Jamaica's Odayne Richards (centre) is congratulated by New Zealand's Tom Walsh (left, back to camera) and fellow competitors after winning the gold medal in the men's shot put at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn

O'Dayne Richards yesterday created Commonwealth Games history, becoming Jamaica's first gold medallist in a throwing event, taking the top podium spot and setting a new National and Games record in the process at Hampden Park.

The 25-year-old University of Technology computing major made his intentions clear from the very first attempt, landing the shot 20.94m to take an immediate lead.

He, however, had to respond to New Zealand's Tom Walsh, who went 20.96m on his second event before the Jamaican shattered Walsh's 21.24m games record - set Sunday in qualifying, hurling the shot 21.61m to add 'Commonwealth Champion' to his increasingly impressive CV.

world beaters

"I'm hoping that this will inspire the next generation of Jamaican throwers to do great things, they have been doing great things, they are out there and are world beaters and I hope this inspires them to go to the next level," said Richards, flag in hand.

"This feels great, coach Linval Swaby did well, my family was praying for me, my church was praying or me, I guess Jamaica is cheering right now, it's great," said the Pentecostal Tabernacle member.

"I didn't expect to get that far for an opening throw, that signalled to me that I am in great shape. My coach told me to keep my composure, Mr (Julian) Robinson has been encouraging me, props to my coach Linval Swaby," Richards added before going through the series.

"Walsh passed me and was leading by 2cm, in the eyes of the world that may seem small, but in the throwing world that is huge. I was able to keep my composure, told myself that it was all or nothing and that I had to do my best to give God the glory," said Richards. "And to top it off with the national record and the games record, it really feels good."

Richards, the 2011 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships and World University Games champion, says he is even more encouraged to continue flying the flag for Jamaican throwing.

"This says that Jamaica is here to stay in the throwing world and we are not just great in the sprints," added Richards.

Richards' gold follows two Commonwealth Games shot put silver medals by Dorian Scott in 2006 and 2010.

O'Dayne Richards competing in the men's shot put final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. Richards threw the shot 21.61 metres to set a national and Commonwealth Games record. - Ricardo Makyn