media_artricles :: 2016

An Olympic Diary

TORPEDO THOMPSON ALL SET

Richard "Torpedo" Thompson was once again crowned men's 100 metres champion at last month's NAAA NGC/Sagicor National Open Track and Field Championships. In his fourth and final "Olympic Diary" instalment, the triple Olympic silver medallist reflects on the National Championships and looks ahead to Rio 2016, his third Olympic Games.

Three-time Olympian! That has a really nice ring to it. I'm beyond elated to have the opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the highest level of athletics for the third time. As a kid, when I dreamt of being an Olympian, I hoped and prayed for the chance to at least do it once, just to have the experience and see what it felt like competing at that level.

But the Lord has blessed me immensely to have made four finals in two Olympics, three of which I can boast medals, and now potentially be a six-time finalist and earn more medals in my third appearance at the biggest athletic show on earth.

Qualifying was no easy task. The early part of my season was difficult but I give God thanks and praise that when it mattered, I showed up fit and ready to qualify for the team. I breezed through the rounds comfortably and stepped on the line for the final with no doubt that I would make the team, but winning proved to be a challenge.

I had to dig really deep and fight to the very end to pull off the victory, but having to fight for something gives you a far greater appreciation for it when earned. Another sub-10 in the bag, and National Champ at 100m for the fifth time in my career. I found out an interesting stat after the race that I had tied with the legendary Hasely Crawford for most National titles in the 100m.

I was particularly pleased with how all of our sprinters stepped up. We signalled to the world that we still have the fire power and are still a force to be reckoned with. We've accomplished a lot as a team over the years and I feel as though the respect we earned with honesty and hard work has faded a bit recently. It's high time to regain our status and make them "Put some Respect on our name".

On the second day of the Champs, I stepped a bit out of my comfort zone and went for it in the 200. Given how training had been going, Ato (Boldon) and I expected a solid time. I finished second and ran the fastest time I had run in six years. Unfortunately, the wind was just above the allowable limit at +2.1 (2.0 being legal). Nevertheless, I got the strength work in, and I know the value that it adds to my pet event so I finished the weekend a happy man.

A lot has transpired regarding my two previous Olympics (Beijing 2008, London 2012) recently. His Excellency, President Anthony Carmona held a function to honour and upgrade our London relay team from Bronze to Silver. In the midst of this, there was also buzz that a Jamaican from the 2008 4x100m team had tested positive for a banned substance, therefore placing us on standby for T&T's third ever Olympic Gold medal.

However, Rio is right around the corner and this is what my sole focus is. Preparation between now and then has to be well calculated to peak when the bright lights are on and the entire world is watching. I will compete at the London Diamond League as my only tune-up to the Games. The level of competition there is usually very high, and it will allow me the opportunity to simulate the pressure of Rio.

I'm satisfied with the way my preparation has gone thus far and I am excited to see everything that the future holds for me. Regardless of the outcome, I know that God's ultimate plan for me is greater than any medal or victory. I've worked hard and I put my trust in Him that He will allow me to perform to the best of my ability, whatever the result may be.

It is always an honour, on any stage, to wear the Red, White and Black. I will wear it in Rio with utter pride and live in the moment that I prayed for as a kid. I will enjoy it and not take for granted what many dream of and never come close to experiencing.

I ask that the Nation sends me to Rio showered with prayers and rallies around our entire 32-member team as we go for Gold. I have my body suit, my track spikes and mosquito repellent...I'm ready for Rio!

Become a subscriber to the Trinidad Express Newspapers for access to all our articles via our e-paper.

Click here to subscribe | Log- In

Top