Forbes over first Olympic ‘hurdle’

| 18/08/2008

(CNS): Breaking his own personal best of 13.63 with a time of 13.59 Ronald Forbes (2nd left) has made it through to the quarter finals in his Olympic 110 metre hurdles debut. Finishing fifth in his own heat with a Cayman Islands national record, Forbes was placed 19 out of 43 to make the top 32. “It’s a new national record and I think the race went real well,” said Forbes.

Forbes has been out of competition for several weeks struggling to a beat a foot injury.  "It could have been better but I only had about two weeks of solid practice and am still not fully recovered, but the time speaks for itself. It was my best effort.” 

Forbes’ coach Kenrick Williams was delighted with his performance and noted that the young athlete had reduced his time from 14.28 to 13.59 in less than twelve months .”It’s tremendous work and it shows tremendous ability, we could not have asked for more. He has made a personal record at his first Olympics,” said Williams.

Forbes too saidthat anyone who knew about times in the 110m hurdles would recognise that shaving that much off in less than year was a significant achievement.

“Anyone who knows about time knows that’s like a bus length,” said Forbes, who acknowledged that many of the athletes in Beijing have more experience than him but it wasn’t going to stop him from putting in his best performance. Having broken his current best time, which he set at the NCAA nationals in Iowa in June, Forbes said he would be aiming for another PB and to correct the mistakes he believes he made in the first round in the next race.

The Olympic record holder and the man tipped for the top spot, China’s Liu Xiang, stunned the audience when he hobbled out of his heat with an injury, but Forbes said he would not be distracted by the situation regarding other athletes.

“We are all fierce competitors here and who ever gives the best effort walks away with it,” he said.

Forbes will make his next Olympic appearence in the quarter finals on Tuesday. (Photos: Shurna Robbins)

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  1. Towna says:

    Congrats Ronald

    I am so very proud of you for having the courage to go to the Olympics.  You are a star Ronald.

     

  2. Shelley says:

    Great job Ronald. You’ve done yourself, your country and your parents proud.  Keep up the good work and with God all things are possible.

    Best of luck !!!!!

  3. Anonymous says:

    Congrats Ronald! Great job you made Cayman Proud, "da right boy represent!!!"

  4. Miss Pat says:

    CONGRATS RONALD

    The North Side Wesleyan Holiness Church loves you.  You have made us proud.

     

  5. Miss Pat says:

    CONGRATS RONALD

    We never doubted you could do it.  Hear us praying.

    North Side Wesleyan Holiness Church

     

  6. BLM says:

    CONGRATS RONALD, GREAT ACHIEVEMENT!!!

    KEEP IT UP ! ! !

    NO-MATTER THE OUT-COME POINT IS U MADE THIS FAR AND JUST MAKING IT THAT FAR ALONE SHOWS GREATNESS!!!!

    EAST-ENDA

  7. East n der says:

    CONGRATS RONALD, you’ve made your country / your parents proud.  Keep up the good work.  Regardless of the final outcome you are still a "Cayman Star". 

    All the best on your final events!

     

  8. East n der says:

    CONGRATS Ronald!  You have been chosen to make our country / your parents proud.  Keep up the good work.  God bless and continue to reach for the stars.

    Good luck as you continue to strive forward.

    Comments from someone in Midland Acres, Grand Cayman.

  9. DKM says:

    Congrats!!! We know you could do it!!! You keep getting better and better!

  10. Kara says:

    Congrats Ronald

    You have made Cayman proud!!

     Continue to keep up the good work && we trust that you will do better in the second heat.

  11. Anonymous says:

    big ups ronald! keep hope alive by believing

  12. Anonymous says:

    CONGRATS RONALD!! What an amazing accomplishment !!

    Just remember no matter what happens – You are/have been making your community and your country very proud!!

    Best of luck in Round 2!!

     

  13. Anonymous says:

    Congrats, Ronald. Keep up the good work and make them know about us.

  14. Nor' Sida says:

    CONGRATS RONALD!! What a great run!!
    Just remember no matter what happens – You are/have been making your community and your country very proud!!
     

    Best of luck in Round 2!!