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One of the outstanding performances among the males at the recent Eastern Athletics Championships was in Class III where 14-year-old Rasheed Grant of St Mary High wrote his name twice in the record books, setting new marks in the 400 and 800 metres.

Grant broke the records, which stood since 2007 and were set by former Seaforth High athlete Javere Bell, who went on to represent Jamaica at both the junior and senior levels.

In the 400 metres, Grant's winning time was 51.04 seconds and 2:02.56 minutes in the 800 metres, erasing the previous marks of 51.06 and 2:04.74 seconds.

Grant was proud of his achievements after his heroics.

"Going into the championships, I was very confident that I would have won both events in record times as I knew I had it in me because I prepared well, and I was not surprised with the achievements," said a happy Grant, who stated that with better competition he could have gone much faster in both events.

"Breaking Javere's records was extra special for me as he was an outstanding athlete. Leading up to the Championships, I watched videos of him running, and I was really motivated by this," he said.

He is determined to medal in both events at the March 28-April 1 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships (Champs), after his disappointment last year, when he only competed in the 800 metres and failed to pass the semi-final round, where he finished fifth.

"Getting more experience with harder training and with the help of God, I am confident of medalling in both events. I don't prefer any over the other, but probably there is a liking to the 800 metres as I train more for it," he said.

His coach, Dwayne Williams, who has been at St Mary High for 13 years and has won eight overall titles, including seven in a row, believes his young charge will be ready for this year's Champs, having gained the experience from last year.

"Rasheed is very talented. Last year, I expected him to make the final in the 800 metres, but when he saw the crowd, he became nervous, and he panicked because he has never yet competed before a big crowd like that.

"That experience was good for him as this year he is mentally stronger, and he will be back in a much better frame of mind, and I expect him to medal in any event he competes in, Williams said.

Williams is not sure if Grant will double at Champs.

"At this moment, a decision has not been made if he will do both events. First I will have to meet with his parents to discuss the pros and cons of doing both events, as if both finals are on the same day, definitely he will only compete in one," said Williams.