Morgan ... opened his season with a strong win at the McNeese University Cowboy Relays. - file

National discus record-holder, Jason Morgan, opened his season with a strong win at the McNeese University Cowboy Relays at Lake Charles, Louisiana on Saturday. Morgan, who has already achieved the qualifying standard in the discus for the Summer Olympics, tossed the discus 62.07 metres for an easy win and his best season opening throw of his career.

Morgan's dominance was significant. His winning throw was almost 20 metres better than the 44.10m throw from Reginald Redding and Jared Crafton's 43.40m. He feels the mark sets him up nicely for the season.

"I've seen Olympic and World Champs finalists in the past who don't even open up their season throwing that far," said Morgan who claims he has thrown as far as 70 metres in practice this season. "I'd normally get rolling my second or third meet so this says a lot about what is to come for me. I am positive - with God as my guide - about getting a medal in London."

financial responsibilities

The positive start has belied some early season challenges faced by the former Calabar High School athlete who turns 30 this June and who holds the Jamaican record of 64.11m. Married, and the father of a five-year-old daughter called Jasonica, and three-year-old son, Jason Jr, the three-time All-American has had a hard time finding a way to balance his financial responsibilities between his family and his career, and has been appealing for help in that regard. He, however, remains committed to representing Jamaica at the summer Games. He reveals that to save money he drives to meets instead of flying.

Through it all he has managed to remain focused and has even made some adjustments to his training programme during the pre-season.

"Preparation was a bit different during the pre-season. I don't emphasise much on lifting because I am already strong. So coach (Larry) Carmichael and I work a lot on getting my technique right, hitting the right position while having good speed throughout the throw," he said.

He said he has also dropped some weight and improved on his flexibility.

"My entire body hurts every day when I am done but I know the reward of throwing far will be pleasing," he said. "Plus, I have put aside the distractions of not getting any financial aid aside. I have decided to continue to work hard and pray harder. With that I know God is going to provide and I will still be successful on my journey."

Morgan will next compete at the Louisiana Classic at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette this weekend, and then next weekend at the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.