HUBERT LAWRENCE, STAR Writer

O'DAYNE Richards is already the finest shot putter in Jamaica's history, but he isn't resting on his hard-won laurels.

Richards has his eye on the upcoming World Championships and the 22-metre line.

The stocky thrower produced a second-round national record 21.69m to win Jamaica's first gold medal at the recent Pan American Games.

That mirrored his win last year at the Commonwealth Games, where he took charge of the national record with a distance of 21.62m.

Although no Jamaican had ever won shot put gold in either the Pan Am or Commonwealth Games, Richards has his aim on Beijing.

"The goal is to throw 22 in the final in the World Championships in Beijing," he asserted.

Those firsts don't occupy his mind too much.

"It does feel good, but I'm not too concerned about the history. I believe that other people will come up and do great," he predicted.

The St George's College and University of Technology graduate is looking forward to meeting world leader, Joe Kovacs of the United States, and reigning champion David Storl of Germany, and the world's best in Beijing.

"I expect them to come and do well and I'd like to be one of those persons who competes well against them, and possibly beat them," he said.

The 25-year-old had appeared to struggle early in the season, but he and coach Linval Swaby were working on building strength.

"After we achieved what we set out in the strength area,"said Swaby. "We started focusing back on throwing and he has been responding."

Kovacs (22.56) and Storl (22.20) are the only men with marks past 22m, but Richards is number three this season.

Even so, he expects the American pair of former world champions Christian Cantwell and Reese Hoffa to return to 22m territory in Beijing.

"I'd just like to join that elite group of throwers who have gone over 22," he said.

"That's my goal and I believe it is possible to throw far enough to medal,"he concluded.