Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum

Sports => What about Track & Field => Topic started by: jr sams on August 16, 2008, 09:22:57 AM

Title: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: jr sams on August 16, 2008, 09:22:57 AM
Is a football forum so sue meh....congrats on the Silver in the 100m...Richard Thompson in 9.89...big up Tnt
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Mock de Dread on August 16, 2008, 09:32:17 AM
Big up Richard Thompson,   !!!

I see the guy throwing shit up into the air after the race and had me wondering where the hell did thompson get shit to throw into the air
right after the race.

Bolt is just a Beast hands down. Nuff props to him and jamaica , Nice Gold in fact i think we owe him his wind drag alone probably pull thompson to silver!!!!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: mal jeux on August 16, 2008, 09:34:39 AM
Big up Richard Thompson,   !!!

I see the guy throwing shit up into the air after the race and had me wondering where the hell did thompson get shit to throw into the air
right after the race.

Bolt is just a Beast hands down. Nuff props to him and jamaica , Nice Gold in fact i think we owe him his wind drag alone probably pull thompson to silver!!!!

that was the sticker (number) that he had on his chest that he ripped off and pelt up in the sir.

Well done RT!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Deeks on August 16, 2008, 10:08:35 AM
Torpedo Thompson!!!!!!!!!!    We on the medal table count. I am satisfied.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Madd Ras#13 on August 16, 2008, 10:31:21 AM
well done borse!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: FLi ! on August 16, 2008, 10:33:43 AM

thanks for starting this thread....all on the track and field board, one setta thing about Bolt, not one thread CONGRATULATING Richard Thompson for a brilliant silver medal on the fastest 100m final EVER!

I hope he gets his national parade and national medal, he has done TnT Proud!!

Who say gold for the 4x100 ?
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Dutty on August 16, 2008, 10:37:14 AM
True

Heartiest congrats to Thompson  :beermug: :beermug:
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Dr. Rat on August 16, 2008, 10:50:02 AM
Congrats !!!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: weary1969 on August 16, 2008, 10:58:58 AM
Of course d airport scene iz a must we boi Hunt was on tv immediately after d race so Piarco we comin
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 16, 2008, 11:08:21 AM
Congarts to RT  :beermug:..now build on this momentum for next year world championships..



and some geniuses in here was saying that you cant medal cause Gay will take bronze, then after you beat Gay they said the best you can get is bronze cause this competition is bout BOLT vS POWELL...now dem same jackarses want to congratualte you for earning silver....keep shutting people up!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: STEUPS!! on August 16, 2008, 11:14:28 AM

thanks for starting this thread....all on the track and field board, one setta thing about Bolt, not one thread CONGRATULATING Richard Thompson for a brilliant silver medal on the fastest 100m final EVER!

I hope he gets his national parade and national medal, he has done TnT Proud!!

Who say gold for the 4x100 ?

i say it. with or without brown. hopefully is with.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: TriniCana on August 16, 2008, 11:19:34 AM
Girl me ain't know nah wid dat Gold talk for Relay. Silver yes, but Gold uhmm :-\

Other dan Brown, who else it have in he place, just incase dey MRI come back bad ?
and did Mister Burns pull up wid some ailment to place 7th or was it just a bad race on dey whole for he ?

Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: STEUPS!! on August 16, 2008, 11:30:06 AM
cana, burns jus look like he didn't have too good a start out of d blocks. he eh look like he pul up wid any injury. IMHO. honestly, d alternates in d relay team eh nuttin to scream about, but it have one ( ah cah recall d name at present) who was in d team when we broke d old nationaal record las year, he mite be d best replacement (if needed). we crossin we fingers. hopefully it doh have to come dong to dat.

bless!!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: WestCoast on August 16, 2008, 11:42:46 AM
Great race Richard
Thanks man
also thanks to Marc
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Ngozi on August 16, 2008, 11:42:58 AM
Maximum big up to RT and congrats to Burnsy who again made the final unlucky on his placing tho them fellas seem on the right track ah waiting for ATO I know he losing he mind right now with his prodigy taking the silver medal...lol Big up to ATO too
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: real madness on August 16, 2008, 11:44:35 AM
well done richard, now on to the relay, bledman could do a decent job if brown cant run and we could still challenge for silver.  Gold may be out of reach for two reasons 1) no brown 2) Bolt
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: royal on August 16, 2008, 12:05:08 PM
Congrats to Richard.Certainingly make all Trinis happy today.he being a QRC boy makes it even more special for me.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 16, 2008, 12:23:10 PM
well done richard, now on to the relay, bledman could do a decent job if brown cant run and we could still challenge for silver.  Gold may be out of reach for two reasons 1) no brown 2) Bolt

You think Bolt running four legs in a relay race?
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: real madness on August 16, 2008, 12:40:21 PM
well done richard, now on to the relay, bledman could do a decent job if brown cant run and we could still challenge for silver.  Gold may be out of reach for two reasons 1) no brown 2) Bolt

Yo think Bolt running four legs in a relay race?

of course not but when yuh have an anchor like bolt it hard for our first 3 runners (injured brown or half way decent bledman, burns and half way okay armstrong to give us a lead prior to bolt running versus richard..so doh make yuhself a fool.  The funny thng about a relay is anything can happen ,men cabn drop the baton, run out of lane, bad passing but all things equal, jamaica is the team to beat. whether you are a trini, american, yardie or alaskan, anybody with sense and who is realistic will not bet against the yardies right now.  Bolt is capable of running a blasted 9.3 split in a relay or even better.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 16, 2008, 12:45:43 PM
well done richard, now on to the relay, bledman could do a decent job if brown cant run and we could still challenge for silver.  Gold may be out of reach for two reasons 1) no brown 2) Bolt

Yo think Bolt running four legs in a relay race?

of course not but when yuh have an anchor like bolt it hard for our first 3 runners (injured brown or half way decent bledman, burns and half way okay armstrong to give us a lead prior to bolt running versus richard..so doh make yuhself a fool.  The funny thng about a relay is anything can happen ,men cabn drop the baton, run out of lane, bad passing but all things equal, jamaica is the team to beat. whether you are a trini, american, yardie or alaskan, anybody with sense and who is realistic will not bet against the yardies right now.  Bolt is capable of running a blasted 9.3 split in a relay or even better.

You didnt say anything bout baton dropping or who faster than who..all u said was Bolt...so it was read as if Bolt alone can beat our relay team
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Aviator on August 16, 2008, 12:51:11 PM
(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05WH47h2fS5MW/610x.jpg)

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08Sk4JW9wS9Q3/610x.jpg)
2 hours ago: Trinidad's Richard Thompson reacts after winning the silver medal in the men's 100-meter final during the athletics competitions in the National Stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008.

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01FJ0MM7SRdNT/610x.jpg)

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bls57OdEq5bN/610x.jpg)

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dUZ9G97IDgya/610x.jpg)

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0fFyg9DgNx7er/610x.jpg)

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bkx8N0fY90Uh/610x.jpg)
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: real madness on August 16, 2008, 12:54:06 PM
well done richard, now on to the relay, bledman could do a decent job if brown cant run and we could still challenge for silver.  Gold may be out of reach for two reasons 1) no brown 2) Bolt

Yo think Bolt running four legs in a relay race?

of course not but when yuh have an anchor like bolt it hard for our first 3 runners (injured brown or half way decent bledman, burns and half way okay armstrong to give us a lead prior to bolt running versus richard..so doh make yuhself a fool.  The funny thng about a relay is anything can happen ,men cabn drop the baton, run out of lane, bad passing but all things equal, jamaica is the team to beat. whether you are a trini, american, yardie or alaskan, anybody with sense and who is realistic will not bet against the yardies right now.  Bolt is capable of running a blasted 9.3 split in a relay or even better.

You didnt say anything bout baton dropping or who faster than who..all u said was Bolt...so it was read as if Bolt alone can beat our relay team

i understand yuh point..my comment was based on all things being equal or held constant (ceteris paribus)..doh get mih wrong with a 'fit" brown we could challenge for gold but right now I can see anybody catching bolt or keeping up with bolt if even at the start of the anchor leg.  To win you will need a hell of a lead prior to Bolt receiving the baton and I will still put my money on bolt.  Right now we witnessing greatness from Bolt.  Phelps is remarkble but bolt is great as well.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 16, 2008, 12:56:01 PM


(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08Sk4JW9wS9Q3/610x.jpg)
2 hours ago: Trinidad's Richard Thompson reacts after winning the silver medal in the men's 100-meter final during the athletics competitions in the National Stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008.

]

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bls57OdEq5bN/610x.jpg)







BOI RICHARD DISPLAY DAT RED, WHITE AND BLACK  PROUDLY...WHO ENT KNOW BOUT WE, WILL KNOW NOW!!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: morvant on August 16, 2008, 12:56:51 PM
we flag still looking better ;D
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: TriniCana on August 16, 2008, 01:00:08 PM
(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bkx8N0fY90Uh/610x.jpg)

if only we could behave like dis during football ;D

according to Martin Luther...."i have a dream"
ooops dey scotch now reach meh brain :P
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Brownsugar on August 16, 2008, 01:42:46 PM
  CONGRATS THOMPSON!!!  ....and he's cute too.... ;D
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Pointman on August 16, 2008, 02:19:33 PM

thanks for starting this thread....all on the track and field board, one setta thing about Bolt, not one thread CONGRATULATING Richard Thompson for a brilliant silver medal on the fastest 100m final EVER!

I hope he gets his national parade and national medal, he has done TnT Proud!!

Who say gold for the 4x100 ?

Jamaica taking that!!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: A.B. on August 16, 2008, 02:42:34 PM
I ent losing no mind at all cuz I told him this in April, including him breaking 9.86 which he surprisingly didn't - and everything I have told him, he has believed, and followed, and trusted - right up until last night when we spoke and I told him "*(&^ BOLT focus on your race and don't throw away an olympic medal cuz u are in awe of Bolt....."


Congrats to mih boy yes this feels better than winning it myself because it only confirms what I have known for years - I not studying who feel they know what I know in this track game.  All I interested in is results......all that other stupidness is of no consequence to be honest. Opinion this and who say and who think and who do what 10000 years ago - in a different era.  You saw 9.6 tonight....this is a new day, and old thinking dead.

MONEY talks, BS runs that long arse marathon....I fed up try to talk to those who feel like I don't know what I am doing....whatever.....do you, and watch what happens on this end....oh BTW, where all those who thought that move to anchor was such a bad move? Where are you? Uh huh, thought so.  Three 100m medals in the last 4 olympics.  Accidents happening often!


We about d money as in it SURE, and Richard Thompson is "money" - is my job to keep him that way.  Yuh ent see nuttin yet.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: dinho on August 16, 2008, 02:54:03 PM
have to reserve some big congrats to Ato too.

Can't overlook his hard work, belief and input in Thompson's rapid and unprecedented success and must be quite something to see it pay off. Really hope yuh continue to play a big part in our athletic program for years to come. And see if yuh could take Brown out of Powell and dem camp.

Now lets see.. ah whole 3 more hours to wait until NBC finally comes around to giving us televised coverage of the race to see if some 'code switching' take place.  :waiting:
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: boss on August 16, 2008, 02:56:51 PM
Words cannot describe how I feel right now, this is just a dream come true for me," Thompson told BBC Sport.

"I have to tip my hat to Usain Bolt, he's a great competitor, a phenomenal athlete, and there was no way anyone was going to beat him with a run like that.

"But it just feels good to come in here, run in the Olympic Games, my first Olympic Games, and win a silver medal and run a personal best at the same time. I couldn't ask for anything more, thank God."


Well done Richard!  :beermug:
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 16, 2008, 02:58:28 PM
Ato keep doing the good job yuh doing with Thompson  :beermug:..and hopefully we see more of our athletes rise to the occasion in the near future...Imagine a young trinbagonian athlete having Ato Boldon (their national hero) as their coach..Dat alone could motivate them!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: STEUPS!! on August 16, 2008, 02:58:53 PM
ato, maybe u could verify.thompson runnin d 200? ah read on dis board how he not runnin it but george henry an joel villafana on tv6 dis mornin said he is. wat is d truth?


bless!!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: A.B. on August 16, 2008, 03:17:19 PM
Nah I am not his coach and credit to his coach BTW who has been bad talked but has D E L I V E R E D!
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: redtrinigirl on August 16, 2008, 03:22:10 PM
Hey Ato, do you have some idea of what the format for the 4 x 100m team is gonna be? Do you think they should risk putting in Brown, evn if his MRI and stuff is clear.

I must say, I hadn't heard of Richard Thompson until you posted those pics from the NCAA games on facebook. But on watching him in the quarters, I told everyone he'd get silver. Yeah, I got some good stick and ole talk, got into it with my jamaican friends here...lol But I see I was right. Wish I had bet money on it!

But how is he in the 200m? Which would you say was his favoured race, the 100m or 200m?
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: A.B. on August 16, 2008, 03:25:35 PM
No 200....men better MAN UP and get this relay medal....that is all I have to say.

Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Trini1 on August 16, 2008, 03:54:05 PM
BIG UP!!!! to Richy rich he did himself and us proud aswell that's all i cud ask for. Ato i kno 2 trus yuh from since yuh make the assumption bout Marion Jones(i stil like she) and it came true. I hope i not spoiling anyting btw! But i trust yuh 4 definite this time and yuh come tru so wwell done ato for whatever yuh say to him and CONGRATS to Richard.   
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Trini _2026 on August 16, 2008, 04:23:31 PM
No 200....men better MAN UP and get this relay medal....that is all I have to say.



Ato question... would putting renne quow in the back stretch be a bad idea his 200 meter time is better than burns put burns to lead off  quow aron  and thompson
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Peong on August 16, 2008, 04:27:46 PM
BIG BIG congratulations to Richard Thompson.
This final did not disappoint!

Ah was real proud to see two T&T flags in the lane assignments.
Congrats to Marc Burns too on a great run, makin the final is no easy feat.
Fellas keep up the good work.
Hopefully in London we will have three Trinis in the final. :)

Today was a good day.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: TriniCana on August 16, 2008, 04:32:38 PM
Any new news on Darren Brown as yet ???
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: willi on August 16, 2008, 05:33:36 PM
I ent losing no mind at all cuz I told him this in April, including him breaking 9.86 which he surprisingly didn't - and everything I have told him, he has believed, and followed, and trusted - right up until last night when we spoke and I told him "*(&^ BOLT focus on your race and don't throw away an olympic medal cuz u are in awe of Bolt....."


Congrats to mih boy yes this feels better than winning it myself because it only confirms what I have known for years - I not studying who feel they know what I know in this track game.  All I interested in is results......all that other stupidness is of no consequence to be honest. Opinion this and who say and who think and who do what 10000 years ago - in a different era.  You saw 9.6 tonight....this is a new day, and old thinking dead.

MONEY talks, BS runs that long arse marathon....I fed up try to talk to those who feel like I don't know what I am doing....whatever.....do you, and watch what happens on this end....oh BTW, where all those who thought that move to anchor was such a bad move? Where are you? Uh huh, thought so.  Three 100m medals in the last 4 olympics.  Accidents happening often!


We about d money as in it SURE, and Richard Thompson is "money" - is my job to keep him that way.  Yuh ent see nuttin yet.

Good talk dat.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: ribbit on August 16, 2008, 05:37:21 PM
congrats to richard thompson!! :applause: :party: :applause: :party: :applause: :party: :applause: :party:

what i liked was you could see how focussed he was. this 4x100 gorn be something to watch.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Babalawo on August 16, 2008, 06:07:17 PM
Congrat Thompson and Ato for keeping the track youth focus and guided
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Dumplingdinho on August 16, 2008, 07:03:58 PM
No 200....men better MAN UP and get this relay medal....that is all I have to say.



Ato question... would putting renne quow in the back stretch be a bad idea his 200 meter time is better than burns put burns to lead off  quow aron  and thompson

Quow cant run de 100 plus burns is not a good starter, you trying to cook up ah recipe for disaster.. ;D. I sure ato have a plan in case brown don't run but I feel brown real issues is more mental than physical.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: royal on August 16, 2008, 07:11:19 PM
Ato yuh need to get Brown and Kelly Ann Baptiste under your fold too.
Two of them promising longer than Thomo and they ain't deliver.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Storeboy on August 16, 2008, 07:11:34 PM
Congratulations to RT!  What a great run.  And Ato, you are a great analyst, you know track and you deserve all the credit.  Now I hope that Brown, Burns and Quow listen to one of the brightest knowledgeable track and field gurus who just happens to be a Trini.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Brownsugar on August 16, 2008, 07:25:46 PM
To be honest before the Olympics started I saw this Richard Thompson guy being interviewed on TV some night and to be honest mih eh pay that much mind cuz I didn't have no idea who he was.....well lucky for me they replay that interview tonight and people.....I know a lot could happen on race day BUT today belonged to Richard....dat boy was getting a medal, it was in the stars....

He is a focused fellow....he did say that nobody knew about him because he did not do the local circuit like the others (Brown, Burns Kelly-Ann Baptiste).  So much so, that when he applied to 5 Universities, four turned him down/offered him partial scholarships (he'd have to find tuition) because they did not know him.....LSU took a chance on him after reviewing DVD's of him and saw the potential....well I tell you....BIG UP LSU!!...
He also said that he was ranked 3rd in the world behind Bolt and Tyson Gay.... :o I honestly didn't know that...

Anywho, Congrats again Richard....after watching you tonight being interviewed, I've been reminded that there are youths out there who really got their heads screwed on right and that you are blessed to have parents who have guided you to this point....

As an aside, for our youths to make it to the next level they seem to almost always have to leave the country.....we need to develop our sport so that the ones that can't afford to leave these shores could still make it to an Olympics....imagine how many more Bovell's and Boldon's and Thompson's there are out there, but don't have the resources to develop.....e.g. since the 2004 Olympics we STILL don't have an Olympic sized swimmng pool!!...if we do have one now, I stand corrected but I heard that the Gov't was going to build one....but what happened??...
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: A.B. on August 16, 2008, 09:04:57 PM
I would love to have everyone, but some people have to learn the hard way.  I dont think is my way or failure, but let's just say if I was the next Lara I might want to have Lara in my corner.  Take that anyhow u want.

In 5 years when Rich has done everything I said he would maybe some will figure it out. It will be much too late for some by then, and that saddens me....those who were so concerned about being in my shadow have seen in RT now that I am content to give him the full spotlight and help him to do more than I ever did.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: weary1969 on August 16, 2008, 09:11:14 PM
DB and MB done spoil 2 late 4 dem we have 2 hope 4 d best but Ato spend yuh energy on RT and any more dat it have like he
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Jefferz on August 17, 2008, 01:12:16 AM
study dem two men that won... both of them more of the skinny than buff type in terms of runners...

never imagined after the last olympics that two men that are seemingly cleaner than the rest would win in such an emphatic manor.


just finish talkin to monique cabral on facebook, her and richard seem like they in wonderland, i think the praise must be flowin in from every angel.

hopefully they both do well in their respective relays.


funny... i remember back in the day me and monique doin neighborhood sports day races together... i remember cuttin her ass in dem as a kid too...  :P hahaha


how embarrassing would it be to try and test her now.

well, like a bullet with butterfly wings im sure her killer looks will only be surpassed by her running ability.


go get em you two.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: sinned on August 17, 2008, 01:25:50 AM
(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc322/sinned86/TrinidadPaper.jpg)
(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc322/sinned86/nfh.jpg)
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: willi on August 17, 2008, 03:06:13 AM
I would love to have everyone, but some people have to learn the hard way.  I dont think is my way or failure, but let's just say if I was the next Lara I might want to have Lara in my corner.  Take that anyhow u want.

In 5 years when Rich has done everything I said he would maybe some will figure it out. It will be much too late for some by then, and that saddens me....those who were so concerned about being in my shadow have seen in RT now that I am content to give him the full spotlight and help him to do more than I ever did.

Concentrate on the Youngsters.

Get the Fla ting rolling man.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: fari on August 17, 2008, 08:33:46 AM
congrats to this youthman. i saw him win a race on tv earlier this year and i was shocked when he opened his mouth and i hear the trini accent.  he was very eloquent and extremely grounded also which made me proud.    keep doing your thing richard.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 17, 2008, 10:13:25 AM
My friend in New York ..hearing bout this for days now and just get a chance to see the race....shame on nbc!...Aye allyuh see dat man name Thompson in the RWB..he is the next big sport superstar coming out of T&T...I say so
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Trini _2026 on August 17, 2008, 10:16:23 AM
I would love to have everyone, but some people have to learn the hard way.  I dont think is my way or failure, but let's just say if I was the next Lara I might want to have Lara in my corner.  Take that anyhow u want.

In 5 years when Rich has done everything I said he would maybe some will figure it out. It will be much too late for some by then, and that saddens me....those who were so concerned about being in my shadow have seen in RT now that I am content to give him the full spotlight and help him to do more than I ever did.

stop taking shots i can tell you are dissappointed in some
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: trinindian on August 17, 2008, 10:47:10 AM
All Pics Courtsey of facebook (http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Torpedo-Thompson/68202075155)

(http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v310/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3955660_7306.jpg)

(http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v322/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3968566_9790.jpg)
The look on bolt face here is jus priceless

(http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v322/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3968567_50.jpg)

(http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v322/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3968568_329.jpg)

(http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v322/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3968569_586.jpg)

(http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v322/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3968570_862.jpg)

(http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v322/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3968576_2550.jpg)

(http://photos.l3.facebook.com/photos-l3-snc1/v322/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3969950_5605.jpg)

(http://photos.l3.facebook.com/photos-l3-snc1/v322/95/30/68202075155/n68202075155_3969939_3677.jpg)

Video

http://www.new.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=27034781105
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Aviator on August 17, 2008, 03:48:31 PM
Post race interview with Asafa and Richard. He's Ato' prodigy in more ways than one. De english flowing ;D ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB6RLbd9Olo&feature=user
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 17, 2008, 04:45:59 PM
Post race interview with Asafa and Richard. He's Ato' prodigy in more ways than one. De english flowing ;D ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB6RLbd9Olo&feature=user

Thanx for posting dis  :beermug:
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Bakes on August 17, 2008, 04:59:20 PM
Aviator... thanks fuh de link dred, you's ah real diehard track and field man, ah could tell yuh appreciating this win  ;D


... doh mind too much if ah share it  :beermug:
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: TriniCana on August 17, 2008, 05:14:27 PM
200 and 400 HEATS coming up at 8:30 pm tonight.

Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Bakes on August 17, 2008, 05:33:26 PM
200 and 400 HEATS coming up at 8:30 pm tonight.



Nice... God-willing one of these 8 channels (for those with DirecTV) will air it.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: A.B. on August 18, 2008, 01:11:40 AM
Doh assume I taking any shots. You ever know me to veil anything I want to say?
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Bakes on August 18, 2008, 10:47:44 AM
dis kinda unrelated... but wasn't sure where else to ask it.

Any word on if this is true how Crawfie get treated?

HASELY CRAWFORD...badly treated

Trinidad and Tobago’s only Olympic gold medalist, Hasely Crawford, was not treated as royalty since his arrival in China for the premier athletic event in the world.

So shabby was the treatment, it took the generosity of friends and associates to come to Crawford’s rescue and ensure he was housed in a comfortable hotel.

Despite the gloom of his trip, Crawford was able to witness on Saturday (his 58th birthday), a record-breaking run from T&T’s Richard Thompson to snatch the silver medal in the 100-metre dash at the Bird Nest Stadium.

The race was won by Jamaican Usain Bolt in a new world record time of 9.69 seconds. This was the closest T&T came to getting its second gold medal. The previous best was also a silver medal from Ato Boldon at the Sydney Olympics in the 100 metres in 2000.

In July, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) announced Crawford’s selection in the T&T squad as Olympic Ambassador.

Crawford, who works at the National Gas Company (NGC), has gone with the T&T teams in the past, as Chef de Mission and Ambassador.

But as time drew closer, the TTOC realised that it had already used up its quota of accreditation, so Crawford’s name had to be deleted. But he was still accredited, but as a member of the St Vincent and the Grenadines team.

Crawford, who won the gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, arrived in Beijing, only to find out that there was no one to meet him. He went to a hotel booked for him, but no one saw him. It was only on Saturday that fans realised that the Olympic champion was not seen.

When officials checked on him, Crawford was found staying in a small room, with very small bathroom and other facilities and he was by himself, and under the weather.

Crawford was eventually moved to a more spacious hotel, closer to the Bird Nest Stadium, by friends and associates who are here in China for the Olympic Games.

They could not believe the treatment meted out to the only T&T gold medalist. They paid the money for Crawford to be relocated and they have been promised a reimbursement.

The T&T Guardian learnt that the TTOC did not have the funding to change hotels as the premier hotels in Beijing were lapped up long ago.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: D.H.W on August 18, 2008, 12:48:53 PM
it not true bakes, he was on cnc sayin is not true, he doh know where d media gettin d news
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: weary1969 on August 18, 2008, 01:55:15 PM
D Guardian cyah cover athletes dat bein treated badly aka d blacklist but dey talkin bout Crawford being treated badly.
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Bakes on August 18, 2008, 04:27:59 PM
it not true bakes, he was on cnc sayin is not true, he doh know where d media gettin d news

Thanks  :beermug:
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: STEUPS!! on August 18, 2008, 05:05:51 PM
anil roberts was on his show Spalk las nite cussin d hell outta ah d TTOC for allegedly placing hasely crawford in some small, rat infested hotel room. he cuss an carry on in he usual way. maybe he know someting we, an hasely himself doh know.  ::)
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: weary1969 on August 18, 2008, 06:19:31 PM
Y I eh surprise he was in d mix and now dat HC say is a lie from d bit of hell I eh go hold meh breath waitin on d apology. D man is a menace and d longer Gayelle have he on d station dey loosin credibility by d second
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: STEUPS!! on August 18, 2008, 06:20:58 PM
Y I eh surprise he was in d mix and now dat HC say is a lie from d bit of hell I eh go hold meh breath waitin on d apology. D man is a menace and d longer Gayelle have he on d station dey loosin credibility by d second

well girl, he on again rite now quarrelin an raisin he pressure.
Title: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: trinimuse on August 19, 2008, 07:29:15 PM
Check this link, shows the man behind the run a bit ... Runs for LSU

http://www.youtube.com/v/X4axEBQczuI
Title: Re: Richard Thompson interview (after the NCAA championship)
Post by: Sando prince on August 19, 2008, 07:39:35 PM
Ah see dat long time now...I know bout Thompson since last year..still thanks for putting it here.. :beermug:
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 19, 2008, 08:28:14 PM
Y I eh surprise he was in d mix and now dat HC say is a lie from d bit of hell I eh go hold meh breath waitin on d apology. D man is a menace and d longer Gayelle have he on d station dey loosin credibility by d second

well girl, he on again rite now quarrelin an raisin he pressure.

Anil Roberts is rel jones yes  :devil:
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: trinidad badboy on August 20, 2008, 12:53:50 AM
well done richard... original QRC man.. bless up
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: Sando prince on August 21, 2008, 07:59:00 PM
From de Trinis view

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFdtf46gPYk&feature=related
Title: Re: Congrats Richard
Post by: TriniCana on August 22, 2008, 06:57:39 AM
Hopefully this reporter was  concentrating on he script writing and didn't fully understand what dey minister was saying eh. Cause i wasn't aware dat ya hadda get 2 medals to get ah prize from dey government...ent Hasley get 1medal and bam ah stadium?


BY KYLE JEREMIAH
Trinidad Guardian

An “appropriate” reward for T&T Olympic silver-medalist Richard Thompson would be considered by Government, pending the outcome of today’s Olympic Games 4 x 100 metres final in Beijing, China, Sport Minister Gary Hunt says.

Speaking at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at the National Library in Port-of-Spain yesterday, Hunt said: “I would also like to inform the public that the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is to submit to Cabinet for consideration an appropriate reward for our athlete Richard Thompson.

“We still have to wait—tomorrow (today) is the 4 x 100 final. So we will await the result of that before we bring something to cabinet for consideration.”

Hunt’s announcement came almost a week after Thompson produced a personal best time of 9.89 seconds and copped the silver medal in the 100 metres final.

Asked what type of reward Thompson would receive and whether it would be a precursor to what any future reward policy would be, Hunt said his Ministry had to “look at what was done in the past.”

Hunt said, “I have before me the policy. It has to be deliberated with the stakeholders a bit more. I can tell you it’s occupying a lot of time and consideration and as soon as we have that information available we will release it.”

It was only in 2004 that George Bovell III—bronze medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece—received the Chaconia Medal (gold) for his Olympic achievement.

Bovell failed, however, to produce any medals at this year’s Olympics.

Hunt also assured that Government was taking note of Jamaica’s success at the Olympics.

“Clearly they are demonstrating to the world that they are doing something right and we can learn from our neighbors.

“We intend to collaborate on this matter closely,” Hunt said.

The Minister added that Government had not yet made a formal gesture to Jamaica regarding any possible collaboration, but had been “in the wings” watching what Jamaica was doing.

“Clearly there is a strength in their school programmes that we need to look at closely and see how we can adapt that for T&T.

“But we will be coming out with a master plan for 2016 with 2012 being a milestone,” Hunt said.

Regarding the Caribbean Games which was scheduled to take place in T&T next year, Hunt said the country would be divided into zones where national competitions would be held. He said they would culminate in the T&T games which he hoped would have Grande prix status.

Hunt said an announcement would be made on the completion on phase one of the Tarouba Complex—the Brian Lara stadium—and that the Ministry was actively pursuing the completion of the facility.
Title: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: truetrini on September 18, 2010, 11:55:20 PM
One sub ten and that was with illegal winds


He has to deal with the following men:

Tyson Gay
Usain Bolt
Asafa Powell
Mike Frater
Walter Dix
Yohan Blake
Darrel Brown
Ryan Bailey
Mario Forsymthe
Christophe Lemaître   
Daniel Bailey 
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: gawd on pitch on September 19, 2010, 09:37:27 AM
One sub ten and that was with illegal winds


He has to deal with the following men:

Tyson Gay
Usain Bolt
Asafa Powell
Mike Frater
Walter Dix
Yohan Blake
Darrel Brown
Ryan Bailey
Mario Forsymthe
Christophe Lemaître   
Daniel Bailey 

Your missing a few key guys Trinity:

Nesta Carter
Keston Bledman
Ivory Williams
Marc Burns?
Churandy Martina
Rae Edwards
Trell Kimmons
Dwayne Chambers
Justin Gatlin?

If everyone listed here is in form and injury free, next years finals could be one of the best. If Sorrillo turns pro he could be on that list as well.



Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: ProudTrinbagonian on September 19, 2010, 10:45:34 AM
Top 5.

And I can't wait to see the return of DB.
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: D.H.W on September 19, 2010, 01:12:06 PM
Top 5.

And I can't wait to see the return of DB.
he still alive?
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: weary1969 on September 19, 2010, 01:14:00 PM
Top 5.

And I can't wait to see the return of DB.
he still alive?

If breathing means alive then yes.
Top 5.

And I can't wait to see the return of DB.


All yuh have more guts than a callabash.
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: Sando prince on September 19, 2010, 03:48:33 PM
He is still one of the current Top 10 sprinters in the world today despite a poor 2010 season
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: Aviator on September 19, 2010, 04:50:01 PM
Hmmmm.......I say

1.) Tyson Gay
2.) Usain Bolt
3.) Asafa Powell
4.) Nesta carter
5.) Yohan Blake
6.) Christophe Lemaitre
7.) Richard Thompson
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: gawd on pitch on September 19, 2010, 07:40:17 PM
That looks about right. But how about:

1st tier
Usain Bolt
Tyson Gay
Asafa Powell
Nesta Carter

2nd tier
Walter Dix
Yohan Blake
Richard Thompson
Christophe Lemaitre

3rd tier
Ryan Bailey
Daniel Bailey
Keston Bledman
Michael Frater
Churandy Martina
Rae Edwards
Trell Kimmons
Marc Burns

Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: Socapro on September 20, 2010, 02:59:01 PM
That looks about right. But how about:

1st tier
Usain Bolt
Tyson Gay
Asafa Powell
Nesta Carter

2nd tier
Walter Dix
Yohan Blake
Richard Thompson
Christophe Lemaitre

3rd tier
Ryan Bailey
Daniel Bailey
Keston Bledman
Michael Frater
Churandy Martina
Rae Edwards
Trell Kimmons
Marc Burns


We need to define 1st tier, 2nd tier & 3rd tier in terms of average times they are capable of once fit:

I would define the different tiers as these:-
 
1st tier: Capable of 9.7x or less: Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Darrel Brown ;D

2nd tier: Capable of 9.8x or less: Walter Dix, Yohan Blake, Richard Thompson

3rd tier: Capable of 9.9x or less: Christophe Lemaitre, Ryan Bailey, Daniel Bailey, Michael Frater, Keston Bledman, Dwayne Chambers, Churandy Martina, Rae Edwards, Trell Kimmons, Marc Burns

4th tier: Capabale of 10.1x or less: Mark Lewis-Francis, Rondell Sorrillo & most other world class athletes unless they run PB's!
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: Socapro on September 20, 2010, 03:40:07 PM
One sub ten and that was with illegal winds


He has to deal with the following men:

Tyson Gay
Usain Bolt
Asafa Powell
Mike Frater
Walter Dix
Yohan Blake
Darrel Brown
Ryan Bailey
Mario Forsymthe
Christophe Lemaître   
Daniel Bailey 

What illegal winds? Did RT fart while running that sub 10 or something?
No wonder the other athletes couldn't live with him!!  ;D

And btw DB is my facebook friend and has promised he will silence all you doubters!  ;)
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: truetrini on September 20, 2010, 04:18:43 PM
He is a dead horse...he cyar run sub 11 now.  And you must be mad he is capable of a 9.7x time?  based on what?  a Wii race?
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: gawd on pitch on September 20, 2010, 07:40:59 PM
That looks about right. But how about:

1st tier
Usain Bolt
Tyson Gay
Asafa Powell
Nesta Carter

2nd tier
Walter Dix
Yohan Blake
Richard Thompson
Christophe Lemaitre

3rd tier
Ryan Bailey
Daniel Bailey
Keston Bledman
Michael Frater
Churandy Martina
Rae Edwards
Trell Kimmons
Marc Burns


We need to define 1st tier, 2nd tier & 3rd tier in terms of average times they are capable of once fit:

I would define the different tiers as these:-
 
1st tier: Capable of 9.7x or less: Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Darrel Brown

2nd tier: Capable of 9.8x or less: Walter Dix, Yohan Blake, Richard Thompson

3rd tier: Capable of 9.9x or less: Christophe Lemaitre, Ryan Bailey, Daniel Bailey, Michael Frater, Keston Bledman, Dwayne Chambers, Churandy Martina, Rae Edwards, Trell Kimmons, Marc Burns

4th tier: Capabale of 10.1x or less: Mark Lewis-Francis, Rondell Sorrillo & most other world class athletes unless they run PB's!

Socapro, my list is based on this year's performances. Not based on capabilities. I see why you put DB on that list. He indeed has the potential to be sub 9.9s. And I think if he gets a healthy season he will do that. But right now we can only go by what occurred this season.

I heard that he is hungry to come back as well and other sprinters who know him and are occasionally around him have acknowledged that he is far from over. So I am waiting for next season to see what he has in store.

And Trinity..... Lets not turn this into a bashing session. Remember this is your thread, so lets stay on point!
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: truetrini on September 20, 2010, 08:51:45 PM
man hush  how many sub 10's Browne has to justify that shit talk?
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: Socapro on September 20, 2010, 10:09:01 PM
That looks about right. But how about:

1st tier
Usain Bolt
Tyson Gay
Asafa Powell
Nesta Carter

2nd tier
Walter Dix
Yohan Blake
Richard Thompson
Christophe Lemaitre

3rd tier
Ryan Bailey
Daniel Bailey
Keston Bledman
Michael Frater
Churandy Martina
Rae Edwards
Trell Kimmons
Marc Burns


We need to define 1st tier, 2nd tier & 3rd tier in terms of average times they are capable of once fit:

I would define the different tiers as these:-
 
1st tier: Capable of 9.7x or less: Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Darrel Brown  ;D

2nd tier: Capable of 9.8x or less: Walter Dix, Yohan Blake, Richard Thompson

3rd tier: Capable of 9.9x or less: Christophe Lemaitre, Ryan Bailey, Daniel Bailey, Michael Frater, Keston Bledman, Dwayne Chambers, Churandy Martina, Rae Edwards, Trell Kimmons, Marc Burns

4th tier: Capabale of 10.1x or less: Mark Lewis-Francis, Rondell Sorrillo & most other world class athletes unless they run PB's!

Socapro, my list is based on this year's performances. Not based on capabilities. I see why you put DB on that list. He indeed has the potential to be sub 9.9s. And I think if he gets a healthy season he will do that. But right now we can only go by what occurred this season.

I heard that he is hungry to come back as well and other sprinters who know him and are occasionally around him have acknowledged that he is far from over. So I am waiting for next season to see what he has in store.

And Trinity..... Lets not turn this into a bashing session. Remember this is your thread, so lets stay on point!
Sorry for misleading you gawd, I forgot to put a smiley next to DB's name!
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: gawd on pitch on September 20, 2010, 10:25:10 PM
That looks about right. But how about:

1st tier
Usain Bolt
Tyson Gay
Asafa Powell
Nesta Carter

2nd tier
Walter Dix
Yohan Blake
Richard Thompson
Christophe Lemaitre

3rd tier
Ryan Bailey
Daniel Bailey
Keston Bledman
Michael Frater
Churandy Martina
Rae Edwards
Trell Kimmons
Marc Burns


We need to define 1st tier, 2nd tier & 3rd tier in terms of average times they are capable of once fit:

I would define the different tiers as these:-
 
1st tier: Capable of 9.7x or less: Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Darrel Brown  ;D

2nd tier: Capable of 9.8x or less: Walter Dix, Yohan Blake, Richard Thompson

3rd tier: Capable of 9.9x or less: Christophe Lemaitre, Ryan Bailey, Daniel Bailey, Michael Frater, Keston Bledman, Dwayne Chambers, Churandy Martina, Rae Edwards, Trell Kimmons, Marc Burns

4th tier: Capabale of 10.1x or less: Mark Lewis-Francis, Rondell Sorrillo & most other world class athletes unless they run PB's!

Socapro, my list is based on this year's performances. Not based on capabilities. I see why you put DB on that list. He indeed has the potential to be sub 9.9s. And I think if he gets a healthy season he will do that. But right now we can only go by what occurred this season.

I heard that he is hungry to come back as well and other sprinters who know him and are occasionally around him have acknowledged that he is far from over. So I am waiting for next season to see what he has in store.

And Trinity..... Lets not turn this into a bashing session. Remember this is your thread, so lets stay on point!
Sorry for misleading you gawd, I forgot to put a smiley next to DB's name!

Oh ok. No worries
Title: Re: So where will Richard be ranked in 2011
Post by: D.H.W on September 21, 2010, 09:28:36 AM
And btw DB is my facebook friend and has promised he will silence all you doubters!  ;)

and that go make us feel better right ?  ::)
Title: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Flex on August 14, 2011, 08:42:47 AM
Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
By: Clayton Clarke (Guardian).


Sprinter Richard Thompson gave fans their money’s worth with a national record run of 9.85 seconds in taking the men’s 100m in Sagicor Open National Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford, Mucurapo last night. The double Olympic silver medallist, got a rocket start from lane six and took an early lead. At sixty metres out he pulled away to capture his third straight national crown (wind reading of 1.0 metre per second). Keston Bledman was runner-up for the second straight year in 10.06 seconds with Aaron Armstrong (10.07), Marc Burns (10.09), Emmanuel Callender (10.12), Darryl Brown (10.13) and Rondel Sorillo (10.17) as the top seven all ran under the IAAF ‘A’ qualifying standard of 10.18.

Armstrong, Burns, Callender and Sorillo also set season’s best times with Sorillo clocking also a life time best. Teenager Jamol James was eighth in 11.02. In the qualifying round earlier Thompson cruised to victory in the first heat in a pedestrian 10.40 seconds while Brown took the second in a casual 10.56. Bledman sauntered to the victory in the third in 10.53 while Callender was pushed into the fourth by Sorillo (10.16 to 10.33) as both advanced. Burns captured the first in a tussle with Armstrong (10.18 to 10.19), with Jamol grabbing the last qualifying spot in third in 10.43.

Thompson’s time lowered the previous national mark of 9.86 seconds held by quadruple Olympic medallist Ato Boldon (twice in 1998 on April 6 and June 17 and twice in 1999 on June 16 and July 17). Thompson said she was surprised about his time. “I know I felt good before the race and I was ready to dip under ten seconds, however 9.85 was beyond what I expected. I am just thankful for it.” Thompson said before he was not going for the time which may have helped him to be relaxed. “When you go into a race to have fun you sometime do your best and I broke the national record.” The Cascade resident was quick to pay tribute to Boldon. “I want to thank him. He still give me advice and he has paved the way for us to do what we are doing today so kudos to him. We love and respect him.”

Earlier Semoy Hackett took the ladies crown in a wind assisted 11.00 seconds. The 22-year-old pulled away from the field to take the victory. The time is not a personal best for her as the wind reading was 2.2, just over the allowable limit of 2.0. Hackett took an early lead and held off teenagers Kai Selvon and Michelle Lee Ahye (11.19 and 11.20). Veteran Ayanna Hutchison was fourth (11.30) with Reyare Thomas (11.59), Shu-Shauna Mason (11.53) and Kamaria Durant (11.98) behind. The victory is the first for the former Bishop High School student after finishing third in 2008, second in 2009 and 2010. In the heat Hackett was the quickest in preliminaries taking heat two in 11.35 ahead of Selvon (11.43), Hutchinson (11.63) and Mason (12.09). Lee Ahye took the first heat in 11.47 from Thomas (11.53) and Springer (11.82) and Durant (12.01).

Renny Quow took the men’s 400m finals in 45.81. The reigning World 400m bronze medallist made his move at the 200m mark and pulled away to capture his fifth national one lap crown ahead of Jarrin Solomon (46.40) and defending champion Zwede Hewitt (46.61). Jovon Toppin was fourth (47.34) with Dan-Neil Telesford (47.52) and Deverne Charles (48.01). Quow advanced to finals taking the second heat in the prelims in 47.19 ahead of Hewitt (47.45, Deon Lendore (48.12), Telesford (48.19) and Charles (48.42). Solomon was the fastest going into the finals topping heat one in 46.77 with Toppin (47.34) and Justin Maloney (48.43). Afiya Walker captured the ladies race in 54.48 ahead of Magnolia Howell (55.15). National record holder Ayanna Alexander triumphed in the women’s triple jump in 13.64 metres while Quincy Wilson won the men’s shot put in 16.10m ahead of powerlifter and visually impaired Carlos Greene (10.45) and Akil George (9.98).
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: vb on August 14, 2011, 09:15:32 AM
The quality of this final is stupendous considering the size of our nation.

I know we have electronic timing at the HCS but how are these PBs recognised? Do they take the word of the NAAA or is there an IAAF official there?

VB
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Deeks on August 14, 2011, 11:58:20 AM
The quality of this final is stupendous considering the size of our nation.

I know we have electronic timing at the HCS but how are these PBs recognised? Do they take the word of the NAAA or is there an IAAF official there?

VB

Good question. Somebody plz.
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: royal on August 14, 2011, 01:50:50 PM
me ain't no track and field pundit but how come year after year men does be producing times in Trinidad they cyar produce elsewhere?
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 14, 2011, 02:07:30 PM
me ain't no track and field pundit but how come year after year men does be producing times in Trinidad they cyar produce elsewhere?

Good point but the others in the race all ran decent times that we could have expected of them anywhere else at this stage in the season just before Worlds and seeing that Richard definitely created a big gap between himself and the others his 9.85 looks legit. Note 2nd place by Bledman was 10.06 and he has already ran 9.93 this year! I would have expected a sub-10 from him as well in that race but based upon the gap of victory for Richard I would say that all the athletes recorded times were legit.

Also Ato said he first doubted the time when he heard about it but after looking at the race he accepts that Richard's time is legit. I am sure an expert like Ato would have questioned the time after seeing the race if he didn't think it was legit especially as it’s his national record that got eclipsed!

At any rate if Richard gets to the finals at World’s and runs a similar time or better in the final he would have confirmed that the time he ran yesterday at the trials is legit!
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: davyjenny1 on August 14, 2011, 03:19:12 PM
To re-phrase the question: Is the electronic equipment calibrated to the correct international legal code and specs ?
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 14, 2011, 04:21:14 PM
To re-phrase the question: Is the electronic equipment calibrated to the correct international legal code and specs ?
::)

Like yuh trying for another Award or what?

Go ask that on the NAAA T&T website at http://www.ttnaaa.org & let us know if they bother to waste their time answering yuh!

We are not the one throwing this meet, its the NAAA of T&T!  8)
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: 1-868 on August 14, 2011, 05:34:18 PM
Fastest 100m

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_metres
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 14, 2011, 05:48:52 PM
Fastest 100m

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_metres

So Richard is now in the top 13 of all time fastest 100m list!

Well done & congrats to him once again!  :beermug:

If he can improve on his 9.85 time in the Worlds then he's likely to be on the medal podium!  :)
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: D.H.W on August 14, 2011, 08:07:35 PM
Licks  :devil:

(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294653_10100662644766605_23418731_60892001_1993140_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 14, 2011, 08:12:44 PM
Licks  :devil:

(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294653_10100662644766605_23418731_60892001_1993140_n.jpg)

That gap so big that Richard could have posed for pictures like Bolt if he wanted & still win comfortable!
No wonder he wore shades to protect his eyes from all the flash bulbs!!  8)
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Deeks on August 14, 2011, 09:05:16 PM
ketch meh if you can, nah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Flex on August 15, 2011, 05:52:48 AM
Video (http://cnc3.co.tt/content/thompson-captures-national-record)
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: D.H.W on August 15, 2011, 08:45:14 AM
Video (http://cnc3.co.tt/content/thompson-captures-national-record)

thanks ill get this up on youtube , so it wont be lost
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: D.H.W on August 15, 2011, 08:52:48 AM
http://www.youtube.com/v/-G6KW0AgZXk
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 15, 2011, 06:30:08 PM
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110815/sports/sports3.html

T&T's Thompson sounds Daegu warning
Published: Monday | August 15, 2011

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC):

A lifetime-best dash from Richard Thompson made the men's 100 metres at this year's World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, even more mouth-watering.

The 26-year-old sprinter Thompson raised eyebrows when he scorched 9.85 seconds on the first day of the Trinidad & Tobago national championships on Saturday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Thompson, silver medallist over the distance at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, showed his class, finishing ahead of Keston Bledman (10.06 secs) and Aaron Armstrong (10.07) in a high-quality field that also included Marc Burns, Emmanuel Callender, Darrel Brown, and Rondel Sorrillo.

New national record

The result meant that Thompson, also known as 'Torpedo', established a new national record in the 100m, eclipsing Ato Boldon's 13-year-old mark of 9.86, as well as a new meet and stadium record.

"The national record was not the goal coming into the race today, but I'm very glad I was able to achieve it," said Thompson, whose victory comes against the backdrop of the National Association of Athletics Administrations turning down his request to skip the meet.

"This is just a bonus. Sometimes in life, when you're trying too hard, you're not able to accomplish it. That was the case in the past.

"I was trying too hard to get under 10 seconds, and this weekend, when I was most relaxed, I was able to achieve it. I'm just thankful to God, family, friends, and fans for coming out to support. I was able to feed off the energy from the crowd."

Before a crowd of 6,000-plus, Thompson benefited from a sound start, and had the race wrapped up at the 60-metre mark

"God does everything for a reason. If I didn't come home this weekend, I would not have gotten the national record this weekend. I'm thankful for the 9.85, and most of all, coming out injury free, and qualifying for Daegu."
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: davyjenny1 on August 15, 2011, 10:21:21 PM
To re-phrase the question: Is the electronic equipment calibrated to the correct international legal code and specs ?
::)

Like yuh trying for another Award or what?

Go ask that on the NAAA T&T website at http://www.ttnaaa.org & let us know if they bother to waste their time answering yuh!

We are not the one throwing this meet, its the NAAA of T&T!  8)

With that rebuttal you sound like a typical Trini.. every fackin thing ah man say yuh reply with a negative remark. When ATO was in he prime I heard much people like you saying " he need to this and that to better he self " I think yuh fall in that category of negatives. A reminder ATO is one of our most successful track athlete with several medals.
Look!! maann!! Later fuh you... :talktothehand:
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 15, 2011, 10:31:23 PM
To re-phrase the question: Is the electronic equipment calibrated to the correct international legal code and specs ?
::)

Like yuh trying for another Award or what?

Go ask that on the NAAA T&T website at http://www.ttnaaa.org & let us know if they bother to waste their time answering yuh!

We are not the one throwing this meet, its the NAAA of T&T!  8)

With that rebuttal you sound like a typical Trini.. every fackin thing ah man say yuh reply with a negative remark. When ATO was in he prime I heard much people like you saying " he need to this and that to better he self " I think yuh fall in that category of negatives. A reminder ATO is one of our most successful track athlete with several medals.
Look!! maann!! Later fuh you...
:talktothehand:

I trying hard to get you to use your brain but is like ah wasting meh time!!
Keep trying & yuh bound to win another award! Yuh definitely got that on lock, no contest!

Check the link posted by 1-868 in this thread for your benefit and tell me if the electronic time at the HCS wasn't accepted as legit if they would already have it published in Wikipedia!
Fastest 100m

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_metres

After yuh work out if the time legit or not then come back and accuse me of being a typical negative Trini for trying to force you to use yuh brain!  ::)
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: AirMan on August 15, 2011, 10:32:53 PM
Congrats to RT ! I hope he takes this form into teh Worlds in Korea
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: davyjenny1 on August 15, 2011, 11:10:11 PM
To re-phrase the question: Is the electronic equipment calibrated to the correct international legal code and specs ?
::)

Like yuh trying for another Award or what?

Go ask that on the NAAA T&T website at http://www.ttnaaa.org & let us know if they bother to waste their time answering yuh!

We are not the one throwing this meet, its the NAAA of T&T!  8)

With that rebuttal you sound like a typical Trini.. every fackin thing ah man say yuh reply with a negative remark. When ATO was in he prime I heard much people like you saying " he need to this and that to better he self " I think yuh fall in that category of negatives. A reminder ATO is one of our most successful track athlete with several medals.
Look!! maann!! Later fuh you...
:talktothehand:

I trying hard to get you to use your brain but is like ah wasting meh time!!
Keep trying & yuh bound to win another award! Yuh definitely got that on lock, no contest!

Check the link posted by 1-868 in this thread for your benefit and tell me if the electronic time at the HCS wasn't accepted as legit if they would already have it published in Wikipedia!
Fastest 100m

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_metres

After yuh work out if the time legit or not then come back and accuse me of being a typical negative Trini for trying to force you to use yuh brain!  ::)

Doh study my brain you may have a stroke tomorrow and would not be able to use yours.

Aye!! I did not question the electronic time equiment.  Again...  :talktothehand:

I gone.. and I will not reply to anyone of your further comments.
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 15, 2011, 11:29:58 PM
To re-phrase the question: Is the electronic equipment calibrated to the correct international legal code and specs ?
::)

Like yuh trying for another Award or what?

Go ask that on the NAAA T&T website at http://www.ttnaaa.org & let us know if they bother to waste their time answering yuh!

We are not the one throwing this meet, its the NAAA of T&T!  8)

With that rebuttal you sound like a typical Trini.. every fackin thing ah man say yuh reply with a negative remark. When ATO was in he prime I heard much people like you saying " he need to this and that to better he self " I think yuh fall in that category of negatives. A reminder ATO is one of our most successful track athlete with several medals.
Look!! maann!! Later fuh you...
:talktothehand:

I trying hard to get you to use your brain but is like ah wasting meh time!!
Keep trying & yuh bound to win another award! Yuh definitely got that on lock, no contest!

Check the link posted by 1-868 in this thread for your benefit and tell me if the electronic time at the HCS wasn't accepted as legit if they would already have it published in Wikipedia!
Fastest 100m

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_metres

After yuh work out if the time legit or not then come back and accuse me of being a typical negative Trini for trying to force you to use yuh brain!  ::)

Doh study my brain you may have a stroke tomorrow and would not be able to use yours.

Aye!! I did not question the electronic time equiment.  Again...  :talktothehand:

I gone.. and I will not reply to anyone of your further comments.

I think you really pushing hard for another award yes!!  ::)

To re-phrase the question: Is the electronic equipment calibrated to the correct international legal code and specs ?
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: D.H.W on August 16, 2011, 08:15:18 AM
Interview from this morning. CTV

http://www.youtube.com/v/qZKg_Cd41OQ
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 16, 2011, 09:57:36 AM
Interview from this morning. CTV

http://www.youtube.com/v/qZKg_Cd41OQ

Nice one D.H.W!

Many thanks for recording & posting this here!!

Great interview by the panel!!  :beermug:
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: D.H.W on August 16, 2011, 10:04:18 AM
 :beermug: Thanks !
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Aviator on August 16, 2011, 10:48:52 AM
Good, well rounded interview!!!
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 16, 2011, 01:34:27 PM
http://www.trackalerts.com/news/lead-stories/5352-thompson-gets-em-with-national-record

Thompson gets ‘em’ with national record
Monday, 15 August 2011 10:25 By Taharka Carrington, taharkacarrington@yahoo.com

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - As recently as Thursday, Richard Thompson was uncertain as to whether he would return home for the National Championships, but at 6:40pm on Saturday night, Richard ‘Torpedo’ Thompson became the new national 100m record holder at 9.85 seconds at the Hasley Crawford Stadium.

The ‘Torpedo’- a long narrow under water missile – exploded out of his blocks and when he was over the finish line, and the time appeared on the screen, the raucous, but adoring crowd burst into celebrations.

Yes, it was a new national record. Ato Boldon’s 9.86 stood no more.

“I knew I felt good before the race and I was ready to dip under 10 seconds, however 9.85 was beyond what I expected. I am just thankful for it.” He also acknowledged the man who he replaced in the history books “I want to thank Ato. He still gives me advice and he has paved the way for us to do what we are doing today so kudos to him.” The time eclipses his previous personal best of 9.89 which he produced in taking silver behind Usain Bolt at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

The race was of such high quality, that 7 of the 8 finalists made the World Championships ‘A’ qualifying standard (10.18 seconds).

Trailing Thompson was Keston Bledman—the pre race favourite - in 10.06. Aaron Armstrong (10.07SB) and Marc Burns (10.08 SB) were third and fourth respectively. Rounding off the list was Emmanuel Callender (10.12 SB), Darryl Brown (10.13 SB), Rondell Sorrillo (10.17 PB) and teenager Jamol James (11.02). The victory made it three titles in a row for Thompson.

The National Championships were postponed from the 26th and 27th of June to last weekend because of the delays in the relaying of the track at the Hasley Crawford stadiu.  Richard Thompson and his agent then wrote to the NAAA asking for his exemption from the championships, because they thought it was too close to the World Championships in just under two weeks. The NAAA replied saying six runners had made the qualifying time (including Thompson), and he needed to attend in order to justify his pick.

The NAAA decision to turn down Thompson’s request was definitely justified, since seven athletes made the A standard qualifier, but for Thompson “[It] was a blessing in disguise” as he produced a life time best and national record on a spanking new track.

Ato Boldon, who ran the previous record on four occasions between 1998 and 1999, lost his second record this season. In May, Zimbabwean Ngonidashe Makusha took down his 15 year old NCCA record.

In fact, this may have been revenge for the 26 year Thompson. If you look back to the 2008 NCAA Championships, Thompson had missed Boldon’s (then) NCAA 100m record of 9.92 second by one hundredth of a second. Three years later, he has broken Boldon’s national record by the same margin.

For the second year in succession, the winner of the Trinidad and Tobago trials in the men’s 100m has gone faster than the Jamaican Champion, Asafa Powell (10.08 seconds) and the USA champion, Walter Dix (9.94 seconds).

The time now puts Thompson joint fourth on this year’s performance list and is his first sub 10 clocking in two years.

So with Daegu (2011 World Championships) on the horizon, and all the hype been made about who will take the 100m dash, has the ‘Torpedo’ which exploded at the Hasely Crawford stadium this evening just before dust sounded his own warning?
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: davyjenny1 on August 16, 2011, 06:47:55 PM
The quality of this final is stupendous considering the size of our nation.

I know we have electronic timing at the HCS but how are these PBs recognised? Do they take the word of the NAAA or is there an IAAF official there?

VB

I said I was not going reply but take this in.

The re-phrase issues was surrounding this above. I still didn't question anything. again...   :talktothehand:

Are you Darcus Howe?
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 16, 2011, 07:10:31 PM
The quality of this final is stupendous considering the size of our nation.

I know we have electronic timing at the HCS but how are these PBs recognised? Do they take the word of the NAAA or is there an IAAF official there?

VB

I said I was not going reply but take this in.

The re-phrase issues was surrounding this above. I still didn't question anything. again...   :talktothehand:

Are you Darcus Howe?

The procedure for official recognition of an electronic time as opposed to questioning the working of the electronic timing equipment are too completely different things but I can only expect an intelligent person to understand that so won’t even waste my time trying to explain that to you!

VB's question was a valid one but unfortunately your question was an effort to have other folks waste their time on your behalf. I simply suggested in a roundabout way that you waste your own time to get the answer to your own silly question that you should already know the answer for if you brain was more functional!

Regards your 2nd silly question about if I am Darcus Howe, if you are silly enough to believe it then my answer is yes! ::)
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: davyjenny1 on August 17, 2011, 06:06:32 PM
The quality of this final is stupendous considering the size of our nation.

I know we have electronic timing at the HCS but how are these PBs recognised? Do they take the word of the NAAA or is there an IAAF official there?

VB

I said I was not going reply but take this in.

The re-phrase issues was surrounding this above. I still didn't question anything. again...   :talktothehand:

Are you Darcus Howe?

The procedure for official recognition of an electronic time as opposed to questioning the working of the electronic timing equipment are too completely different things but I can only expect an intelligent person to understand that so won’t even waste my time trying to explain that to you!

VB's question was a valid one but unfortunately your question was an effort to have other folks waste their time on your behalf. I simply suggested in a roundabout way that you waste your own time to get the answer to your own silly question that you should already know the answer for if you brain was more functional!

Regards your 2nd silly question about if I am Darcus Howe, if you are silly enough to believe it then my answer is yes! ::)


Maann... For your FYI and to end all this double dipping situation by which you have now confirmed my thoughts that you are very ignorant and don't know what you are speaking of from a technical standpoint of intelligence. Procedure qualification development is to determine compatibility on a variety of issues surrounding testing per equipment application standard. That is why I had simply mentioned specs and codes, there is so much more I can go into but won't waste any more time with you. To ease some of your lack of knowledge this site my help wipe away some of your ignorance from a general point of view.

http://standards.ieee.org/develop/intl/intlstds.html

http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue.htm     

Again... :talktothehand:
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: Socapro on August 17, 2011, 06:31:49 PM
The quality of this final is stupendous considering the size of our nation.

I know we have electronic timing at the HCS but how are these PBs recognised? Do they take the word of the NAAA or is there an IAAF official there?

VB

I said I was not going reply but take this in.

The re-phrase issues was surrounding this above. I still didn't question anything. again...   :talktothehand:

Are you Darcus Howe?

The procedure for official recognition of an electronic time as opposed to questioning the working of the electronic timing equipment are too completely different things but I can only expect an intelligent person to understand that so won’t even waste my time trying to explain that to you!

VB's question was a valid one but unfortunately your question was an effort to have other folks waste their time on your behalf. I simply suggested in a roundabout way that you waste your own time to get the answer to your own silly question that you should already know the answer for if you brain was more functional!

Regards your 2nd silly question about if I am Darcus Howe, if you are silly enough to believe it then my answer is yes! ::)


Maann... For your FYI and to end all this double dipping situation by which you have now confirmed my thoughts that you are very ignorant and don't know what you are speaking of from a technical standpoint of intelligence. Procedure qualification development is to determine compatibility on a variety of issues surrounding testing per equipment application standard. That is why I had simply mentioned specs and codes, there is so much more I can go into but won't waste any more time with you. To ease some of your lack of knowledge this site my help wipe away some of your ignorance from a general point of view.

http://standards.ieee.org/develop/intl/intlstds.html

http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue.htm     

Again... :talktothehand:

How many times now have you promised that it was your last reply to me then you’ve come back again to make yuhself look even more stupid?!  ::)

Glad you've confirmed that you already knew the answer to the silly time wasting questions you asked!
I won't even waste my time looking at those links you posted! Reason why? Because I ain't interested in wasting my time on irrelevant matters!

What matters to me is that Richard Thompson's new national record time of 9.85 has been accepted by the world as legit and the electronic timer at the HCS is not faulty! And in case you haven’t noticed, read the title of this thread and understand that your question as well as being irrelevant was in bad tasted from a Trinidadian standpoint!

Now once again, please read my lips, “Go waste yuh own time”, unless of course you are pushing for yet another award! :clown:
Title: Re: Thompson breaks Boldon record with 9.85 run
Post by: davyjenny1 on August 17, 2011, 07:00:03 PM
The quality of this final is stupendous considering the size of our nation.

I know we have electronic timing at the HCS but how are these PBs recognised? Do they take the word of the NAAA or is there an IAAF official there?

VB

I said I was not going reply but take this in.

The re-phrase issues was surrounding this above. I still didn't question anything. again...   :talktothehand:

Are you Darcus Howe?

The procedure for official recognition of an electronic time as opposed to questioning the working of the electronic timing equipment are too completely different things but I can only expect an intelligent person to understand that so won’t even waste my time trying to explain that to you!

VB's question was a valid one but unfortunately your question was an effort to have other folks waste their time on your behalf. I simply suggested in a roundabout way that you waste your own time to get the answer to your own silly question that you should already know the answer for if you brain was more functional!

Regards your 2nd silly question about if I am Darcus Howe, if you are silly enough to believe it then my answer is yes! ::)


Maann... For your FYI and to end all this double dipping situation by which you have now confirmed my thoughts that you are very ignorant and don't know what you are speaking of from a technical standpoint of intelligence. Procedure qualification development is to determine compatibility on a variety of issues surrounding testing per equipment application standard. That is why I had simply mentioned specs and codes, there is so much more I can go into but won't waste any more time with you. To ease some of your lack of knowledge this site my help wipe away some of your ignorance from a general point of view.

http://standards.ieee.org/develop/intl/intlstds.html

http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue.htm     

Again... :talktothehand:

How many times now have you promised that it was your last reply to me then you’ve come back again to make yuhself look even more stupid?!  ::)

Glad you've confirmed that you already knew the answer to the silly time wasting questions you asked!
I won't even waste my time looking at those links you posted! Reason why? Because I ain't interested in wasting my time on irrelevant matters!

What matters to me is that Richard Thompson's new national record time of 9.85 has been accepted by the world as legit and the electronic timer at the HCS is not faulty! And in case you haven’t noticed, read the title of this thread and understand that your question as well as being irrelevant was in bad tasted from a Trinidadian standpoint!

Now once again, please read my lips, “Go waste yuh own time”, unless of course you are pushing for yet another award! :clown:
:whip: :yapping: :busshead: :timeout:
Title: Thompson on top
Post by: Flex on August 26, 2011, 05:17:04 AM
Thompson on top
Powell pulls out with groin injury
By Kwame Laurence in Daegu


Richard "Torpedo" Thompson is the fastest man in the world this year still in the race for the men's 100 metres title, at the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Championships, here in Daegu, Korea.

The Trinidad and Tobago track star moved to the top of the list, yesterday, when the 2011 world leader, Jamaican Asafa Powell, withdrew from the event because of a nagging groin injury.

Two Saturdays ago, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Thompson completed a hat-trick of national titles with a 9.85 seconds scorcher—a new T&T record. The run put him joint-fourth on the 2011 world list, with American Mike Rodgers.

Powell is the fastest man this year at 9.78 seconds, just ahead of American Tyson Gay (9.79) and Jamaica's Steve Mullings (9.80).

Gay's season ended early because of a hip injury, while Mullings and Rodgers are out of the World Championships following positive drug tests.

With four of this season's top five sprinters out of the Daegu 100, Thompson heads the list of competitors.

Reigning champion Usain Bolt and his fellow-Jamaican Michael Frater, who comes in as a late replacement for Powell, are joint second at 9.88 seconds.

Bolt, though, is the world record holder at 9.58, and is the man to beat here in Daegu.

Another T&T sprinter, Keston Bledman, is seventh fastest this year among the men who will be on show in the World Championship century.

Bledman's 2011 best is 9.93 seconds. The clocking is also his PR (personal record).

The Championships get going at 8 p.m. today T&T time (9 a.m. Saturday in Daegu) with the women's marathon.

The women's 100m preliminaries will be contested from 10.30 tonight T&T time, while the men's 100m preliminaries start at 11.55 p.m.

T&T's sprinters, however, are not required to compete in the newly-introduced preliminary round. The preliminaries are for athletes with neither "A" nor " B" qualifying standards.

The first three T&T athletes to see action here in Daegu will be Thompson, Bledman and Aaron Armstrong, in the next round of the men's 100m, scheduled for tomorrow morning T&T time.

Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Semoy Hackett and Michelle-Lee Ahye will fly the flag in the women's 100m dash. The T&T trio will be on show tomorrow night T&T time.
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Flex on August 31, 2011, 04:48:25 AM
We failed Richard Thompson.
Andre E Baptiste (Guardian).


Richard Thompson ran his race in T&T at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) Championship 100 metres. That is the truth. And while Thompson is too much of a professional to say this and confirm he was not at his best in Daegu, that is the reality.

Let us examine what happened. 1) The NAAA was due to hold its  Championships on June 26 and 27 which was perfect for most of the athletes. It did not happen. 2) Government authorities (Ministry of Sports and the Sports Company) announced a week before, that the running track surface at the stadium which was being changed, would not be completed in time. 3) The NAAA then either had to find an alternative venue or change the date. 4) With no other stadium with an adequate surface, the Championship was postponed for August because many of T&T’s leading athletes were already committed to international meetings prior to the World Championships. 5) It was then decided to host the  Championship on August 13 and 14. 6) This annoyed most of the foreign-based athletes and some asked for exemptions, such as Kelly Ann Baptiste, Cleopatra Borel-Brown. These were granted. 7) Others were not so fortunate. Thompson was one such person who asked for an exemption, but because there were several persons within the qualifying standard competing for three places, his request was denied. 8- Renny Quow’s request was also denied because the times of several of the 400 metres athletes were out of the required qualifying standard.

Now those are some of the facts as to what transpired before Daegu. Thompson was forced to compete and ran a national record, a season best and a personal best of 9.85 to win convincingly from Keston Bledman who placed second, with Aaron Armstrong third. While the country applauded and celebrated with Thompson—albeit rightfully so, because it was a marvelous race and augurs well for our standard—we need to put aside the emotions of the Government officials who sought to bask in the glory that this was an outstanding fast track, and it was one of the best in the world, and our athletes would become faster and possibly better because of it. Unfortunately, it is possible that no one sought to educate these persons that like a horse race, where there are different surfaces (sand and grass), there must be some order in athletics, and the track at the World Championships was a Mondo surface—just like the previous one at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The current surface is not a Mondo surface. Whether anyone will say so or not, it must make a difference. It is like practicing to swim in a 50 metre standard size Olympic swimming pool and practicing to swim in a 25 metres swimming pool. 

Thompson’s 9.85 was at the wrong time. In hindsight, he was correct to ask not to participate, because he was one event away from a major time. A number of leading 100 metres runners do their best ever time at Olympics and World Championships and there is no guessing why. It is also, no accident that this occurs because most international coaches ensure that they have their athletes peaking at the right time for these events. Together, we all contrived through our own ineptitude to allow this to happen to both Thompson and Bledman. They should not have been allowed to compete in a tough race a mere two weeks before this championships. Our athletes were the only ones to do this and we paid the price. So when I raised these questions a few days before the team left, my critics condemned me on isports on i95.5fm on Thursdays and Saturdays (6.15pm to 8pm). They disagreed with my theory about the proximity of the two races. It is obvious that yet again, I was correct.

Just for reference, the Jamaican trials were held from June 23 to 26. The US held their trials from June 25 to 28. Our Championships took place on August 13 and 14. The World Championships was from August 27 to September 4. Even a novice would question the logic and timing of our Championships. It is for this reason and this reason alone, that I, firmly lay the blame for T&T’s male athletes running so poorly in the individual 100 metres events at the feet, hands, chest, mouth and maybe even heart of the following: The Ministry of Sports, Sports Company of T&T and the Minister of Sports Anil Roberts. Together they should all accept collective responsibility for the events as described above involving the dates of the NAAA championships being switched. The original dates of June 26 to 27 may have resulted in better performances. Instead of being concerned and patting each other on the back about the supposed speed of the surface after Thompson’s blistering 9.85, all of the governmental authorities should have been monitoring the work and completion process at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, long in advance of the planned June dateline.

If it is that this was not done on a timely basis, then someone needs to be held accountable and severely punished. It is ludicrous that by this delay in completion an entire country has been left to ransom and many young athletes in limbo. We have not been told of any hefty fines or contingency clauses against the contractor. Unless of course, this was not the fault of the contractor, in terms of time given for completion or in terms of the local work that was promised to be completed before the contractor laid down the surface. There is too much at stake for the triumvirate of Sports Ministry, Sports Company and Sports Minister to accept everything too lightly and calm. It can almost look to some, as if persons who should know better intentionally want our athletes to fail.

I refuse to accept that sort of conspiracy theory. It is akin to saying that Usain Bolt intentionally false started so his country man and coaching understudy Yohan Blake would win the 100 metres final on Sunday. Without a doubt, it was too much to ask our athletes, particularly when history will show that all the major athletic countries will never attempt something so stupid. The NAAA was placed in a tricky position by the failure of the authorities to have the stadium ready for this well documented and advertised event.

We can always ask why is it that the authorities took so long to realise that the job would not be completed, but to use excuses like unpredictable weather and rain is inappropriate, particularly given that the history of the month of June is rain-infected days. Let us hope that such errors can be eliminated quickly in the future and that those in authorities that profess to have knowledge of sports begin to demonstrate such with much more energy. We have too many persons in authority being sidetracked by trivial and personal matters.

Instead of seeking catering jobs, sponsoring arrangements, argumentative discussions, some of those in charge need not to betray our trust, but need to find a way to cooperate with others and put aside petty jealousy. Sports Minister Anil Roberts needs to ensure this is done at all times, even if it annoys some of those closest to him. Thompson, Bledman and Armstrong did not fail us in South Korea. Instead it was we, the people of T&T who failed them because we accepted substandard explanations and lack of proper alternatives for our athletes. It cannot be coincidence that our only medal has come from Kelly Ann Baptiste, who was allowed to miss the NAAA Championships and was therefore fresher than most of the others. In the final analysis, let me on behalf of the Ministry of Sports, The Sports Company and the Honourable Minister of Sports Anil Roberts say:  Sorry Richard Thompson, Keston Bledman, Aaron Armstrong and all the other local athletes.
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Socapro on August 31, 2011, 05:02:03 AM
We failed Richard Thompson.
Andre E Baptiste (Guardian).


Richard Thompson ran his race in T&T at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) Championship 100 metres. That is the truth. And while Thompson is too much of a professional to say this and confirm he was not at his best in Daegu, that is the reality.

Let us examine what happened. 1) The NAAA was due to hold its  Championships on June 26 and 27 which was perfect for most of the athletes. It did not happen. 2) Government authorities (Ministry of Sports and the Sports Company) announced a week before, that the running track surface at the stadium which was being changed, would not be completed in time. 3) The NAAA then either had to find an alternative venue or change the date. 4) With no other stadium with an adequate surface, the Championship was postponed for August because many of T&T’s leading athletes were already committed to international meetings prior to the World Championships. 5) It was then decided to host the  Championship on August 13 and 14. 6) This annoyed most of the foreign-based athletes and some asked for exemptions, such as Kelly Ann Baptiste, Cleopatra Borel-Brown. These were granted. 7) Others were not so fortunate. Thompson was one such person who asked for an exemption, but because there were several persons within the qualifying standard competing for three places, his request was denied. 8- Renny Quow’s request was also denied because the times of several of the 400 metres athletes were out of the required qualifying standard.

Now those are some of the facts as to what transpired before Daegu. Thompson was forced to compete and ran a national record, a season best and a personal best of 9.85 to win convincingly from Keston Bledman who placed second, with Aaron Armstrong third. While the country applauded and celebrated with Thompson—albeit rightfully so, because it was a marvelous race and augurs well for our standard—we need to put aside the emotions of the Government officials who sought to bask in the glory that this was an outstanding fast track, and it was one of the best in the world, and our athletes would become faster and possibly better because of it. Unfortunately, it is possible that no one sought to educate these persons that like a horse race, where there are different surfaces (sand and grass), there must be some order in athletics, and the track at the World Championships was a Mondo surface—just like the previous one at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The current surface is not a Mondo surface. Whether anyone will say so or not, it must make a difference. It is like practicing to swim in a 50 metre standard size Olympic swimming pool and practicing to swim in a 25 metres swimming pool. 

Thompson’s 9.85 was at the wrong time. In hindsight, he was correct to ask not to participate, because he was one event away from a major time. A number of leading 100 metres runners do their best ever time at Olympics and World Championships and there is no guessing why. It is also, no accident that this occurs because most international coaches ensure that they have their athletes peaking at the right time for these events. Together, we all contrived through our own ineptitude to allow this to happen to both Thompson and Bledman. They should not have been allowed to compete in a tough race a mere two weeks before this championships. Our athletes were the only ones to do this and we paid the price. So when I raised these questions a few days before the team left, my critics condemned me on isports on i95.5fm on Thursdays and Saturdays (6.15pm to 8pm). They disagreed with my theory about the proximity of the two races. It is obvious that yet again, I was correct.

Just for reference, the Jamaican trials were held from June 23 to 26. The US held their trials from June 25 to 28. Our Championships took place on August 13 and 14. The World Championships was from August 27 to September 4. Even a novice would question the logic and timing of our Championships. It is for this reason and this reason alone, that I, firmly lay the blame for T&T’s male athletes running so poorly in the individual 100 metres events at the feet, hands, chest, mouth and maybe even heart of the following: The Ministry of Sports, Sports Company of T&T and the Minister of Sports Anil Roberts. Together they should all accept collective responsibility for the events as described above involving the dates of the NAAA championships being switched. The original dates of June 26 to 27 may have resulted in better performances. Instead of being concerned and patting each other on the back about the supposed speed of the surface after Thompson’s blistering 9.85, all of the governmental authorities should have been monitoring the work and completion process at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, long in advance of the planned June dateline.

If it is that this was not done on a timely basis, then someone needs to be held accountable and severely punished. It is ludicrous that by this delay in completion an entire country has been left to ransom and many young athletes in limbo. We have not been told of any hefty fines or contingency clauses against the contractor. Unless of course, this was not the fault of the contractor, in terms of time given for completion or in terms of the local work that was promised to be completed before the contractor laid down the surface. There is too much at stake for the triumvirate of Sports Ministry, Sports Company and Sports Minister to accept everything too lightly and calm. It can almost look to some, as if persons who should know better intentionally want our athletes to fail.

I refuse to accept that sort of conspiracy theory. It is akin to saying that Usain Bolt intentionally false started so his country man and coaching understudy Yohan Blake would win the 100 metres final on Sunday. Without a doubt, it was too much to ask our athletes, particularly when history will show that all the major athletic countries will never attempt something so stupid. The NAAA was placed in a tricky position by the failure of the authorities to have the stadium ready for this well documented and advertised event.

We can always ask why is it that the authorities took so long to realise that the job would not be completed, but to use excuses like unpredictable weather and rain is inappropriate, particularly given that the history of the month of June is rain-infected days. Let us hope that such errors can be eliminated quickly in the future and that those in authorities that profess to have knowledge of sports begin to demonstrate such with much more energy. We have too many persons in authority being sidetracked by trivial and personal matters.

Instead of seeking catering jobs, sponsoring arrangements, argumentative discussions, some of those in charge need not to betray our trust, but need to find a way to cooperate with others and put aside petty jealousy. Sports Minister Anil Roberts needs to ensure this is done at all times, even if it annoys some of those closest to him. Thompson, Bledman and Armstrong did not fail us in South Korea. Instead it was we, the people of T&T who failed them because we accepted substandard explanations and lack of proper alternatives for our athletes. It cannot be coincidence that our only medal has come from Kelly Ann Baptiste, who was allowed to miss the NAAA Championships and was therefore fresher than most of the others. In the final analysis, let me on behalf of the Ministry of Sports, The Sports Company and the Honourable Minister of Sports Anil Roberts say:  Sorry Richard Thompson, Keston Bledman, Aaron Armstrong and all the other local athletes.
:applause:
Most of this article is on the button especially the part in the last paragraph that I've highlighted! :beermug:
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: REC on August 31, 2011, 05:41:56 AM
This article was a very spot on analysis!! Its unfortunate that many ppl do not understand (especially the bloggers on this forum) what it takes for an athlete to perform consistently at a high level. The same can be said for those in charge of the various administrations as they also didn't understand how having to come home and compete would affect the athletes.

I marvel at the comments made regarding the failure of the athletes especially RT. At times they are rather comical and I just shake my head in disbelief that some bloggers would actually put their thoughts in writing for all to see!! Clearly some of them have a limited understanding of the English language as the arguments/comments I have seen are baseless and without merit!

This article has echoed all my sentiments and I really do hope that the authorities would take note! I also hope that the bloggers would be more mindful of what the athletes go through to represent our country and because they fail, it is considered mediocrity. Stop the negativity as it will get us nowhere! Let us try and appreciate the effort they are making as it will motivate them and the results will eventually show...

Great article!! :beermug:
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: jusbless on August 31, 2011, 06:04:23 AM
I cant believe this utter BS , while I agree that the staging of the national championship would of affected the athletes ,why did it have such a huge impact on RT and not a huge impact on all the other athlete. Let's be honest before the national championship, How many indivduals we expected to medal, barring KB no more , we did not even expect to have any trini representative in the final. Barring that RQ ran his sb in daegu so how does that argument whole water. Did anyone expect MLA to make the final , RQ, JG, SH, MLA, RT, KB, AA. Why is it that our culture is always to look for a scapegoat instead of taking responsibility on ourselves. While I believe the whole NAAA is crap and needs a major overhaul, this is taking it to an unethical level. For the first time I must say mr Baptiste this is probably the worst article I have seen you wrote. So I am guessing then Keston Bledman would of been our new record holder seeing that he also had to run nationals and clocked 10.14 , so if I take 9.85 and put the gap to 10.25 , hat is about .40 , thereby Bledman could of run 9.74. The women time reained consistent with thier national performance , KB consistent with national championship 10.14 into negative , equates to 10.0 ran at national championship, Why did it affect RT alone , I find we develop a culture to feed the public BS.
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: REC on August 31, 2011, 07:04:40 AM
I don't fully understand your Bledman logic, given that Bledman RAN 10.06 IN THE SAME NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS that RT clocked his 9.85! How, or more rationally WHY, would you then try to minus or add the differences in the times, given that KB was there...?
Had KB not run then you may have had a point, but he was there! So really, come on now..
And do you realise that in Daegu RT ran into a -ve 1.0 headwind for his 10.20, while KB had a -0.4 for his 10.14? Do these factors make there way into your thinking?

This is not about looking for a scapegoat, it's about recognising the facts as they are. You say that everyone's time is consistent with their season times, but RT has shown that he is an event based athelete and his training regime focuses on him peaking (Sub 10) for certain key events. His previous "key event" times have shown this (Olympics 2008 -9.99, 9.93 & 9.89secs; Berlin WC's 2009 -9.98 & 9.93secs). The NAAA's having the NC 13 days before the WC, ESPECIALLY with the WC being half way around the world in another time zone, didn't give him time for his bio-rhythm to recover to peak performance. It disrupted the training regime & it showed in his current "key event" results.

It's not about looking for excuses either since RT himself has not attempted to apportion blame to anyone or anywhere. The point being made here is and will continue to be that the staging of the NC 13 days before the WC's could never be a good idea. No other country has done it and I don't think they will; it's to the detriment of the athlete and therefore the country.
So say what you like there must be some merit in the results;since the only sprinter that medalled was the only one exempted...
Coinicidence... I think not
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: truetrini on August 31, 2011, 07:32:44 AM
I don't fully understand your Bledman logic, given that Bledman RAN 10.06 IN THE SAME NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS that RT clocked his 9.85! How, or more rationally WHY, would you then try to minus or add the differences in the times, given that KB was there...?
Had KB not run then you may have had a point, but he was there! So really, come on now..
And do you realise that in Daegu RT ran into a -ve 1.0 headwind for his 10.20, while KB had a -0.4 for his 10.14? Do these factors make there way into your thinking?

This is not about looking for a scapegoat, it's about recognising the facts as they are. You say that everyone's time is consistent with their season times, but RT has shown that he is an event based athelete and his training regime focuses on him peaking (Sub 10) for certain key events. His previous "key event" times have shown this (Olympics 2008 -9.99, 9.93 & 9.89secs; Berlin WC's 2009 -9.98 & 9.93secs). The NAAA's having the NC 13 days before the WC, ESPECIALLY with the WC being half way around the world in another time zone, didn't give him time for his bio-rhythm to recover to peak performance. It disrupted the training regime & it showed in his current "key event" results.

It's not about looking for excuses either since RT himself has not attempted to apportion blame to anyone or anywhere. The point being made here is and will continue to be that the staging of the NC 13 days before the WC's could never be a good idea. No other country has done it and I don't think they will; it's to the detriment of the athlete and therefore the country.
So say what you like there must be some merit in the results;since the only sprinter that medalled was the only one exempted...
Coinicidence... I think not

Why bother with a man who talks compound shit on this forum almost everytime he posts?  steups.

This is a man who has been swearing every year for the past 6 that Darrell Browne will come back and crush all before him...the same man who felt Brown could challenge Bolt...steups...yuh have serious time to waste!
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Brownsugar on August 31, 2011, 07:39:49 AM
We failed Richard Thompson.
Andre E Baptiste (Guardian).


WWWWWWWWHHHHHHHAAAATTTTT?? ?? ??!!!     :o :o

NAAA take a big

SSSTTTTEEEEEUUUUPPPSSSS!!!!

Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: jusbless on August 31, 2011, 03:56:35 PM



Why bother with a man who talks compound shit on this forum almost everytime he posts?  steups.

This is a man who has been swearing every year for the past 6 that Darrell Browne will come back and crush all before him...the same man who felt Brown could challenge Bolt...steups...yuh have serious time to waste!
[/quote]

Trinity Cross talking about I compounding Shit ,WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT,
 Very funny as I was the only one who jump to defend you when everybody else wanted to kick you off the forum'' your exact quote was JB I have no problem with you , Is them other posters that does get me angry"
 Do you have a split personality , I must say you sure keep me entertained. I ccan't stop laughing about your comment.
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: truetrini on August 31, 2011, 04:17:55 PM
Sorry.  I mistake you for someone else.  My apologies.
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Socapro on September 14, 2011, 12:12:54 PM
Just found these videos on YouTube and thought I'd post them here in this thread for reference!

Its RT's performance at T&T National Trials followed by After Race Interview where he credited Ato!!

Richard Thompson runs 9.85 NR at T&T National Trials 2011
http://www.youtube.com/v/0fgHwhQdWPM

Richard Thompson's After Race Interview
http://www.youtube.com/v/OigewwWsZfQ
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: A.B. on September 14, 2011, 05:23:36 PM
I do not agree with Andre's premise. NOT AT ALL.

I also feel as though this is LETTING THE MEN OFF OF THE HOOK, and in a huge way.

I'm sorry, help me out - since when does 2 rounds (and only 1 of any quality) ruin your season for the whole year now? Question - if KAB ran at Trials, would she not have gotten bronze because of it? Were the trials at an ideal time? Of course not. Is that somehow the reason the men went and ran like ishh? Come on. Is who some of you all think you fooling?

I have been just sitting back and watching the madness.

Andre is 100% WRONG on this one. Yohan Blake just ran 2x 9.82 in the space of a damn week, after worlds and partying like mad. People run 2 rounds in London at the GP race there and in other places and are fine the next week. 400H maybe could have suffered from the TnT trials. 100? Hell no.

Look, is there anyone who will say it??

Serrette says the team performed 'credibly' (creditably!), now Andre apologizes to the men for the country failing THEM!!!!??? What's next? Apologies from the Korean LOC for the headwind?

I hear men talk all kinda dotishness in here 'bout who didn't have home food, their girlfriend wasn't around, their mother wasn't there, the track different, the headwind blah blah blah. What are we talking about? Primary school sports? Intercol? No, we are talking about PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES. None of them live "at home" anyhow so "HOME" is "AWAY". Stop that nonsense.

Kim Collins - ranked 28th going in, goes out there and fights. Almost wins the whole damn thing. Leaves with 2 medals. At age 35.

Kaliese Spencer - injured going in and fights through the rounds to barely get in, and gets 4th in the final

Melaine Walker - shin splints to the point of tears, debates whether to even run and try to defend her title. Olympic and world champ already, 2nd fastest ever, maybe even the next WR holder in this event, but she goes for it.  Fights though the rounds, gets the silver in one of her best times ever - and probably her gutsiest performance of the last 3 championships.

Trying to find justification for the worst performance by a TnT men's track team at worlds since 1999 does them no good. One of them might actually believe this bullshit.

The guys have my sympathy for the relay and what happened to them. Nothing else. Time for some tough love and no more of this damn hand holding and coddling.



Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Socapro on September 14, 2011, 06:15:39 PM
To all our male T&T athletes who went to Daegu and come back home empty-handed and looking for sympathy, Father Ato would like to see
allyuh in his office to share some: :whip:  :pissedoff:  :shameonyou: :busshead:
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Paceman123 on September 14, 2011, 06:17:53 PM
To me it looks like Keston does not have a clue how to run the 100m that 1 thing .. ...2 Richard flopped big time and he knows it .... and lastly Marc should have been out 3rd option i dont care who came in third. Marc is pretty much like Kim they run every round and stay consistent im sure he would have been in the finals. 
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Socapro on September 14, 2011, 06:26:56 PM
To me it looks like Keston does not have a clue how to run the 100m that 1 thing .. ...2 Richard flopped big time and he knows it .... and lastly Marc should have been out 3rd option i dont care who came in third. Marc is pretty much like Kim they run every round and stay consistent im sure he would have been in the finals. 

Let’s hope them guys do the work required after their end of season winter breaks to ensure they all come back stronger and more competitive than ever for the Olympics next year so that they don’t all come back home empty-handed like they did at Worlds this year.

Right now it looks like me can rely more on the ladies than the men to bring home a few medals at the Olympics next year! It seems like our ladies are raising their game while our men are slipping!  :-\
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: A.B. on September 14, 2011, 07:14:05 PM
Given Marc's 4x100m leg I beg to differ
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: gawd on pitch on September 14, 2011, 07:50:19 PM
I couldnt really say. I do know he has been consistent with reaching the finals. However, it is true that he was not in the best shape (food poisoning) in the races leading up to Daegu.

Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Paceman123 on September 14, 2011, 07:58:21 PM
Given Marc's 4x100m leg I beg to differ

Ato be real Marc was already in a hole when he got that Baton there is no way he could have dig TnT out of that hole. Keston start was horrible. I stand by what i said Marc should have replaced Amstrong
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: gawd on pitch on September 14, 2011, 08:07:51 PM
Given Marc's 4x100m leg I beg to differ

Ato be real Marc was already in a hole when he got that Baton there is no way he could have dig TnT out of that hole. Keston start was horrible. I stand by what i said Marc should have replaced Amstrong

My gut was to go with Marc as well. He will be showing up next year for sure.
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Socapro on September 14, 2011, 08:47:28 PM
Given Marc's 4x100m leg I beg to differ

Ato be real Marc was already in a hole when he got that Baton there is no way he could have dig TnT out of that hole. Keston start was horrible. I stand by what i said Marc should have replaced Amstrong

They all ran and exchanged decent in the 4 x 100m relay heat which they won but messed up their exchanges and got shown-up for leg speed on their 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd leg exchanges in the final. Saying all that they would have still come home with at least a bronze if it was not for the mishap on the 3rd to 4th leg exchange in the final!

I expect them to come better and make amends at the London Olympics next year!
The French & Kittians will also be fancing their chances behind JA & USA for a bronze medal if we mess up!
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: jusbless on September 15, 2011, 03:56:11 AM
Finally AB , I totally agree with you , all the excuses people making , they are professional athletes , they just did not deliver
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: jason23 on September 15, 2011, 10:13:03 AM
lol now ppl critizing them lol!!
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Socapro on September 15, 2011, 02:42:47 PM
Nice win today by Richard at the Dubnica T&F Meet in Slovakia:

1st Thompson 10.05
2nd Collins 10.07
3rd Frater 10.09

I assume that was his final race for the season!
Like how RT was chauffeur driven for a lap of honour with Merlene Ottey at the end of the meet, real VIP thing! :beermug:

Just posted a picture of Richard Thompson on his lap of honour with Merlene Ottey on his facebook page! :heehee:

Go here to view: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150379154130931&set=p.10150379154130931&type=1&theater
Title: Re: Thompson on top
Post by: Trini1 on September 15, 2011, 03:23:52 PM
He finally got the victory over Kim- I'm satisfied lol!
Title: Richard Thompson changes coach
Post by: fLaSh on September 24, 2011, 09:25:16 PM
PORT-OF-SPAIN - Double Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson may change his coach soon. 

Thompson has been linked to a move to HSI coach American John Smith. According to discussion on www.trackandfieldnews.com, the T&T national record holder (9.85) is expected to moved to the Smith training base in Los Angeles, California. Thompson was second behind Jamaican Usain Bolt in the men's 100m final at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and then anchored the T&T men's 4x100 to the runner up spot behind Bolt's Jamaica. 

The 26 year old took his third national sprint title in August before going off the World Track and Field Championships in Daegu two weeks later where he failed to advance to the men's sprint final. He is expected to sever ties with his current coach, Dennis Shaver. Thompson has been under the tutelage of Shaver since 2005 while a student of Louisiana State University. Shaver guided the Cascade sprinter to his Olympic success in 2008 and also to NCAA Indoor (60m) and Outdoor (100m) crowns earlier in the year.

Thompson is currently in Trinidad and Tobago with former world 100m record holder Maurice Greene conducting clinics and motivational tours in the Morvant Laventille area as part of the National Petroleoum sponsored "Richard Thompson Coaching Clinics". Greene was a former marquee athlete of Smith and won two Olympic titles in 2000 (100, 4x100) and five  world crowns (1997-100, 1999-100, 200, 4x100, 2001-100).

Smith was also the coach for T&T quadruple Olympic medallist Ato Boldon and is the current coach of Emmanuel Callender. Reigning World Junior 400m champion Jehue Gordon is also under the HSI management.

Smith is also the coach of two recently crowned world champions - Americans Carmelita Jeter (women's 100/4x100) and Jason Richardson (Men's 110m Hurdles).
Title: Re: Richard Thompson changes coach
Post by: Aviator on September 24, 2011, 10:15:17 PM
PORT-OF-SPAIN - Double Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson may change his coach soon. 

Thompson has been linked to a move to HSI coach American John Smith. According to discussion on www.trackandfieldnews.com, the T&T national record holder (9.85) is expected to moved to the Smith training base in Los Angeles, California. Thompson was second behind Jamaican Usain Bolt in the men's 100m final at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and then anchored the T&T men's 4x100 to the runner up spot behind Bolt's Jamaica. 

The 26 year old took his third national sprint title in August before going off the World Track and Field Championships in Daegu two weeks later where he failed to advance to the men's sprint final. He is expected to sever ties with his current coach, Dennis Shaver. Thompson has been under the tutelage of Shaver since 2005 while a student of Louisiana State University. Shaver guided the Cascade sprinter to his Olympic success in 2008 and also to NCAA Indoor (60m) and Outdoor (100m) crowns earlier in the year.

Thompson is currently in Trinidad and Tobago with former world 100m record holder Maurice Greene conducting clinics and motivational tours in the Morvant Laventille area as part of the National Petroleoum sponsored "Richard Thompson Coaching Clinics". Greene was a former marquee athlete of Smith and won two Olympic titles in 2000 (100, 4x100) and five  world crowns (1997-100, 1999-100, 200, 4x100, 2001-100).

Smith was also the coach for T&T quadruple Olympic medallist Ato Boldon and is the current coach of Emmanuel Callender. Reigning World Junior 400m champion Jehue Gordon is also under the HSI management.

Smith is also the coach of two recently crowned world champions - Americans Carmelita Jeter (women's 100/4x100) and Jason Richardson (Men's 110m Hurdles).


Although the highlighted is true, quoting a message board as a source is a poor piece of journalism!!!!!......come on Trackalerts

But since we are quoting a thread on a message board as an authoritative source  , it may as well be noted that Walter Dix and Ryan Bailey will be accompanying Richard on his move west.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson changes coach
Post by: Trini1 on September 25, 2011, 05:04:36 AM
I thought he went from shaver to HSI then to jon drummond for a time then back to HSI. I thought he left shaver from long time...
Title: Re: Richard Thompson changes coach
Post by: Socapro on September 25, 2011, 08:09:27 AM
I thought he went from shaver to HSI then to jon drummond for a time then back to HSI. I thought he left shaver from long time...

An feel yuh meant to say Jon Smith not Jon Drummond?  :-\
Title: Re: Richard Thompson changes coach
Post by: Aviator on September 25, 2011, 09:32:11 AM
I thought he went from shaver to HSI then to jon drummond for a time then back to HSI. I thought he left shaver from long time...

An feel yuh meant to say Jon Smith not Jon Drummond?  :-\

Unless I was misinformed, it was Drummond that he went to. That change happened around spring of this year and was his first time doing a coaching change until now.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson changes coach
Post by: Socapro on September 25, 2011, 09:53:26 AM
I thought he went from shaver to HSI then to jon drummond for a time then back to HSI. I thought he left shaver from long time...

An feel yuh meant to say Jon Smith not Jon Drummond?  :-\

Unless I was misinformed, it was Drummond that he went to. That change happened around spring of this year and was his first time doing a coaching change until now.

Ok thanks!
Title: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: truetrini on August 06, 2012, 12:24:28 PM
Richard Thompson 100 m run.

Look nah, this man was right up there with them yes.  He just hit he wall sooner than the rest..with some proper conditioning and what I feel is disclipine he had a freaking medal yes.

I eh feel Gatlin more talented than he is...just more committed.

Richard Thompson if you reading this..re-dedicate yuhself.

You can still accomplish much.

steups..allyuh look at that race again, if the man had more conditioning he make that podium!~
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: D.H.W on August 06, 2012, 12:28:38 PM
Look nah, this man was right up there with them yes.  He just hit he wall sooner than the rest..with some proper conditioning and what I feel is disclipine he had a freaking medal yes.

I eh feel Gatlin more talented than he is...just more committed.

Richard Thompson if you reading this..re-dedicate yuhself.

You can still accomplish much.

steups..allyuh look at that race again, if the man had more conditioning he make that podium!~

yeh at 50 he was with the pack
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: FF on August 06, 2012, 12:31:39 PM
Look nah, this man was right up there with them yes.  He just hit he wall sooner than the rest..with some proper conditioning and what I feel is disclipine he had a freaking medal yes.

I eh feel Gatlin more talented than he is...just more committed.

Richard Thompson if you reading this..re-dedicate yuhself.

You can still accomplish much.

steups..allyuh look at that race again, if the man had more conditioning he make that podium!~

yeh at 50 he with the pack

I get excited and thought he was in front at one point all kinda ting...

on replay I see that he was never in front, but he was with them for a good way... then it was afterburners in he face
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: truetrini on August 06, 2012, 12:33:36 PM
I agree, he was with the pack, he hit his wall sooner  lol.  With a steady 200m diet, and weight training the man is back there.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: Dumplingdinho on August 06, 2012, 12:43:33 PM
I agree, he was with the pack, he hit his wall sooner  lol.  With a steady 200m diet, and weight training the man is back there.

200m diet and weight training?  sounds like rocket science to me.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: Socapro on August 06, 2012, 01:07:02 PM
I agree, he was with the pack, he hit his wall sooner  lol.  With a steady 200m diet, and weight training the man is back there.
Yes I agree! Our sprinters need to grow bigger balls and start running more 200ms!

They are cheating themselves of the strength and speed endurance required in these modern times to medal in the 100m at major championships.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: truetrini on August 06, 2012, 01:10:56 PM
I agree, he was with the pack, he hit his wall sooner  lol.  With a steady 200m diet, and weight training the man is back there.

200m diet and weight training?  sounds like rocket science to me.

Nah jes dedication
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: vb on August 06, 2012, 02:40:42 PM
Rubbish.

He has shown a loss of form for the last two years. Probably injury related.
Keeping up with them for the first 50 metres is not a surprise especially considering RT's reaction time.

Is keeping up with them and accelerating during the last 50 metres.

RT is not the runner he used to be. He has the best that training has to offer. Sadly he seems to be experiencing what Ato did in the last six years of his career.

VB
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: truetrini on August 06, 2012, 02:44:19 PM
Rubbish.

He has shown a loss of form for the last two years. Probably injury related.
Keeping up with them for the first 50 metres is not a surprise especially considering RT's reaction time.

Is keeping up with them and accelerating during the last 50 metres.

RT is not the runner he used to be. He has the best that training has to offer. Sadly he seems to be experiencing what Ato did in the last six years of his career.

VB

nONSENSE YOU TALKING.    He might have access to the best training...effort is another thing.

Think about it...I know nuff dunce man went to Fatima....dunce in the sense they did not make use of what was offered.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: 100% Barataria on August 06, 2012, 02:50:15 PM
Rubbish.

He has shown a loss of form for the last two years. Probably injury related.
Keeping up with them for the first 50 metres is not a surprise especially considering RT's reaction time.

Is keeping up with them and accelerating during the last 50 metres.

RT is not the runner he used to be. He has the best that training has to offer. Sadly he seems to be experiencing what Ato did in the last six years of his career.

VB

nONSENSE YOU TALKING.    He might have access to the best training...effort is another thing.

Think about it...I know nuff dunce man went to Fatima....dunce in the sense they did not make use of what was offered.

u does kill me sometimes oui
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: truetrini on August 06, 2012, 02:51:49 PM
Rubbish.

He has shown a loss of form for the last two years. Probably injury related.
Keeping up with them for the first 50 metres is not a surprise especially considering RT's reaction time.

Is keeping up with them and accelerating during the last 50 metres.

RT is not the runner he used to be. He has the best that training has to offer. Sadly he seems to be experiencing what Ato did in the last six years of his career.

VB

nONSENSE YOU TALKING.    He might have access to the best training...effort is another thing.

Think about it...I know nuff dunce man went to Fatima....dunce in the sense they did not make use of what was offered.

u does kill me sometimes oui

and yet you live.....
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: vb on August 06, 2012, 02:57:57 PM
Rubbish.

He has shown a loss of form for the last two years. Probably injury related.
Keeping up with them for the first 50 metres is not a surprise especially considering RT's reaction time.

Is keeping up with them and accelerating during the last 50 metres.

RT is not the runner he used to be. He has the best that training has to offer. Sadly he seems to be experiencing what Ato did in the last six years of his career.

VB

nONSENSE YOU TALKING.    He might have access to the best training...effort is another thing.

Think about it...I know nuff dunce man went to Fatima....dunce in the sense they did not make use of what was offered.

u does kill me sometimes oui

and yet you live.....

 :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

You gone off on a tangent. I go leave you right dey.

Yes, with the right training it go be Browne and Thompson doing a 1-2 at the 2016 Olympics.  ;D

VB
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: truetrini on August 06, 2012, 03:23:16 PM
lol VB check yuh facebook messages
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: Dumplingdinho on August 07, 2012, 12:34:28 AM
I agree, he was with the pack, he hit his wall sooner  lol.  With a steady 200m diet, and weight training the man is back there.

200m diet and weight training?  sounds like rocket science to me.

Nah jes dedication

i agree but is years now everybody saying that so RT must be deaf.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: just cool on August 07, 2012, 05:30:43 AM
I agree, he was with the pack, he hit his wall sooner  lol.  With a steady 200m diet, and weight training the man is back there.
I really surprised you taking this so hard. first off, RT went up against the best talent in decades. tyson gay,justin gatlin, yohan blake and the greatest athlete of all time, usain thunder and lightening bolt!

richard got lucky last olympics when he ran 2nd to bolt, when fellas like gay and gatlin was nursing injuries, so he got ah bligh, but in reality, his best time is what them man running in semi finals. give richard ah break, bc he's in over his head @ the moment.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: just cool on August 07, 2012, 05:41:44 AM
I agree with allyuh that our athletes are not trying hard enough, but you guys must remember that our sports administrators are some of the most clueless lazy complaisant incompetent ppl to ever administrate over anything, which might be affacting the way these athletes approach the sport. we must also remember that pride and excellence is not ingrained into the psyche of trinidadians.

ah trini is the kind of person who lives in the moment, if it feels good then it's all good, but no setta work and contemplation goes into what ever they embark on, i got to say that's it's an extremely laid back hands off culture, maybe the most laid back and anyhow society i've ever seen.

i have learned not to invest too much of my heart and time into sports in trinbago, unfortunately for me, i dun roped in as far as football goes, which iz the worst of them all, so all other sports get blank.

believe me when i say, i will never invest no mo of my time and energy supporting T&T athletes in any other sport but football, like i said , ah dun get roped in wid football, so ah learn to take the rest with ah grain of salt.

one sport iz enough torture to last ah life time. not fackin me again!
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: Sam on August 07, 2012, 06:01:41 AM
Richard Thompson is my BOY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4x100 in they ass...

Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: Marcos on August 07, 2012, 12:12:16 PM
Look nah, this man was right up there with them yes.  He just hit he wall sooner than the rest..with some proper conditioning and what I feel is disclipine he had a freaking medal yes.

I eh feel Gatlin more talented than he is...just more committed.

Richard Thompson if you reading this..re-dedicate yuhself.

You can still accomplish much.steups..allyuh look at that race again, if the man had more conditioning he make that podium!~

Meh boy already have 2 silver medals at the olympics partner. He already has accomplished VERY much. If you meant much more, then I echo that sentiment.
Title: Re: Richard Thompson 100 m run.
Post by: truetrini on August 07, 2012, 12:13:32 PM
Look nah, this man was right up there with them yes.  He just hit he wall sooner than the rest..with some proper conditioning and what I feel is disclipine he had a freaking medal yes.

I eh feel Gatlin more talented than he is...just more committed.

Richard Thompson if you reading this..re-dedicate yuhself.

You can still accomplish much.steups..allyuh look at that race again, if the man had more conditioning he make that podium!~

Meh boy already have 2 silver medals at the olympics partner. He already has accomplished VERY much. If you meant much more, then I echo that sentiment.
  steups yuh can read and understand I imagine?
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Socapro on August 19, 2012, 04:56:06 PM
I've decided to make this thread the official Richard Thompson thread so please post your updates on Richard Thompson to this thread as well as your suggestions on what RT needs to be doing to be on the 100m podium for World Champs next year alongside any of the top Jamaican and American sprinters.

We must not allow our T&T 100m sprinters to get left behind from the elite group of the top eight 100m sprinters in the world as we have a good tradition in 100m sprinting that we should do our best to maintain and even improve upon.

Bless  :beermug:
Title: Torpedo on track
Post by: Flex on February 14, 2014, 06:59:42 AM
Rehabbed hip feeling fine following indoor test
By Kwame Laurence (Express)

‘TORPEDO’ ON TRACK
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson%20100m%20victory.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson%20100m%20victory.jpg.html)
TRIPLE OLYMPIC MEDALLIST: Richard ‘Torpedo’ Thompson

Richard “Torpedo” Thompson has already seen competitive action in 2014, and is satisfied with his progress following a challenging campaign last year.

The 2008 Olympic men’s 100 metres silver medallist endured a painful 2013, battling daily with a hip injury that prevented him from being a medal contender at the World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

“I’ve progressed significantly from what I experienced last year,” Thompson told the Express. “Literally not one day did I go through training or competition without pain in 2013. It would be nice to say that the injury is completely behind me, and I’m doing everything to ensure that, but the only true test is time.”

Running indoors for the first time in almost two years, the US-based track star opened his 2014 campaign at the Howie Ryan Invitational, in Houston, Texas, two weekends ago. He successfully negotiated the preliminary and semi-final rounds of the men’s 60m dash, before finishing fifth in the final in 6.69 seconds.

“I don’t think it was a bad opener. I wanted to use the opportunity to confirm that my hip can withstand competition and I came out feeling fine. There’s still a lot of work to be done obviously but it’s a step in the right direction.

“I’m based in Baton Rouge (Louisiana),” he continued. “Usually I would open there instead of Houston but the LSU indoor track is being renovated and won’t be open until mid-February.”

Thompson returned to Texas for last Saturday’s Texas A&M Aggie Invitational. He clocked 6.72 seconds to secure bronze in the Olympic Development men’s 60m dash.

Thompson’s fastest legal 100m time in 2013 was 10.14 seconds--much slower than his 9.85 Trinidad and Tobago record. The 28-year-old sprinter did not get to the century final at the Moscow Worlds, and called off his season following T&T’s seventh-place finish in the 4x100m final.

Thompson then focused on rehabilitating his injured hip. T&T Olympic Committee (T&TOC) president Brian Lewis and immediate past president Larry Romany arranged for the triple Olympic medallist to attend the Michael Johnson Performance (MJP) training facility, in Texas.

“MJP has a really great facility with a great team of people working there. I spent an entire month and everything was really professionally done--from seeing a specialist to determine exactly what the problem was to directly devising a plan to fix it. They have been great with following up and ensuring that I’m doing the exercises and getting the necessary treatment that I need to be healthy so that gains made there will not be lost. I must say special thanks to Larry Romany and Brian Lewis who were instrumental in getting me there.”

While it was a tough year on the track for Thompson, on a personal level 2013 was memorable. He became a father for the first time, his girlfriend, former T&T sprinter Monique Cabral giving birth to their son, Rhys.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying being a father. At first it was difficult mixing with my schedule. Rhys was born last year right as my season started and as a newborn he would wake up a lot during the night but we have him on a schedule now and it fits perfectly into my routine. Monique is such a great mother too and is so supportive with my career, so it really allows things to operate smoothly.

“I’m extremely grateful,” Thompson added, “to have family, friends and loyal fans who have supported me through difficult times. You always appreciate those who root for you when you’re doing well but when times are tough your appreciation for those who stick by you is way greater. I know that the people of T&T are still behind me and I just ask that everyone prays for me and the rest of athletes who fly our national colours.”

Thompson said he has not set himself any lofty 2014 goals.

“As strange as it may sound my goal is to have a strong and injury-free season. Last year really humbled me a lot. Struggling to run times that I would run easily and running in agony really made me appreciate health. Never take for granted being able to feel 100 percent.

“Sub-10 would be nice,” he continued, “but I’ll try not to focus on a time too much. I have to get back to my 2008 focus where it’s about executing races properly. Once I can go through my phases correctly, I’m certain that good times will follow. I will do 200s this year, God spare health and strength.”

Thompson is hoping to make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, Scotland, later this year.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to compete at the Commonwealth Games. It’s at the top of my priority list of meets for the season. The Commonwealth has the world’s best sprinters so it will be no easy task.

I can’t make any predictions or promises this early but it would be an honour as usual to represent T&T and do well.”

The Commonwealth Games will take place between July 23 and August 3. The fastest men and women on the planet are also expected to be in attendance at the May 24-25 IAAF World Relays, in Nassau, Bahamas.

“My services are available. I think it would be vital in preparation for Commonwealth to field our best teams for these relays. It’s good to start building bonds as a team and strengthening those that are already in existence but any gains made this year are no good unless we can find a way to keep making progress on any statement we make at any meet this year.”

Thompson said 2014 is a stepping stone on his journey to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“If it’s in God’s plans for me then this will be a great year. I have a plan for this year and I have a plan to be at my best in 2016. It’s all about having patience, staying focused and sticking to the game plan.”
Title: Re: Torpedo on track.
Post by: Deeks on February 14, 2014, 08:59:00 AM
Congrats, Dad! All the best,God Speed!!!
Title: Re: Torpedo on track.
Post by: Socapro on February 14, 2014, 01:23:26 PM
Yeah, good stuff and congrats to Torpedo on becoming a Dad. All the best of health in 2014.  :beermug:

We need to see some young upcoming T&T sprinters challenging RT and the Bledman for the number one T&T sprinter title in 2014 as well as our flow of upcoming world class male sprinters seems to be drying up.

Our females seem to be looking much better from a world class level but it all depends on if we will have Kelly-Ann and Hackett back for us in 2014 to team up with MLA and the others.
Title: Thompson encourages youths to follow their dreams
Post by: Socapro on November 10, 2014, 03:35:16 PM
Thompson encourages youths to follow their dreams (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,202708.html)
Sunday, November 9 2014 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson%20silver%20medal%20celebration%20Beijing%202008.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson%20silver%20medal%20celebration%20Beijing%202008.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson

National 100 metre record holder Richard Thompson gave an inspiring speech at the Gatorade Sport Science Institute Symposium (GSSI) held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) SPEC Indoor Court yesterday afternoon.


This is the first ever GSSI Symposium in Trinidad and Tobago. GSSI tours the world doing symposiums and conferences where GSSI experts share information on sport nutrition and exercise science to enhance the performance and well-being of athletes.

The four-time Olympic medallist shared his experiences as a professional athlete including his ups and downs. He mentioned that as a junior he did not make any national teams but that did not stop him from following his dream.

He went on to touch on some of the high points of his career.

“(Being a) Two-time silver medallist at the 2004 Olympics, as well as the National Champion four times as well as the National Record holder and to eclipse Ato Boldon’s national record is something that means a lot to me,” he said.

Thompson commented on how difficult it was to get to the level that he is at today, coming out of Queens Royal College.

“Coming out of QRC I wasn’t the fastest in secondary school; I never made any junior team and as a result many universities did not approach me,” he continued.

“Some of the smaller schools approached me but I would have been the fastest in the school and I didn’t want to go where I’ll be the big fish in the small pond. I wanted to go somewhere I could get better, by being around athletes who are better than I am, so I can become strong and improve my speed.”

He explained that after being rejected by multiple universities, Louisiana State University decided to take a chance with him and offered him a full scholarship under the new sprint coach.

“LSU decided to take a chance with me, they were now rebuilding their programme and had a new head coach who is heavily involved in short sprints and he was willing to take the chance with me,” he explained.

“By the end of 2008 I had become the South Eastern Conference (SEC) champion, the SEC champion indoors and the SEC champion outdoors. I had been the fastest person to come through LSU and I’ve been the fastest person to come through the NCAA,” he revealed.

The ace sprinter noted that he does not concern himself with other people’s opinions.

“It is about believing that you can do something — having that goal, believing in it, and going out and accomplishing it,” Thompson declared.

The 28-year-old sent out a message to all young athletes in TT to not be afraid to fail in order to succeed.

“In order to succeed you can’t be afraid to fail. You would have setbacks along the way,” he noted.

He later quoted Boldon, stating, “The road to success isn’t always straight and it’s filled with pot holes.”

Thompson continued, “If you never failed then you never tried anything, you have to push through. Another important fact of being successful that many people leave out is surrounding yourself with positive people.”

He ended by saying that success depends on each individual and how bad you want it.

“Ultimately it all comes back to you, how bad do you want it, how bad you want to succeed. It is very easy to point fingers at people and blame them for not delivering on their promises, but in the end they go on with their lives and do what they have to do and you are stuck there not accomplishing what you want to. It is up to you to find your way out of those situations and become better,” he stressed.

“You control your destiny, find those who support you on your journey and eliminate those who don’t. Apply this to all aspects of life and you would see that it teaches you not just what to expect from people but how to treat people as well.” He ended by sayingt he intends to give back to the youth of TT by hosting clinics, camps, talks, to be a role model and inspire other people.
Title: Re: Thompson encourages youths to follow their dreams
Post by: Sando prince on November 14, 2014, 01:14:11 PM

Good  :beermug:
Title: Media reporting off the mark
Post by: Socapro on November 14, 2014, 01:22:44 PM
Media reporting off the mark (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2014-11-14/media-reporting-mark)
Published: Friday, November 14, 2014
Carla Rauseo (T&T Guardian)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson%20Medal%20Ceremony%20London%202012_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson%20Medal%20Ceremony%20London%202012_1.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson

A sport science symposium was held this weekend. A fabulous job was done by the organisers, but unfortunately the media failed to do the event justice. I am yet to find a newspaper article stating that the symposium was actually about the science and practice of running.

A CNC3 report on Monday night, also failed to properly inform the public about the educational content of the event. Instead, the highlight of the report was the fantastic speech delivered by track sprinter, Richard Thompson. His speech was extremely well-delivered, the content was profound, humble and truly inspiring to young athletes.

By no means do I intend to detract from the importance and impact of Mr Thompson’s speech. It is absolutely deserving of every bit of publicity that it got. Rather, I am disappointed in the media’s coverage of the event as a whole. The symposium aimed to disseminate scientific information in the fields of nutrition, sport science, rehabilitation and strength and conditioning to help runners improve performance and prevent injury. But one would not have grasped the true extent of what a symposium like this aims to provide and accomplish, based on the coverage by the media.

It was failure in reporting, as the media has deprived the public of an opportunity to understand what else occurs at such events, and what is occurring in the scientific world of sport and in the lives of our very own athletes. Isn’t the goal of the media to educate and inform? What else went on in the symposium? One would have no clue unless one was there. Brainless reporting.

An incident that occurred after the event was a reflection of the ignorance of even people in the fitness industry when it comes to sport science. A young gentleman in the fitness promotion industry who attended the conference, made the mistake of  asserting with great confidence in the presence of one of my colleagues, that cricketers do not need to be strong. A heated discussion ensued. The gentleman, with wrong and strong attitude, was determined to win the argument against a small female, who eventually resorted to quoting definitions of strength and power to put him in his place.

The fact that cricket is one of the biggest sports in the country and region, and the fact that a young man in the fitness industry still thinks that cricket is played by weak, unathletic men in this day and age is deplorable. I realised that in addition to a lack of knowledge about components of fitness, this is probably what he sees on television…men hitting a ball and running down a pitch. But gone are the days when what one sees on the field is how athletes train.

The media has a huge role in changing this perception and needs to start asking better questions of all athletes about what goes on off the pitch and behind the scenes. Sport is more of a science than ever before, where milliseconds matter and when competition is this close, success is not by accident. The media should reflect this in its reporting, rather than the “froo froo” and fluffy coverage of outcomes of competitions. Brainless reporting.

As citizens, we are quick to comment on the fact that sporting bodies do nothing for sports. I admit I have been one of those citizens. However, after realising the poor media coverage of events such as the symposium, I shall think twice about being critical. Is it that sporting authorities are doing nothing, or is it the media’s brainless reporting?

There is an entire field of investigative reporting in the world of sport science. There is a large gap in communication between sport scientists and coaches/trainers. They do not speak each other’s language, and it is often difficult for the scientists to disseminate their research to coaches, and athletes. The majority of local sporting practices seem to operate on dogma rather than established science. The media can play a huge role in bridging this gap, bringing the two disciplines closer to a more common language.

Likewise, the public does not speak the same language as the athlete, and fails to understand that science should inform sport. In many sports, science is ubiquitous in the daily lives of athletes, but this is not known by the public.

Most scientific information that governs practice and training is filtered from the sport scientist to the coach and then to the athlete. However, without the media, it stops at the athlete, with the public remaining ignorant, like the gentleman above who believes cricketers need not train for strength.

The media needs to catch up to the rapidly changing scientific world of sport. Smarter, more probing questions and investigations will yield a more informed public, and fewer brainless comments, from brainless reporting.

Editor’s note: Carla Rauseo, DPT, CSCS, ATRIC is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Instructor at Total Rehabilitation Centre in San Juan.
Title: Re: Torpedo on track.
Post by: Socapro on April 04, 2015, 03:52:44 AM
Thompson will be running Relay today for the Tiger Olympians  'A' Team at the 2015 LSU Invitational Battle on the Bayou Meet.

http://results.deltatiming.com/tf/2015-battle-on-the-bayou/150403F002

Licensed to B. Moore Track & C. Maddox Field House - Site License
                                        HY-TEK's Meet Manager 4/3/2015 07:38 PM
       2015 LSU Invitational Battle on the Bayou - 4/3/2015 to 4/4/2015       
                              Battle on the Bayou                             
                             Bernie Moore Stadium                             
                                 Meet Program                                 
 
Event 2  Men 4x100 Meter Relay
===============================================================================
Saturday 4/4/2015 - 12:50 PM
 Final
     Stadium:  38.32  2002        LSU, LSU                                     
        Meet:  39.11  4/2/2011    Texas A&M, Texas A&M                         
                      T Howell, G Phiri, M Bryan, P Hardy, Jr.         
     School                                                                 
===============================================================================
Section 1  Timed Finals
  1                                                               
  2                                                               
  3  Mississippi Valley  'A'                                     
     1) Eric Chism SR                   2) Jatarius Harris SR             
     3) Deion Reid SO                   4) Earl Winters SR               
     5) Cleother Crain SR               6) Jalen Johnson SR               
  4  Hinds CC  'A'                                               
     1) Doug Ball FR                    2) Kristopher Kimble FR           
     3) Dontarian Evans FR              4) Adrian Kimmons SO             
  5  Tiger Olympians  'A'                                         
     1) Shermund Allsop SR              2) Armanti Hayes SR               
     3) Gabriel Mvumvure SR             4) Richard Thompson SR           
  6  LSU  'A'                                                     
     1) Joshua Thompson SR              2) Vernon Norwood SR             
     3) Tremayne Acy SO                 4) Aaron Ernest SR               
  7  SE Louisiana  'A'                                           
     1) Ken Breland SO                  2) Billy Minnifield SR           
     3) Raheem Brown JR                 4) Kadarius Williams JR           
     5) Marquise Frugre' JR             6)                               
  8                                                               
  9                                                               

Another Trini Shermund Allsop will also be on the Tiger Olympians  'A'.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

In addition Richard will also be running the 200m today at this same Meet in the section 1 Finals while Shermund Allsop will run in the Section 2 Finals.

http://results.deltatiming.com/tf/2015-battle-on-the-bayou/150403F018

Licensed to B. Moore Track & C. Maddox Field House - Site License
                                        HY-TEK's Meet Manager 4/3/2015 07:38 PM
       2015 LSU Invitational Battle on the Bayou - 4/3/2015 to 4/4/2015       
                              Battle on the Bayou                             
                             Bernie Moore Stadium                             
                                 Meet Program                                 
 
Event 18  Men 200 Meter Dash
===============================================================================
Saturday 4/4/2015 - 2:40 PM
 Final (Sections against time)
     Stadium:  19.98  1998        Justin Gatlin, Tennessee                     
        Meet:  20.67  4/2/2011    Horatio Williams, LSU                       
     Name                        Year School                               
===============================================================================
Section 1  Timed Finals
  1                                                               
  2                                                               
  3  Raheem Brown                  JR SE Louisiana               
  4  Deion Reid                    SO MVSU                       
  5  Richard Thompson              SR Tiger Olympi               
  6  Darrell Bush                  SR LSU                         
  7  Adrian Kimmons                SO Hinds CC                   
  8  Sheldon Williams                 Unattached                 
  9                                                               
Section 2  Timed Finals
  1                                                               
  2  Jordan Burks                  FR Hinds CC                   
  3  Eric Chism                    SR MVSU                       
  4  Dontarian Evans               FR Hinds CC                   
  5  Charles Jackson Jr               Unattached                 
  6  Shermund Allsop               SR Tiger Olympi               
  7  Chadwayne Vidal               FR Southern-NO                 
  8  Gabriel Mvumvure              SR Tiger Olympi               
  9                                                               
Section 3  Timed Finals
  1                                                               
  2                                                               
  3  Dario Scantlebury             SO New Orleans                 
  4  Andon Mitchell                   Unattached                 
  5  Jatarius Harris               SR MVSU                       
  6  Albert Brock                     Unattached                 
  7  Darren Darensburg             SO New Orleans                 
  8  Shane Martin                  FR MVSU                       
  9  Handon Etienne                   Unattached                 
Title: Re: Torpedo on track
Post by: jusbless on April 04, 2015, 08:07:05 PM
B. Moore Track & C. Maddox Field House - Site License
    2015 LSU Invitational Battle on the Bayou - 4/3/2015 to 4/4/2015   
                          Battle on the Bayou                           
                          Bernie Moore Stadium                         
 
Event 18  Men 200 Meter Dash
========================================================================
 Final (Sections against time)                                         
     Stadium: s 19.98  1998        Justin Gatlin, Tennessee             
        Meet: M 20.67  4/2/2011    Horatio Williams, LSU               
    Name                    Year School                  Finals  Wind H#
========================================================================
Finals                                                                 
  1 Richard Thompson          SR Tiger Olympians          20.81   4.2  1
  2 Raheem Brown              JR SE Louisiana             20.83   4.2  1
  3 Darrell Bush              SR LSU                      21.22   4.2  1
  4 Charles Jackson Jr           Unattached               21.29   3.3  2
  5 Jatarius Harris           SR Mississippi Valley       21.64   3.5  3
  6 Shermund Allsop           SR Tiger Olympians          21.87   3.3  2
  7 Chadwayne Vidal           FR Southern-NO              22.14   3.3  2
  8 Gabriel Mvumvure          SR Tiger Olympians          22.16   3.3  2
Title: Re: Torpedo on track
Post by: Sando prince on April 04, 2015, 08:35:59 PM

20.81? I will be patient as the season unravels
Title: Re: Torpedo on track
Post by: Aviator on April 05, 2015, 01:11:48 AM
Hmmmmm. Mr Thompson if you are reading this, time to put some serious efforts into the deuce. You have expressed aspirations of mounting the podium in Beijing again this year, and I sure you have seen that the sprinting landscape has significantly changed since you were last there. The men( Bolt, Powell, Gay, Gatlin etc.) in your way of reaching those heights again are all good to great at the 200m. Time to take it seriously. High school times will not cut it!
Title: Re: Torpedo on track
Post by: Socapro on April 07, 2015, 05:22:47 PM
Looks like Richard's Tiger Olympians  'A' relay team placed 2nd in the 4x100m over the Easter weekend and the two Trinis Shermund Allsop and Richard Thompson ran the 1st two legs of the relay.

http://results.deltatiming.com/tf/2015-battle-on-the-bayou/150403F002

 B. Moore Track & C. Maddox Field House - Site License
2015 LSU Invitational Battle on the Bayou - 4/3/2015 to 4/4/201
                      Battle on the Bayou                     
                     Bernie Moore Stadium                     
 
Event 2  Men 4x100 Meter Relay
===============================================================
 Final                                                         
     Stadium: s 38.32  2002        LSU, LSU                   
        Meet: M 39.11  4/2/2011    Texas A&M, Texas A&M       
                       T Howell, G Phiri, M Bryan, P Hardy, Jr.
    School                                               Finals
===============================================================
Finals                                                         
  1 LSU  'A'                                              39.32
     1) Joshua Thompson SR              2) Vernon Norwood SR   
     3) Tremayne Acy SO                 4) Aaron Ernest SR     
  2 Tiger Olympians  'A'                                  41.01
     1) Shermund Allsop SR              2) Richard Thompson SR
     3) Armanti Hayes SR                4) Gabriel Mvumvure SR
  3 SE Louisiana  'A'                                     41.05
     1) Ken Breland SO                  2) Raheem Brown JR     
     3) Billy Minnifield SR             4) Kadarius Williams JR
 -- Hinds CC  'A'                                           DNS
     1) Doug Ball FR                    2) Kristopher Kimble FR
     3) Dontarian Evans FR              4) Adrian Kimmons SO   
 -- Mississippi Valley  'A'                                 DNS
     1) Eric Chism SR                   2) Jatarius Harris SR 
     3) Deion Reid SO                   4) Earl Winters SR     
Title: 'Torpedo' Thompson eyes more T&T success at IAAF World Relays
Post by: Socapro on April 07, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
'Torpedo' Thompson eyes more T&T success at IAAF World Relays (http://www.bahamasworldrelays.org/index.php/single-column/athlete-features/744-torpedo-thompson-eyes-more-t-t-success-at-iaaf-world-relays)
Written by Kwame Laurence | Published: Tuesday, 17 March 2015 08:55 |

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/TampT%20Men%204x100m%20Relay%20Team%202014.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/TampT%20Men%204x100m%20Relay%20Team%202014.jpg.html)
SILVER QUARTET: Rondel Sorrillo, left, Richard "Torpedo" Thompson, Marc Burns and Keston Bledman celebrate their silver success in the men’s 4x100 metres event, at the 2014 IAAF World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo: KWAME LAURENCE

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Richard "Torpedo" Thompson was responsible for one of the most memorable moments at the inaugural IAAF World Relays, in Nassau, Bahamas, last year. In the men's 4x100 metres final, the Trinidad and Tobago track star overhauled Great Britain's Dwain Chambers on the anchor leg, turning bronze into silver.

"It's always a blessing getting the stick around in a relay," Thompson told the Trinidad Express, "and an even bigger blessing when we win a medal.
 
"However, I think any athlete would admit that it's a bit more fun when you 'walk someone down'. That race indicated to me that I was back in really good shape because Chambers is a good sprinter. More importantly, it indicated to the world that T&T's 4x100 team was back as we had a rough year in 2013."
 
For the "Torpedo", the World Relays experience would have been special even if he had left Nassau with no precious metal to his name.
 
"It was great. I found it really cool that they had us come through a tunnel to introduce us team by team...almost like they do in wrestling. It added more hype for the athletes and the fans. The meet itself was well attended and the fans were very active cheering every country on."
 
T&T emerged from the 2014 IAAF World Relays with three medals. In addition to the men's 4x100m silver captured by Keston Bledman, Marc Burns, Rondel Sorrillo and Thompson, there was bronze for both the women's 4x100m quartet and the men's 4x400m team. T&T earned 19 points at the two-day meet to finish sixth--an excellent showing for a nation with a population of just 1.3 million.
 
Thompson was particularly pleased with the success of the women's sprint relay combination of Kamaria Durant, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Reyare Thomas and Kai Selvon.
"They've had a terrible streak of bad luck over the past few years getting the stick around. Not only did they get the stick around this time, but they won their first global medal. That's a great sign for when Kelly-Ann (Baptiste) and Semoy (Hackett) are thrown back into the mix."
 
Baptiste completed a 21-month drug ban in January, while Hackett will be eligible to compete in May following a 28-month doping ban.
 
In Nassau last year, Lalonde Gordon, Renny Quow, Machel Cedenio and Jarrin Solomon finished third in the men's 4x400m final in a national record time of two minutes, 58.34 seconds.
 
"For a number of years," said Thompson, "the 4x100 men carried the rest of the team on our shoulders. We've expanded beyond that and have shown that T&T are beyond capable in different events and gender. The men's 4x4 has been very consistent in the last three years and the women have stepped up significantly as well."
 
The triple Olympic medallist is anticipating more success for Team T&T at the 2015 IAAF World Relays, scheduled for May 2 and 3.
 
"I don't expect anyone to be in peak shape in May, especially since World Champs is in late August. However, I know that we are a hard-working bunch, and will be showing up there in good enough shape to give a good account of ourselves.
 
"The goal," he continued, "is always to try to win, but I think that if we can leave with a medal in every event that we enter, that would be a solid showing."
Thompson said there needs to be a permanent place on the international athletics calendar for the IAAF World Relays.
 
"Apart from the meet itself being a huge success, I had a lot of fun away from the track. Bahamas is a beautiful island so any chance I get I'll be there. I'll be there this year, God spare life, health and strength.”

Here is link to thread for last year's World Relays in the Bahamas if you wish to view a recap:
2014 IAAF World Relays: Sat.24th & Sun.25th May, Nassau, Bahamas (videos added) (http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=62238.msg894446#msg894446)
Title: Thompson targets Beijing medal …opens season with windy 200 win
Post by: Socapro on April 07, 2015, 06:17:09 PM
Thompson targets Beijing medal
…opens season with windy 200 win (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Thompson-targets-Beijing-medal-298837451.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 6, 2015 at 9:00 PM ECT

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson%20season%20opener.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson%20season%20opener.jpg.html)
Opening win: Richard Thompson

The 2014 season was a mixed bag for Richard “Torpedo” Thompson.

In June, at the Trinidad and Tobago Championships, Thompson produced a 9.82 seconds national record run to capture the 100 metres title. Three weeks earlier, he had clocked a wind-assisted 9.74 at a meet in Florida, USA.

The 9.82 sizzler put the T&T track star in pole position ahead of the July 23-August 3 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. However, he was unable to live up to his status as favourite for the 100m title, bowing out of the event after finishing third in his semi-final heat in 10.19 seconds.

Thompson told the Express fatigue was responsible for his sub-par performance.

“My body was just tired, to be honest. People asked if I was injured or if something happened, but that wasn’t the case. The road back to healthy started in early September 2013, and it really took a lot out of me physically, mentally and emotionally, getting back to the times I got down to. When we got to late July and beyond, my body was fried.”

After a disappointing 2013 campaign that was hampered by a painful hip injury, Thompson put his body through an arduous 2014 season. Not since his final year on the US collegiate circuit, in 2008, had Thompson raced as much as he did last year.

“I proved in 2014 that I can run very fast again. What’s important though is doing it at the right time. I want to run fast on the circuit, and I want to be the national champion, but far more significant than that is being a medallist in Beijing.”

Thompson is planning to be in Beijing for the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships. He has fond memories of the Chinese city, having earned silver medals in the 100m and 4x100m events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Thompson is also eyeing the July 10-26 Pan Am Games, in Toronto, Canada.

“I’d like to be a part of the Pan Am team. I’ve never run in Toronto before, and I have a lot of family there. Even if it’s just on the relay team, I’d like to do it. That will give us a chance to work together and perfect our exchanges for Beijing.”

The 29-year-old sprinter said he is satisfied with his build-up to the 2015 season.

“Preparations have been good so far. I’m thankful to be healthy and not to have to dig myself out of a hole, as I did last year coming into the season. I’m in a much more relaxed state, physically and mentally, than I was at this time last year, so there’s less emotional stress.

“Also,” Thompson continued, “we don’t have to run as many races trying to familiarise my legs with sprinting at that high level again. We can plan the season better so that the right races come at the right time.”

Thompson opened his 2015 campaign on Saturday, at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Battle on the Bayou meet, in Louisiana, USA. He won the men’s 200m event, the triple Olympic medallist clocking a wind-assisted 20.81 seconds. Another T&T sprinter, Shermund Allsop was sixth fastest in a windy 21.87.

“I haven’t yet confirmed my first professional outdoor meet,” Thompson explained. “That circuit usually starts in May, so I will be using some of the smaller meets at LSU in April to get ready for the big ones.”
Title: BLAZING OPENERS: Thompson, Bledman, Cedenio sizzle in US
Post by: Socapro on April 20, 2015, 05:45:40 PM
BLAZING OPENERS
Thompson, Bledman, Cedenio sizzle in US (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/BLAZING-OPENERS-300610841.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 19, 2015 at 10:32 PM ECT

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Torpedo%20Thompson%20left%20and%20Keston%20Bledman%201-2%20in%20Berlin%202014.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Torpedo%20Thompson%20left%20and%20Keston%20Bledman%201-2%20in%20Berlin%202014.jpg.html)
FAST STARTS: T&T sprinters, Richard "Torpedo" Thompson, left, and Keston Bledman.

Richard “Torpedo” Thompson, Keston Bledman and Machel Cedenio recorded fast openers at meets in the United States, on Saturday.
Competing in the 100 metres dash for the first time this season, Thompson stopped the clock at 10.04 seconds for victory in section one at the Alumni Gold meet, in Louisiana.

With that clocking, Thompson shot into second spot on the 2015 world performance list, behind American Trayvon Bromell (10.02). Another Trinidad and Tobago athlete, Texas State University student Aaron George was seventh in section two and 14th overall in the Alumni Gold men’s 100m in a wind-assisted 10.64.

Thompson had a busy day at the Alumni Gold meet, finishing fifth in the 200m in a windy 21.01 seconds, and running the second leg for third-placed Tiger Olympians in the 4x100m relay. Thompson’s team clocked 40.03.

Steve Waithe was also in winners’ row in Louisiana. Appropriately, the T&T/Pennsylvania State University athlete struck gold in the LeJuan Simon men’s triple jump event with a wind-aided 15.73m effort. Waithe’s best legal jump in the competition was 15.45m.

Simon was a T&T athlete, the highpoint of his career coming in 2004 when he represented the country at the Athens Olympics. The former Louisiana State University (LSU) student died in 2008 at the age of 27 as a result of complications from primary pulmonary hypertension.

At the National Training Center (NTC) Pure Athletics Sprint Elite Meet 1, in Florida, Bledman bolted to victory in the men’s 100m dash in a windy 9.94 seconds. In the preliminary round, the T&T sprinter clocked a windy 9.97 in his first 100m race for 2015. He won the heat, advancing to the final as the fastest qualifier.

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Machel%20Cedenio%20amp%20Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20quarter-milers.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Machel%20Cedenio%20amp%20Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20quarter-milers.jpg.html)
T&T Quarter-milers Machel Cedenio and Deon Lendore now 6th & 7th on 2015 World List.

Cedenio was on fire in his 400m season-opener, the 2014 world junior champion winning the men’s one-lap race in a personal best 45.09 seconds—good enough for sixth spot on the 2015 world performance list.

Kelly-Ann Baptiste got home in a wind-assisted 22.91 seconds to bag bronze in the women’s 200m. And Wayne Davis II topped the men’s 110m hurdles “B” race in 13.66.

In Texas, Deon Lendore clocked 45.14 seconds to grab gold in the Michael Johnson Classic men’s 400m event. The Texas A&M University quartermiler is seventh on this year’s world performance list.

Another T&T athlete, Janeil Bellille finished eighth in the women’s 400m in 55.08.

At the Georgia Tech Invitational, Emanuel Mayers won the men’s 400m hurdles in 50.39 seconds, and Ade Alleyne-Forte was second in the men’s 400m “B” race in 47.59.
Title: Thompson - Ready to Speed at 30
Post by: Socapro on June 09, 2015, 08:59:00 AM
Thompson - Ready to Speed at 30 (http://www.trackalerts.com/Articles/thompson-ready-to-speed-at-30/13934/)
June 8th, 2015 11:32am (TrackAlerts.com)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson%20at%20Sagicor%20National%20Championships%202013_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson%20at%20Sagicor%20National%20Championships%202013_1.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson: "if you look at the best sprinters in the world now,
Bolt is a year younger than I but you have Gatlin, Tyson and
Asafa Powell who are all well into their thirties now."


Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago is 30 but the 2008 Olympic silver medallist still feels young enough to challenge the best at the World Championships later this year. Thompson says high level sprinting by the likes of 32 year-old Asafa Powell gives him confidence. The affable Trinidad and Tobago national 100 record holder was speaking during his recent visit to Jamaica for the Jamaica Invitational.
 
"I still have youth on my side", he calculated with his 30th birthday on June 7. "Honestly", he outlined, "if you look at the best sprinters in the world now, Bolt is a year younger than I but you have Gatlin, Tyson and Asafa Powell who are all well into their thirties now."
 
Usain Bolt, the reigning World and Olympic champion, is 29 this summer and Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Powell are all 32 going 33. Moreover, TRACK AND FIELD NEWS, the respected US journal, ranked 6 men who are 30 this year or older in the top 10 for the 2014 season in the 100 metres. They were Americans Gatlin and Mike Rodgers who were number 1 and 2 respectively, Jamaica's Nesta Carter at 4, Powell at number 5, Thompson at 9 and evergreen Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis at number 10.
 
Even so, sprinting is still a young man's game. Only Carl Lewis and Linford Christie have won the World Championship 100 at age 30 or older and the average age of the 14 100 metre World Champions is 25 years old.
 
Thompson was 23 when he paced Bolt through the first half of the 2008 Olympic 100 metre final before finishing strongly in second place. He got another silver medals as the anchor leg runner on the twin island republic's 4x100 team.
 
As Thompson approaches 30, the form of older sprinters is a source of encouragement. "It just gives me encouragement that I'm able to continue to sprint well for a few years again", he said. He believes his experience will help to a certain extent. "It's worth something in terms of 'been there, done that'", said the 2009 World Championships finalist, "but at the same time, I can't be complacent and tell myself that I've been there before and that's going to carry me all the way."
 
"I have to approach it like it's my first time and I'm hungry but at the same time, be mindful of things I shouldn't do based on the experiences I've had in the past", he surmised.
 
Thompson set a seasonal best in the Jamaica Invitational 100 metres with a fourth place finish in 10.04 seconds. His lifetime best - a national record of 9.82 seconds - was established last year.
Title: Thompson out ‘Worlds’
Post by: Socapro on June 30, 2015, 12:55:41 PM
Thompson out ‘Worlds’ (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,213425.html)
By ASHFORD JACKMAN Tuesday, June 30 2015 (T&T Newsday)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson%20second%20from%20left%20struggles%20to%20the%20finish%20line%20in%20National%20Champs%20Mens%20100m%20semi-final%20on%20Saturday.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson%20second%20from%20left%20struggles%20to%20the%20finish%20line%20in%20National%20Champs%20Mens%20100m%20semi-final%20on%20Saturday.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson, second from left, struggles to the finish line in the National Men's 100m
semi-final on Saturday. Author: ALLAN V CRANE


TRINIDAD and Tobago’s bid to be among the medals in the Men’s 4x100m relay at next month’s World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China was dealt a major blow on the weekend, when US-based Richard “Torpedo” Thompson pulled out of the squad due to injury.

Thompson, the owner of one World and three Olympic medals, and the established anchor leg runner for the TT team, told Newsday of the development in an exclusive interview yesterday afternoon.

“I have already informed the NAAA (National Association of Athletic Administrations),” he said while awaiting physiotherapy at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

At the Sagicor National Open Championships on Saturday, Thompson ran a slow 10.40 seconds in his semi-final heat, and decided against contesting the final, which Keston Bledman won. “I’m not the kind of person who goes around complaining,” Thompson began when asked yesterday to explain that decision. He revealed that he had been struggling with an injury to his left knee since “sometime in April” which had forced him to stay out of competition while working to resolve the problem. Thompson revealed that despite undergoing extensive recuperative therapy and strength conditioning work, the problem was not yet entirely resolved. “You know, no matter how much you do in the gym,” he said, “an athlete cannot judge how well he is until he gets on the track.” Saturday’s semi-final run simply confirmed that he still had some way to go on the road to recovery. “There is still some pain in the knee,” he went on, “and my team, my family and I have decided that I should skip Beijing (the World Championships in July) and concentrate on preparing for next year. The Olympics are far more important in the context of what it means to TT.”

Thompson was mindful that he turned 30 earlier this month, and while maintaining that otherwise, he was in fine shape, he was cognisant of the fact that as athletes age, their bodies take longer to recuperate. “When I was say, 23, I would shake it off and run through the pain,” he said with a smile, “but now I have to act responsibly and be patient.”

Three of Thompson’s four major medals have come in the sprint relays. In Beijing 2008, he ran second to Usain Bolt in the 100 metres and anchored TT to silver in the sprint relay. “Torpedo” also ran the anchor as TT won relay silver at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, and his relay bronze in London 2012 could soon be changed to silver, since the US squad was disqualified after Tyson Gay tested positive for anabolic steroid use.

Looking ahead at TT’s future sprint hopes on display over the weekend, Thompson singled out Concorde’s Shermund Allsop, who trains with him, and Abilene’s Jonathan Farinha as two youngsters who he felt could go on to success on the world stage. “Marcus (Duncan) has been unfortunate with injuries,” he added. “But I would have to say that our sprinting is not where it was around 2009-2012.” He also suggested that Michelle Lee-Ahye should back off and allow her body to heal fully. “It’s sad to see her not being at her best,” he said. “One moment she’s injured and a few weeks later she’s running again. She’s young and she has a long way to go.” Lee-Ahye, who was first injured in 2014, seemed to be hurt after running second to Kelly-Ann Baptiste in the Women’s 100m final on Saturday. Thompson expressed the view the 23-year-old ought to allow her body to recover fully before going back into competition.

As for his immediate plans, Thompson said that while the season ends for athletes around the end of September, he is likely to return to the gym sooner than most. He is expected to return to the US later this week.
Title: Re: Torpedo on track
Post by: Socapro on June 30, 2015, 05:43:08 PM
RT sent out some good advice to MLA in above report.

Also check out this interview RT did with CNC3 about struggling with a knee injury that he did after pulling out from the Men's 100m Final on Saturday. Click link to view: https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153436061802996
Title: Ato in charge of ‘Torpedo’
Post by: Socapro on September 13, 2015, 12:49:20 AM
Ato in charge of ‘Torpedo’ (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-08-26/ato-charge-%E2%80%98torpedo%E2%80%99)
By Andre Baptise (T&T Guardian)
Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2015

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson%20at%20Sagicor%20National%20Championships%202013_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson%20at%20Sagicor%20National%20Championships%202013_1.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson: Now in Ato's Camp

T&T’s four-time Olympic medallist and  former World 200 metres champion Ato Boldon, has accepted the role of preparing Richard ‘Torpedo’ Thomspon for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.

Boldon, who is currently performing multiple roles at the Beijing World Championships 2015, revealed yesterday that Thompson approached him and he had accepted the challenge to prepare the 2008 Olympic 100 metres silver medallist for the prestigious event next year.

Boldon said he always enjoyed a good relationship with Thompson and had known him since primary school. “He called me and said:  “You know what? I do not have too many more chances at this but I want to be at my best for the Olympics, so would you consider coaching me?”

Boldon said he responded positively but told Thompson such a development would mean moving to Florida.  “So he is in Florida right now looking for a house. So Richard Thompson will be joining my team.”

Boldon said he expects Thompson to be in Florida very soon since his camp starts in October. “Richard will be with me. My camp is a lot bigger than that of three but I just cannot reveal who is coming. There may be some other Trinidad and Tobago sprinters as well. As of right now, only Richard Thompson is confirmed and of course Khalifa St Fort,” he added.

One of his key roles in Beijing is part of the T&T coaching staff where he is focused on the relays. He is working closely with the women's 4x100 metres team.

“I have watched them train since we got here. I know how Michele (Lee Ahye) has been battling injuries and Kelly-Ann (Baptiste) is coming back from a couple years off, so I was very proud of the fact that they both made the finals. America had only one person in the final and we put two. This is very significant. I wish they could have run better but I think this set up for a nice run at the Rio Olympics, now that they have reached the finals some months ahead of the Games,” noted Boldon

Reflecting on the race which was won by Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Boldon said Ahye may have taken herself out of the race early because of a slow start.  “Michelle is a very inconsistent starter and when you are in a final with people running 10.7 and 10.8, you don’t have that luxury so she took herself out of it early.”

He thought Baptiste was a bit rusty. “When she is at her best, Kelly-Ann can start with anybody in the world but she has not been starting with that kind of form for quite some time,” he noted.

Boldon said both sprinters have to time their season better. “The times that it took to make the podium tonight, Michele was actually running in April in Gainesville at the Florida Relays. You have to time your season so that you are running your best times when it counts. That is what all the athletes here are trying to do—time your season to be at your best when it counts the most.” 

Apart from his role on the T&T coaching staff, Boldon is also an IAAF brand ambassador and NBC analyst.
Title: Sprinter Thompson inspires young athletes
Post by: Socapro on September 13, 2015, 12:54:20 AM
Sprinter Thompson inspires young athletes (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-09-13/sprinter-thompson-inspires-young-athletes)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Sunday, September 13, 2015

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Gatorade and Three time Olympic Silver Medalists Richard Thompson held a Sprinting Camp at Hasley Crawford Stadium Training Grounds, yesterday. Thompson showed some of the campers different techniques including stretching, proper form and diet and sports nutrition. PHOTO: KRISTIAN DE SILVA

Three-time Olympic medallist Richard Thompson says the opportunity to partner with sports drink manufacturer Gatorade to host yesterday’s inaugural sprinting camp in his name was a huge boast for his career. Some 100 emerging athletes from major clubs and schools across the country turned out for the Gatorade Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp held at the outfield at the Hasley Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain.

In a T&T Guardian interview the champion athlete cited the hunger he developed for new information about his sport just over two years ago, which guided him along the path to conceptualise and execute this clinic. In his view, it was part of his natural progression.

“I know where my head was a couple years ago, how much knowledge I wanted; how hungry I was for knowledge; how hungry I was to get better; and I know these kids are no different from me. I know there are a lot of people who see people like (Usian) Bolt and Maurice Greene and LaShawn Merritt and some of the top names and feel they want to be like them.

This is my way of assisting them to achieve that dream and to achieve that goal, but having these camps and giving them insight into things that could allow them to be better on a daily basis, that could allow them to be better in competition.

“And, who knows what this would lead to? If it’s as simple as them qualifying for Carifta Games and the regional meets; or going to a (foreign) university and doing better. It may mean becoming professionals from secondary school, but which ever way we could assist and try to get people better, it’s important to us. I’m extremely glad to associated with something like that,” he said. 

“I think it’s very important that we focus on the young talent in T&T. Keston Bledman and I have to have people continue to fly the flag when we decide that we are going to hang up our spikes. This is just part of the process-molding the young ones, giving insight into some of the things they may not be privy to or have any knowledge at all about-including things like strengthen and conditioning.”

Gregory Seale from Movement Mechanics enlightened emerging athletes on the two previous areas of training as well as nutrition during yesterday’s session. Thompson lamented that because proper nutrition usually had no place in programmes designed by young athletes and their parents, but declared if they did not eat right to fuel their bodies the right way then the hard work they put in was null and void.

Shane Cooper, meanwhile, an athlete development and sports performance specialist from Altis Performance Evolution brought his experience as an assistant sprint coach from a US-based educational facility to bear. Thompson said establishing himself as a brand synonymous with educating and nurturing in sport was crucial for him.

“It is something I’ve always wanted to do-to help kids out-because again every time I talk somewhere, every time I give a motivation speech, I talk about the impact that Ato Boldon had on me in primary school, coming into Newtown Boy’s...just his presence! This guy went to the same school as me, he is from the same country as me and here he is an Olympic medallist. Why can’t I do it too?

“This camp was to give kids hope, by me not only sharing stories with them and motivating them, but allowing them to interact with me going through the exercises and drills and accelerations; the stuff that I do as a professional,” Thompson said.
Title: Thompson impressed with turnout at Sprinting Camp
Post by: Socapro on September 13, 2015, 03:28:22 AM
Thompson impressed with turnout at Sprinting Camp (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,216961.html)
Sunday, September 13 2015 (T&T Newsday)

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THREE-TIME Olympic medallist Richard Thompson was impressed with the turnout of youngsters at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s Training Field in Mucurapo yesterday, at the inaugural Gatorade Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp.

The event, conducted by the ace Trinidad and Tobago sprinter, along with sports performance and corrective exercise specialists Gregory Seale and Shane Cooper, featured athletes from a number of schools and athletic clubs, including QRC Athletic Club, Fatima College Track and Field Team, Simplex Athletic Club, Memphis Pioneers Athletic Club and Zenith Athletic Club.

Speaking at the conclusion of yesterday’s session, the 30-year-old Thompson pointed out, “I thought it was a huge success. We actually got more people than we anticipated.

We catered for about 80 people and we ended up having just about 100 kids.

“The whole purpose of the camp was to be able to pass on knowledge that I’ve earned and gained as a professional,” he continued.

“They were able to get a lot of insights into the different aspects of what it takes to be a professional.

Many different things that we do as elite athletes, they were able to have a taste of it.

“And I’m really proud of everybody who had some involvement, including the athletes. I think they were very receptive to the information given to them and it was great.

I’m looking forward to doing more like (this).” Asked about how the event was conceptualised, Thompson replied, “when I initially spoke with Gatorade, one of my initiatives was being able to give back to the kids in Trinidad and Tobago.

“We said we were going to target some of the older athletes, who are about to make it to the next level, those with potential to be national athletes.

“I’m glad they were able to support the initiative and share the same vision that I had,” he added.

“It was a great success. Charlene De Freitas, Marc Mouttet were all very essential in (yesterday’s) success.

They put a lot of time and effort into preparing the event.” Such an initiative may lead one to wonder if Thompson may be eyeing a career as a coach, when he retires from active competition.

The 100-metre specialist noted, “not to toot my own horn but the kids seemed very interested in what I was saying.

They seemed very tuned in and seemed to be having fun. That was one of the main things I stressed with the Gatorade (representatives). I was able to have a balance between them having fun and me imparting the knowledge.

“Who knows, it’s not out of the question, it’s not something that I have in mind right now to pursue as a full-time coach,” he said. “As far as being a full-time coach, I don’t know. We’ll see how it goes.” A knee injury forced Thompson to curtail his 2015 season and he subsequently missed the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China last August.

“2015 was a terrible year for me,” was how he described his season.

“I had an injury that I started feeling in April and it progressively got worse. As a result I had to end the season in June.

I haven’t had to end my season early because of injury since 2004, so this is almost new for me, having that experience.

“This is my first summer since 2006 not representing Trinidad and Tobago at an international meet,” he added.

“So it was weird for me being home during the summer and actually spend time with my family.

“Out of every bad, something good always happens. I think I know the weaknesses that I have and I think I know how to strengthen them, for next year, to be better,” he ended.

In a media release, James Robertson, Marketing Manager, International Brands Division - VEMCO Limited, said, “Gatorade strives to advance our mission of enabling athletes to always perform at their peak.

“The Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp is a perfect example of this as we aim to help our young athletes go for gold, from the local stage to the world stage.”

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro002/Richard%20ldquoTorpedordquo%20Thompson%20poster%20sponsored%20by%20Gatorade.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro002/Richard%20ldquoTorpedordquo%20Thompson%20poster%20sponsored%20by%20Gatorade.jpg.html)
Title: An athlete’s plea*...Thompson impressed with Minister Smith
Post by: Socapro on September 13, 2015, 03:37:39 AM
An athlete’s plea*
Thompson impressed with Minister Smith (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150912/sports/an-athlete8217s-plea)
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 12, 2015, 7:45 pm AST (T&T Express)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Torpedo%20Thompson%20left%20foreground%20looks%20on%20as%20Shomari%20John%20gets%20out%20of%20the%20blocks%20during%20the%20Gatorade%20Richard%20Thompson%20Sprinting%20Camp.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Torpedo%20Thompson%20left%20foreground%20looks%20on%20as%20Shomari%20John%20gets%20out%20of%20the%20blocks%20during%20the%20Gatorade%20Richard%20Thompson%20Sprinting%20Camp.jpg.html)
GATORADE FUELS THE FUTURE: Richard “Torpedo” Thompson, left foreground, looks on as Shomari John gets out of the blocks during the Gatorade Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field, in Port of Spain, yesterday. Standing behind John is former quarter-miler Reginald Brown, an assistant coach at the camp. —Photo: ANISTO ALVES

Triple Olympic silver medallist Richard “Torpedo” Thompson is optimistic about the future of sport in Trinidad and Tobago, under the stewardship of newly-appointed Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Darryl Smith.

“I actually watched the news and I heard his speech,” Thompson told the Sunday Express yesterday, “and I was very impressed by the mentality that he has.”

After being sworn in to the new Cabinet on Friday, Smith proclaimed that he would be taking an “athletes first” approach to his job.

“He seems to be very athlete-oriented,” said Thompson, “and I think in this nation that’s what we need. We need to put the athletes first. We’ve seen in the past ministers coming in, and essentially they make themselves the number one priority. In order to see the athletes progress, as a Ministry, as a country, and as a Minister, Mr Smith has to follow through on his words and put the athletes first.”
Title: Mulugata happy with Thompson initiative
Post by: Socapro on September 14, 2015, 03:02:00 PM
Mulugata happy with Thompson initiative (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-09-14/mulugata-happy-thompson-initiative)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Monday, September 14, 2015

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Carifta bronze medallist Xavier Mulugata, 18, left greets Marc Mouttet, director, Vemco Limited while Olympic medallist Richard Thompson looks on. Occasion was Saturday’s inaugural Gatorade Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp held at the outfield at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain. PHOTO: KRISTIAN DE SILVA

Carifta bronze medallist Xavier Mulugata, 18, is applauding the vision of three-time Olympic medallist Richard Thompson to bolster the ability of emerging athletes through his inaugural sprinting camp.

The Gatorade Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp was the athlete development initiative undertaken by the Olympic sprinter on Saturday and held at the outfield at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain, with the aim of nurturing future champions in sport.

In a T&T Guardian interview, Mulugata, a 100m and 200m specialist, lauded the opportunity to be part of the weekend exercise which he firmly believed would strengthen his ability to medal going forward.

“Being the young athlete that I am, I came out here to learn more knowledge of the sport; to better the sport for my personal gain. It's good to meet with one of our local stars to get more knowledge. That's my main purpose,” he said.

Relating some major hurdles he had to overcome over the years, Mulugata said: “It was a hard road, because for the previous season, I've been in an out of injury. It was a hard road for me fighting with injury, trying to get to that competitive stage. So it wasn't an easy road at all. It was a lot of hard work and dedication and not giving up at all.”

Ahead of the practical sessions at the weekend, Thompson and his team engaged athletes in discussion on the importance of nutrition, before they went on to understand some aspect of the body's mechanics and how this area of knowledge could help an athlete run efficiently.

Gregory Seale and his team from Movement Mechanics and Shane Cooper of Atlis Performance Evolution were the coaching experts on hand to ensure the estimated 100 athletes in development achieved the right form in the execution of the routines.

Mulugata said: “The drills that were demonstrated here are very important drills, showing you how to work the smaller muscles, because a lot of people tend to forget about the smaller muscles. It's really about learning new stuff and incorporating it in your training sessions. Good drills were learnt. It’s really necessary for improvement and to carry about in your daily routine. I think it would enhance my performance in term of competitiveness.”
Title: NEW DAWN: 'Torpedo' Thompson excited about Ato move
Post by: Socapro on September 14, 2015, 03:07:56 PM
NEW DAWN
'Torpedo' Thompson excited about Ato move (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150913/sports/new-dawn-torpedo-thompson-excited-about-ato-move)
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 13, 2015, 9:48 pm AST (T&T Express)

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'LIKE THIS': Richard “Torpedo” Thompson gives a demonstration during the Gatorade Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field, Port of Spain, on Saturday. -Photo: ANISTO ALVES

Richard “Torpedo” Thompson will be in Florida in the first week of November, training under the watchful eyes of his new coach Ato Boldon.

Thompson, who cut short his 2015 season because of a knee injury, told the Express he is eagerly anticipating his partnership with Trinidad and Tobago's quadruple Olympic medallist.

“I'm looking forward to the move. I can't wait to start training with Ato. It's the change that I need. There's no guarantee that it will work but I think any athlete has to give himself the best chance and opportunity to perform at a high level.”

Thompson earned silver at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, finishing second to Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt in the men's 100 metres dash. Thompson also has two Olympic 4x100m silver medals, as well as a World Championship sprint relay silver. Individually, though, he has not been able to reproduce his Beijing 2008 podium success at the global level.

“I always say out of any bad situation something good comes. Being injured this year gave me a lot of time to sit back and reflect on the past couple of years as a professional athlete. I know I haven't performed to the standard I expect for myself and what others expect from me as well. As a result I decided to make a switch.

“I wanted a new environment,” the triple Olympic silver medallist explained, “and I wanted a new programme. I'm extremely grateful to coach Dennis Shaver and everything coach and the LSU (Louisiana State University) programme has done for me over the years. They've been great to me and moulded me into the professional athlete that I am today.

“But I just felt like I had gotten to a point in my career where I had been stagnant. I had literally been doing everything, from massages, strength and conditioning training, all the different things, and utilising the necessary resources and tools to get myself better, and I wasn't seeing the improvement that I wanted to make.”

Boldon, meanwhile, was coaching teenager Khalifa St Fort in Florida. The American-born teenager made huge strides under Boldon's guidance. She lowered her personal best in the 100m to 11.19 seconds, and earned silver for T&T at the 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships and gold at the Pan American Junior Championships. She was also part of the women's 4x100m squad that bagged bronze at the IAAF World Championships.

“It came to my attention,” said Thompson, “that Ato was coaching Khalifa, who I believe is a huge talent and has great potential to do big things eventually. I always said that I think Ato would make a great coach. He's very knowledgeable, he's very up to the time, and he's a very proud person so if he puts his hands on something he wants it to be done in a particular way.

“I thought about it for a while,” the Torpedo continued, “then I picked up the phone and I called him, and I asked him if he would be interested in helping me to prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He jumped at the opportunity, he was extremely enthusiastic about it. We started planning one time. It's a great, great relationship. It moved from Ato being my idol to becoming my friend to becoming my mentor and motivator, to now being my coach.”

Thompson is currently in Trinidad, preparing for his move to Florida.

“Shayne Cooper is helping me, Orlando Ortega, Peter Campbell. They are pretty much preparing me to be ready for Ato. I know Ato's programme is going to be tough, and I want to show up ready for whatever he has in store for me to do. I had a knee injury this year and that's something we had to focus on as well.

“I will officially start training with Ato in the first week of November. Ato is the head of the table. He is the one in charge and has the final say.”

Thompson said he will benefit from being part of a small training group.

“There's Khalifa, and also the possibility of another athlete coming over. Regardless of who it is, it still means intimate work. It wouldn't be a big group of us. That way Ato has time to have a special eye on us. That's essentially what I need right now. I need eyes on me full-time to straighten out some of the mistakes I've been making. These little details sometimes make a huge difference.”

Thompson, the national record holder in the 100m at 9.82 seconds, is confident he can still compete with the world's best sprinters.

“With the level Bolt and (Justin) Gatlin are performing at right now, and young kids like Trayvon Bromell and Andre De Grasse coming up and medalling in World Championships this year, it's tough competition. In order to put myself back in the mix again, there's a lot of work to be done.”

Bolt, the reigning world and Olympic champion in both sprints, will be the man to beat at the Rio Games.

“Just mounting the podium again would be a huge success for me,” said Thompson. “Bolt proved himself to be not just a physical champion this time, but he proved himself to be a mental champion, and he's a very difficult person to overthrow. People always say to shoot for the stars and you could beat whoever you put your mind to, which I essentially believe.

“But I also believe,” the 30-year-old T&T track star continued, “it has to be incrementally done, and you have to take small steps to eventually make it to the finish line. Right now I'm just taking those small steps, and it means me being 100 percent healthy again and working very hard running amongst the elite again. A medal in Rio would be the icing on the cake.”
Title: PLEA TO SPORTT and Minister Smith
Post by: Socapro on September 14, 2015, 04:33:44 PM
PLEA TO SPORTT and Minister Smith (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10104994497094815&set=a.10102591849200455.1073741826.23418731&type=1&theater)
From Richard 'Torpedo' Thompson, facebook Page
Monday, 14 September 2015

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Richard Thompson conducts Sprinting Camp, at Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field

While there were a number of positive things that came from the Gatorade Richard Thompson camp this weekend, there was something that left me upset and quite frankly utterly embarrassed. I want you to pay attention to the condition of the track in the background of this picture. A similar pic ended up on the back page (and website) of the Trinidad Express, which can be seen around the world.

This is our warm up track at the Hasely Crawford stadium. How do we allow a NATIONAL FACILITY to deteriorate this badly? It is the responsibility of the Sport company of T&T (SPORTT) to ensure that all national facilities are maintained to a particular standard. I'm not sure what the explanation is for allowing the track to reach this state but its condition is unacceptable.

Many national athletes use this track to train and ALL of our athletes vying for a position on any national team warm up on this track before competing.

Minister Smith, I understand that you are newly appointed and your plate is full but my humble request is that you make this a priority on your to-do list. I'm calling on you because I believe that you have a genuine interest in progressing the youth of T&T. Please address this matter with SPORTT to ensure that we show some form of national pride in what belongs to us.
Title: Rio window: ‘Torpedo’ Thompson buoyed ahead of Olympic season
Post by: Socapro on September 14, 2015, 11:51:18 PM
Rio window
‘Torpedo’ Thompson buoyed ahead of Olympic season (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150914/sports/rio-window)
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 14, 2015, 8:21 pm AST (T&T Express)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Promotions/Richard%20Thompson%20vs%20Usain%20Bolt.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Promotions/Richard%20Thompson%20vs%20Usain%20Bolt.jpg.html)
Looking for new start in Florida: Richard Thompson

A window of opportunity. This is Richard “Torpedo” Thompson's take on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Trinidad and Tobago sprint star turns 31 next June, a couple months ahead of his bid for Olympic honours.

“I don't have it in my head that Rio is my last Olympics,” Thompson told the Express, “or my last shot. When you look at the top sprinters in the world right now…Justin Gatlin is 33, Tyson Gay is the same age, Asafa Powell is the same age (32). These guys have been around for a long time, so it's not impossible that I go to another Olympics and possibly do well there.

“But as people say you have to strike while the iron is hot. I still have youth on my side, and I still feel as though I have the energy and what it takes to run fast times. I want to capitalise on that opportunity. A lot can change between 2016 and 2020. When it's your time to do something you need to capitalise on it, especially as a professional athlete.

“We have a window that you're possibly going to perform at your best. When that window closes, it's very difficult to try to open it again. Sometimes it's shut and it's shut forever. For me it's still open and I want to find my way through it.”

Thompson was just 23 when he seized men's 100 metres silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, in China. He was a finalist at the 2012 London Olympics, but was unable to secure a podium finish.

Thompson has decided to make a coaching change ahead of the Rio Games. The US-based sprinter is moving his training base from Louisiana to Florida, where he will be coached by T&T's quadruple Olympic medallist and 1997 200m world champion Ato Boldon.

“As I progress to next season,” said Thompson, “I intend to put in the work. I know that Ato expects nothing less of me as far as giving a hundred percent, and I expect nothing less from him as well, giving a hundred per cent. Hopefully that relationship fosters great results.”

But while Thompson is optimistic that his decision to team up with Boldon will bear fruit, he is managing his expectations.

“I don't want to say it's my time. I want to take things step by step. I don't want to count the eggs before they hatch. I would like for it to be my year, and I am confident that I can do it based on the mentality that I have right now, that I can push to be better and better than I have ever been.

“But I do understand,” he continued, “that it takes a great amount of work. I'm up to the task, and if God has it in his plans for me to be a medallist or a champion or whatever it is again, I'd be grateful.”

A knee injury forced Thompson to call off his 2015 campaign in June. As a result, the triple Olympic silver medallist missed out on last month's IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

“My experiences have taught me that even through failures and bad times, the Lord always has a blessing for each and every person. Out of many bad situations I've had a lot of blessings, including this year. Being injured was disappointing. It was my first year since 2006 not being on a national team throughout the summer, and that was tough for me.

“It was weird too, being at home over the summer, but the blessing that came was that I got to spend a lot of time with my son Rhys and my fiancée (Monique Cabral). I got to spend a lot of time with my family in Trinidad and my family in Toronto. It also helped me make the decision to move to Ato, which I think is a good decision. I'm never discouraged by failure. I may be disappointed but never discouraged.”

Thompson is currently in T&T doing off-season training and rehabilitative work on his injured knee.

“I wouldn't say it's completely behind me, but I've been doing work to strengthen it and get it better. I've been doing a lot of the work relatively pain free which is a good sign.”

The Queen's Royal College old boy returns to Louisiana early next month, and will begin training in Florida in November.

“I'm in the middle of looking for a house in Florida. I never thought I'd say I'm sad to leave Louisiana, but in hindsight Louisiana has been my home for a third of my life, for the last 10 years…great people, great culture, just a wonderful place. I love Louisiana. But in order for me to achieve great things again I have to move away from Louisiana, on to bigger things.

“My fiancée and I spoke about moving to Florida some day and being closer to home, being closer to the family. By moving to Ato, we get a head start, and we look forward to a bright future in Florida. I'm not looking forward to the 10-hour drive (from Louisiana), but everything else will be fine afterwards.”
Title: Re: Torpedo on track
Post by: Aviator on September 15, 2015, 06:33:32 AM
Hope the move does work out for him. Just wished he had made a similar move earlier. Actually , take that back. He was with JS, but left for reasons I cannot remember.

Anyway, I hope he gets all the success he expects from this move because this championship cycle is more than likely has last hurrah.
Title: Giving back: Thompson inspires next generation of T&T sprinters
Post by: Socapro on September 28, 2015, 02:42:54 PM
Giving back
Thompson inspires next generation of T&T sprinters (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150927/sports/giving-back)
By Sean Taylor, sean.taylor@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 27, 2015, 10:02 pm AST (T&T Express)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro022/Richard%20Thompson%20second%20from%20left%20looks%20on%20at%20Ethan%20Forde%20foreground%20as%20he%20runs%20through%20drills%20at%20Track%20and%20Field%20Development%20Camp%20at%20HCS.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro022/Richard%20Thompson%20second%20from%20left%20looks%20on%20at%20Ethan%20Forde%20foreground%20as%20he%20runs%20through%20drills%20at%20Track%20and%20Field%20Development%20Camp%20at%20HCS.jpg.html)
FUN IN THE SUN: Multiple Olympic medallist Richard Thompson, second from left, looks on at Ethan Forde, foreground, as he runs through drills with 50 children selected from primary and secondary schools at the Track and Field Development Camp at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, on Saturday. --Photo: Kerwin Pierre

Fifty primary school youngsters were treated with a master-class of professional sprinting training tips as Atlantic Sports Ambassador, and multiple Olympic medallist Richard Thompson, spearheaded their Track and Field Development Camp at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, on Saturday.

“When I partnered with Atlantic a year ago, this was a vision of mine to give back through various camps,” Thompson said regarding the session. “I did a camp just about two weeks ago and the focus was a bit different in that we targeted teenagers who are possibly on the verge of going to university.”

Saturday’s camp, however, catered mostly to a younger group of athletes from the 8-12 age range, and five children were chosen by Atlantic from different primary school districts around the country.

The T&T Olympian and current national 100-metre record holder conducted several drills with the children including push-ups, various forms of abdominals, his own personalised routine called the “Torpedo Circuit”, as well as a series of relays to close off the morning.

Ethan Forde was one of the youngsters that stood out in the sessions. The 13-year-old, a student of Fatima College, is currently the Atlantic Athlete of the Year and looks to have a promising future in track and field.

“I actually had the pleasure of meeting him and giving him the award,” Thompson told the press. “He’s a well-spoken young man, very focused, very hard-working and I expect to see good things from him in the future if he stays on the right path.”

Forde told the media that Thompson is his idol and hopes to emulate him someday. The T&T sprinter was happy to be an inspiration to the future generation. “It’s actually good to have an impact on people and to know I can make a difference, whether it’s physically being there with them or just from my accomplishments on the track.

Thompson also emphasised the importance grassroots-level training for the future of the sport, particularly with the mission to win ten gold medals by 2024.

“I think it’s extremely integral that we build from the ground up,” he said. “We’re trying to target some of the younger ones because they will be the ones we expect to win the gold medals by 2024. Not Keston Bledman, not Richard Thompson, not Marc Burns.

Brian Lewis is on a great campaign, and my dad always told me when I was younger to aim for the stars and worst-case scenario you end up on the rooftops, but you’re still higher than ground level.”

Thompson intends to continue spreading his knowledge and expertise across schools despite Saturday’s camp being the last of its kind for the year. He said that he will be heading to El Dorado Secondary on Friday, as he is familiar with their programme from his secondary school days.

At the end of the training, the pupils received certificates from not only Thompson, but also from fellow Atlantic Sports Ambassadors; T&T cricketer Sunil Narine and Keshorn Walcott, who famously threw his way to an Olympic gold medal in the javelin event at London 2012.
Title: ‘Torpedo’ trains, inspires young sprinters
Post by: Socapro on September 28, 2015, 06:01:34 PM
‘Torpedo’ trains, inspires young sprinters (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,217628.html)
By ASHFORD JACKMAN Sunday, September 27 2015 (T&T Newsday)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro025/Richard%20Thompson%20conducting%20Atlantic%20Track%20amp%20Field%20Training%20Camp%20-%20Elevating%20the%20future%20generation.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro025/Richard%20Thompson%20conducting%20Atlantic%20Track%20amp%20Field%20Training%20Camp%20-%20Elevating%20the%20future%20generation.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson conducting Atlantic Track & Field Training Camp - Elevating the future generation

THREE-TIME Olympic silver medalist Richard Thompson spent roughly two hours in blazing sun on the running track at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday, guiding a group of athletically talented kids through a series of exercises and drills used by track athletes in training. It was an effort in keeping with the character of one of the country’s most popular athletes; a man whose humility and commitment to country has always stood out.

“You can’t build a strong house if you don’t have a strong foundation,” he told reporters following the session. “This is the purpose of what we’re doing here today — we’re trying to target some of the younger ones because they will be the ones that we expect to win the gold medals by 2024; not Keston Bledman, not Richard Thompson, not Marc Burns- you know, we’ve been around for a while.” The event was the final stage of the track and field element of the Atlantic Sporting Ambassador Programme that seeks to develop talented TT youths who show potential in several sporting disciplines, including swimming, cricket and sailing. A fortnight ago, Thompson had started with a group of already developing athletes. This clinic targeted kids between the ages of eight and 12; but yesterday, he had more than just track in mind.

“We wanted to introduce them to track and create awareness for sport and exercising at that age,” he explained. “A lot of kids now in our generation are stuck in front of the television, playing X-Box, PS3 and PS4. I think it’s my duty to bring them out of the house, show them different exercises, show them what it takes to be a great athlete.” Thompson has been back home for several weeks, going through the first stages of preparation for what could well be his swansong in the most prestigious arena for his sport — the Olympic Games in Rio 2016. Determined to ensure that TT’s tradition of great sprinters continues, he was making his contribution with the 20- odd youngsters who came out yesterday.

“I remember being very young and looking at Hasely Crawford and Ato Boldon and saying, these people are Olympic medalists and Olympians, and maybe it’s just something ingrained in them, they were born with it. But I didn’t know the actual process of coming to training everyday, working hard for many hours, all the different exercises. Those were things I didn’t have any knowledge about, so from a very long age I want to instil that into them, make them aware that if they do these little things each day, day in, day out, if they believe in themselves, have focus and the dedication and the discipline...” The partnership with Atlantic, therefore, came naturally. Derek Daniel, Atlantic’s Brand and Communications manager explained that yesterday’s exercise was an extension of a programme that has been running for over a decade.

“We invest heavily in the youth development area in sports,” he told Newsday.

“Atlantic has been the sponsor of primary schools cricket for the last 12 years; this is our tenth anniversary with football this year and with track and field, four years. We believe that this is where the future lies, so our investment is primarily around the youth of TT.” Thompson confessed that having been through the mill himself, he had long wanted to impart the basics to those who are likely to replace his generation of athletes.

“A lot of the things that we focused on today were very basic,” he said, adding, “But I would say, for the age group that we are dealing with, I am almost certain that around TT they aren’t doing these little exercises, so as basic as it may seem to a lot of people, at this age it’s new to them and they would have gained a lot of knowledge today.” Yesterday’s target group would be approaching maturity in 2024, the year TT Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis has set in the drive he champions for TT to achieve ten Olympic medals.

Asked for comment, Thompson explained why he was in support of it.

“I think it’s a realistic goal, as long as we start putting that in their minds from now. Brian Lewis I think has a great campaign there, and even if it is that we don’t win ten gold medals in 2024. My dad always told me when I was younger, you aim for the stars and the clouds; worstcase scenario, you end up on the rooftop, so you’re still higher than ground level.

Even if we end up with five gold medals in 2024, it would be a step up from where we are right now.” Thompson plans to visit a couple of schools in the coming week, hoping to reach out and inspire other talented youngsters; one of them, he said, will be the former El Dorado Secondary which played a significant role in the development of the likes of Darrel Brown, Marc Burns and Dion Rodriguez, among others.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Sando prince on September 29, 2015, 06:47:58 PM
VIDEO Report; https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153670543557996/ (https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153670543557996/)

Quote
RICHARD THOMPSON TRAINING CAMP

Richard Thompson has been a busy man over the last few weeks.

This past weekend the Olympic silver medalist completed his third training camp in the last three weeks
.
.
Title: Re: Torpedo on track
Post by: Sando prince on September 29, 2015, 06:49:58 PM

^^ I noticed there are two separate threads dedicated to RT.  Feel free to delete one of my Video Report posts if the threads are eventually merged
Title: Re: Torpedo on track
Post by: Socapro on September 29, 2015, 11:28:14 PM

^^ I noticed there are two separate threads dedicated to RT.  Feel free to delete one of my Video Report posts if the threads are eventually merged
:beermug:
Title: Thompson motivates Atlantic coaches
Post by: Socapro on September 29, 2015, 11:53:52 PM
Thompson motivates Atlantic coaches (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150928/sports/thompson-motivates-atlantic-coaches)
Published on Sep 28, 2015, 8:23 pm AST (T&T Express)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro025/Richard%20Thompson%20at%20Atlantic%20Sprint%20Camp.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro025/Richard%20Thompson%20at%20Atlantic%20Sprint%20Camp.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson

The primary school coaches may have attended the third annual Atlantic Coaching Excellence (ACE) Symposium to hear about football and cricket, but an ethical governance lawyer, a management consultant and an Olympic track and field athlete were also on the propgramme, held earlier this month at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre.

Sponsored by LNG producer Atlantic, the Symposium supplemented the technical training given to the coaches in special certification sessions held earlier this year as part of the ACE Programme.

Under the ACE Programme, Atlantic helps to prepare the coaches to meet international standards in their respective disciplines by enlisting the guidance and expertise of Cricket Australia and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA). To date, Atlantic has facilitated certification for more than 600 primary school coaches.

During the Symposium, the coaches were exposed to sessions on Leadership Development by Management Consultant, Nigel Wall; Ethical Governance by Atlantic's Senior Attorney-at-Law, Oresa Charles and a motivational address by Atlantic Sports Ambassador and Olympic Sprinter, Richard “Torpedo” Thompson.

Cricket coaches who were certified this year also received tokens from Atlantic Sports Ambassadors, Kieron Pollard and Thompson.
Title: Primary school coaches inspired by ACE
Post by: Socapro on October 01, 2015, 08:02:25 PM
Primary school coaches inspired by ACE (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-09-30/primary-school-coaches-inspired-ace)
Published: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro027/Coaches%20pose%20with%20Richard%20Thompson%20back%20row%20centre%20and%20Kieron%20Pollard%20at%20Atlantic%20Symposium%20last%20month..jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro027/Coaches%20pose%20with%20Richard%20Thompson%20back%20row%20centre%20and%20Kieron%20Pollard%20at%20Atlantic%20Symposium%20last%20month..jpg.html)
Coaches pose with Richard Thompson, back row, centre, and Kieron Pollard at Atlantic Symposium last month.

Primary school coaches may have attended the third annual Atlantic Coaching Excellence (ACE) Symposium to hear about football and cricket, but an ethical governance lawyer, a management consultant and an Olympic track and field athlete were on the event’s agenda, which was held earlier this month at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre.

The symposium supplemented the technical training given to the coaches in special certification sessions held earlier this year as part of the ACE Programme. Under the programme, Atlantic helps to prepare the coaches to meet international standards in their respective disciplines by enlisting the guidance and expertise of Cricket Australia and the T&T Football Association (TTFA).  To date, Atlantic has facilitated certification for some 600 primary school coaches.

Addressing the coaches at the symposium, vice president, Corporate Operations at Atlantic Toni Sirju-Ramnarine said, “Atlantic’s vision has always been to help enable the next generation of cricketers and footballers and we want you to become partners in our mission.

“Over the last three years, the ACE Programme has facilitated international certification for 600 coaches in primary school cricket and football. The ACE Programme also took you through specialised leadership training in the annual ACE Symposium. Each Symposium helped to facilitate your holistic development. You have learned that you are more than mere coaches: you are also mentors and counselors, training children not only in sporting techniques but also imparting to them life skills to equip them to build a brighter future.”

During the Symposium, the coaches were exposed to sessions on Leadership Development by Management Consultant, Nigel Wall; Ethical Governance by Atlantic’s Senior Attorney-at-Law, Oresa Charles and a motivational address by Atlantic Sports Ambassador and Olympic Sprinter, Richard “Torpedo” Thompson. Cricket coaches who were certified this year also received tokens from Atlantic Sports Ambassadors, Kieron Pollard and Richard Thompson.

Rhonda Jones, a participant in the programme since its inception in 2012, said that the sessions had helped to boost her confidence in her cricket coaching abilities.   

“As a certified cricket coach, I feel more confident about my ability to nurture the love for the game that the children have,” Jones said. “Every time I attend these symposiums, I learn something new about developing and mentoring children in a professional way. Some children may have learning disabilities or problems at home. Now, I am better able to detect these things and deal with them in a better way, you know.”

Theo Boyce, a football coach attached to the Port of Spain Educational District, said that the programme had given him new perspectives about the development of the children he coached. 

“I have to interact with a lot of young boys and girls who live under very difficult conditions,” Boyce said.  “Sessions like today help me to mentor these children and give them the encouragement they need to use their talents on the field to go further in life.”

Boyce also said the Symposium’s session on Ethical Governance would help him in his personal capacity as a sporting administrator.

The coaches also commended their session in the Symposium with Thompson who shared his experiences on the international athletic circuit. Thompson spoke of the admiration he felt for his own coach and the influence of his coach on his success to date. He encouraged the coaches to continue in their “calling” to produce sporting stars that excel both on and off the field. In addition to nurturing future generations of athletes through the Atlantic National Primary Schools Cricket League and the Atlantic National Primary Schools Football League, LNG producer Atlantic has committed to provide these young athletes with all the necessary tools to succeed.
Title: Thompson inspires pupils on Gatorade school tour*
Post by: Socapro on October 28, 2015, 07:58:38 PM
Thompson inspires pupils on Gatorade school tour* (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151021/sports/thompson-inspires-pupils-on-gatorade-school-tour)
Published on Oct 21, 2015, 10:11 pm AST (T&T Express)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro035/Richard%20ldquoTorpedordquo%20Thompson%20centre%20in%20Gatorade%20jersey%20poses%20with%20members%20of%20the%20Queenrsquos%20Royal%20College%20athletics%20team%20during%20the%20Gatorade%20school%20tour.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro035/Richard%20ldquoTorpedordquo%20Thompson%20centre%20in%20Gatorade%20jersey%20poses%20with%20members%20of%20the%20Queenrsquos%20Royal%20College%20athletics%20team%20during%20the%20Gatorade%20school%20tour.jpg.html)
INSPIRATION: Richard “Torpedo” Thompson, centre in Gatorade jersey, poses with members of the Queen’s Royal College athletics team during the Gatorade school tour.

On the heels of a successful sprinting camp with secondary school athletes last month, triple Olympic silver medallist Richard “Torpedo” Thompson continued to motivate pupils during a school tour sponsored by Gatorade. On Friday October 2, students from Queen’s Royal College (Thompson’s alma mater) and St Francois Girls’ College enjoyed close-up time with the star sprinter.
In addition to the motivational talk by Thompson, students received donations of Gatorade drinks, coolers and bottles. Following his talk, Thompson answered questions from the audience and took photographs with the eager students and teachers. His presence at the schools had a great impact as participants lauded him for his achievements and ability to inspire them to go to great lengths in pursuit of their dreams.
Title: More 200s for Thompson, Baptiste, says coach Ato *
Post by: Socapro on October 28, 2015, 10:13:55 PM
More 200s for Thompson, Baptiste, says coach Ato * (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151019/sports/more-200s-for-thompson-baptiste-says-coach-ato)
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Oct 19, 2015, 8:08 pm AST (T&T Express)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro036/Ato%20Bolden%20with%20young%20athletes%20in%20his%20Camp%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro036/Ato%20Bolden%20with%20young%20athletes%20in%20his%20Camp%202015.jpg.html)
YOUNG CHARGES: Coach Ato Boldon, right, back row, poses with his group of young athletes at Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida, USA. Standing next to Boldon is 15-year-old Gabriel Serrano. Standing in the front are 17-year-old Sarah Wollaston, left, 10-year-old Samantha Kavanagh and 17-year-old Khalifa St Fort. --Photo courtesy ATO BOLDON

The Ato Boldon training camp is located in Miramar, Florida, USA, but has a distinctly Trinidad and Tobago feel to it. Richard "Torpedo" Thompson is the national record holder in the men's 100 metres at a sizzling 9.82 seconds. Kelly-Ann Baptiste, meanwhile, is the fastest-ever T&T woman, having clocked 10.84 on two occasions.

Both Thompson and Baptiste will be coached by Boldon in the build-up to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Another T&T athlete, 2015 IAAF World Youth Championship girls' 100m silver medallist Khalifa St Fort is part of the Boldon camp. Sarah Wollaston, who will challenge for a spot on T&T's 2016 Carifta Games team, started training with the quadruple Olympic medallist last week. And American quartermiler Natasha Hastings, who will train twice a month in Florida under Boldon's guidance, is a Trinbagonian of sorts. Her mother, Joanne Gardner-Hastings represented T&T in athletics.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Sando prince on January 03, 2016, 06:10:57 AM

CONGRATS to Richard Thompson :beermug:

Richard Thompson Ties The Knot!

The Olympic silver medalist wedded his long time sweetheart of ten years, Monique Cabral at the All Saints Anglican Church on Saturday (Jan 2).

https://www.facebook.com/120001471370258/photos/a.125598920810513.8647.120001471370258/944041998966197/?type=3&theater
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Deeks on January 03, 2016, 07:12:24 AM
Hearty Congrats to Mr and Mrs Thompson. God Bless.
Title: REAL THREAT ...Boldon sees Thompson pushing for Rio medal
Post by: Socapro on March 09, 2016, 06:26:08 PM
REAL THREAT*
Boldon sees Thompson pushing for Rio medal (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160130/sports/real-threat)
By Mark Pouchet, mark.pouchet@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Jan 30, 2016, 8:52 pm AST (T&T Express)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro120/Richard%20Thompson%20Team%20TTO.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro120/Richard%20Thompson%20Team%20TTO.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson

Trinidad and Tobago multiple Olympic medallist Ato Boldon is confident a reinvigorated Richard Thompson, under a new programme tailored by Boldon himself, could challenge for a medal in the men’s 100 metres dash at this year’s Rio Olympics.

And Boldon also believes his youngest charge, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and First Citizens Youth Female awardee Khalifa St Fort, can possibly dip under 11 seconds this year.

Thompson, a silver medallist in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, switched camps from his alma mater Louisiana State University to Boldon last November.

And Boldon, a four-time Olympic medallist, said with some tweaks to his programme, Thompson is making the gains to set himself up as a serious challenger to the Men’s 100m podium.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Socapro on June 26, 2016, 10:51:42 AM
Richard Thompson wins T&T 2016 National Trials in new SB of 9.97 and says best is yet to come in after race interview.

Richard Thompson & Sorrillo Goes SUB-10 Men's 100m Final T&T National Trials 2016
https://www.youtube.com/v/bC9lrEfLTk4
2016 NGC/SAGICOR/NAAA NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Live Results @ ttnaaa.org - 6/24/2016 to 6/26/2016 HASELY CRAWFORD STADIUM

Men's 100 Meter Dash Final

1 Thompson, Richard 85 Rebirth 9.97 OG 1.7 2
2 Sorrillo, Rondell 86 LA Brea 9.99 OG 1.7 2
3 Bledman, Keston 88 Simplex 10.10 OG 1.7 2

4 Callender, Emmanue 84 Memphis Pioneers 10.19 1.7 2
5 Duncan, Marcus 86 Rebirth 10.25 1.7 2
6 Greaux, Kyle 88 Abilene 10.27 1.7 2
7 Allsop, Shermund 91 Concorde 10.31 1.7 2
8 Morain, Moriba 92 Simplex 10.33 1.7 2

Richard Thompson On Winning 100M (After race interview)
https://www.youtube.com/v/CXx8ZXWduLk
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: A.B. on June 27, 2016, 05:05:55 PM
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Deeks on June 27, 2016, 05:50:02 PM
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Aviator on September 06, 2016, 08:30:49 AM
Laugh and cry does live in the same house.....

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,232839.html
Quote
Ato, Torpedo part ways
Tuesday, September 6 2016

THE PARTNERSHIP of multiple Olympic medallists Ato Boldon and Richard “Torpedo” Thompson has ended, with Boldon, in his new role as a coach, focusing instead on the up-and-coming teenaged sensation Khalifa St Fort.

Thompson approached Boldon to be his coach in August 2015 and the pair worked together in the lead-up to last month’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

But Thompson had a poor showing at the Games, as he was eliminated in the first round of the men’s 100 metres and was part of the men’s 4x100m relay team who were disqualified in the final.

According to a story on CNC3 News last night, Boldon was quoted as saying, “(Thompson) just feels like he has to move on. I think we were honest about how much attention Khalifa gets in the camp and I think he felt, at some point this year, that my focus is so much on Khalifa that everybody else sorts of takes a back seat.

“Richard will continue to run, for how much longer I don’t know,” continued Boldon.

“That is up to him. Richard will continue to run but he and I will not be working together, even though we remain friends.”
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Sando prince on September 06, 2016, 08:38:09 AM

smh like ah soap opera drama episode

Quote
But Thompson had a poor showing at the Games, as he was eliminated in the first round of the men’s 100 metres and was part of the men’s 4x100m relay team who were disqualified in the final.

According to a story on CNC3 News last night, Boldon was quoted as saying, “(Thompson) just feels like he has to move on. I think we were honest about how much attention Khalifa gets in the camp and I think he felt, at some point this year, that my focus is so much on Khalifa that everybody else sorts of takes a back seat.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Aviator on September 06, 2016, 08:47:33 AM
That part in bold, is what has me shaking my head. Why invite Richard to the camp, if you know you can't give him the attention he deserves. Worst yet, is that it reads as if he was playing favorites.

#poorconduct
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Controversial on September 07, 2016, 10:58:06 PM
That part in bold, is what has me shaking my head. Why invite Richard to the camp, if you know you can't give him the attention he deserves. Worst yet, is that it reads as if he was playing favorites.

#poorconduct

After that poor showing I doubt Ato will attract athletes unless st fort win Gold in the future.. Ah love Ato but he failed as a coach with the team.. Our athletes should have at least medaled.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Aviator on September 08, 2016, 11:33:14 AM
That part in bold, is what has me shaking my head. Why invite Richard to the camp, if you know you can't give him the attention he deserves. Worst yet, is that it reads as if he was playing favorites.

#poorconduct

After that poor showing I doubt Ato will attract athletes unless st fort win Gold in the future.. Ah love Ato but he failed as a coach with the team.. Our athletes should have at least medaled.

In Ato's defense he was not the national coach and such a title means very little in the T&F world. All a national T&F coach does is pretty much being a manager and making sure that the athletes who don't have their personal coaches with them, have their workouts supervised and the athletes have everything they need. Richard and Khalifa were his only two direct charges. Everyone else had their own coach who was responsible for their prep.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: A.B. on September 12, 2016, 01:52:52 AM
...failed with the team... ??? and Aviator, no-one was invited. I don't invite anyone.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Controversial on September 12, 2016, 08:15:10 PM
That part in bold, is what has me shaking my head. Why invite Richard to the camp, if you know you can't give him the attention he deserves. Worst yet, is that it reads as if he was playing favorites.

#poorconduct

After that poor showing I doubt Ato will attract athletes unless st fort win Gold in the future.. Ah love Ato but he failed as a coach with the team.. Our athletes should have at least medaled.

In Ato's defense he was not the national coach and such a title means very little in the T&F world. All a national T&F coach does is pretty much being a manager and making sure that the athletes who don't have their personal coaches with them, have their workouts supervised and the athletes have everything they need. Richard and Khalifa were his only two direct charges. Everyone else had their own coach who was responsible for their prep.

My apologies when I said team I meant Atos contingent that decided to be coached by him... But I rescind my comments because i thought he had other athletes under him..

My bad Ato... Trinidad journalism needs to be more clear when they are reporting about something...
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: andre samuel on September 15, 2016, 04:08:17 AM

Quote

“Richard will continue to run, for how much longer I don’t know,” continued Boldon.

“That is up to him. Richard will continue to run but he and I will not be working together, even though we remain friends.”

I can understand why Ato would gravitate towards Khalifa, in my opinion, that can be considered normal since she is like his little diamond.

But the main thing that i am picking up in this article is that Ato is simply suggesting that Richard is done.  I also think that one more failure at next year's worlds and Richard will have no choice to accept it.

And to "Contnroversial's" point about medaling...............Ato or not, which athletes you seriously thought would have medaled?  I actually had us down for 2 medals at these games, the 4x400m men and the 4x100m women.  But both weren't able to due to the disqualification and Baptiste not being at her usual exceptionally high standard.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Flex on May 18, 2020, 05:38:11 AM
Thompson: Finish what you start
JELANI BECKLES (NEWSDAY)


SOME would think that a three-time Olympic medallist will have nothing else to prove, but Richard Thompson said completing his university degree was important as he wants to be an example for others to finish what you start.

Thompson, now 34, started his college degree at Louisiana State University (LSU), United States in 2005, but was unable to complete it as his track and field career soared in 2008. What started 15 years ago came to an end on Friday, as Thompson graduated virtually at LSU with a degree in sociology after completing the five classes required to do so.

As the world continues to battle the global covid19 pandemic, Thompson pointed out, “The most important thing, as my parents have said to me, is I have the certificate. I am officially a college graduate now and that is something to be very proud of. Even after all of these years just going back and having the determination and drive to get back into school and complete this chapter of it was something that has always been important for me.”

Thompson, a former student at Queen’s Royal College (QRC), sprinted his way to a silver medal in the men’s 100-metre at the 2008 Beijing Olympics behind Jamaican legend Usain Bolt. Thompson was part of the quartet that initially earned silver in the men’s 4x100m relay, but ten years later the local team was upgraded to gold after Jamaica’s Nesta Carter tested positive for a banned substance. Marc Burns, Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender and Aaron Armstrong (reserve) were also part of the TT team.

Thompson copped his third Olympic medal at the 2012 Games in London when he joined Callender, Burns and Bledman to snatch silver in the 4x100m relay.

Thompson, who was also a top footballer at QRC, said as an athlete most people only see his achievements on the track, but the Olympian is cognisant of how valuable an education is. “This side of me always knew that going back to school was important and finishing what I started because we are also more than athletes as well. People know our physical capabilities, but the education is something that will go even further and a much longer way than anything you could achieve athletically.”

Thompson said he wanted 2020 to be his last year as an athlete signing off with the 2020 Tokyo Games, but he also wanted his degree in hand. The Olympic Games has been postponed to 2021 and Thompson was able to spend enough time on his degree.

Speaking about his experience back on campus, Thompson said he wanted to inspire other athletes. “I contacted coach (Dennis) Shaver. Immediately he was excited about me coming back and the administration at LSU was very excited about me coming back and finishing up and being an example to their student-athletes that are currently there.

"I wanted to be an example for our kids in TT as well to let them know that Richard is a good runner, Richard has achieved a lot at the professional and Olympic level, but he also values the importance of education and hopefully, by me coming back and making this next step, is an example to those who come after me.”

Thompson, asked if students stared at him wondering 'who is this old man', responded, “Well, fortunately, I don’t look like an old man, so I was able to blend in and just fit right in with the others,” he said laughing.

Thompson, who felt at home at LSU, was proud of his attitude saying he was a more disciplined student compared to when he started his degree.

On competing at the 2021 Olympics, Thompson said he would like to participate but is taking it one step at a time.

“Where we are at now as far as preparation for 2021? I am just monitoring everything that is going on to see what will happen for the rest of this season and I know there is that possibility of there not being an Olympics next year with everything that is going on.”

(https://newsday.co.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/8845435-768x1024.jpg)

Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Deeks on May 18, 2020, 08:49:59 AM
Congrats, Blue Blood Royalian! Blessings to You and Your Family!!!
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Sando prince on May 22, 2020, 05:22:38 PM

Richard Thompson Graduates From Louisiana State University  :beermug::clap:

https://www.youtube.com/v/UfULTB84OBU
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Flex on July 27, 2020, 12:56:00 PM
'Torpedo' patient despite delay for 2008 gold
JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH (NEWSDAY).


Three-time Olympian Richard "Torpedo" Thompson is remaining patient amid the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) delay in presenting 2008 Beijing Olympics gold to TT's4x100m relay men's team.

Nine years after Thompson and relay teammates Keston Bledman, Marc Burns and Emmanuel Callender finished as runners-up behind Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, Michael Frater, Asafa Powell and Nesta Carter, the winners were stripped of their medals after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the IOC decision to strip Carter of gold for a positive doping result.

Carter’s anti-doping violation saw the IOC automatically upgrade TT to gold medal status, Japan to silver and Brazil to bronze.

As per the new IOC medal reallocation policy, the TT relay men were given options on how they wished to receive their new gold medals.

Their options were: to be awarded at a ceremony at the next IAAF World Championship or Continental Championship; a presentation at the next major TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) event – a National Championship, sport awards or gala; a private ceremony in co-ordination with the TTOC or at the next Olympic Games.

The team chose the latter with the IOC bearing the cost of the athletes and two guests being flown to the Games.

Due to the rescheduling of the Tokyo Games to 2021 due to the global covid19 pandemic, Thompson and his compatriots must now wait a bit longer to receive athletics’ most esteemed prize.

“We expected to have the medals by now but given the circumstances, we understand. The pandemic has forced the world to adjust, so this is just another instance of doing what is necessary to protect our health and the well-being of others as well,” Thompson said in a telephone interview on Saturday.

The four sprinters will go down in TT history books as the nation’s third recipients of Olympic gold. Hasely Crawford won men's 100m gold in 1976 in Montreal and Keshorn Walcott captured javelin gold in London in 2012.

Thompson remains optimistic that once “things return back to normal,” the IOC, TT Olympic Committee and athletes would meet and confirm an official date for the medal presentation.

The former Louisiana State University (LSU) sprinter remains hopeful the relay squad will get a chance to sing the national anthem atop the podium in Tokyo.

“This is a special moment for us as a team, and for us as a country. We look forward to hearing the anthem and seeing our flag raised as those gold medals hang around our necks,” he added.

TTOC president Brian Lewis lamented the postponement of the medal presentation but said the decision was ideal given the worldwide health crisis.

“Due to covid19, the IOC had to put off the event. The athletes are fully aware of the situation and we await a final decision on when they will be crowned men’s 4x100m relay Olympic champions,” he said.

Carter’s anti-doping violation saw sprint legend Bolt lose one of his nine Olympic gold medals. Bolt had claimed Olympic triple gold (100m, 200m, 4x100m) in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Deeks on December 19, 2020, 04:57:09 PM
Mulugata happy with Thompson initiative (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-09-14/mulugata-happy-thompson-initiative)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Monday, September 14, 2015

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Xavier%20Mulugata%2018%20left%20greets%20Marc%20Mouttet%20director%20Vemco%20Limited%20while%20Olympic%20medallist%20Richard%20Thompson%20looks%20on.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Xavier%20Mulugata%2018%20left%20greets%20Marc%20Mouttet%20director%20Vemco%20Limited%20while%20Olympic%20medallist%20Richard%20Thompson%20looks%20on.jpg.html)
Carifta bronze medallist Xavier Mulugata, 18, left greets Marc Mouttet, director, Vemco Limited while Olympic medallist Richard Thompson looks on. Occasion was Saturday’s inaugural Gatorade Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp held at the outfield at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain. PHOTO: KRISTIAN DE SILVA

Carifta bronze medallist Xavier Mulugata, 18, is applauding the vision of three-time Olympic medallist Richard Thompson to bolster the ability of emerging athletes through his inaugural sprinting camp.

The Gatorade Richard Thompson Sprinting Camp was the athlete development initiative undertaken by the Olympic sprinter on Saturday and held at the outfield at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain, with the aim of nurturing future champions in sport.

In a T&T Guardian interview, Mulugata, a 100m and 200m specialist, lauded the opportunity to be part of the weekend exercise which he firmly believed would strengthen his ability to medal going forward.

“Being the young athlete that I am, I came out here to learn more knowledge of the sport; to better the sport for my personal gain. It's good to meet with one of our local stars to get more knowledge. That's my main purpose,” he said.

Relating some major hurdles he had to overcome over the years, Mulugata said: “It was a hard road, because for the previous season, I've been in an out of injury. It was a hard road for me fighting with injury, trying to get to that competitive stage. So it wasn't an easy road at all. It was a lot of hard work and dedication and not giving up at all.”

Ahead of the practical sessions at the weekend, Thompson and his team engaged athletes in discussion on the importance of nutrition, before they went on to understand some aspect of the body's mechanics and how this area of knowledge could help an athlete run efficiently.

Gregory Seale and his team from Movement Mechanics and Shane Cooper of Atlis Performance Evolution were the coaching experts on hand to ensure the estimated 100 athletes in development achieved the right form in the execution of the routines.

Mulugata said: “The drills that were demonstrated here are very important drills, showing you how to work the smaller muscles, because a lot of people tend to forget about the smaller muscles. It's really about learning new stuff and incorporating it in your training sessions. Good drills were learnt. It’s really necessary for improvement and to carry about in your daily routine. I think it would enhance my performance in term of competitiveness.”

I was told by my cousin,Xavier's stepfather, that he  graduated from LSU with a degree in Sport Administration just recently. Good luck to the yute and hopefully see him on the TTO team in Tokyo next year, God Willing.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: A.B. on December 22, 2020, 05:19:02 PM
This is what I posted in October.

"We now have ZERO 100/200m pro prospects on the horizon - and the men's and women's relay teams, as teams do, have aged out of being competitive at Worlds or Olympics."

Here is a stark example.

It's great that the young man got his degree, but he has regressed at LSU, maybe more than anyone else who ever went there.

His times would not be competitive at Carifta 2021.


Let's move on.
Title: Re: The Official Richard "Torpedo" Thompson Thread
Post by: Deeks on December 22, 2020, 07:46:32 PM
Hello Ato. I am not sure, but I think he also had injury issues. How are You doing Breds? Stay safe.
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