media_artricles :: 2015

Charles debuts at 13

Deleth Charles is just 13 years old, but emerged as the top girls’ under-18 sprinter at last month’s Carifta trials. She captured the sprint double, clocking a wind-assisted 12.06 seconds in the 100 metres final, and a windy 24.63 in the 200m.

Though Charles is the youngest member of the team that will represent Trinidad and Tobago at this weekend’s Carifta Games in St Kitts and Nevis, she is planning to make a name for herself.

“I want to return with a medal around my neck,” Charles told the Express. “I’m working really hard to get the gold medal.

“I’m very excited to go to my first Carifta Games. A bit nervous, but I’m excited. I would be able to relax and do my best, but I feel a little pressure coming in, being the baby of the team.”

Charles is a member of the Memphis Pioneers club. In St Kitts and Nevis, she is expected to team up with Point Fortin’s Akeera Esdelle, Simplex’s Shikyla Walcott and Speed Factory’s Jendayi Noel in the girls’ under-18 4x100m relay.

“It’s really easy coming in from different clubs. We’re working really good together.”

While Charles has set herself a golden Carifta goal for this weekend’s meet, there’s absolutely no rush to get to the top spot on the podium. The talented teenager has three more opportunities—2016, 2017 and 2018—to secure under-18 gold at the regional junior championships.

Charles also has long-term ambitions in the sport of track and field.

“I want to be the first woman of Trinidad and Tobago to win a gold medal for the Olympic Games.”

Charles will open her Carifta 2015 campaign tomorrow (Saturday), in the girls’ under-18 100m heats.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for six p.m. today, at the Silver Jubilee Athletic Stadium, here in Basseterre, St Kitts. The 400m heats, as well as four field events will follow.

TEAM T&T

Boys’ under-20—Xavier Mulugata, Francis Louis, Jonathan Farinha, Corey Stewart, Jamoul Pierre, Jesse Fredericks, Ashton Gill, Kyle Stanley, Iley Bruce, Aaron Lewis, Tauren George, Omari Benoit, Andwuelle Wright, Kenejah Williams, Shaquille Singuineau, Ian West, Kareem Lezama, Michael Mackenzie, Gervais For

Girls’ under-20—Kayelle Clarke, Kadesha Prescott, Thyla-Marie Scott, Jeminise Parris, Khemani Roberts, Portious Warren, Chelsea James, Shaiann Charles, Ayana Glasgow, Anya Akili, Meriah Freeman, Jeunice Maxime, Jessica King

Boys’ under-18—Akanni Hislop, Tyrel Edwards, Jacob St Clair, Judah Taylor, Terry Frederick, Myles Jackson, Ako Hislop, Kobe John, Troy Richards, Franklyn Stanislaus, Clement Campbell, Terrel Paul, Isaiah Taylor, Tyriq Horsford, Daniel McNish, Nkosi James, Vandell Joseph, Jalen Purcell, Jerod Elcock, Jaden St Louis, Kareem La Gendre

Girls’ under-18—Deleth Charles, Akeera Esdelle, Jendayi Noel, Renee Stoddard, Anika Wolfe, Kershel McIntyre, Aaliyah Mitchell, Cheziah Phillip, Safiya John, Chevelle McPherson, Alisha St Louis, Akidah Briggs, Peaches Stewart, Asha James, Shikyla Walcott

Officials—Lucretia Warner-Burns (manager), Allan Baboolal (assistant manager), Reynold Porter-Lee (head coach), Gerard Franklyn (coach), Antonia Burton (coach), Arlon Morrison (coach), Kelvin Nancoo (coach), Nadine Hamid (coach), Wade Franklyn (coach), Robin Brereton (coach), Wendell Williams (coach), Dexter Voisin (coach), Abeyola Akowe (chaperone)

Medical team—Dr Anyl Gopeesingh, Kern Roberts, Zephyrinus Nicholas, Shurland Bonas, Kurlyn Smith

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