media_artricles :: 2015

Keen to repeat

Jehue’s Chaconia Gold spells danger for rivals

Jehue Gordon’s belated receipt of the Chaconia Medal Gold could spell danger for his rivals at the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.

More than 19 months after his mother’s “push yuh head” advice earned him the men’s 400 metres hurdles world title, in Moscow, Russia, Gordon was honoured on Monday evening with the nation’s second highest award. Following the ceremony, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, the 23-year-old athlete told the media he is motivated to repeat as global champion.

“It’s been almost two years now that I haven’t really heard anything about the award, so to receive it now... I said to myself, ‘you know what Jehue, you received this award today, so everybody is going to be expecting a little more now’. It kind of brought me back into the light a little bit.

“Pressure wise? I don’t think so. But motivational, I’ll just say that I would want to push a little more. Probably, instead of pushing my head, I might push my whole body,” he quipped.

Gordon said he did not mind that the Chaconia Medal was presented to him by His Excellency Anthony Carmona, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, more than a year-and-a-half after his 47.69 seconds national record run in the Luzhniki Stadium made him only the second senior world track and field champion from this country.

“Just like some good wine, with age it’s just going to be even better. I’m honoured tonight to receive such a prestigious award. Thanks to His Excellency for showing that support. Thanks to everyone that’s been there for me—my support team, guiding me. And I must say thanks to God for blessing me with such a wonderful talent. I would not have been here without His blessing.

“There are a lot of young people,” Gordon continued, “who work hard, and they don’t really get the recognition that they deserve. So this award...is for all the young people out there who are working hard and they don’t really get the support, the recognition, the respect for the hard work that they put out.”

Gordon’s preparations for his world title defence continued at Sunday’s Southern Games at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, in Marabella, where he finished second in the men’s 800m event in one minute, 54.83 seconds.

“Right now I’m doing some races locally, some overdistance races, some short races, short sprints. But I would not be competing until about May, so no hurdles as yet. The main aim this year is the World Championships in August, so we’re building. It’s a slow process, but we’re building. The progression is what’s important at this point in time. I’m just having fun.

“I’ll definitely be on the Diamond League circuit this year. My manager has already received a couple of invitations, but my coach and I still have to sit down and plan which races specifically we’re going to use as build-up to the World Championships.”

In 2013, Gordon joined sprinter Ato Boldon in T&T’s “World Championship Gold” club. Next year, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the young hurdler will try to gain membership in the country’s elite “Olympic Champions” club. If he does succeed in emulating sprinter Hasely Crawford and javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago—the nation’s highest award—could be in the offing.

“The goal is not to receive any award,” Gordon declared, “but just to be the best that I can be. Olympics is a whole year out, and right now I need to focus on this year. There’s the World Championships. I’m the current world defending champion, and I’m definitely going to give it my best.”

President Carmona was high in praise for the global one-lap hurdles champion.

“You have made us proud. You will continue to make us proud. You are a singular example of what youth can accomplish, has accomplished. You’re an inspiration to us all. Congratulations. And give them thunder in August.”

Back in 2013, it was announced by then minister of sport Anil Roberts that Gordon’s coach, Dr Ian Hypolite had been “recommended in next year’s (2014) award ceremony for the Chaconia Silver Medal”. However, the Cabinet decision was later rescinded. Earlier this month, Hypolite’s fellow-coach, Gunness Persad called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to “tell the country why”.

Another key member of Gordon’s support team, local manager Edwin Skinner attended Monday’s ceremony.

“On behalf of Jehue’s management team,” the 1964 Olympic 4x400m bronze medallist told the media, “we are deeply humbled by this award. It was a beautiful ceremony. Among his beautiful memories, he would cherish this one. I myself feel deeply humbled at this time, and I’m also going to cherish this memory.”

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