Shot put and Discus thrower Djimon Gumbs has been tipped to medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games, to be held in Freeport, Bahamas, from July 18- 23, 2017. Photo: VINO/File

Going into the Games, Djimon Gumbs, a silver medalist in both the shot put and discus throw at this year's CARIFTA Games in Curacao, seems poised to challenge for his country's first medal at this meet when he enters the circle for the discus throw competition.

At the OECS Championships in Grenada two weekends ago Gumbs, not yet 17 years old, set new national records in both the shot put (13.66m) and discus throw of (48.10m) for juniors throwing the senior men's implements.

He finished third in the latter event, just behind OECS record holder Eldred Henry and his mark is the fourth longest in the world this year by an under-18 athlete although it should be noted that few in his age group throw the senior discus.       

In the Commonwealth Youth rankings, Gumbs' 60.45 metre best places him fifth this year behind Colin Bell of New Zealand (63.93), James Tomlinson of England (63.48), Lucas Woolard of Canada (61.27) and Jamaican Daniel Cope (61.25).

Cope, however, is unlikely to participate as he is currently in Nairobi, Kenya for the World Under-18 Championships.

The full VI Team comprises Arianna Hayde (Long Jump and Javelin), Rackeel Jack (400m), Joshua Hill (400m), Mikkel Bassue (100m and 200m), Beyonce Defreitas (200m), Djimon Gumbs and Diamante Gumbs (both competing in Shot Put and Discus), and Adrian Baijnauth (Tennis). The team will be accompanied by Track Coach, Willis Todman, Field Coach, Omar Jones and Tennis Coach, Malcolm Dabre.