The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

KEN Mullings, back home to celebrate his silver medal performance in the decathlon at the Central American and Caribbean Games, said he was thrilled to get on the podium in San Salvador, El Salvador.

At the end of the gruelling two days of competition in 10 different events, Mullings compiled a total of 8,060 points for a lifetime best, becoming only the second Bahamian to score over 8,000 points.

“I felt great, finishing another decathlon healthy and being able to get the silver medal in the process,” Mullings said.

The other Bahamian, national record holder Kendrick Thompson, with his total of 8,182 that he posted in May in Austria, also competed at CAC, but he had to withdraw from the 400 metres at the end of day one because of an injury.

Mullings, 26, was sitting in second place with 4,307 points, but admitted that he had the potential to surge out front, but he didn’t.

“I had a very bumpy start with the first two events, but I was able to really bounce back with the PR (personal best) in the high jump and a strong finish in the 400m.

“The goal on day two was to finish and get the best medal possible. I was able to finish with a silver medal and broke 8,000 for the first time with some really bad events and horrible conditions coming down to the last two events.”

Mullings, however, said he was appreciative to have North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) president Mike Sands in the stands cheering for him. “What really made me happy was seeing Mike Sands in the stands cheering me through the line in the 1,500m,” Mullings said.

“There wasn’t any covering from the rain, so it was just the media and athletes left. That’s why seeing him made me feel happy finishing in second.”

Although it wasn’t a national record, Mullings said just to soar over 8,000 was a gigantic feat for him to achieve.

“This achievement just shows me how much more I can really score if things go my way,” Mullings said.

“I was disappointed with the DQ (disqualification) for Kendrick (Thompson). I always want to see a fellow Bahamian athlete finish and get a medal for our country.”

Back home since his appearance in the games, Mullings said he’s not sure when he will compete again.

But he will continue his training under coach Petro Kyprianou in Chicago, Illinois. Hopefully, at his next international meet, Mullings said he would be able to make the trek with him to assist him along the way.