MARYLAND, United States — Jamaica College’s (JC) outstanding middle-distance runner Kemarrio Bygrave says his aim is to achieve a personal best time in the 800m event at today’s third staging of the East Coast International Showcase Track and Field Championships.

Bygrave, who has been in top form this season, aims to surpass his best of 1:50.20 minutes, achieved in 2023. He currently holds a season’s best time of 1:51.10 in the event.

The 18-year-old Bygrave will approach the East Coast International with confidence following his outstanding performance at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. There, he led JC to an exhilarating come-from-behind victory in the Championship of Americas 4x800m relay final.

Bygrave stated that he has been mentally and physically preparing for the East Coast International.

“I am definitely aiming for a personal best time at this meet because every opportunity I get to compete I see it as a chance to run a fast time,” he expressed.

“I have heard the competition will be tough, but that’s what I strive for. I view each opportunity to compete against the best athletes as a chance to push myself to the limit. I just need to execute, stay focused, and run a clean race on Saturday, and everything else will fall into place,” he added.

Bygrave, the reigning Carifta Under-20 800m and 1500m champion, said he views the meet as part of his preparation for the National Championships at the National Stadium in June.

“As an international meet, I anticipate strong competitors in my event, making this excellent preparation for the upcoming national trial. It will help me to see the areas that I need to work on leading up to the national trials in June.

“Mentally, I have been prepared since the start of the season. I have set my goals for this season, and I have been diligently working towards them. I just aim to give my best at this meet and finish the season injury-free,” Bygrave concluded.