Portious targets Olympic standard

Portious Warren is targeting the 18.80 metres women’s shot put Olympic Games qualifying standard.

Warren finished 11th at the Tokyo Olympics, three years ago, and is keen to return to the world’s biggest sporting stage. Achieving the 18.80 standard would guarantee the US-based Trinidad and Tobago field athlete a spot at the July 26 to August 11, Games in Paris, France.

“The goal is always to hit the automatic,” Warren told the Express, “and never leave anything to chance.”

Warren did not achieve the 18.80m qualifying standard for the 2023 World Championships, and did not make the trip to Budapest, Hungary for the global meet.

“Last year, I was kind of on the bubble, off the bubble, and I don’t want the same thing to happen again this year but if it does, it’s just about sticking with it and going out there and doing the best that I can.”

Warren’s last opportunity to attain the Olympic qualifying standard will come at the June 28-30 NGC/NAAATT National Championships. “My next competition is going to be senior trials in June. Finally… It’s my first time back home since 2019, so I’m excited for that.”

The 18.80m Olympic qualifying standard is five centimetres more than Warren’s 18.75 personal best. The 28-year-old thrower, however, is not daunted by the task ahead. “My goal is definitely getting closer to that PB, or even getting over it, and just finishing the rest of the season strong.”

Warren is on the right track. Two Sundays ago, she bettered the 18-metre mark for the first time this year, throwing 18.16 to finish sixth at the NYC Grand Prix in New York, USA. It was her best heave since 2021.

“I felt it could have been better. I had a couple warm ups that were over 18, 18.4 and above—so it’s just a matter of going back to the drawing board, fixing some stuff technically, and seeing what the rest of the season brings us.” Olympic qualification is uppermost on Warren’s mind. Even if she does not hit the 18.80 mark, she can secure one of 32 women’s shot put berths on offer via the world ranking route.

Warren is currently 28th on the overall list of potential qualifiers. If she stays there till June 30—the end of the qualifying window—the Toco thrower will make the trek across the Atlantic for the Paris Games.