media_artricles :: 2015

Ready, set go ...all roads lead to Stadium

The National Championships will occur this weekend with a lot at stake, not least of which will be selection for the World Championships in Beijing.

Also there will be the small matter of bragging rights for yet another year for these very competitive athletes.

These are the best athletes in the country, some of whom have been training for a long time, showing their ability and most importantly proving themselves.

For all the months of training, everything will need to be in place, including the need for positive energy. Therefore it is not surprising that some of the top athletes use their experience to ensure that they have a noisy support cast in the crowd, which can not only give them momentum, but also mentally upset their opponents.

It is the equivalent of home crowd advantage in football. I am hoping that everyone can travel to the Stadium this weekend from 2pm, each day to enjoy tons of excitement and loads of peace of mind, at a time when such relaxation is difficult to find anywhere else.

As we look towards Brazil Olympics, the World Championships will be the greatest form guide, and for the majority of athletes it is critical that a message be sent to competitors and sponsors about their respective fitness and ability.

Lest all of us forget the obvious, a lot of sports are played in the mind and so for all of the natural talent that T&T citizens suggest we have, the need to strengthen our resolve by pushing our mind is important.

“Bad Mind” is not a joke, but should be compulsory thinking for anyone involved in sports.

Among the incentives to attend this weekend’s events, will be the opportunity to watch Olympic gold medalist Keshorn Walcott in the javelin, where in the last few months he has on two separate occasions not only exceeded his Olympic winning distance but also set national distance records.

Walcott seems to have recovered from a lot of niggling injuries and it will be wonderful for a sellout crowd to jeer on our second gold medalist. Also, 2014 Commonwealth silver medalist, Cleopatra Borel in the shot put, has been putting in some long hours and good performances and it will be great to support one of the most committed athletes in this country. It would be important for parents to let their daughters watch Borel and be inspired. Then there is the 100 metres where Richard Thompson will be seeking redemption after an indifferent season.

The bearded Thompson has often produced some exceptional times at this venue and he will be seeking the same, but will have to deal with Keston Bledman, who appears to be rounding into his best form. And while others like Emmanuel Callender, Rondell Sorillo and the youngster Ayodelle Taffe will have imposing ideas, it will as much a test of pride as a place on the 4x100 metres relay six-man squad.

The women’s 100 metres appears to also be a two-person contest with injury prone Michele Lee-Ahye throwing down the gauntlet to the wily and experienced Kelly Ann Baptiste. It is a test of the old master against the young challenger, which, even if neither admits, is a battle for more than just a title but really to be the number one female 100 metre runner in this country.

Whether or not Semoy Hackett will return and also the ever present and consistent Kai Selvon will also be of interest, also with the relays in mind.

Let us hope that both the men and women sprinters realise the importance of doubling up in the 200 metres as four time Olympic Medalist Ato Boldon has been recommending.

However, the main attraction has to be the men’s 400 metres, where the men with the second and third best times in the world are expected to clash in Machel Cedeno and Deon Lendore respectively.

However, both have struggled of late through a combination of injury and form and Olympic bronze medalist La Londe Gordon will have other ideas.

Given that defending champion Renny Quow will be out to surprise with his late run and the consistent Jarrin Solomon, who runs with his heart on the sleeve at every juncture. This is an event that should not be missed, as the tactics and strategy will be important in setting the tone for the final result.

It has been a long time since people had a chance to watch a quality field in the 400 metres and should encourage those many sporting aficionados in this country to fill the stadium this weekend. Let us not forget the defending World Championships 400 metres hurdler, Jehue Gordon, who will be hoping to recapture some form ahead of defending his title.

Gordon and his team led Dr Ian Hypolite and Edwin Skinner are experts at peaking and timing, so we can expect something special.

So, T&T, come out and make your voices known in an atmosphere of excitement and fun. It is time to show support for our athletes and inspire them. We need the Stadium to have another day of celebration, as we recognise the drive and ability of our sons and daughters.

Top