The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

RIO de Janeiro, Brazil: After they both missed out on their opportunity four years ago in Beijing, China, national champion Donald Thomas and Trevor Barry have secured their spot in the men's high jump final on Tuesday night at the 2016 Olympic Games. Unfortunately, Jamal Wilson fell short in his initial bid to join them.

On Sunday night at the Olympic Stadium, Thomas advanced out of Group B with the best performance at 2.29 metres or 7-feet, 6-inches, as he had less knockdowns than Barry, who was fourth in Group A with the same height. While Thomas was pegged at number nine, Barry followed at No.10. They will join a field of 15 competitors, who advanced to the final, set for Tuesday at 7:30 pm EST.

Wilson, in his Olympic debut, was 13th in Group B with 2.22m (7-3 1/4), which placed him tied with two others for 25th place.

"It was good at first, but I fell short at the end," Wilson said. "Early it felt good over 2.17m, but it wasn't impressive at 2.22m (7-3 1/4). My first attempt at 2.26m (7-5), I should have cleared it. I guess I started to get hard on myself, tried to press a little but and I just couldn't get it."

Despite not advancing, Wilson gave God thanks for allowing him to make it to the Olympics and he vowed that he will be back for the 2017 IAAF World Championships. He congratulated both Thomas and Barry and while he wished he was in the final, he said he knows they will represent the Bahamas very well.

Barry, coming of an injury, said he's confident that he will perform very well in the final when he will be the 10th jumper in the competition with Thomas to follow at No.13.

"I'm happy to be on this stage again," he said. "When I come back on Tuesday night, I hope to jump even better."

Barry said it would have been good to have Wilson included, considering that this was his first trip to the four-yearly games. But he indicated that it's a good learning experience for him and he is convinced that he will make the best of the exposure as he looks ahead to the future.