Smith gets top award

NEW DELHI, India (CMC): Jamaican jumper Trecia Smith was this week honoured with the David Dixon Award at the closing ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games.

The 34-year-old won the triple jump here with a personal best of 14.32 metres, to repeat as Commonwealth champion following her conquest in Melbourne, Australia, four years ago.

According to the Commonwealth Games Federation, the award is one that recognises "excellence, combined with fair play and team spirit".

"Smith is a wonderful athlete who competed superbly in Melbourne and Delhi, and her selflessness and commitment to her team make her a great role model for all the athletes of the Commonwealth," said CGF president Mike Fennell.

Smith is a former World champion in the event, having leapt 15.11 metres in Helsinki, Finland, five years ago.

Also a physiotherapist, Smith joined the Jamaican medical team here following her event to help the rest of the Jamaican team prepare for their respective events.