media_artricles :: 2016

NAAAs get tough for weekend trials

Making the qualifying standards will be of utmost importance at this weekend's National Association for Athletic Administrations (NAAA) National Gas Company (NGC)/Sagicor Senior Championships, where T&T's elite track and field athletes will get to prove they have what it takes to compete against the best the world has to offer at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero in Brazil.

They will descend on the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, from Friday to Sunday, with the ultimate goal of joining boxer Nigel Paul, cyclist Njisane Phillip, swimmer George Bovell, sailor Andrew Lewis rower Felice Chow and judo fighter Christopher George, who all have already qualified for the premier sporting event set for August 5-21.

In order to be eligible to compete, they must be as good or better than the set mark in their respective events and a maximum of three athletes per individual Olympic event is allowed, provided they have all met the entry standard according to NAAA president Ephraim Serrette.

"Everybody has to compete," he said. "There will be no exemptions as has happened in the past. All must go through the entire process through all the rounds (preliminary/semifinals/finals) where necessary."

It will be a high-pressure and now-or-never competition ultimately, so athletes must come good and be ready come opening day, when three finals are carded in the men's and women's hammer throw and the men's 10,000 metres.

However as per usual the sprint events early rounds will also highlight the evening's action with in the 100, 200, 400 and 110m hurdles events. Entry fee is $25 on Friday. The following two days will cost $50 to enter.

The selection of T&T athletes has in the past, caused some contention but Serrette assured that the process will be clear and precise.

Serrette said: "The selection policy has been revised. It will be similar to the British system where the first two past the line provided that they have achieved the necessary qualifying standard, will automatically qualify to represent T&T."

There is one major change on the programme and it will affect the quartermilers.

"The 100m and 400m sprint finals normally draw the crowds on the Saturday and we wanted to hold more attention on the final day so the 400m final will be the highlight on the Sunday," said Serrette.

Another major change expected at the annual meet is that athletes from overseas will also compete.

"There will be athletes from a few countries competing. The foreigners will compete in a B final while T&T athletes will contest the A final," said Serrette.

The Championships bring together the top competing T&T athletes to battle it out to not only become the national champion in their event but this being an Olympic year, to book a spot to compete in Rio 2016.

The star studded line up will include multiple Olympic medallists Richard Thompson and Keston Bledman along with Michelle-Lee Ahye, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Jehue Gordon, Machel Cedenio, who has been making waves this season thus far. In the field events will be reigning Olympic javelin champions Keshorn Walcott and five-time "Sportswoman of the Year" shot putter Cleopatra Borel.

The event is the perfect opportunity for all to come out and be inspired by some of T&T's finest athletes.

With some 38 national titles up for grabs, the championships promises to be an exciting weekend of track and field action.

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