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St Jago High School's Javaughn Pinnock is predicting a blast in the Class I boys' 400 metres hurdles at the March 28-April 1 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) at the National Stadium, following his record-breaking performance at the Central Athletics Championships.

On Wednesday's first of the two-day Central Champs, Pinnock raced to a winning time of 52.32 seconds to break the three-year record of 52.93 by Shamer Brown, formerly of Garvey Maceo.

The mark was also a personal best for Pinnock, who improved on his previous standard of 53.12 seconds.

"Coming to the Central Championships and winning and breaking the record was not a surprise for me, as I knew I had it in me based on my preparation so far. I was always confident as coach Bertland Cameron and I worked hard together to get to where I am," Pinnock said.

He will have season leader, St Elizabeth Technical's Shamer Blake with 50.62 seconds and Kingston College's Antonio Forbes with 52.11 to contend with at Champs, but Pinnock is unfazed by the occasion.

Pinnock is proud of his flat 400 metres time, as he stated that this has helped in the 400 metres hurdles, which he started competing in while in his second year of Class II.

"Last year I did a personal best 48.74 seconds (in the 400 metres) at the Queen's Grace Jackson Meet, and this season I opened up with 49.30 and that has helped with my execution over the barriers," Pinnock said.

He is confident of going all the way at Champs, despite the expected stiff competition.

"I do not focus on who is ahead of me, as I believe in my capabilities, and one can expect a blast as I still have a lot inside me," he concluded.