McLeod - File

"I was shocked!," exclaimed University of Arkansas freshman Omar McLeod after winning the men's 60-metre hurdles at the NCAA Division I Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Saturday. McLeod claimed the title in his first-ever championships, contributing those 10 points to the Razorbacks' 54, which saw them finish second to Oregon's winning tally of 62 points.

McLeod, the former Manchester High and Kingston College standout, won the sprint hurdles in 7.58 seconds ahead of Florida senior Eddie Lovett, who was credited with the same time. Both athletes had clocked 7.57s in the heats, which for McLeod represented a school record and for both men an NCAA best this season.

"After coming off a minor injury and getting the runner-up position at the SEC Championships, there and then I knew that I had what it takes to win the NCAA championships," McLeod said afterwards.

"The 7.57s in the heats was a major boost because that was when I realised I was in superb form and could actually win."

tremendous battle

He revealed that he was cognisant of the tremendous battle he had ahead, going up against seasoned campaigners, from other colleges contending for the NCAA title.

"I knew it wouldn't be easy as I was ranked ninth going in and I was up against athletes like Wayne Davis (who was third) and Eddie Lovett, so I tried not to focus on them because I knew what I was capable of doing, and I went out and executed a great race to become national champion and the school's record holder."

His will, steeled by years of heated battles at the Boys and Girls' Championships, while representing Manchester High and Kingston College, McLeod said he was determined to win. "I was really not focusing on anybody else and I wasn't going into the championships to be beaten by anybody. I did not care if there were senior athletes, or whatever. It all boiled down to who wanted it most and who was hungriest for that victory, and I guess I was the one," he said.

McCleod was clocked in 7.576s ahead of Lovett's 7.578s, but he said he knew he had won from the moment he crossed the line.