the 100m.
Having placed second in the Under-17 100m at the recent Carifta Trials, Graham will make the trip to Trinidad to compete in the national colours.
With the Carifta Games set to begin on April 19, Graham is aware he will not have a lot of time to perfect his technique for the regional competition.
“It was just discipline. The final was not that difficult but I have some things to work on, one of which is my start, actually. I need to work on my start but, for the rest of the race, I’ve been doing it well and executing properly,” said Graham.
“I just need to fix up my start right now for the upcoming Carifta Games in Trinidad. I will go back to my coach right now, deal with whatever we have to deal with, then get ready to execute for my country.”
With Excelsior hunting a top-five spot in the boys’ standings, Graham’s placements have earned them a massive 15 points towards their total.