Thursday, August 8, 2024

23 THE STAR SPORTS • Thursday, August 8, 2024 @JamaicaStar www.facebook.com/JamaicaStar • www.jamaica-star.com DANIEL WHEELER STAR Writer L ong jumper Chanice Porter has given herself to the sport since coming up from the junior ranks. At age 30, her second Olympic Games was her farewell to the sport, ready, as she says, for something new. Porter announced her retirement yesterday after finishing 17th overall in the women’s long jump, qualifying with a best effort of 6.48 metres. Her national teammate, Ackelia Smith, finished in the top 12 with 6.59m, advancing to today’s final at 1 p.m. Jamaica time. Porter, whose career includes a NACAC bronze medal and World ]Youth Championship title in 2011 said that this was the right time to step away from the sport. “It has been good. Track and field is an ungrateful sport, to be honest, and for me to make it this far, I’m happy. I’m ready to be done. My ankle is barely holding up. You know when it’s time,” Porter said. She has had a tough road to get to Paris, suffering a bone bruise two weeks after securing her ticket for her second Olympic Games. The road back was difficult but, for Porter, being able to complete her career with little damage as possible is a victory in itself. “It (injury) set me far back because it was after trials. I was out of practice for two weeks. But, getting back to compete now, I am just happy to be honest. I wouldn’t say pleased with the performance, but I am just happy that I finished,” Porter said. “To be honest, I thought I had more inside of me. But 6.48, I can’t complain, to be honest.” The next chapter of her life will include earning her master’s degree and Porter, she is ready for what the future holds after track and field. “I’m ready to do something new. I’m going back to school to get my MBA. It’s time for something new,” Porter said. Last hurrah Porter ready for ‘something new’ Jamaica’s Chanice Porter competing in the women’s long jump qualifications at the Stade de France in Paris Saint-Denis, France, yesterday. Porter’s jump of 6.48m was not enough to advance to the finals. G ladstone t aylor SPONSORED BY