Bailey - File

NCAA indoor gold medallist Alain Bailey is hoping to put a disappointing performance in Brazil behind him, as he aims for the international 'A' standard and a spot on the World Championships team to Berlin, when the JAAA Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships gets under way this weekend.

After being a member of Jamaica's team in the long jump at the Berlin World Championships two years ago, the former Kingston College jumper hopes to repeat that achievement.

gone professional

When the final of the event gets going on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. Bailey, who has now gone professional after completing his tenure at Arkansas, will be aiming for the 'A' standard of 8.20 metres in a bid to make the team.

"Despite a slow start due to a minor injury, which has affected me over the past two months, I feel a bit confident and I am hoping to put up a good mark so I can be able to make the team," Bailey told Star Sports.

In the past, the country has had good success in the event at the senior level from James Beckford, but since his exit no other Jamaican has taken the event by storm, and despite the poor effort in May, he is hoping to shine at the National Championships.

do much better

"I have not competed well so far this season, as in my only competition in Brazil in May I had a jump of 7.19 metres, and I know I will have to do much better if I hope to make the National team." Bailey, however, said that the performance was affected by external factors.

"That performance was affected by jet lag, because after the 10-hour drive from Arkansas to Houston and then a 10-hour flight to Brazil I had to compete the following day and my legs were weak," he said.

Bailey, who has a personal best of 8.35 metres done last year, is hoping he can come at least close to that mark, or better, in his bid to make the team.

"I know what I will have to do on the day to make the team and anything can happen because and all that is needed is a big jump on the day."