A ruthless display of expertise,composure, authority and professionalism accounted for Jamaica’s Alphanso Cunningham’s victory in the men’s F51-53 Discus at the 2011 at Monday’s staging of the Parapan American Games being held in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Alphanso, the Americas world record holder, threw 25.18 meters relegating Steven Scott (22.14) and Leon Carlos (21.46) both of the United States, to the minor positions.
“Mission accomplished” were the words of our golden athlete in response to his win while teammate, Tanto Campbell, no stranger as well to the medal podium at international championships, exclaimed “You are de Boss”. Chef de Mission, Christopher Samuda, was equally impressed with Alphanso’s dominant performance describing it as “an Emperor’s throw”.
Kevon Reid gave a valiant performance in the Men’s shot put F54-56 to come fourth behind winner Scott Winkler of the United States, Noriega of Mexico and Leonardo Diaz of Cuba and will now focus on the javelin to compensate for his narrowly missing a medal.
In the men’s T46 800m, our representative, David Bascoe, was positioned fourth on the final bend and challenging for the silver or bronze when he unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury which caused him to collapse to the track on the turn to the homestretch. The event was won by Samuel Colmenares of Venezuela in 2:00.13 with Wuillian Bruceng (2:01.31) also of Venezuela and Mario Hernandez (2:03.41 of
Mexico second and third respectively.
A very creditable performance for Jamaica on day one of track and field and the expectation is that the national cabinet will display more golden and also silver ware in the coming days.
The national anthem permeated the somewhat chilly Telmex stadium
in the afternoon of Monday the 14th November 2011 in recognition of Alphanso’s personal success, his teammates’ pride and the country’s victory.
