media_artricles :: 2016

Bronze for St Fort in 100

Sprinter Khalifa St Fort did T&T proud once again, bagging a bronze medal in the women's 100 metres at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships, at the Zdzislaw Krzyszkowiak Stadium in Bydgoszcz, Poland, yesterday.

St Fort crossed the line in 11.18 seconds to win T&T's first medal of the junior meet. The national junior record holder followed American Candace Hill and home favourite Ewa Swoboda.

"I felt that I had a great start and I felt everything was great. I'm so blessed to be able to compete out here, injury free. I had a wonderful time competing with these wonderful athletes. I just love it. I'm just really happy," said St Fort flashing one of her bright smiles.

St Fort, who is coached by four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon, reached the final after crossing the line second in heat two in 11.22, finishing behind the eventual winner Hill who became the first US winner of the women's 100m title since Jeneba Tarmoh in 2008. Earlier, Hill equalled Veronica Campbell-Brown's long-standing championship record of 11.12 in the semifinals.

Swoboda got an electric start and was on level terms with Hill until about 80 metres when the US Under-20 champion inched ahead to claim the gold in a championship record of 11.07 with Swoboda lowering her national Under-20 record again to 11.12, picking up her country's first ever medal in this event in the process.

When asked what's up for her next, she said: "This means that I am on to Rio 2016." And for the future St Fort confidently responded: "Definitely expect me to do better. I will be here for as long as I can be. This is Khalifa St Fort. Don't forget my name," said the 18-year-old. She also thanked her supporters and congratulated the winner and second-place finisher.

"I want to thank you guys for following my journey. For all the love and support. Thank T&T. Thank you mommy and daddy. Congratulations to Candace and Ewa."

Jenea Spinks, T&T's other athlete in the event, clocked 11.81, which was not quick enough to make it to the next round. Her time placed her 20th overall after going over the line in seventh spot in the first heat.

Akanni Hislop made amends in the men's 200m event, qualifying for the semifinals with a personal best time of 20.87 but that was as far as the sprinter would reach, failing to finish the race in the next round.

In the preliminary round, he lined up in heat three and crossed third behind South African Tlotliso Leotlela (20.63) and Germany's Roger Gurski, who also clocked a personal best 20.73. Hislop progressed with the seventh fastest time.

Later he returned to run in the third semifinal heat but pulled up coming around the bend ending his chance to try for a medal. On Tuesday, Hislop did not advance out of the preliminary round of the 100m dash.

Today, Jeminise Parris sprints into action, competing in the women's 100m hurdles from 3.35 am (TT time). The national junior champion will line up in lane nine in the second of six heats.

Later, Parris may be called into action again as well as St Fort, who are both part of the 4x100m relay team which also include Akeera Esdelle, national junior sprint champion Sarah Wollaston and Spinks.

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