The IAAF Online Journals is constantly expanding and we are now happy to count Commonwealth bronze medallist Kareem Streete-Thompson of the Cayman Islands as one of our contributors. The fastest long jumper in activity, Streete-Thompson was injured in 2002 and is now attempting a come back

Hello everybody

When I decided to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester last year, I honestly didn't know what to expect. (Editor: Streete-Thompson won bronze) I went to Manchester just hoping that I would be able to get through the competition without further injury.

I know it was a huge risk, but I wanted to challenge myself. I had been suffering from a torn medial meniscus in my right knee for a long time. I think it all started at the Worlds in 99, and got worse until it tore during a 100m race in Mito last year. I had been having pain in my knee ever since I ran the 100m final in Seville.

But I certainly do not regret that final. I may have finished last but still I was in the 100m World Championships final. That is an accomplishment I will be able to share with my kids!

Unfortunately I messed it all up in the Long Jump qualification round a few days later. I think that was what convinced me to move back to Houston and finish off my Long Jumping years with the coach that got me where I was in the first place.

It made me realize what event really makes me happy. The Long Jump. Now there is no more confusion. I know that I am a purely a jumper again. It was really tough doing both events.

After Manchester, which was my first and last competition of 2002, I took a break from competition and rehabbed my knee. That was a very hard time for me. I really felt that I would never come back. This was my first major injury, so I had a hard time dealing with having to rest my knee.

I took 3 weeks off in December where I didn't even want to see a track! I was that frustrated!

During that period, I hung out with friends, I tried to enjoy the holiday season. And then I decided to give it another go, the first week in January.

The problem I had was that I couldn't train more than 2 days without my knee swelling up. So when I came back in January, and my knee responded favourably after the 3rd straight day of training...I knew I was going to be alright.

Before I jumped in Mexico a couple of weeks ago, I had fouled a few 8m+ jumps in El Paso and Martinique, so I knew I still had the ability to jump far. The actual 8.15m jump in Mexico was horrible! It didn't feel like it was that far at all! It was all speed, no height.

I know people keep saying I am the fastest long jumper but I will enjoy that stat when I actually put the speed with my jumping ability together...

My main goal this year is clear. I want to be on the podium in Paris. I know I can do it. Who am I afraid of? Nobody scares me anymore. I have seen it all. I have jumped against the greatest jumpers in history and beaten them.

Technically speaking I think the best in the world nowadays is Ivan Pedroso. I think Ivan will be back to his best shape this summer. He is so competitive. I’d like to see him back, I really would.

The best all time? That is a tough one. I would have to say Carl Lewis. Nobody utilised their speed better than Carl.

Recently I watched the Birmingham World Indoors on television. The Long Jump provided an exciting finish but I don’t regret not being there. I knew I wasn't ready yet plus I had already won an indoor medal. (editor: silver in Lisbon 2001).

I am out to seal my legacy. There are 2 medals I have yet to win - World outdoors and the Olympics. When I win those 2 medals I can say I have done it all!!!

On another front, I have a real passion for music. I own over 3,000 Cds and when I travel to Europe I usually carry about 80 Cds with me. There is one R ’n B album which I recommend to all of you: A Beautiful World by Thicke.

Talk to you soon

Kareem