media_artricles :: 2014

Voisin: T&T can expect good relay performances

Despite the inability to prepare as a unit, T&T’s 23-member team is expected to challenge for precious metal at the inaugural IAAF World Relay Championship, in the Bahamas this weekend.

This according to Dexter Voisin, one of five officials, who left with the team yesterday ahead of the event, which starts tomorrow and closes on Sunday.

“The team is spread out. Some in Trinidad, some in the US, so to get everybody in one place before we go to Bahamas was challenging,” said Voisin. He said the timing of the event, while not ideal, will not necessarily give T&T a disadvantage as many other competing nations are affected.

“Because of the time with regards to this meet, (being) in the month of May when most of the athletes in college would have been performing for the last couple months, the senior athletes are now coming along.”

He added: “With regards to any sort of prediction, again, based on the performances thus far, I think we are in good position to do well at this meet.”

Voisin said he was not too concerned by the team’s lack of preparation as most, if not all athletes would be familiar with their teammates.

“Most of the guys would have ran together. (However) the only two events, in terms of preparation which are technical and really a must are the 4x100.

“The women have competed already for the year in the Penn Relays. So they have an idea of how they’re running. The men, this is the first time they’re running for the year, but, again, they have competed together previously, so it’s just a matter of brushing up.”

T&T will challenge for a spot in the men’s 4x100 and 4x400m finals, while the women will aim to qualify for the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400 and 4x800m relay events.

The women’s 4x100 and 4x200 are led by Michelle-Lee Ahye and includes Kai Selvon, Kamaria Durant, Geronne Black, Aaliyah Telesford and Reyare Thomas. The team for the 4x400 and 4x800m includes Shawna Fermin, Alena Brooks, Domonique Williams, Romona Modeste, Jessica James and Magnolia Howell.

The 11 sprinters for T&T’s two men’s teams are Keston Bledman, Richard Thompson, Marc Burns, Darrel Brown and Rondel Sorillo.(4x100m) and Lalonde Gordon, Renny Quow, Jareem Richardo, Machel Cedenio, Jarrin Solomon, Zwede Hewitt (4x400m)

The other officials include coach Gerard Franklyn, Dr Anyl Gopeesingh (doctor), Zephrinus Nicholas (message therapist) and Dr Verne Alleyne (physiotherapist)

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