Jamaica's top high jumper, Romaine Beckford, is thrilled to be making his debut at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China this weekend. "I'm super excited to be competing at my first World Indoor Championships!" he says.

Beckford's excitement is palpable as he prepares to compete on the indoor stage. "Mentally, I think it's all about staying focused and confident," he shares. "I'd probably be visualizing my approach and jump, but also, I don't want to be thinking about competing too much."

A two-time NCAA Indoor champion, the indoor environment doesn't faze Beckford, who actually thrives on the electric atmosphere. "I like the feeling of everyone being closer to the competition... it gives off a louder sound effect, which makes the competition much more energetic for me," he said.

Beckford's approach to major competitions is rooted in his Olympic experience, which has taught him valuable lessons in mental toughness. "Competing at the Olympics is one of the highest levels of pressure I've faced, so it's helped me build mental toughness for other competitions." Speaking with SportsMax.tv, Beckford emphasized the importance of staying focused and composed under pressure.

As Beckford takes to the stage in China, he hopes to inspire his fans and fellow Jamaicans with a strong performance. "I want to show that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can lead to success, no matter the challenges faced," he said.

For Beckford, representing Jamaica is about more than just individual achievement – it's about unity and pride. "It's an opportunity to showcase Jamaican talent and spirit!" he declared, echoing the popular Jamaican phrase, "Likkle but wi tallawah!" (Small but mighty!).