media_artricles :: 2013

Gordon pleased with Bahamas run

Jehue Gordon sped to his second straight 400m hurdles victory for the season when he beat the field at the inaugural Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational in Nassau, Bahamas on Saturday.

The 2012 London Olympic sixth place finisher crossed the line in 49.50 seconds ahead of rival Eric Alejandro of Puerto Rico (50.21) and American Jemelle Mason (51.60). Another T&T athlete Emmanuel Mayers was fourth (51.72).

Speaking after the race, Gordon said he was pleased with his effort. " I went out well. I caught the field on the back stretch I slowed a bit too much and this threw off his stride coming into the second 200. But I am pleased with the race seeing that I executed the way I wanted to even though I had a few minor setbacks. It was a great race and I am happy.”

The 2010 World Junior champion said he achieved his aim of improving on his season opening time of 49.65 set in winning at the Falcon Games at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on March 23. “I wanted to go faster but I was not pushing or studying the time. I came to have fun and help my partner Emmanuel Mayers who is trying to qualify for the World Championships. He is trying to get back in shape.”

The national record holder (47.96) said running in the London Olympic finals has been a fillip. "Making the Olympic finals last year boosted my confidence and showed I can go out there and repeat and compete against the best in the world. And it is up to me to have the confidence to show that I am here to stay.”

Gordon is next expected to race at the Jamaican Invitational on May 4.

Mayers said he has several areas of his training work on. "I need to work on the technical and strength aspects of my race. I felt I ran a good race though as I was missed training for two and a half weeks because of an injury. I know the time is not going to reflect what I am going to do for this year. This is my first race for the year and I know I have more to improve on.”

Mayers added his goal is just keep running. " I want to get my races in and good training and let God bring everything else together for me.

Emmanuel Callendar was seventh in the men's 200m in 21.48 as 2008 Olympic 400m winner La Shawn Merritt (USA)won in 20.34 ahead of compatriots 2004 Athens 100m champ Justin Gatlin (20.44) and Michael Rodgers (20.87).

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