The image of Deon Lendore battling to the finish line to hold off British anchor Martyn Rooney in the men's 4x400 metres final at the 2012 London Olympics has been etched indelibly in the memories of Trinidad and Tobago citizens everywhere.

Lendore, just 19 at the time, dug deep into his reserves to quash the hopes of the thousands of Britons in and out of the Olympic Stadium who were screaming their lungs out in a bid to eke out bronze. Instead, the medal went to Team T&T.

"Anchoring my country's 4x4 team to a bronze at the Olympics was breathtaking, especially the last stages coming home. The last 10-15 metres, seeing the flashing lights, it seemed as if time just slowed for that few seconds - crossing the line, seeing my teammates' faces filled with joy gave me a sense of accomplishment.

"Being on the podium was great," Lendore continues, "but it also brought forward a little drive and determination because we weren't first. It made me want to work harder to be better next time around."

There was substantial evidence of Lendore's hard work during the 2013 American collegiate season. Representing Texas A&M University, he bagged 400 metres bronze at the NCAA Indoor Championships and silver in the same event at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

There was a major breakthrough for Lendore in the NCAA Outdoor Championship final. He clocked 44.94 seconds to become the ninth T&T athlete to dive under 45 seconds (Note: including Wendell Mottley's converted 440 yards time.)

Lendore wants to achieve much more: "To be one of the best quartermilers out of Trinidad and Tobago…and the world has ever seen."

Lendore is well on his way. He enjoyed a phenomenal 2014 campaign, competing unbeaten in individual events for the entire season. The talented quartermiler captured the NCAA indoor and outdoor 400 metres titles, and lowered his personal best to 44.36 seconds. He also established a new Trinidad and Tobago indoor record of 45.03 seconds to top the 2014 world indoor performance list, and anchored Texas A&M to NCAA Outdoor Championship 4x4 gold and 4x1 silver.

In 2015, Lendore teamed up with Renny Quow, Lalonde Gordon and Machel Cedenio for 4x4 silver at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China. The Trinidad and Tobago quartet combined for a two minutes, 58.20 seconds clocking – a new national record.

Given Lendore's progression since 2011, the 44.21 seconds national 400 metres record, established way back in 1992 by Ian Morris, seems an attainable goal. In 2011, Lendore had a personal record (PR) of 46.50 seconds. He sliced a big chunk off his PR in 2012, dropping his time to 45.13. Lendore improved to 44.94 in 2013 and 44.36 the following year. And in 2015, he produced a 44.41 run.

Lendore and Cedenio are joint-second, behind Morris, on the all-time T&T 400 metres list.

Bronze in the 4x400 metres relay at the 2012 Olympics is one of Lendore's biggest achievements to date. One of the biggest disappointments also came at the London Games: "Coming into the Olympics with an injury and not getting the best performance out of myself for the 400."

Lendore is keen to make up for the disappointment of bowing out in the opening round of the individual 400 metres event in London, where he finished fifth in heat two in 45.81 seconds.

Also in that race was Kirani James of Grenada. He won in 45.23 seconds, and went on to strike gold in the final, with an Area record of 43.94.

James and Lendore are the same age, and are likely to feature in many championship showdowns in the years ahead.

Lendore is working hard so he can effectively challenge the likes of James and American LaShawn Merritt. But his rivalry does not prevent the Puma-sponsored athlete from acknowledging the brilliance of his Grenadian friend.

"My idol was actually a football player, Kaka…(also) Michael Jordan and Tyson Gay. I still look up to those people, but I also have friends I look towards, like Jehue Gordon, Kirani James."

Lendore is no longer a collegiate athlete, but still trains at Texas A&M, where he is coached by American Pat Henry and former Grenadian quartermiler Alleyne Francique. He credits the pair, as well as his club coach in T&T, three-time Olympian Charlie Joseph, mother Chrispina Edmund, and sister Leah Johnson as the people mainly responsible for his success on the track.

"My mom is the main provider in my life and my track and field career - also my main supporter."

Lendore's main source of motivation, though, is his other sibling, Jevaughn.

"My brother isn't really well and hasn't lived a regular life since he was about three years, so I have looked at that as inspiration to do good in life and try to help make his life better."

The compassion, however, in fun-loving Lendore's heart is not exclusively for those in his immediate family circle.

"My biggest interest outside of track and field is helping those in need, no matter what the situation, be it emotional or physical support."

But the schedule of a professional athlete leaves Lendore with very little time to pursue this passion.

"It's more of a time to time basis. When people come to me, I try to help in any way I can, especially the younger kids."

Apart from helping others, Lendore plays video games in his free time, goes to movies and, basically, enjoys life. "I'm always joking around and making people laugh," he states.

Lendore also has a passion for tattoos.

"My tattoos carry special significance. The Olympic rings on my chest, that's self-explanatory. Eye of Horus on my side - protection, royal power and good health. I have always seen myself as a descendant of royalty, and Egyptian gods have a huge influence on my way of thinking, which is always outside the box, not conforming to the regular. I also have a couple other Egyptian gods and symbols."

Lendore describes himself as an "active, adventurous, easily motivated young individual".

"I always got my eye on that target," he continues, "and tend to keep at it until my goals are met."

Lendore says the transition from student-athlete to professional athlete has been smooth.

"Nothing different. Got to train just as hard, but less meets to prepare yourself. Got to be ready mentally at all times…no room for slacking."

Heading into the IAAF World Indoor Championships, in Portland, Oregon, USA, Lendore is third on the 2016 world indoor performance list at 45.56 seconds. Only Grenadian Bralon Taplin (45.20) and Lendore's Trinidad and Tobago teammate Lalonde Gordon (45.51) have run faster this year.

Lendore and Gordon are expected to challenge for the 400 metres title in Portland.

"Preparations have been decent," says Lendore. "World Indoors was not really a targeted meet, but then I realised I needed a couple indoor races to prepare for outdoors, and I ended up running fast.

"I'm just going to enjoy myself," he continues, "and not place any burden on competing. But making the final will be on my hit list. From there, anything is possible."

Lendore and Gordon are expected to team up with Machel Cedenio and Jarrin Solomon for the World Indoor Championship men's 4x400 metres relay. Ade Alleyne-Forte is the other member of the five-man squad.

"The 4x4 team is strong, yes, but if me and Lalonde make the 400 final we will be faced with a predicament, which is who will run prelims for the relay seeing that it's the morning of the 400 final. Trinidad and Tobago did not send a large enough team to avoid this conflict. It can be a disadvantage to us."

Whatever happens, Lendore and company will give their all in Portland. However, the main focus this season is on the August 5-21 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Making an impact at World Indoors wouldn't prove anything," says Lendore, "since outdoors is what really matters.

"Getting to Rio is the first step, then making it to the 400 final is the other step. Take it that I make it to the final, bringing home a medal is the ultimate task. As for the relay, the burning desire for that gold is there with me and the other guys. We've gotten Olympic bronze and World Championship silver. Now it's time for the gold medal for our collection."

Lendore lives in College Station, Texas. Before moving there more than four years ago to take up his athletic scholarship at Texas A&M, Lendore lived in Arima, a town situated about 16 miles east of the T&T capital, Port-of-Spain. Arima is well known for its love of sport, and is the home of many clubs, including Lendore's Abilene Wildcats.

"My neighbourhood inspires me to be the best that I can be. They are always there supporting me and giving me all the respect for even the simplest of achievements."

Prepared by Kwame Laurence for the IAAF "Focus on Athletes" project. Copyright IAAF 2013-2016

 

Addendum

On 10 January 2022, Lendore was involved in a car crash in Milam County, Texas USA, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His funeral was held in Trinidad and Tobago on 3rd March, and on the same day, Abilene Christian Wildcats announced that they would rename their annual track and field meeting after Lendore.

NAAATT Press Release

Media Articles January 2022

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