media_artricles :: 2016

Thomas’ hurdles clinic sparks interest

Mikel Thomas, a three-time Olympian and national 110 metres record-holder, drew the attention of some 30 athletes and coaches to "Learn By Doing" Hurdles Clinic on Tuesday held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

The one-day session was led by Thomas, along with clinicians Shayne Cooper and Antonia Burton and they interacted with a mixed group of experienced and novice athletes, who were eager and receptive to the variety of drills delivered by the coaches, in the technical discipline.

For Thomas, the clinic was a chance for him to utilise his time at home after 15 years of not spending the holidays here.

"The clinic is an opportunity to give back, plant and water some seeds to hopefully lay down a foundation for future athletes to do bigger and greater things," he said.

Given the turnout at such short notice, the 2015 Pan Am silver medallist was encouraged and hopes to build on the success of the clinic by making it an annual activity and by inviting some of his international competitors in the event to add depth and prestige.

Thomas confessed that to be a hurdler, one needs to have a "loose screw because it's risky".

He said, "You're talking about an event where you go at an object ten times at full speed so you do need a little bravery but for athletes that have good speed but aren't fast enough for the 100m or 200m, it's a good event to transition into."

Despite the regional and world medals T&T has earned in the long and short versions of the event, Thomas laments that athletes aren't being introduced to it locally. This point was echoed by Cooper, a former national athlete, who agreed that coaches have a difficult time introducing hurdling because the athletes themselves are attracted more to the "glitz and glamour of a 100m rather than being involved in a sport that could help them improve their lives".

Cooper believes that coaches must stand firm and be honest with their athletes about their potential but he was impressed with the talent pool at the clinic, calling them a 'green group' that is ready for grooming and development from the next few years.

On his plans for next year, Thomas admitted to having a rough season, with the pressure of the Olympics being the hurdle he couldn't overcome. Although he says he 'lost the fun of it' this year, Thomas is energised by the enthusiasm of the young athletes he interacted with at the clinic and is confident of making the national team for the World Championships.

He said, "I would love to see the World final with me in it and it being an all sub-13 race…may the best chest win!"

The Sports Company lent its support to the inaugural clinic and as such is always prepared to assist national athletes with their ambitions to give back and contribute to the process of inspiring future Olympians from T&T.

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