Jamaican thrower Natalie Grant, while extending hearty congratulations to Caribbean and Central American Games record breaker Yipsi Moreno, insists she was not in awe of the Cuban heading into the hammer throw event.

Grant finished in fifth place with a best throw of 54.23m, registered on her final attempt, well behind that of Moreno's 71.35 metres. Moreno led a joyous one-two Cuban flag-waving celebration, after she was joined in a run alongside the track by teammate Lisbet Yurisleydi who finished in second place with a heave of 71.35m. Grant's compatriot in the event, Vanessa Levy, had to settle for eighth spot after failing to improve on her attempt of 51.68m, thrown in the second round.

"Yipsi is timeless, she is timeless. I've been competing against them a long time. She's an excellent competitor and there is always something to learn from her. It's good to be surrounded by people that are good and you keep aiming for that," Grant said following the event.

"But I didn't come here awestruck with anyone, I came to compete same as anyone else. So, yes, Yipsi is here, she's great, she did very well, but next time my plan is to continue after her and all it takes is one throw," Grant added.

The athlete pointed to the fact that the Games were not necessary at an opportune time, as she was currently in preparation mode, which calls for more focus on the technical aspect of the event, but was nonetheless disappointed with missing out on a podium spot.

"I did some things technically that was very good, my coach would be pleased by that, but at the end of the day this is not the mark of placing I wanted at all. It's my general preparation period. I was trying to focus on some of the technical elements but it's hard when you get into competition,' Grant said.

- KM