Jamaican sprinting great Donald Quarrie believes that the island can expand its impact on the international level beyond the sprints and is considering, at some point, to return to coaching, his way of giving back towards the development of the sport.

Quarrie has played a major role in the obsession of Jamaicans with the sprints and in the country's envious legacy, as is testament to his portrait on the 'Wall of Honour', opposite the National Stadium and a statue in homage outside the entrance to the facility's grandstand. But even he, a local deity of sprinting, wouldn't mind seeing the country doing as well in other events.

Quarrie believes that the country, which has recently produced world beaters at the junior level in non-traditional events such as the discus throw, could realise its potential in these events, when there is greater focus, infrastructure and support by and for local coaches toward them.

"Jamaica can surprise the world in other events. It comes down to focus, to coaching, to equipment, to assistance in the training areas. If an individual decides that they want to pursue an event with the proper coaching, mentality and facilities, then we can make it," Quarrie told a group of journalists during an IAAF 'Day in the Life' visit.

"Tradition helps a lot, we have history (in sprinting) to look back at. The youngsters have Usain Bolt to look to and they want to be the next Usain Bolt so we will continue to produce top (sprint) athletes though," Quarrie said.

- A.L.

"Jamaica can surprise the world in other events."