Rasheed Dwyer

GLASGOW, Scotland:

National 200m champion Rasheed Dwyer bounced his way comfortably to a 20.59 win in his heat yesterday at the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow's Hampden Park, focused on the task ahead and the opportunities that winning a medal can bring to his career.

Dwyer was the fastest of all three Jamaican qualifiers to today's semi-final, with World and Olympic medallist Warren Weir and Jason Livermore both posting 20.71 in winning their respective heats.

"I'm really determined to do my best here, wining here would mean a lot. It would be an important stepping stone in my career," said Dwyer shortly after his race.

The 25-year-old, who didn't even advance to the 200m final at the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, arrived in Glasgow with much higher ambitions after a couple decent performances already this season.

more confident

The most memorable was his win over Weir at the National Senior Championships, but while he is even more confident in his chances after his success at trials, Dwyer is focused on remaining grounded and patient through the rounds.

"I'm very happy to just finally have gotten out there and get the first race out of the way. This was just a blow out, and I was just trying to execute as best and easy as possible to get to the next round," Dwyer said.

"It's always important to win so you can set up yourself for a better lane, greater confidence and stuff like that."

The World University Games silver medal winner from 2013 and 2011 gold medallist added that he is excited to be representing Jamaica after missing the World Championships last year and is looking to do his best year, especially on the back of his success at the National Senior Championships.

"I'm very happy to be representing Jamaica here at the Commonwealth Games. When Jamaica or a Jamaican steps on any track there are a lot of eyes and a lot of folks looking out for us, so I know that I have to go out there and represent well and do my best," added Dwyer, who is coached by Maurice Wilson at the Sprint Tech Track Club based at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sports.

Donald Quarrie in 1970 and 1974 as well as Omar Brown in 2006, are Jamaica's Commonwealth Games gold medal winners in the event.