media_artricles :: 2016

Thomas keen to inspire future TT hurdlers

THREE - TIME Olympian and national men's 110-metre hurdles record holder Mikel Thomas began the process of bridging the gap between the current crop and the next generation of Trinidad and Tobago athletes with a hurdling clinic at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, yesterday.

The clinic called 'Learn by Doing', hosted by Thomas, gave hurdlers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the event. More than 35 athletes and coaches participated in the clinic, who were also given guidance by sport performance specialist Shayne Cooper and Memphis Pioneers sprint and hurdles coach Antonia Burton.

Speaking after the clinic Thomas said, "I am very happy for what we are starting here even though it was last minute.

It has been over 15 years since I have been home for the holidays and I am so happy to be able to give back to the development of the sport because I truly believe somewhere in the midst of all this, other champions will take on the torch and that's what I definitely want to see for TT." The national hurdler believes it is imperative for him to bridge the gap and help the next generation of athletes.

"I definitely want to continue to grow but not only just as the athlete but also as the sporting professional and getting more opportunities to give back and interact with the public. Again we having a little bit of a gap in the sport right now and I want to help fill it by educating those that are going to take the places." Thomas added, "I don't want to be like we are on top and they are far away. I am inspired to hear one of the athletes say 'I am going to be on the team which is going to the 2020 Olympics.' That is what I want them to feel, that is what I want them to think. I am trying to bridge the gap so that they can feel like their dream is also attainable." During the clinic Thomas and his team showed the participants hurdling mechanics, sprint mechanics, acceleration drills and start drills.

"I showed them the early stages of certain drills and then I showed them advanced level drills so that they know there is always a level to achieve. I also wanted to make it a conversation rather than just a teaching. I wanted them to ask, I wanted them to know why we are doing certain things and how the body is moving and the purpose and principles behind everything so that my idea hopefully could become their own." Thomas, who is hoping to make the clinic an annual event, received assistance from the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago to conduct the clinic.

Top