I can go 22, says Blignaut

HE conquered the world as a junior, and now the biggest stage of them all awaits Kyle Blignaut.

The South African shot put star produced an outstanding performance at the Tokyo Olympics yesterday to qualify for the final at the age of just 21.

A giant of a man at 1.95m and 148kg, Blignaut heaved the 7.26kg ball of metal to a distance of 20.97m to finish fifth in his group and eighth overall in the qualifying rounds.

Tomorrow’s final is at 4.05am, and Blignaut believes that he can go even further.

He has the temperament for the big stage, having won the World Under-20 title in 2018 with a distance of 22.07m.

“I am happy with the performance – a deep 20 for the qualifying rounds, which took me through to the final. I am really excited about that.

“Me and my coach, that was always the plan … Deep 20s, low 21s in the qualification, getting through to the final,” Blignaut said.

“And from there, we can aim to get a new personal best and middle 21s, which on any day, can get you in the top six or top eight.

“I am aiming for middle 21s, which should get you top six – and you never know, maybe a medal.

“I know in 2016, a 21.30m medalled.

“So, if I can get anything above 21.30m, I’d be happy with that.

“I think on a good day, up to a metre.

“But on a modest day, I can maybe get a half-a-metre on tonight. But on a great day, I can go 22.”