media_artricles :: 2016

Gordon collects keys to new HDC home

TRINIDAD and Tobago 400-metre hurdler Jehue Gordon is optimistic that the future is bright after ending what had been a disappointing 2016 with an early Christmas present. Gordon, the 2013 World champion in his pet event, was in a jubilant mood yesterday after receiving the keys to his new HDC home located in Maracas, St Joseph.

The 24-year-old has had a sub-par year on the track which culminated in an early exit at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

He revealed yesterday that he is spending time in Orlando, Florida seeking medical advice and training and with his new home, he believes his fortune is on the up again.

"It has been a long promised gift since 2013. It is never too late to receive your own home and I am definitely thankful for everyone who made it possible.

The Minister of Housing Mr Randall (Mitchell), the Minister of Sports Mr Darryl Smith, also Corporate Communications and Mr Newman George (HDC Chairman) along with Mr (Edwin) Skinner my local manager and Mr Hasely Crawford, they were all part of the team that pushed for me to get it. I am really thankful that it is possible now and I am just ready to move in and be comfortable." Smith, who was present at the ceremony, said he was disappointed that the last Government did not fulfil their promise.

"Mr Gordon and I met prior to the Olympics about what are his needs moving forward and he reminded us of one of the promises that was made to him which was a home by the former regime and I was flabbergasted to hear that it wasn't done," the Sports Minister declared.

Mitchell explained, "It was more than a promise made to Mr Gordon, this was actually recorded in a Cabinet minute of 2013 in recognition of Mr Gordon's prowess and his outstanding performance at track and field, he was promised a house. We are now here fulfilling that promise because for some reason there was a failure on the part of the last Government to actually carry through with that." With the World Championships scheduled for next year, Gordon is confident that he still has what it takes to compete at a high level.

"I think the best is yet to come. I don't see anybody who will want to count me out; I am 24 years old, I have done a lot for the country, I have done a lot for myself.

The guy (Kerron Clement) who won the Olympics this year, he is 31 years old, the guy (Felix Sanchez) who won before that he was 36 years old." Gordon explained that his recent health problems has affected his rhythm on the track and rhythm is crucial in his event.

"The thing is, with my event, the hurdling event, it is a maturity event. It is the same thing with Keshorn (Walcott) and his event it is a maturity event so the stronger, the more spatially aware that you become and understand with the hurdles, it is about rhythm. With everything that has been taking place with me over the last year and a half, it has affected my rhythm and I am just trying to find my rhythm back right now."

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