Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => What about Track & Field => Topic started by: Socapro on February 07, 2015, 03:13:32 PM
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Nero eyes Rio
...proud of T&T Half Marathon beaver-trick (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Nero-eyes-Rio-291118771.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 6, 2015 at 9:12 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Tonya%20Nero%20Athlete.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Tonya%20Nero%20Athlete.png.html)
OLYMPIC GOAL: Tonya Nero
Tonya Nero is determined to be among the starters in the Olympic Games women’s marathon, on August 14, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Nero came agonisingly close to qualifying for the 2012 London Games when she returned a national record time of two hours, 43 minutes, 14 seconds at the 2012 ABN Amro Marathon in Rotterdam, Holland. Trinidad and Tobago’s best-ever female distance runner needed a 2:43:00 run to realise her Olympic dream.
Nero told the Express she had been planning to return to Rotterdam in April in a bid to qualify for the Rio Games. However, she is now doing a re-think.
“I just started back training properly when the year started, so a run further down in the year would be better to go after the qualifying time. I’ll have two shots at it—this year and next year—and I know that once I put my mind to it I can achieve it.”
Nero also has the 2015 IAAF World Championship women’s marathon on her radar. But in order to compete in that 26.2-mile race, on August 30 in Beijing, China, she would need to achieve the 2:44:00 qualifying standard in another marathon.
As part of her marathon preparation, Nero competed in the 2015 T&T International Half Marathon. The 26-year-old athlete was unchallenged for the women’s title, clocking one hour, 19 minutes, 30 seconds in the 13.1-mile race to complete a beaver-trick of victories. She won in 2012 in 1:19:06, and successfully defended her title the following year with a 1:23:42 run. Nero followed up last year with a 1:20:25 triumph, before winning for the fourth straight time on January 25. Her 1:19:30 clocking was also good enough for third spot overall, behind men’s winner Shayne Barran (1:18:15) and runner-up Lionel Dandrade (1:18:26). The next best female finisher was more than 12 minutes slower than Nero.
“Most of the competition is in the full marathon,” said Nero, “but it still feels good to have won. I try to run for a specific time, and my goal was under one hour, 20 minutes, so it was an achievement for me.”
Nero’s winning run, however, was more than four minutes adrift of the 1:15:13 national half marathon record she had established in finishing 27th at the 2012 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, in Kavarna, Bulgaria. Earlier that year, the Maracas Valley runner had returned home after completing her studies at Wichita State University in Kansas, USA.
“I had a lot of challenges when I came back home from the US. It’s a whole different atmosphere. At Wichita, it was just training and schoolwork, and I had access to all the facilities. But now that I’m home, I have a lot of responsibilities, including my younger siblings. But I’m getting used to the change now.”
Funding has also been a challenge for Nero.
“I have to make it to the top three in an IAAF-recognised meet to qualify for elite funding, which means I need to be a medallist at the regional level. The last time I got elite funding was in 2013. It has been challenging to prepare without it.”
The T&T distance running star is hoping that the new Minister of Sport, Brent Sancho would approve some kind of funding to assist in her Olympic qualifying bid.
“For now, I’m just training, seven days a week in Maracas Valley and at the Queen’s Park Savannah. I’ll keep running all the road races at home—5Ks, 10Ks, whatever—some for time and others as training. And I’ll keep liaising with Paul Voisin, who offers me guidance.”
Nero explained that she still uses training programmes provided by her Wichita State coach, Kirk Hunter.
“Paul oversees my training, and would adjust it in the build-up to races. Last year, I trained with Samantha Shukla, Jenelle Nedd and Kerticha John. So far this year, Samantha and I have been training together.”
Nero, Shukla and George Smith will represent T&T at the February 22 Pan American Cross Country Cup, in Barranquilla, Colombia. The Cup will also serve as the North America, Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) Cross Country Championships and the South American Cross Country Championships.
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T&T’s Jessica James voted Southland top athlete (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-02-06/tt%E2%80%99s-jessica-james-voted-southland-top-athlete)
Published: Friday, February 6, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
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Jessica James (400m/600m/800m)
T&T’s Jessica James was voted by the Southland Conference Sports Information Directors on Wednesday as its Female Athlete of the Week in recognition of her excellent weekend of competition at Texas Tech’s Masked Rider Open.
Against a field of 43 competitors, James a Junior of Abilene Christian University won the 600-yard run last Friday in one minute, 23.53 seconds and on Saturday she was victorious in the 400-metre dash, edging South Plains sophomore Diamond Gause at the finish line by .15 seconds, 55.78 to 55.93.
The Iowa Central transfer then ran the second leg of ACU’s third-place 4x400-metre relay, which completed its course in 3:50.44. Fellow newcomers Kimone Green and Petrene Plummer and sophomore Taylor Yantis joined James on the relay.
A Couva-native, and a five-time Carifta Games medalist James has also competed at World Juniors, World Relays, World Youth Games, Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships, and the The North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships.
During her two years at Iowa Central, James was part of two championship teams: 2013 outdoors and 2014 indoors and won the Kansas Relays 800m.
She also won the 600m at the junior college national indoor meet and anchored the winning 4x800m relay.
Her personal bests include a 54.2 in the 400m, 2:09 in the 800m and 1:31 in the 600m.
James is ACU women’s Track and Field’s first-ever winner of a Southland Athlete of the Week citation.
Last season this honour was earned twice by hammer thrower Baptiste Kerjean (Jan. 29 and April 16), and once by multi-athlete Luke Woods (February 5) and sprinter Johnathan Farquharson (February 19).
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I know very little of Jessica. Does she have potential, guys. Now Nero is a good athlete. I hope she makes the times for the Olympics. All those people with discretionary income can assist Tonya. Buy a 500 dollar costume for carnival. Send the rest to Tonya.
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Lalonde tops Armory 300 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Lalonde-tops-Armory-300-290608991.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 2, 2015 at 11:58 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Lalonde%20Gordon%202012%20London.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Lalonde%20Gordon%202012%20London.png.html)
DOUBLE OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST: Lalonde Gordon
Trinidad and Tobago’s Lalonde Gordon topped the men’s invitational 300 metres field at the Armory Track Invitational in New York, USA, on Saturday. The double Olympic bronze medallist stopped the clock at 32.57 seconds. Gordon is second on the 2015 world indoor performance list, behind Czech Republic’s reigning world indoor 400m champion Pavel Maslak (32.53).
Odou Hazel claimed silver in the Armory Track Invitational college men’s 500m event. The ASA College student returned a time of one minute, 02.45 seconds.
There was a double triumph for Jessica James at the Masked Rider Open, in Texas. The Abilene Christian University junior won the women’s 600 yards in 1:23.53, and the 400m in 55.78 seconds. South Plains College freshman Aaliyah Telesford clocked 57.34 for eighth spot overall in the 400.
Reyare Thomas emerged victorious in the women’s 200m in 23.73 seconds, while sixth spot went to Western Texas College sophomore Marissa Gale (24.87). Jereem Richards finished second in the men’s 400m in 46.49 seconds, while his South Plains teammate, Domonique Williams clocked 2:16.28 for second spot in the women’s 800m.
Telesford got to the line in 7.04 seconds to finish fourth in the women’s 55m final. Thomas was disqualified for a false start. In the semifinal round, Thomas clocked 6.96, and Telesford 7.00.
At the Paradise Valley indoor meet, in Arizona, Arizona State University student Jamol James won the men’s 60m in 6.71 seconds.
In Texas, Michelle-Lee Ahye seized silver in the Howie Ryan Invitational women’s 60m final in 7.16 seconds. Ivory Coast sprinter Murielle Ahoure won in a world-leading 7.08. Ahye is fifth on the 2015 global performance list, thanks to her 7.16 run.
Pennsylvania State University’s Steve Waithe produced a 15.77 metres effort to finish second in the men’s triple jump, at the Penn State National Invitational, in Pennsylvania. Coppin State University junior Deandra Daniel cleared the bar at 1.82m for second spot in the women’s high jump.
At the Razorback Invitational, in Arkansas, Sparkle McKnight secured bronze in the women’s 400m in 52.67 seconds--her fastest clocking this season. The University of Arkansas senior is eighth on the 2015 world indoor performance list. For eight days in January, McKnight was the world-leader at 52.89.
Another T&T athlete, Texas A&M University’s Carlyle Roudette was 12th overall in the Razorback Invitational men’s 400m in 47.64 seconds.
At the Indiana Relays, Western Kentucky University student Peli Alzola finished third in the women’s 60m final in 7.65 seconds, and fourth in the 200m in 25.06.
In Arizona, Mikel Thomas was eighth fastest in the Mountain T’s Invitational men’s 60m finals in 6.87 seconds. He had clocked 6.80 in the qualifying round. And Thomas was disqualified in the 60m hurdles finals for a false start, after qualifying third fastest with a 7.90 seconds run.
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US victories for Lendore, Ahye and Gordon (http://www.sportscoretobago.com/news/us-victories-for-lendore-and-ahye/)
by Clayton Clarke (sportscoretobago@gmail.com)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20and%20Texas%20AampMrsquos%20Olympic%20medalist2.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20and%20Texas%20AampMrsquos%20Olympic%20medalist2.jpg.html)
OLYMPIC RELAY BRONZE MEDALLIST: Deon Lendore
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WORLD RELAYS BRONZE MEDALLIST: Michelle-Lee Ahye
Olympic bronze medallist Deon Lendore and World Relays Championship bronze medallist Michelle-Lee Ahye notched victories in the US on the weekend. Lendore sped to the top spot in the men’s indoor 400m at the Aggie Invitational on his home track at University of Texas A&M in 45.68 on Saturday, February 7. The reigning NCAA Indoor and outdoor champion got the line well ahead of George Baylor’s Caddick (46.54) and Michael Cheeks of Clemson (46.74). Ahye sped to an impressive triumph in the women’s 60m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Boston on Saturday in a outstanding time of 7.15. The 2014 World Indoor finalist beat out Olympic 4x100m gold medallist Tianna Bartoletta of the USA (7.19) and Ghanaian Flings Owusu-Agyapong (7.26).
Olympic and World Relay bronze medallist Jarrin Solomon, national 110m hurdles record holder Mikel Thomas and 2012 World Indoor and Junior bronze medallist Jereem Richards were second in their events. Solomon was runner up in the men’s 600m at the New Mexico Classic in 1 minute 17.80 seconds (1:17.80,) missing his national mark of 1:16.19 set in 2013. American Shaquille Walker finished ahead of Solomon in 1:17.32.Thomas took silver in the men’s 60m hurdles in 7.72 behind Olympic gold medalist and world 110m hurdles record holder Aries Merritt of the USA (7.57). Richards took second spot in the men’s 200m at the New Mexico Classic in a pb of 21.06.
World Junior sliver medallist Jeniel Bellille was third in the women’s 400m at the Aggie Invitational in 53.25. Reyare Thomas missed on on a top three finish in the women’s 60m taking fourth in 7.43. Last year’s TTOC Junior Sportswoman of the year Aaliyah Telesford was 7th in 7.54 in her debut season for South Plains Junior College. In the 200m Thomas was 10th (23.95) with reigning Carifta Girls under 20 200m champion Kayelle Clarke, now competing for New Mexico Junior College, in 44th (25.27). Jessica James (Abilene Christian) was also 10th in the 400m (55.83) while Micah Ballantyne (Adam State) finished 16th in the men’s 60m prelims in 6.97. Osei Alleyne-Forte of Abilene Christian was 17th in the 400m in 48.89 and 36th in the 200m in 22.32. Richards helped South Plains to fourth place in the 4x400m (3:10.65) ahead of Alleyne-Forte and his Abilene Christian team (3:12.35).
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Lalonde%20Gordon%202014%20Commonwealth%20Games.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Lalonde%20Gordon%202014%20Commonwealth%20Games.jpg.html)
DOUBLE OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST: Lalonde Gordon
Last week, double Olympic and Commonwealth bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon sped to victory in the men’s 300m the Armory Track Invitiational, New York in 32.57, just short of his national record mark of 32.47. Sparkle McKnight was third in the women’s 400m at the Razorback Invitational, Fayetteville, Arkansas in 52.67, shy of her national mark of 52.17. Carlyle Roudette was 12th in the men’s 400m in 47.64 while Lendore lead Texas A&M to the top spot in the men’s 4x400m in 3:03.23. Lendore was also part of his team’s distance medley relay which finished fourth (9:34.30).
RESULTS
Texas A&M Aggie Invitational, College Station, Texas, Feb 6-7
Men
400m-1st Deon Lendore (Texas A&M) 45.68
Women-1st Kineke Alexander (SVG) 52.46, 2nd Briana Nelson (USA) 53.13, 3rd Janiel Bellille (TTO) 53.25
New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Roxbury, Boston, Feb 7
Women
60m-1st Michelle-Lee Ahye (TTO) 7.15, 2nd Tianna Bartoletta (USA) 7.19, 3rd Flings Owusu-Agyapong (GHA) 7.26
Amory Track Invitational, New York, Jan 30-31
Men
300m-1st Lalonde Gordon (TTO) 32.57, 2nd Manteo Mitchell (USA) 32.81, 3rd Jermaine Browne (JAM) 32.91
New Mexico Classic, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Feb 6-7
Men
60m prelims-16th (3h4) Micah Ballantyne (Adam State) 6.97
200m-2nd (2h1) Jereem Richards (South Plains) 21.06 pb, 36th (3h8) Osei Alleyne-Forte (Abilene Christian) 22.32
400m-17th (3h2) Osei Alleyne-Forte (Abilene Christian) 48.89
600m-1st (1h1) Shaquile Walker (USA) 1:17.32, 2nd (2h1) Jarrin Solomon (TTO) 1:17.32
60m hurdles finals-1st Aries Merritt (USA) 7.57, 2nd Mikel Thomas (TTO) 7.72
prelims-4th (1h2) Thomas 7.83
4x400m-4th South Plains 3:10.65, 5th (1h2) Abilene Christian (Osei Alleyne-Forte) 3:12.35
Women
60 finals-1st Carmelita Jeter (USA) 7.31, 4th Reyare Thomas (TTO) 7.43, 7th Aaliyah Telesford (South Plains) 7.54
prelims-5th (1h1) Thomas 7.53, 8th (2h6) Telesford 7.55
200m-10th (4h3) Reyare Thomas 23.95, 44th (1h13) Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico Junior College) 25.27
400m-10th (2h3) Jessica James (Abilene Christian) 55.83
Razorback Invitational, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jan 30-31
Women
400m-1st (1h7) Taylor Ellis-Watson (Arkansas) 52.14, 2nd (1h8) Robin Reynolds (Florida) 52.27, 3rd (2h8) Sparkle McKnight (Arkansas) 52.67
Men
400m-12th (4h8) Carlyle Roudette (Texas A&M) 47.64
4x400m Relay-1st Texas A&M (Deon Lendore) 3:03.23
Distance Medley Relay-4th Texas A&M (Deon Lendore) 9:34.30
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Lendore third on latest IAAF World Indoor Rankings (http://lendore-third-on-latest-iaaf-world-indoor-rankings)
by Clayton Clarke (sportscoretobago@gmail.com)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20LendoremdashMoscow%202013.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20LendoremdashMoscow%202013.jpg.html)
Deon Lendore is at number three in the world in the men’s indoor 400m rankings
Olympic bronze medallist Deon Lendore is Trinidad and Tobago’s highest ranked athlete on the latest IAAF World Indoor Performance List. The Queen’s Royal College graduate is at number three in the men’s 400m following his 45.68 victory at the Aggie Invitational at his University of Texas A&M track in College Station, Texas on Saturday, 7 February. The time is short of his national indoor mark of 45.03 set in 2014 and which was the top time in the world for the year. Lendore is behind American’s Najee Glass (45.34) and Vernon Norwood (45.56). Lendore and his Texas A&M team-mates clocked the fastest time in the world in the men’s 4x400m registering 3 minutes 3.23 seconds (3:03.23) seconds to win the event at the Razorback Invitional in Arkansas on January 31. Jereem Richards clocked the 15th fastest time in the globe running 46.49 to finish second at the Texas Tech Masked Rider Open on January 31. Richards was denied a personal best as his clocking was set on an oversized track. However, the 2012 World Indoor and World Junior 4x400m relay bronze medallist is at 17th in the men’s 200m with a personal best in the 200m clocking 21.06 to finish second at the New Mexico Classic in Albuquerque, USA on Saturday. Another TT sprinter Kyle Greaux is at 38th (21.25).
Last year’s Continental Cup 100m runner up Michelle-Lee Ahye is at 4th in the women’s 60m with her 7.15 victory at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston, USA on Saturday, Feb 7. The time is an improvement of 7.16 she set in finishing second in Houston, Texas on week earlier. Ahye is also 40th in the 200m with 23.80 with Reyare Thomas ahead at 32nd with her 23.73 run set on a oversized track. Sparkle McKnight is at 11th in the women’s 400m with her 52.67 third place finish at the Razor Back Invitational on January 31. Mc Knight’s previous seasons’s best of 52.89 on January 17 was the fastest time in the world then. World Junior 400m hurdles silver medallist Janiel Bellille is at 23rd with a 53.25 posting in her third place run at the Aggie Invitational. World Relays silver and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Rondel Sorillo is at number 13th in the men’s 60m with a pb run of 6.57 with veteran Olympic and World Championships multiple relay medallist Marc Burns sits 77th (6.70) and Jamol James at 88th (6.71).
Lendore is also third on the US Collegiate Division One rankings. The University of Texas A&M final year student is joined in the top ten by Mc Knight (7th-women’s 400m) and Deandra Daniel of Coppin State who is at seventh in the women’s high jump with a personal best distance of 1.84. Lendore’s Texas A&M team is at number one in the men’s 4x400m and 8th in the Distance Medley relay (9:34.30). McKnight and her Arkansas team is second in the women’s 4x400m with a time of 3;30.50 set on an oversized track. Arkansas is also second in the Distance Medley event with 11:01.80.
RANKINGS
IAAF World
Men
60m-1st Kim Collins (SKN) 6.48,-NR 1 Feb, 3 Feb, 2nd Akeem Haynes (CAN)/Trell Kimmons (USA) 6.51, 13th Rondel Sorillo (TTO) 6.57, 77th Marc Burns (TTO) 6.70, 88th Jamol James (TTO) 6.71
200m-1st Shavez Hart (BAH) 20.57, 2nd Sam Watts (GBR) 20.69, 3rd Jermaine Browne (JAM) 20.76, 17th 17th Jereem Richards (TTO) 21.06, 38th Kyle Greaux (TTO) 21.25
400m-1st Najee Glass (USA) 45.34, 2nd Vernon Norwood (USA) 45.56, 3rd Deon Lendore (TTO) 45.68, 15th Jereem Richards (TTO) 46.49 (oversized track)
4x400m-1st Texas A&M (Deon Lendore) 3:03.23
Women
60m-1st Murielle Ahoure (CIV) 7.08, 2nd Dina Asher-Smith (GBR)/Dafne Schipper (NED) 7.12, =4th Jasmine Todd (USA)/Michelle-Lee Ahye (TTO) 7.15
200m-1st Kyra Jefferson (USA) 23.06, 2nd Cierra White (USA) 23.18, 3rd Destinee Gause (USA) 23.22, 32nd Reyare Thomas (TTO) 23.73 (oversized track), 40th Michelle-Lee Ahye (TTO) 23.80
400m-1st Kendall Baisden (USA) 51.81 (oversized track), 3nd Shakima Wimbley (USA) 51.82 (oversized track), 3rd Ekatrina Renzhina (RUS) 52.08, 11th Sparkle McKnight (TTO) 52.67, 23rd Janiel Bellille (TTO) 53.25
4x400m-2nd University of Arkansas (Sparkle McKnight) 3;30..50 (oversized track)
Click for complete and latest IAAF World Indoor Performance List: http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/sprints/60-metres/indoor/men/senior/2015
NCAA Division 1
Men
400m-3rd Deon Lendore (Texas A&M) 45.68
4x400m-1st Texas A&M (Deon Lendore) 3:03.23, 4th Texas A&M (Lenodre and Carlyle Roudette) 3:07.28
Distance Medley-8th Texas A&M (Lendore) 9:34.30
Women
400m 7th-Sparkle McKnight (Arkansas) 52.67
High jump-7th Deandra Daniel (Coppin State) 1.84m
4x400m-2nd Arkansas (Sparkle McKnight) 3:30.50
Distance Medley-2nd Arkansas (McKnight) 11:01.80
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Eyes on Kelly-Ann Baptiste track return (http://news.power102fm.com/eyes-on-kelly-ann-baptiste-track-return-27251)
By Melissa Stanisclaus On February 11, 2015 (News Power 102 FM)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Kelly-Ann-Baptiste-01.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Kelly-Ann-Baptiste-01.jpg.html)
Kelly-Ann Baptiste back on track
Having been declared last month free to compete again with immediate effect, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, once Trinidad and Tobago’s queen of sprinting , is having her nation in eager wait for her first race whether at home or abroad.
The USA-based, Tobago-born 28-year-old has been off the competition blocks since July 2013 as it was in early August of that year that she withdrew from representing Trinidad and Tobago at the World Track and Field Championships in Moscow, Russia on information reaching the TT delegation there that she had failed a dope test done earlier in the year.
It was only last month that there was a finality about her stay out of competition with the National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago announcing without giving details that she was indeed free to compete again.
Since her absence, Michelle-Lee Ahye has grabbed the headlines for her winning streak in world sprinting and Lee Ahye has already started 2015 running and winning as she did indoors at 60 metres on Saturday last at the New Balance Meet in the USA.
With another world championships due later this year in Beijing and the Olympic Games to come in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next year, Trinidad and Tobago can’t help but follow the fortunes of its cadre of world-beat athletes like reigning javelin throw Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott, reigning world 400-metre hurdles champion Jehue Gordon and others like Machel Cedenio, the evergreen Richard Thompson and Cleopatra Borel and hurdlers Mikel Thomas and Wayne Davis III.
Meanwhile Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt is eager to reassert his supremacy following an injury-plagued season in which American Justin Gatlin took over as the number one ranked sprinter.
“I felt like I’d retired, the way people were talking about Justin Gatlin,” Bolt said with a laugh on Tuesday at the launch of Puma’s Ignite line of running shoes. “I found it to be funny. Like wow, I’m one season out and it’s like I retired.”
Bolt proclaimed himself fit for the new season, which peaks at the Aug. 22-30 world championships in Beijing on the way to the 2016 Rio Olympics, and said he hoped to resume his record-setting ways.
A relaxed Bolt, who has ruled the 100 and 200 meters in the Olympics since 2008 and holds both world records, said Gatlin just kept his seat warm.
“Justin Gatlin did well, he kept the sport exciting,” the Jamaican said. “He kept people wanting to see us compete. For me it’s OK, and I’m always looking forward to competition.”
Bolt, 28, is scheduled to open his 2015 campaign with a 400 meters in Jamaica at Saturday’s Camperdown Classic, but did not sound keen.
“I’m trying to get out of it,” said Bolt, who finds the 400 to be a chore to run.
Bolt wants to focus on the 100 and 200.
“One of my biggest goals is to go sub-19,” Bolt said about the 200 meters and his world record of 19.19 seconds. “That’s one thing I want to accomplish before I retire so I’m pushing myself. I’m working hard and we’ll see what happens.”
Bolt, who also added relay gold to his 100 and 200 Olympic sweeps in Beijing and London, is aiming for a mind-boggling triple Olympic triple.
“Just adding to my accolades,” he said. “That’s the key thing. You can only keep making yourself greater by adding great moments.”
Bolt would not venture to rank himself among the greatest athletes over the decades including Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps.
“When you’ve done great things, then people say he’s one of the greatest. All you can do is add to your greatness until it’s time to leave the sport.”
Bolt said his career finish line would come at the 2017 worlds.
“They convinced me to go one more year but they won’t convince me to do any more,” said Bolt. “Definitely in 2017 I’ll stop.”
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Thompson joins Atlantic Sports family (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,206800.html)
Wednesday, February 11 2015 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson4%20100m%20London%202012.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson4%20100m%20London%202012.jpg.html)
Richard Thompson, Olympic medallist
RICHARD THOMPSON, the three-times Olympic medallist, has become the sixth local athlete to become an Atlantic-sponsored Sports Ambassador, following in the footsteps of cricketers Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Merissa Aguilleira; another Olympic medallist George Bovell III (swimming) and Andrew Lewis (sailor).
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 29-year-old Thompson took silver at both the men’s 100-metre sprint and the 4x100m relay, and he also claimed bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay at the 2012 London Olympics.
The signing of Thompson by the LNG producer Atlantic shows the company’s ongoing commitment to youth and sport development in Trinidad and Tobago.
Thompson said, “I am very excited about this opportunity and to be part of such a great initiative from Atlantic. I started in the sport at the age of eight, and that is where the foundation was laid for my career today.
“I had a lot of support from so many people in the sporting fraternity, and I believe in paying it forward. Being a part of Atlantic’s Sports Ambassadors Programme opens a window for me to do that,” he added.
Nigel Darlow, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic, pointed out, “having an athlete of Richard’s calibre as part of our Atlantic Sports Ambassadors Programme is incredibly important as so many young children look for inspiration and encouragement from our senior athletes.”
He continued, “not only is Richard successful on the track, but he is a wonderful role model who can positively reinforce the lessons which Atlantic hopes to instill through our various sporting programmes.”
Thompson is looking forward to competing in his third Olympic Games — the 2016 episode in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
However he noted, “I think it is very important when companies invest in sport at the junior level because that is where a lot of the groundwork takes place, and the experiences can have an enduring impact on a young athlete. I hope that I can, in some small way, support Atlantic in motivating these children and help them to have positive experiences in their chosen discipline.”
Atlantic supports young and emerging talent at the primary school level through its sponsorship of the Atlantic National Primary Schools’ Cricket League, the Atlantic National Primary Schools’ Football League, and the Atlantic National Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships, as well as other sporting programmes, including swimming, in and around its home community of Point Fortin.
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Daniel betters best in Maryland (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Daniel-betters-best-in-Maryland-291613781.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 12, 2015 at 1:00 AM ECT (T&T Express)
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Deandra Daniel: CLEARED 1.84 METRES
Deandra Daniel emerged victorious in the women’s high jump at the Nelson Townsend Invitational, in Maryland, USA, on Saturday. The Coppin State University student cleared the bar at a personal best 1.84 metres.
Coppin State sophomore Mark London finished fifth in the men’s mile in four minutes, 40.22 seconds. Another Trinidad and Tobago/Coppin State athlete, Haysean Cowie-Clarke was sixth in the men’s 60m final in 7.44 seconds. He had clocked 7.07 in the preliminary round.
At the Aztec Indoor Invitational, in Arizona, Ruebin Walters topped the men’s 60m hurdles field in a personal best 8.12 seconds. The Central Arizona College student also competed in the 200m, finishing fourth overall in 22.13.
There were second-place finishes for two other T&T/Central Arizona athletes. Akila McShine earned silver in the 60m hurdles and 60m flat events, clocking 8.97 and 7.80, respectively. Hezekiel Romeo, meanwhile, produced a personal best of 17.61 metres to secure the runner-up spot in the men’s shot put. He was fifth in the weight throw with a 13.36m effort.
At the Giegengack Invitational, in Connecticut, Kiersten LaRoche struck gold in the women’s 60m hurdles in a personal best 8.80 seconds.
The Temple University senior also had a good showing in the long jump, finishing second with a 5.76m leap. And in the shot put, LaRoche threw the iron ball 10.20m to finish 13th.
In Nebraska, Kadisha Francois finished 31st in the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational women’s 200m in 25.51 seconds. The Missouri State University student clocked 58.81 for 32nd spot in the 400m.
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Brown, Sorrillo, Maharajh get elite funding (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Brown-Sorrillo-Maharajh-get-elite-funding-291614351.html)
Story Created: Feb 12, 2015 at 1:07 AM ECT (T&T Express)
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Former World Youth 100-metre record holder, Darrel Brown
Darrel Brown was among seven athletes who received elite funding yesterday from new Minister of Sport Brent Sancho.
Brown captured men’s 100 metres silver at the 2003 IAAF World Championships in Paris, France, but has been struggling to find his best form in recent years. According to a Ministry of Sport press release, Brown “expressed his appreciation to the Ministry for his funding”.
“He indicated that this fund is necessary,” the release continued, “since the maintenance for athletes to perform at their peak and without injuries is very expensive. Brown further stated that he is looking forward to the Pan-American Championships (Pan Am Games) in Toronto in 2015. More specifically, his main focus is the World Championships where he foresees attaining his most successful accomplishments for 2015 whilst having an opportunity to improve his rankings.”
Brown, his fellow track and field athletes, Kai Selvon, Shawna Fermin, Geronne Black, Romona Modeste and Rondel Sorrillo, as well as cyclist Varun Maharajh, received a combined total of $397,500 from Minister Sancho.
Olympic medallists, Lalonde Gordon and Richard “Torpedo” Thompson, quartermiler Zwede Hewitt and boxer Michael Alexander received elite funding at an earlier date.
“The total sum of the Elite Athlete Funding released by the Ministry of Sport,” the press release stated, “for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 thus far is $1,015,000.
“Financial assistance is geared towards the provision of sport science and technology, and meets required nutritional needs.”
According to the release, Minister Sancho acknowledged the challenges of the elite funding programme.
“But one of the mantles that he intends to progress vigorously is consulting with athletes to find out how the Ministry of Sport can better serve them by maintaining a high performance level and in so doing, proudly fly the red, white and black at meets such as the upcoming 2015 Pan American Senior Games, NACAC Senior Championships, World Relay Games in Bahamas and the World Championships in China.
“In closing, Minister Sancho said he is very proud of the nation’s athletes and looks forward to a very successful 2015 and more so, Rio Brazil where he would like to see this country receive at least 10 gold medals.”
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One million fifteen thousand for 11 national athletes with Big Games participation up ahead (http://news.power102fm.com/one-million-fifteen-thousand-for-11-national-athletes-with-big-games-participation-up-ahead-27271)
By Melissa Stanisclaus On February 12, 2015 (News Power 102 FM)
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Rondell Sorillo & Kai Selvon among 11 national athletes who should benefit from elite funding
Boxer Michael Alexander, cyclist Varun Maharajh and nine track and field atheletes including one-time World Youth 100-metre record holder Darrel Brown were yesterday named by the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Sport as recipients of elite athlete funding to the tune of one million fifteen thousand dollars.
Kai Selvon, Shawna Fermin, Geronne Black, Romona Modeste, Rondell Sorillo along with Maharajh and Brown received their fund quotas yesterday while the Ministry of Sport said Richard Thompson, Lalonde Gordon, Zwede Hewitt and Alexander were previous recipients.
Minister of Sport Brent Sancho who took up office ten days ago presided at yesterday’s fund distribution at the Ministry’s downtown Port-of-Spain office.
Funds disbursed to the seven athletes yesterday were said too have totalled $397, 500.
The communique from the Ministry of Sport outlined the pathways to the provision and also the suspension of funding with the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee serving as the last line of linkage between the fund-seeking athlete and the Ministry of Sport.
The funds help approved athletes to meet expenses for competition which include
coaching fees, Nutritional and medical supplies, Travel expenses for training, Travel expenses for sanctioned competitions and pre-games tours, Accommodation for training and Professional services [like for example physiotherapy, medical treatment];
The athletes all have the Pan Am Games and World Championships to contest this year ahead of next year’s Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Athlete are also required to provide details of information on sponsorship or other financial support, a listing of training facility (ies) to be used, duration of usage and facility user fee as well as details on the athlete’s Technical Team inclusive of mailing and email addresses and contact numbers for the Coach, Trainer, Nutritionist, Psychologist, Therapist and others.
In addition, copies of the Technical Team members’ supporting credentials (both hard and soft copies) are among the requirements.
It is also mandatory verification of their Professional Status.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee serves as the last line of linkage between the fund-seeking athlete and the Ministry of Sport. Once the athletes’ application meets the criteria laid out, the funds are disbursed directly to the athlete.
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Lendore, Ahye sizzle in US
Comeback victory for Baptiste (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Lendore-Ahye-sizzle--in-US-292539721.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 18, 2015 at 11:56 PM ECT (T&T Express)
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WINNING RETURN: Kelly-Ann Baptiste
While many of their compatriots were enjoying the build-up to Carnival 2015, last weekend, Trinidad and Tobago track stars Deon Lendore and Michelle-Lee Ahye were busy producing world-class performances at indoor meets in the United States.
In New York, on Saturday, Ahye clocked a fast 7.11 seconds—just one-hundredth of a second slower than her 7.10 national record--to finish second in the Millrose Games women’s 60 metres dash. Ivory Coast sprinter Murielle Ahoure won in a world-leading 7.05.
Ahye is third on the 2015 world indoor list with her 7.11 run, one spot behind Dafne Schippers (7.09) of the Netherlands.
In Arkansas, on Friday, Lendore topped the Tyson Invitational men’s 400m field. The Texas A&M University senior stopped the clock at 45.38 seconds to move into second spot on the 2015 world indoor list, behind American Najee Glass (45.34).
Pennsylvania State University student Steve Waithe finished seventh in the men’s triple jump with a 15.73 metres effort. University of Arkansas senior Sparkle McKnight was 17th overall in the women’s 400m in 53.76 seconds, while South Plains College student Domonique Williams (53.82) was 18th.
Another T&T/South Plains athlete, Aaliyah Telesford clocked 7.50 seconds for 19th spot in the women’s 60m. In the women’s 200m, Telesford (24.23) and McKnight (24.41) were 39th and 47th, respectively. And in the women’s 60m hurdles, Baylor University’s Dannielle Davis was 40th in 8.68 seconds.
Competing for the first time since her ban for using steroids was lifted last month, Kelly-Ann Baptiste was in winners’ row at the LSU High Performance Meet, in Louisiana. Baptiste clocked 7.24 seconds to lead all qualifiers into the women’s 60m final. And in the championship race, the 2011 World Championship 100m bronze medallist got home first in 7.28.
At the David Hemery Valentine Invitational, in Boston, double Olympic bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon finished first in section one and second overall in the men’s 200m in 20.71 seconds--good enough for seventh spot on the 2015 world indoor list.
Temple University’s Kiersten LaRoche finished fifth in the women’s long jump with a 5.69m leap, 14th in the high jump (1.65m), and 35th in the shot put (10.69m).
In New Mexico, Jarrin Solomon was the class of the Don Kirby Elite and Open men’s 400m field, the T&T athlete winning in 47.06 seconds.
Central Arizona College student, Ruebin Walters clocked a personal best 7.88 seconds to secure silver in the men’s 60m hurdles. Walters also competed in the men’s 200m event, finishing 21st overall in 21.82.
Western Texas College sprinter, John Mark Constantine bagged men’s 60m bronze with a personal best clocking of 6.74 seconds. Central Arizona College field athlete, Hezekiel Romeo threw 17.33m to finish ninth in the men’s shot put. Constantine’s Western Texas teammate, Marissa Gale finished 10th overall in the women’s 400m in 56.85 seconds. New Mexico Junior College sprinter, Kayelle Clarke was 11th in the women’s 60m dash in 7.75 and 21st in the 200m in 24.45. And in the women’s 60m hurdles, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) student, Aeisha McDavid clocked 8.85 seconds for 24th spot.
In Maryland, Deandra Daniel retained her Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor Track and Field Championship women’s high jump title when she cleared the bar at 1.85m--a meet record and new personal best. In the women’s long jump, the Coppin State University junior produced a 5.63m leap to finish fourth.
Coppin State’s Mark London returned a time of one minute, 56.75 seconds for 15th spot overall in the men’s 800m. And Coppin State sprinter Haysean Cowie-Clarke was 25th in the men’s 60m in 7.04 seconds.
At the Adams State University (ASU) NCAA Qualifier, in Colorado, Adams State freshman Micah Ballantyne finished second in the men’s 200m in 22.46 seconds.
In Alabama, Western Kentucky University sprinter Peli Alzola was eighth in the Samford Invitational women’s 200m in 24.97 seconds.
At the Fred Wilt Invitational, in Indiana, Missouri State University freshman Kadisha Francois got to the line in 25.58 seconds for 11th spot in the women’s 200m.
Osei Alleyne-Forte finished 20th overall in the men’s 400m, at the Southland Conference Indoor Championships, in Alabama. The Abilene Christian University (ACU) student got home in 50.01 seconds. Another T&T/ACU athlete, Jessica James clocked 55.95 to qualify second fastest for the women’s 400m finals. However, she was disqualified in the championship race for a false start.
At the Battle of the Regions outdoor meet, in California, Ayodele Taffe topped the men’s 200m field in 21.52 seconds, beating his College of the Sequoias teammate and fellow T&T sprinter, Holland Cabara (21.57) into second spot. Another T&T/Sequoias athlete, Ohdel James clocked 48.89 seconds to win the men’s 400m.
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Lendore up to second in indoor ranks (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-02-18/lendore-second-indoor-ranks)
Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
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Deon Lendore…improved to second spot on the latest IAAF World Indoor men’s 400m performance list.
Olympic 4x400m relay bronze medallist Deon Lendore has improved to second spot on the latest IAAF World Indoor men’s 400m Performance List. The Texas A&M University final year student moved up from third spot after his 45.34 seconds clocking to win the event at the Tyson invitational in Arkansas, on Friday.
American Najee Glass is ahead on the rankings with 45.34 with Lendore’s school-mate Grenadian Bralon Taplin just behind in third (45.39).
The Queen’s Royal College graduate lowered his season’s best time from 45.68. The 22-year-old holds the national indoor record of 45.03 seconds which he set last year (the quickest time in the world for 2014). Fellow Olympic relay bronze medallist Jarrin Solomon is at 54th after his 47.06 victory at the Don Kirby Invite in New Mexico on Saturday. Jereem Richards clocked 46.49 on 32 January but his time was not listed as he raced on an oversized track.
Michelle-Lee Ahye is the next highest ranked T&T athlete after Lendore at number three in the women’s 60m. Ahye moved into the top three after she raced to a new season’s best of 7.11 in finishing second at the Millrose Games in New York on Saturday.
The 2011 Pan American Junior 100m champion missed out on her one-year-old national record mark of 7.10 but has been improving all season. The four-time Carifta sprint queen opened her season in December with 7.23 and has lowered that mark to 7.16 and 7.15 before zooming to 7.11.
Kelly-Ann Baptiste is at 22nd with her 7.24 run in the heats at LSU High Performance Meet in Louisiana on Saturday. The 2011 World Championships 100m bronze medallist went on win the finals in 7.28 seconds in her first competition in close to two years.
Ahye is also 62nd in the women’s 200m with season opener clocking of 23.80 in Texas on December 13. Reyare Thomas ran 23.73 on Jan 30 but her time was posted on an oversized track.
Double Olympic and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon is also in the top ten, at number seven in the men’s 200m with his 20.71. Gordon set the time in taking silver at the David Hemery Invitational in Boston on Saturday.
Richards is next at 30th with a personal best and second place finish of 21.06 at the New Mexico Classic on 6 February. Kyle Greaux sits at 63rd with his 21.25 victory at the Gothan Cup in New York on January 16. It was a new indoor personal best for the Abilene Wildcats sprinter. Bahamian Shavez Hart leads the world 200m standing with 20.57.
Rondel Sorillo (6.57-15th-men’s 60m) and Sparkle Mc Knight (52.67-18th-women’s 400m) are into top twenty in their events. Sorillo’s time is a new personal best and was set in finishing second at the Rob Mc Cravy Memorial Meet in Kentucky, on 24 January. The World Relay silver medallist is ahead of five time World and Olympic medalist Marc Burns (93rd-6.70) and Jamol James (106th-6.71).
Veteran St Kitts and Nevis sprinter Kim Collins has the top time in the world of 6.48. The 38- year-old former World 100m champion raced to 6.48 seconds twice in February.
McKnight’s time was achieved in finishing third at the Razorback Invitational in Arizona on January 31. The 2013 NCAA outdoor 400m hurdles bronze medallist improved on her previous season’s best of 52.89 seconds set on January 17 which was the fastest in the world then. McKnight is ahead of 2008 World 400m hurdles silver medallist and national 400m flat record holder Janeil Bellille (40th-53.25).
National sprint hurdles record holder Mikel Thomas lies at 29th in the men’s 60m hurdles event with a personal best of 7.72 seconds established in finishing second at the New Mexico Classic on February 7, while Deandra Daniel is at 51st in the women’s high jump with her personal best of 1.85 metres. Daniel set the mark in winning her third straight Mid Eastern Athletic Conference high jump title in Maryland on Friday.
The Coppin State University student improved on her previous best of 1.84 set on February 7, which placed the Marabella North Secondary graduate at 61st on the previous rankings.
IAAF World indoor performance list
60m
Women: 1st Murielle Ahoure (CIV) 7.05, 2nd Dafne Schippers (NED) 7.09, 3rd Michelle-Lee Ahye (TTO) 7.11, 2nd-Millrose Games, New York, February 14, 22nd Kelly-Ann Baptiste (TTO) 7.24, 1h1-LSU High Performance Meet, Louisiana, February 14
Men: 1st Kim Collins (SKN) 6.48, 2nd Akeem Haynes (CAN)/Trell Kimmons (USA) 6.51, 15th Rondel Sorillo (TTO) 6.57 pb, 2nd-Rob Mc Cravy Memorial Meet, Lexington, January 24, 93rd Marc Burns (TTO), 2nd-Green and Gold Invite, Birmingham, January 24, 106th Jamol James (TTO) 6.71, 1st-PVCC Indoor Invitational, Valley, Pheonix, January 31
200m
Women: 1st Kyra Jefferson (USA) 22.81, 2nd Jenna Prandini (USA) 22.87, 3rd Kamaria Brown (USA) 22.97, 62nd Michell-Lee Ahye (TTO) 23.80, 2nd-Reveille Invitational, College Station, December 13 (Oversize track-Reyare Thomas (TTO) 23.73, January 30)
Men: 1st Shavez Hart (BAH) 20.57, 2nd Aaron Ernest (USA) 20.66, 3rd Andre De Grasse (CAN) 20.67, 7th Lalonde Gordon (TTO) 20.71-2nd David Hemery Invitational, Boston February 14, 30th Jereem Richards (TTO) 21.06, 2nd -New Mexico Classic, Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 6, 63rd Kyle Greaux (TTO) 21.25pb, 1st-Gotham Cup, New York, January 16
400m
Women: 1st Courtney Okolo (USA) 51.35, 2nd Taylor Ellis-Watson (USA) 51.72, 3rd Shamier Little (USA) 51.92, 18th Sparkle McKnight (TTO) 52.67, 3rd-Razorback Invitational, Fayetteville, Arizona, January 31, 40th Janiel Bellille (TTO) 53.25, 3rd-Aggie Invitational, College Station Texas, February 7
Men: 1st Najee Glass (USA) 45.34, 2nd Deon Lendore (TTO) 45.38, 1st-Tyson Invitational, Arkansas, February 13, 3rd Bralon Taplin (GRN) 45.39, 54th Jarrin Solomon (TTO) 47.06, 1st-Don Kirby Invite, Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 14 (Oversize track-Jereem Richards (TTO) 46.49, Texas, January 31
60m hurdles
Men: 1st Aleec Harris (USA) 7.50, 2nd Dimitri Bascou (FRA)/Orlando Ortega (CUB)/Jason Richardson (USA)/Ashton Eaton USA) 7.51, 29th Mikel Thomas (TTO) 7.72 pb, 2nd-New Mexico Classic, Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 7
High jump
Women: 1st Kamila Licwinko (POL) 2.01, 2nd Mari Kuchina (RUS) 1.99, 3rd Airine Palsyte (LTU) 1.98, 51st Deandra Daniel (TTO) 1.85 pb, 1st-MEAC Indoor Champs, Landover, Maryland, February 13
4x400m
Women: 3rd University of Arkansas (Sparkle Mc Knight) 3:30.50 (oversize track), January 24
Men: 1st Texas A&M (Deon Lendore) 3:03.23, January 31
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Solomon cops another Don Kirby 400m title (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-02-16/solomon-cops-another-don-kirby-400m-title)
Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
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T&T Olympian Jarrin Solomon
Jarrin Solomon, Ayodele Taffe and Ohdel James recorded victories in the United States over the weekend.
Solomon, the reigning Olympic and World Relays bronze medallist, won the men’s indoor 400m race at the Don Kirby Open in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday. Solomon was the fastest in the field in 47.06 seconds to win heat one. Americans Cole Lambourne (47.14) and Pete Lauderdale (47.24) were second and third. The victory was the second for Solomon following his triumph in 2013. Solomon also won the Don Kirby Outdoor crowns in 2012 and 2013. Taffe took the men’s 200m at the Battle of the Regions Meet in Bakersfield, California on Friday. The 2013 World Championships sprint relay finalist stopped the clock in 21.52 ahead of Sequoias school-mate and compatriot Cabrara Holand who clocked 21.57. Yet another T&T athlete and school-mate Ohdel James secured the mens 400m honors in 48.89. James later returned to help his school to gold in the 4x400m in 3:17.66 ahead of another Sequious team which clocked 3:18.25. Ashron Sobers and Theon Lewis were members of the second place team. All T&T athletes are first year students.
Last year’s World Junior 110m hurdles finalist Reubin Walters missed on a victory in the men’s 60m hurdles finals at the Don Kirby Open. The Central Arizona freshman finished second in 7.88 behind American Lorenzo Johnson (Western Texas) 7.79 and ahead of another US athlete Harold Lathan 111 (WAS) 7.92. Walters’ time was an improvement on his 7.95 clocking in the prelims earlier in the day, the third quickest. The 2012 CAC Junior champion also helped Central Arizona to eighth in the men’s 4x400m in a time of three minutes 14.88 seconds (3:14.88). John Mark Constantine (Western Texas) took third spot in the men’s 60m finals in 6.74.
In the prelims the 2014 World Junior sprint relay finalist was 0.02 seconds slower, clocking 6.76 to finish fourth fastest.
Walters’ school-mate Hezekiel Romeo was ninth in the men’s shot put with a 17.33m effort. Romeo, the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games bronze medallist, was hoping to improve on his second place finish at the Pima Aztec Indoor in Arizona on Feb 7 when he got the iron ball out to 17.61m.
Romeo was also fifth at the weight throw in Arizona with a mark of 13.36m. Reigning Carifta girls under 20 200m gold medallist Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico Junior College) was 11th in the women’s 60m in 7.75.
Clarke won heat ten of the women’s 200m in 24.45 but her time left her 21st overall. Marissa Gayle (Western Texas) finished 10th overall in the 400m (56.85) and was part of her school’s 4x400m team which finished fourth (3:41.49).
Micah Ballantyne (Adam State) was second in the men’s 200m at the ASU NCAA Qualifier in Alamosa Colorado on Friday (13 Feb). The World Junior sprint relay finalist got the line in 22.46. Kadisha Francois (Missouri State) was 20th in the 200m at the Fred Wilt Invitational in Illionois in 25.58.
RESULTS
Don Kirby Open & Elite, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Feb 13-14
Men
60m finals-1st Justyn Warner (CAN) 6.59, 2nd Anaso Jobodwana (RSA) 6.60, 3rd John Mark Constantine (Western Texas/TTO) 6.74
400m-1st (1h1)Jarrin Solomon (TTO) 47.06, 2nd Cole Lambourne (USA) 47.14, 3rd Pete Lauderdale (USA) 47.24
60m Hurdles finals-1st Lorenzo Johnson (West Texas A&M) 7.79, 2nd Reubin Walters (Central Arizona) 7.88, 3rd Harold Lathan 111 (WAS) 7.92
4x400m-8th (4h2) Central Arizona (Reubin Walters) 3:14.88
Shot put-9th Hezekeil Romeo (Central Arizona) 17.33
Women
60m-11th (3h2) Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico JC) 7.75
200m-21st (1h10)Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico JC) 24.45
400m-10th (4h2) Marissa Gayle (Western Texas) 56.85
4x400m-4th Western Texas (Marissa Gale) 3:41.49
Fred Wilt Invitational, West Lafayette, Ilionois, Feb 13-14
Women 200m-11th (1h6) Kadisha Francois (Missouri State) 25.58
ASU NCAA Qualifier, Alamosa, CO, Feb 14
Men
200m- (2h5) 2nd Micah Ballantyne (Adams State) 22.46
Pima Aztec Indoor Invitational, Tucson, Arizona, Feb 7
Men shot put-2nd Hezekiel Romeo (Central Arizona) 17.61
Weight throw-5th Romeo 13.36
Battle of the Regions, Bakersfield, California, Feb 13
Men
200m-1st (1h1) Ayodele Taffe (Sequoias) 21.52, 2nd (2h1) Holland Cabara (Sequoias) 21.57
400m-1st (1h1) Ohdel James (Sequoias) 48.89
4x400m-1st ((1h2) Sequoias (James) 3:17.66, 2nd (1h1) Sequois (Theon Lewis, Ashron Sobers) 3:18.27 (sportscoretobago)
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Nero in T&T’s trio for NACAC cross country championship (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-02-21/nero-tt%E2%80%99s-trio-nacac-cross-country-championship)
Published: Sunday, February 22, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
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National long distance queen Tonya Nero
National long distance queen Tonya Nero will head a three member team to the 2015 Pan American/North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Cross Country Cup which will get underway in Barranquilla, Colombia today.
A release from the National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAA) stated that Nero will compete in the women's 6km along with the reigning national cross country champion Samantha Shukla. National men's champion George Smith will line up in the men's 8k. NAAA Committee member Dawn Washington will serve a manager.
Nero will be hoping to emulate her medal winning performance in 2012 where she captured silver at the NACAC Champs hosted at the Queen's Park Savannah. Nero will also be aiming to better her 11th place in 2014 when the event was held in Mt Irvine, Tobago.
Nero, Shukla and Smith are veterans at the NACAC Championships with Nero first competing in the junior women's 4k in 2007 in Clement, Florida, US finishing 19th. Shukla and Smith made their debut at the 2009 edition also in Florida. Shukla was 19th in the junior's women's race while Smith was 24th in the junior men's 6k event. Shukla won her first medal to date in 2010 when the championships were hosted at the Mt Irvine where she was a member of the T&T's women's bronze medal team. Nero led the national women's team to silver in 2012.
The 2015 three member team is the smallest national contingent in recent years to the Championships. Sportscore Tobago sent e-mails to Serrette today with questions on the drop in team size but no reply has been received.
During the Pan American Cup the NACAC and Consudatle (South American) champions will be crowned. Two Hundred and three (203) athletes and forty-eight (48) officials from twenty-one (21) countries have been confirmed to attend.
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Baptiste, Quow strike gold
Ahye third in Birmingham 60 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Baptiste-Quow-strike-gold-293299181.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 21, 2015 at 8:28 PM ECT (T&T Express)
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VICTORIOUS T&T SPRINTERS: Kelly-Ann Baptiste and Renny Quow
Kelly-Ann Baptiste maintained her winning ways with a dominant performance at the LSU Twilight meet, in Louisiana, USA, on Friday.
After serving a 21-month doping ban, Baptiste made a triumphant return to competition two Saturdays ago, winning the women’s 60 metres dash at the LSU High Performance meet. The Trinidad and Tobago track star followed up with another 60m victory, topping the field at Friday’s Twilight meet in a seasonal best 7.19 seconds—a new Carl Maddox Field House track record. She is 16th on the 2015 world indoor performance list.
Baptiste took no prisoners on Friday, finishing well ahead of her closest rival, American Mikiah Brisco (7.30). In the preliminary round, Baptiste had clocked 7.20 seconds to lead all qualifiers into the final.
Another T&T sprinter, Shermund Allsop finished seventh in the men’s 60m final in 7.02 seconds. In the preliminary round, he got home in 6.95.
T&T’s Renny Quow was the class of the men’s 600 yards field at the Red Raider Open, in Texas, on Friday. The 2009 World Championship 400m bronze medallist won in one minute, 08.81 seconds—the fastest time in the world this year in the rarely run event.
Western Texas College sophomore Marissa Gale emerged victorious in the women’s 400m in 55.90 seconds. South Plains College freshman Aaliyah Telesford clocked 6.92 seconds for silver in the women’s 55m dash. New Mexico Junior College sprinter Kayelle Clarke was ninth overall in 7.30. In the women’s 200m, Gale (24.29) and Clarke (24.74) were third and fifth, respectively.
Jessica James bagged women’s 800m bronze, the Abilene Christian University (ACU) junior clocking 2:14.74. John Mark Constantine was the fastest sprinter on show in the men’s 55m preliminaries, producing a 6.30 seconds run. However, the Western Texas College freshman was a non-starter in the final. And in the men’s 400m, ACU’s Osei Alleyne-Forte finished 15th overall in 49.39 seconds.
At the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix IAAF Indoor Permit meet, in Birmingham, England, yesterday, Michelle-Lee Ahye finished third in the women’s 60m dash. The T&T sprint star clocked 7.17 seconds to trail Murielle Ahoure (7.10) of Ivory Coast and American Tianna Bartoletta (7.15) to the line. Another American, 2011 100m world champion Carmelita Jeter was seventh in 7.26.
In the qualifying round, Ahye topped heat one in 7.18 seconds.
T&T quarter-miler Jarrin Solomon clocked 47.04 seconds to finish fourth in the men’s 400m. Mikel Thomas got home in a personal best 7.70 seconds for sixth spot in the men’s 60m hurdles final. Wayne Davis II was 16th overall in 8.01.
At the Penn State Tune-up, in Pennsylvania, USA, Pennsylvania State University senior Steve Waithe finished second in the men’s triple jump with a 15.88 metres effort.
In Arkansas, Dannielle Davis clocked 8.60 seconds to earn silver in the Arkansas Open women’s 60m hurdles event. The Baylor University senior also competed in the long jump, finishing seventh with a 5.48m leap.
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Baptiste claims gold; bronze for Ahye (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,207305.html)
Sunday, February 22 2015 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Kelly-Ann%20Baptiste%20amp%20Michelle-Lee%20Ahye.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Kelly-Ann%20Baptiste%20amp%20Michelle-Lee%20Ahye.jpg.html)
T&T Sprint Queens: Kelly-Ann Baptiste and Michelle-Lee Ahye
RETURNING NATIONAL sprint ace, Kelly-Ann Baptiste backed up her golden women’s 60 metres showing at the LSU High Performance Meet last week when she sped to victory in the same event at the LSU Twilight Meet in Louisiana, United States, on Friday.
Baptiste crossed the finish line in 7.19 seconds, finishing ahead of LSU’s Mikiah Brisco (7.30) and Jada Martin (7.40). The embattled sprinter also improved on her 7.20 clocking set in the preliminary round.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s speedster Michelle Lee Ahye produced another highly commendable showing at the Sainsbury Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham, England, yesterday, when she bagged bronze in the women’s 60m event.
Ahye crossed the line in 7.17 seconds, trailing the fastest woman for 2015 thus far Murielle Ahoure of Ivory Coast, who captured gold in 7.10. Claiming the runner-up position was American Tianna Barloletta, who clocked 7.15.
In the preliminary round, Ahye was first to finish in her heat. Here, she clocked 7.18, the fourth fastest overall, as Ahoure recorded the fastest time of 7.13. Ahye’s third place clocking was 0.06 seconds short of her season’s best of 7.11 set in her runner up finish to Ahoure at the Milrose Games in New York on February 14.
Additionally, Renny Quow got his 2015 season off on a winning note taking the men’s 600 yards event in one minute 8.81 seconds at the Texas Tech Red Raider Open, Lubbock, Texas, United States on Friday.
Olympic, World Relay and Commonwealth bronze medallist Jarrin Solomon missed out on a top three finish in the men’s 400m taking fourth spot in 47.04. Solomon was looking for his second win for the season after his triumph at the Don Kirby Open in Albuquerque, New Mexico one week earlier but had to settle for a season’s best improving on the 47.06 clocking in New Mexico.
Mikel Thomas established a new personal best of 7.70 in taking sixth spot in the men’s 60m hurdles finals. The national 110m hurdles record holder also improved on his previous best of 7.72 set in his second place at the New Mexico Classic on February 7.
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Ahye, Lendore, Gordon in IAAF Indoor lists (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,207482.html)
Thursday, February 26 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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T&T Athletes in IAAF Indoor Top 10 Lists: Michelle-Lee Ahye, Deon Lendore & Lalonde Gordon
IN-FORM SPRINTER Michelle-Lee Ahye, Olympic medallist Deon Lendore and Lalonde Gordon have been listed in the top 10 in their respective events in the latest IAAF 2015 World Indoor Performance lists. http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/sprints/60-metres/indoor/women/senior/2015
Ahye, the 2014 World Indoor 60-metre finalist, is at number three in the women’s 60m while Lendore is third quickest in the men’s 400m and Gordon ninth in the men’s 200m.
Ahye, got into the top three of the women’s short sprint following her second place finish at the prestigious Millrose Games in New York on February 14, with a time of 7.11 seconds. The clocking is 0.01 seconds shy of her national record of 7.10 set in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Indoor Track and Field Championships in Sopot, Poland.
The 2011 Pan American Junior 100m champion is also at 20th in the women’s 200m following her 23.37 personal best victory at the XL-Galan Meet in Stockholm, Sweden on February 19.
Olympic men’s 4x400m bronze medal team anchor Deon Lendore is now at third in the men’s 400m with his 45.38 clocking which he recorded in winning at the Tyson Invitational in Arkansas on February 13.
That time placed the Arima resident at second on the world rankings at the time. However, a 45.27 run by reigning World Indoor champion Pavel Maslak (Czech Republic) pushed the Texas A&M University student down to third.
Meanwhile, double Olympic and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Gordon holds the ninth quickest time in the men’s 200m after his second place clocking of 20.71 at the David Hemery Invitational in Boston two weeks ago. Jereem Richards is 40th best with a personal best of 21.06 clocked at the New Mexico Classic.
Returning sprinter, Kelly-Ann Baptiste is now at 17th in the women’s 60m listing with her 7.19 victory at the LSU Twilight Meet in Louisiana over the weekend.
The 2011 World Championships 100m bronze medallist improved from her 7.24 earlier this year which placed her at 22nd in the world then.
Another Olympic relay bronze medal team member Jarrin Solomon is at 73rd with his 47.04 fourth place finish time at the Sainsbury Grand Prix in Birmingham, England on the weekend.
This time was an improvement on his 47.06, which he set in winning at the Don Kirby Invite in New Mexico on February 14.
Rondel Sorillo is among the top 20 fastest in the world in the men’s 60m.
The 2014 World Relay and Commonwealth Games 4x100m relay medallist stands at 19th in the men’s 60m with his 6.57 clocked in his runner-up finish run at the Rob Mc Cravy Memorial in Kentucky in January. Sorillo was 15th on the last update one week earlier.
Multiple Olympic and World Championships medallist Marc Burns is down at 114th (6.70) with Jamol James at 129th (6.71).
Latest IAAF World Indoor Performance List
60m
Women:1st Murielle Ahoure (CIV) 7.05, 2nd Dafne Schippers (NED) 7.09, 3rd Michelle-Lee Ahye (TTO) 7.11, 2nd-Millrose Games, New York, 14 Feb, 17th Kelly-Ann Baptiste (TTO) 7.19, 1st-LSU Twilight Meet, Louisiana, 20 Feb
Men: 1st Kim Collins (SKN) 6.47, 2nd Ryan Bailey (USA) 6.50, 3rd Akeem Haynes (CAN)/Trell Kimmons (USA) 6.51, 19th Rondel Sorillo (TTO) 6.57 pb, 2nd-Rob Mc Cravy Memorial Meet, Lexington, 24 Jan, 114th Marc Burns (TTO) 6.70, 2nd-Green and Gold Invite, Birmingham, 24 Jan , 129th Jamol James (TTO) 6.71, 1st-PVCC Indoor Invitational, Valley, Pheonix, Jan 31
200m
Women: 1st Kyra Jefferson (USA) 22.81, 2nd Jenna Prandini (USA) 22.87, 3rd Kamaria Brown (USA) 22.97, 20th Michell-Lee Ahye (TTO) 23.37, 1st XL—Galan, Stockholm, Sweden, 19 Feb
Oversize track-Reyare Thomas (TTO) 23.73
Men:1st Shavez Hart (BAH) 20.57, 2nd Aaron Ernest (USA)/Karol Zalewski (POL) 20.66, 9th Lalonde Gordon (TTO) 20.71-2nd David Hemery Invitational, Boston 14 Feb, 40th Jereem Richards (TTO) 21.06, 2nd -New Mexico Classic, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6 Feb, 77th Kyle Greaux (TTO) 21.25pb,1st-Gotham Cup, New York, 16 Jan
400m
Women:1st Courtney Okolo (USA) 51.35, 2nd Taylor Ellis-Watson (USA)/Seren Bundy-Davies (GBR) 51.72, 24th Sparkle McKnight (TTO) 52.67, 3rd-Razorback Invitational, Fayetteville, Arizona, 31 Jan, 48th Janiel Bellille (TTO) 53.25, 3rd-Aggie Invitational, College Station Texas, 7 Feb
Men:1st Pavel Maslak (CZE) 45.27, 2nd Najee Glass (USA) 45.34, 3rd Deon Lendore (TTO) 45.38, 1st-Tyson Invitational, Arkansas, 13 Feb, 73rd Jarrin Solomon (TTO) 47.04, 4th -Sainsbury Grand Prix, Birmingham, England, 21 Feb
Oversize track-Jereem Richards (TTO) 46.49, Texas, 31 Jan
60m hurdles
Men:1st Orlando Ortega (CUB) 7.45, 2nd Dimitri Bascou 7.48, 4rd Aleec Harris (USA) 7.50, 33rd Mikel Thomas (TTO) 7.70 pb, 9th-Sainsbury Grand Prix, Birmingham, England, 21 Feb
High jump
Women:1st Kamila Licwinko (POL) 2.02, 2nd Mari Kuchina (RUS) 1.99, 3rd Airine Palsyte (LTU) 1.98, 57th Deandra Daniel (TTO) 1.85 pb, 1st-MEAC Indoor Champs, Landover, Maryland, 13 Feb
4x400m
Women:3rd University of Arkansas (Sparkle Mc Knight) 3:30.50 (oversize track), 24 Jan
Men: 1st Texas A&M (Deon Lendore) 3:03.23, Jan 31
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Bronze for Waithe, gold for McKnight (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Bronze-for-Waithe-gold-for-McKnight-294529591.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 28, 2015 at 9:04 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Steve%20Waithe%20Jr.%20amp%20Sparkle%20McKnight.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Steve%20Waithe%20Jr.%20amp%20Sparkle%20McKnight.jpg.html)
T&T Athletes: Steve Waithe (long jump/triple jump) & Sparkle McKnight (400m/400m hurdles)
Steve Waithe bagged bronze for Pennsylvania State University at the Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships, in Ohio, USA, yesterday.
The Trinidad and Tobago athlete disturbed the sand at 15.85 metres to secure third spot in the men’s triple jump. In the long jump, Waithe was 15th with a 7.00m leap.
T&T’s Sparkle McKnight just missed out on a berth in the women’s 400m finals, at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships, in Kentucky, USA.
In Friday’s preliminary round, the University of Arkansas senior topped heat 11 in 53.77 seconds. However, the clocking was the ninth fastest in the event, and only the top eight advanced to the finals. McKnight’s clocking was a mere two-hundredths of a second slower than the 53.75 run that earned her Arkansas teammate, American Daina Harper the eighth and final spot.
There was some consolation for McKnight on the second and final day of the meet, yesterday. She ran the second leg for Arkansas in the women’s 4x400m relay, helping her team earn gold in three minutes, 30.79 seconds.
In the men’s 400m, Texas A&M University senior, Carlyle Roudette got home in 48.28 seconds to finish second in heat one and 23rd overall. Another T&T/Texas A&M athlete, defending champion Deon Lendore was a non-finisher in the same heat.
At the Conference USA Championships, in Alabama, Peli Alzola finished 10th overall in the women’s 60m dash in 7.60 seconds. In the 200m, the Western Kentucky University sophomore was 18th in 24.81.
At the Big 12 Championships, in Iowa, Dannielle Davis was 11th in the women’s long jump with a 5.63m leap. The Baylor University senior also competed in the 60m hurdles, finishing 15th overall in 8.75 seconds.
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Taffe stars in ‘Golden State’ (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Taffe-stars-in-Golden-State-294597941.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 1, 2015 at 11:28 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Ayodele%20Taffe.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Ayodele%20Taffe.jpg.html)
100 GOLD: Sprinter Ayodele Taffe
Ayodele Taffe secured the men’s 100 metres titles at the California State University (CSU) Stanislaus Open outdoor track and field meet, in California, USA, on Saturday. The College of the Sequoias freshman stopped the clock at 10.52 seconds. Another Trinidad and Tobago/Sequoias sprinter, Ashron Sobers was seventh in 10.85.
In the men’s 400m, Sequoias athletes, Theon Lewis and Ohdel James finished second and third, respectively, clocking 48.45 and 48.46.
At the Central Arizona College (CAC) Indoor Invitational, in Arizona, Hezekiel Romeo produced a 17.49 metres effort to finish second in the men’s shot put. His Central Arizona College teammate, Akila McShine clocked 8.97 seconds for second spot in the women’s 60m hurdles.
Kevin Roberts just missed out on a top-three finish twice, at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Indoor Track and Field Championships, in Michigan. The Tiffin University freshman produced a 14.84m effort for fourth spot in the men’s triple jump. And he was fourth as well in the long jump with a 7.32m leap.
At the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Indoor Championships, in Colorado, Micah Ballantyne clocked 6.83 seconds to finish fourth in the men’s 60m dash. The Adams State University freshman was 20th overall in the 200m in 23.54.
At the American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships, in New York, Temple University’s Kiersten LaRoche accumulated 3,555 points to earn fifth spot in the women’s pentathlon. LaRoche also competed in the long jump, finishing 18th with a 5.50m effort.
In Alabama, Aeisha McDavid was sixth in the Conference USA Indoor Championship women’s pentathlon. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) senior totaled 3,468 points in the five-discipline event.
At the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Indoor Championships, in Iowa, Kadisha Francois got home in 57.26 seconds for ninth spot overall in the women’s 400m. And in the 200m, the Missouri State University freshman was 16th in 25.66.
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Roberts get third long jump victory for Tiffin (http://www.sportscoretobago.com/news/roberts-get-third-long-jump-victory-for-tiffin/)
by Clayton Clarke (sportscoretobago@gmail.com)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Kevin%20Roberts%20long%20jump%20Tiffin%20University.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Kevin%20Roberts%20long%20jump%20Tiffin%20University.jpg.html)
Kevin Roberts won his third long jump event for Tiffin University.
(Photo courtesy TIFFIN UNIVERSITY)
Kevin Roberts (Tiffin) won the men’s long jump at Kent State Tune-up Meet in Kent, Ohio on Saturday (21 February). Robert, last year’s Carifta boys open Octathlon champion, captured the top spot in a personal record and school indoor mark of 7.30m. The first year student recorded his third long jump victory for his new school after capturing the event at the Dragon Open 1 (7.11) on 24 January and the Tiffin Alumni Open (7.19) on December 12. Roberts was also sixth in the triple jump with a distance of 14.11m, short of his 15.06m he set in winning at the Tiffani Alumni.
Reubin Walters (Central Arizona) and Marissa Gale (Western Texas) were also in winners’ row. Walters captured the men’s 60m hurdles at the Glendale Community College Indoor Invite in Glendale Arizona on Saturday (21 Feburary) with a time of 7.90 seconds. The 2012 CAC Junior champion was 0.02 seconds short of his pb of 7.88 established when finished second at the Don Kirby Open in New Mexico one week earlier. School mate Hezekiel Romeo was second in the men’s shot put with a distance of 17.70m. The mark is a new personal best for the 2013 Carifta boys under 20/2010 CAC Junior boys under 17 shot put champion. Another school mate and compatriot, Akila McShine, was missed on medalling in the women’s 400m taking fourth place in 1 min 3.21 seconds (1:03.21).
Gale landed the women’s 400m crown at the Texas Tech Red Raider in Lubbock, Texas on Friday (20 February). The 2009 double Carifta bronze medallist crossed the line in 55.90 seconds. Gale was also third in the 200m (24.29) with reigning Carifta girls under 20 200m champ Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico) in fifth (24.74). Aaliyah Telesford (South Plains), Steve Waithe (Penn State) and Danielle Davis (Baylor) were runner up in their events. Telesford grabbed silver in the 55m finals at the Texas Tech Red Raider. Telesford (2014 CAC Junior girls under 20 100/4×100 gold medallist) clocked 6.92 seconds. Clarke was ninth in the preliminaries in 7.30. Waithe was second best in the men’s triple jump at the Penn State Tune-up in Pennsylvania with a leap of 15.88m. Davis was beaten out of the top spot in the women’s 60m hurdles at the Arkansas Open in Arkansas clocking 8.60 seconds (personal best). Davis was also 7th in the long jump (5.48m).
At the Battle of the Regions Outdoor Meet in Bakerfield, California on 13 February Ayodele Taffe and Holand Cabara helped their school Sequoias to victory in the men’s 4x100m in 40.74 seconds. Taffe had earlier won the 200m (21.52). Another Sequoias student Ohdel James took the 400m (48.89). James grabbed a second gold as part of his school’s victory 4x400m team (3:18.25).
RESULTS
Kent State Tune-up, Kent, Ohio, Feb 21
Men
long jump-1st Kevin Roberts (Tiffin) 7.30 pb (6.98, f, 7.08, 7.05, 7.30, p)
triple jump-6th Roberts 14.11
LJ-1st 7.11(Dragon Open 1-Jan 24), 7.19 (Tiffin Alumni Open-Dec 12),
TJ-1st 15.06 (Tiffin Alumni Open-Dec 12), 2nd-14.26 (Dragon Open 1-Jan 24)
Glendale Community College Indoor Invite, Glendale, Arizona, 21 Feb
Men
60m hurdles-1st (1h2) Reubin Walters (Central Arizona) 7.90
shot put-2nd Hezekiel Romeo (Central Arizona) 17.70
Women
400m-4th Akila McShine (Central Arizona) 1:03.21
Texas Tech Red Raider Open, Lubbock, Texas, Feb 20
Women
55m finals-2nd Aaliyah Telesford (South Plains) 6.92
prelims-2nd (1h4) Telesford 6.95, 9th (2h2) Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico) 7.30
200m-3rd (3h1) Marissa Gale (Western Texas) 24.29, 5th ( 4h1) Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico) 24.74
400m-1st Gale 55.90
Penn State Tune-up, University Park, Pennsylvania, Feb 21
Men
triple jump-2nd Steve Waithe (Penn State) 15.88
Arkansas Open, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Feb 21
Women
60m hurdles -2nd Danielle Davis (Baylor) 8.60 pb
long jump-7th Davis 5.48
Battle of Regions, Bakerfield, California, Feb 13
Men
4x100m-1st (1h1) Sequoias (Holland Cabara, Ayodele Taffe) 40.74
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George and Noel unbeaten at NAAA Development Meets (http://www.sportscoretobago.com/news/george-and-noel-unbeaten-at-naaa-development-meets/)
by Clayton Clarke (sportscoretobago@gmail.com)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Athletes%20await%20start%20of%20heats%20at%20First%20NAAA%20Development%20Meet%20at%20HCS.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Athletes%20await%20start%20of%20heats%20at%20First%20NAAA%20Development%20Meet%20at%20HCS.jpg.html)
Athletes await the start of the heats of the Girls under 12 60m at the First NAAA Development Meet at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Saturday 10 Jan. (Photo courtesy SPORTSCORE TOBAGO).
Tauren George and Jendayi Noel remain unbeaten after the fourth leg of the NAAA Development Meet which took place at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella on 7 February. George of Pt. Fortin New Jets notched his fourTH double win in as many meets taking the boys under 20 110m hurdles (15.18 seconds ) and 400m hurdles (55.82 seconds) events. The 2013 National Under 18 110m hurdles silver medallist was short of his 15.07 clocking in the shorter hurdles which he set at the Third Development Meet at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on 31 January. However his 55.82 run in the one lap hurdles race is an improvement on his 59.13 clocking at Malabar.
George has been unbeaten over the 110m hurdles all season winning the sprint hurdles race at all four Development Meets. He also won the 300m hurdles at the First Development Meet at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on 10 January, the long jump at the Second Meet at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on 17 January and captured his first 110m/400m hurdles double at Malabar on 7 February. George will be aiming to get under the Carifta qualifying marks of 14.70 and 54.00 seconds at the Carifta Trials set for the Hasely Crawford Stadium on March 7-8. This year’s Carifta Games are carded for St. Kitts/Nevis on April 4-6.
Noel of newly-formed club Speed Factory collected her fourth win over the 60m/100m sprints for 2015 when she ran away with the girls under 18 100m in 12.54 seconds ahead of Akeera Esdelle (Pt. Fortin New Jets), 12.97 and Nickia Edwards (Spartans), 13.28. At the Third meet Noel also won the girls under 18 100m in 12.51 to add to her triumphs in the 60m at the Second Meet and the 150m at the First Meet. At Marabella, Noel completed the sprint double capturing the 200m in 25.62 with Jodiah Mc Sween (Abilene Wildcats) 26.17 and Rayann Linton (Memphis Pioneers) 24.24 following her home.
Kobe John (Memphis Pioneers) won the boys under 18 400m hurdles and 200m races. The 2014 CAC Junior Boys under 18 4x400m gold medallist took the one laps hurdles race in 55.22, missing the Carifta qualifying standard of 55.00. In the 200m John returned the fastest time of the day of 22.28 seconds in winning the third of four heats. Heat four winner Jerod Elcock (Abilene Wildcats) was second fastest (22.98) with John’s club-mate Bevon Gordon, the winner of heat one, third best (23.00). Another Memphis athlete Alena Brooks raced her third win over the women’s 300m/400m event securing the 400m race in 56.38 to add to victories on 31 January (55.55) and the 300m run (40.37) on 17 January. National cross-country champion George Smith (TT Defence Force) won back to back men’s 3000m races when he took the 7 1/2 lap race in 9 min 4.50 seconds (9:04.50), improving on his 9:21.96 win on 31 January.
Mauricia Prieto (Pt. Fortin New Jets) returned to her winning ways taking the women’s 200m In 24.57. The 2014 World Junior sprint relay finalist won the 60/150 double on 10 Jan and the 60m on 17 January. She was to settle for the runner up spot in the 100m and the 400m on 31 January. At Marabella she was second to Brooks in the women’s 400m, her third runner-up finish for the season to her rival.
World Relay Championship bronze medallist Kamaria Durant (Simplex) won the women’s 100m in 11.86 running into a 1.4m per second head head. Tyler Francis led an Abilene Wildcats sweep in the men’s 400m clocking the fastest time (49.21) in winning the third of three heats . His club-mate and heat two victor Jacob Clair (49.54) was next quickest ahead, with Abilene sprinter Jamoul Pierre running 49.65 to finish second behind Francis in heat three.
Please note the NAAA Fields Events and Hurdles Festival scheduled for Saturday 28 February has been shifted to Sunday 15 March at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. When contacted NAAA Secretary Allan Baboolal told Sportscore Tobago that the meet has to be rescheduled due to the unavailability of the Hasely Crawford Stadium as Sports Company officials told him that clean up activities after the Carnival season will not be completed in time to have the venue available for 28 February. Baboolal also said the facility is expected to be ready for the Carifta trials set for Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March at the same venue.
Compiled results: http://www.sportscoretobago.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/NAAA-Dev-Meet-4-7-Feb.rtf
Complete results: http://www.ttnaaa.org/compete/2015/results/dev_2015_04.pdf
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Any word on Colthurst and Spinx?
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US wins for Walters, Roberts (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/US-wins-for-Walters-Roberts-293758671.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 23, 2015 at 8:52 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Ruebin%20Walters%20World%20Junior%20Champs%20Barcelona%202012.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Ruebin%20Walters%20World%20Junior%20Champs%20Barcelona%202012.jpg.html)
CLAIMED 60 METRES HURDLE TITLE: Ruebin Walters
Central Arizona College freshman, Ruebin Walters captured the men’s 60 metres hurdles title at the Glendale Community College Indoor Invite, in Arizona, USA, on Saturday. The Trinidad and Tobago athlete got to the line in 7.90 seconds. Liberia’s Wellington Zaza produced a 7.95 run for second spot.
Another T&T/Central Arizona athlete, Hezekiel Romeo threw the iron ball a personal best 17.70 metres to seize silver in the men’s shot put. British Virgin Islands thrower, Eldred Henry won with a 20.00m effort—a new national record.
And T&T’s Akila McShine, also a student at Central Arizona, returned a time of one minute, 03.21 seconds to finish fourth in the women’s 400m.
At the Kent State Tune-Up, in Ohio, Kevin Roberts struck gold in the men’s long jump. The Tiffin University freshman’s winning leap was 7.30m.
Roberts opened the competition with a 6.98m jump, and then fouled in the second round. He bounced back with a 7.08m third round leap, and jumped 7.05m in round four. But it was in the fifth round that Roberts produced his best, disturbing the sand at 7.30m to take the lead. He opted to not jump in the sixth and final round.
Roberts also competed in the triple jump, finishing sixth with a 14.11m effort.
And in New Jersey, University of Delaware junior, Chelsi Campbell got home in 26.08 seconds for ninth spot overall in the Princeton Invite women’s 200m.
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12.54 sec .. those are some slow times for girls under 18 100 m ...
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Any word on Colthurst and Spinx?
Hopefully we will see both of them in action at the Carifta Trials this coming weekend? Lets wait and see.
Click link for Carifta Trials thread: NGC/NAAA T&T CARIFTA Trials 2015: Sat.7th~Sun.8th March (HCS, PoS) (http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=64084.msg921367#msg921367)
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Borel in line for top sports award (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-03-03/borel-line-top-sports-award)
Published: Wednesday, March 4, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
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Cleopatra Borel in line for First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Award
Shot putter Cleopatra Borel is in line to cop her fourth Sportswoman of the Year Award when the First Citizens Sports Foundation host its 2014 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s, Port-of-Spain, on Friday.
She won the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) nod to be the national sporting organisation’s ambassador in this category at the awards.
Four years ago, the champion athlete considered retiring from competitive sports. She had a change of heart, however, a decision that not only benefited the track and field star, but the national community, too.
Outstanding performances from Borel won her Sportswoman of the Year accolades in 2002, 2007 and 2010 respectively.
At the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mexico, last November, she won gold with a throw of 18.99 metres beating Cuba’s Yaniuvis Lopez (17.88 metres) and Sandra Lemos (17.50 metres) of Colombia.
What made her participation at the international event more memorable was the fact that it was her third gold medal at a CAC Games.
She registered a toss of 18.57 metres that placed her behind New Zealand’s shot put icon, Valerie Adams (19.88 metres) at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, to bring home silver.
These achievements added to the many chapters that epitomise Borel’s amazing ability to maintain her status as one of the world’s best female shot putters.
On her return home from these international meets last year, Borel was saluted as the T&T Olympic Committee’s Senior Sportswoman of the Year. In January, it was the NAAA’s turns to celebrate her with the honour of Senior Female Athlete for 2014.
She will take the spotlight at the FC Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Award where she would be first celebrated as a nominee before the short list of athletes is announced and the winner declared.
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Walcott, Borel fancied for Sports Awards (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,207785.html)
Wednesday, March 4 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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Keshorn Walcott in line for First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportsman of the Year Award
KESHORN WALCOTT and Cleopatra Borel are both fancied to claim the 2014 First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards on Friday at the Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.
Walcott and Borel both claimed the respective Male and Female Athletes of the Year at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) 2014 awards, which was held in December.
A total of 51 persons were nominated by their respective sporting organisations - 30 male and 21 female.
Here is a look at the two track & field nominees -
KESHORN WALCOTT (TRACK AND FIELD)
In the midst of a great season for Trinidad and Tobago’s top athletes, Keshorn Walcott somehow found a way to maintain an edge over his compatriots.
The javelin thrower’s performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland last August, was a main contributor to him standing out from the pack. Walcott’s 82.67 metre effort in the Men’s Javelin final, was enough to earn the Toco native the silver medal behind Kenya’s Julius Yego (83.87 metres). Another major performance came at the IAAF Continental Cup in Marrakech, Morocco, where Walcott represented the Americas. This time, he threw the javelin 83.52 metres to earn a bronze medal, with Egyptian Ihab Abdelrahman El Sayed (85.44 metres), representing Africa and Vitezslav Vesely (83.77) of Czech Republic representing Europe taking the gold and silver medals respectively. It capped off a fine IAAF Diamond League season in which Walcott finished second in Zurich with a national record 85.77 metres throw in August.
CLEOPATRA BOREL (TRACK AND FIELD)
The story of Cleopatra Borel contains many chapters, and the current episode is focused on her amazing ability to maintain her status as one of the world’s best female shot putters, thanks to her sheer focus and dedication.
It definitely paid off last July at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she earned the silver medal with a toss of 18.57 metres that placed her behind New Zealand’s shot put icon, Valerie Adams (19.88 metres). Borel went on to create some history at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico during November, when she won her third, consecutive gold medal at this event, thanks to her throw of 18.99 metres that kept her ahead of Cuba’s Yaniuvis Lopez (17.88 metres) and Sandra Lemos (17.50 metres) of Colombia.
Borel’s best throw of the season came at the Memorial Van Damme IAAF Diamond League meeting in Brussels, Belgium (19.13 metres), where she earned fourth place in September.
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And here is a look at some of the nominees from other sports -
JOELISA COOPER (NETBALL)
As she has often done since she came to prominence at the beginning of this decade, Joelisa Cooper rose to the fore and gave of her best when it mattered most in top level international competition. The goal attack was prolific at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, last August. Her 16 points off 21 attempts for a shooting percentage of 76 helped Trinidad and Tobago to a 38-37 win over Barbados. She followed this up with a 15/17 (88 percent) effort during a 56-40 defeat to South Africa. Cooper also scored 13/16 (81 percent) against England as Trinidad and Tobago eventually placed 10th in the competition.
YOHANSEY WILLIAMS (TENNIS)
For the past few years, Yohansey Williams has not only maintained his status as Trinidad and Tobago’s top male tennis star, he has been imparting his experience and skills to many of the next generation of promising performers in his capacity as a coach.
At the National Championships at the Eddie Taylor Courts in St Clair, Williams captured the Men’s Singles title for the third time with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Akiel Duke, and finished second in the Men’s Doubles competition with fellow Tobagonian Vaughn Wilson.
OLIVIA BENNETT (TENNIS)
A solid tennis foundation that was laid down during her years as a top junior player continues to serve Olivia Bennett well.
She achieved the triple crown at the BGTT Tranquillity Open last March. She defeated national teammate Shenelle Mohammed 6-1, 6-1 in the Women’s Singles final, partnered with her sister Cristina Bennett to win the Women’s Doubles trophy by defeating Leah Alcala and Trevine Sellier, and joined Richard Chung in capturing the Mixed Doubles championship with a victory over Akiel Duke and Carissa Rudolfo. At the National Championships, Bennett again defeated Mohammed to win the Women’s Singles title 7-5, 6-0, and subsequently teamed with Mohammed to capture the Women’s Doubles crown with a 6-0, 6-2 triumph over Emma Davis and Cindy Low.
AKIM TOUSSAINT (HOCKEY)
Akim Toussaint topscored with four goals as he helped Trinidad and Tobago to win the Americas First Round tournament of the FIH Hockey World League in Jamaica. Two of Toussaint’s strikes came in the crucial 3-0 win over the hosts. Toussaint also played his part in guiding Trinidad and Tobago to the silver medal in the men’s competition at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico. Toussaint scored twice during an 11-0 first round annihilation of Guatemala and later scored the winner in the 1-0 semi-final victory over Mexico.
ALANNA LEWIS (HOCKEY)
A solid defensive rock, with an innate sense of timing and the ability to get forward and score often, Alanna Lewis’ qualities were instrumental to the fortunes enjoyed by both the Trinidad and Tobago women’s field hockey team and her club side, Paragon.
Lewis scored three goals as she helped TT win the FIH Hockey World League Americas Round One tournament in Jamaica, ahead of the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. She scored twice at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mexico, where she helped Trinidad and Tobago to a fourth place finish.
Lewis scored the most goals in the Open Division competition (five), helping Paragon to win the TTHF Women’s Championship Division, Women’s Open competition and the Women’s Big Four tournament.
CHRISTOPHER GEORGE (JUDO)
At the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Christopher George earned a bronze medal thanks to a victory over Jesse De Leon of the Dominican Republic in the Men’s 100 kg division, finishing behind gold medalist Jose Armenteros (Cuba) and Sergio Garcia (Mexico) who took the silver medal. At the Pan American Cup in Barbados, George placed fourth, and subsequently took a silver (open) and a bronze medal (over 100 kg) at the Quebec Senior Open in Montreal.
At the JudoTT National Championships at the Chinese Association of Trinidad and Tobago in St Ann’s, George, who represents Queen’s Park Judo Club, won the Men’s Open title, ahead of Jelanie Boyce (Club Judo Inc.) and teammates Kendall Padarath and Thomas Teufel. He copped the Men’s Over-90 kg crown ahead of Padarath and Kerwyn Carrabon (Southern Warriors).
DORIAN ALEXANDER (TAEKWONDO)
At the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico, Dorian Alexander, a qualified medical doctor operated his way through to the semi-finals in the Men’s Under-68 kg division, following a victory over Carlos Solis (Costa Rica). Alexander eventually won a bronze medal behind the Dominican Republic’s Ruddy Mateo and Isaac Torres of Mexico, the gold and silver medallists, respectively.
Alexander, who originally hails from Malabar, also competed at the Pan American Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where he engaged in a losing but lively battle with home favourite Isaac Torres Vasquez, in which Alexander’s much vaunted spirit and precise technique were both still evident.
BRIAN BOODRAMSINGH (HORSE RACING)
Brian Boodramsingh led the Caribbean to a 3-0 clean sweep of Great Britain and Ireland during the Jockey Challenge in November, thanks to his triumph with Big Profit in the second race. Boodramsingh completed Triple Crown success with Momentum in September, when he rode trainer John O’Brien’s three year old First Past the Post in the NGC CNG Trinidad Derby.
Boodramsingh also guided Momentum to the first of the Triple Crown wins at the Easter Guineas, in April and the Midsummer Classic in May. In the bargain, he also claimed his fourth, consecutive Champion Jockey of Trinidad and Tobago accolade.
BRENT BRANKER (POWERBOAT RACING)
While Elixir was being ably piloted by Marcus Gomez, his throttleman, Brent Branker played an instrumental role in Team Elixir winning the overall TTPBA Championship title, as well as copping the trophy for the most outstanding boat in its division, the E Class (80 mph). During the Powerboat Regatta series event on July 20 Elixir copped its division after it won all three of its circuit races. It was typical of a season in which the craft regularly won in its class during the various races that comprised the regattas.
At the Carib Great Race from Port- of-Spain to Scarborough on August 23, Branker guided Elixir to an eighth-place finish overall out of 22 boats and third overall in the 80 mph section - yet another display that would earn Branker and Elixir the TTPBA Boat of the Year Award.
CRAIG SUMAIR (RALLY)
During the last TTRC Rally Stages season, Craig Sumair and his co-driver Matthew Russell, and their Mitsubishi Evolution 6, racked up the points in the Group N class, thanks to their top performances as the circuit went along. They copped first place overall during the Reform Cup event in July. A fifth place finish was attained at the year’s biggest event, Rally Trinidad, in May. By the end of the stages season in October, the TTRC title was achieved by Sumair and company as they stayed ahead of the pack for good.
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Walcott, Borel lead Sports Awards charge (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Walcott-Borel-lead-Sports-Awards-charge-295264171.html)
By Kern De Freitas (T&T Express)
Story Created: Mar 5, 2015 at 8:21 PM ECT
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Walcott and Borel in line for First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportsman & Sportswoman of the Year Awards
Tonight, Trinidad and Tobago will find out who are the First Citizens Sports Foundation (FCSF) Sports Awards 2014 picks for Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.
The gala event will kick off from 7.15 tonight at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
It seems that again, this year, track and field is set to dominate—or more accurately, the field—with javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott and shot putter Cleopatra Borel leading the charge among the men and women respectively.
It’s not a done deal yet, but the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) awards often provides a good indicator as to what’s in store on a national stage, even though there are a number of sports outside the TTOC jurisdiction that have put their hands up with performances over the preceding 12 months.
There have been some exciting performances in that period, but it will be tough to get past Walcott, who bettered his national javelin record by hurling the spear 85.77 metres in August at his final IAAF Diamond League meet in Zurich, Switzerland for silver.
Walcott seemed to have gotten past his injury concerns in the year with some consistent performances. The Toco native won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and bagged bronze at the IAAF Continental Cup.
Borel is T&T’s most accomplished veteran in the field, and has continued to consistently throw beyond 18 metres in big competitions. She secured silver at the Commonwealth Games, and gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Veracruz, Mexico in November when the iron ball landed on the cusp of 19 metres.
But there are a number of other standout performances that would surely have tested the judges.
Michael Alexander boxed his way to bronze at the Commonwealth Games despite facing a number of preparation hurdles. He also claimed CAC bronze.
Denesh Ramdin was one of West Indies’ top batsmen even in the face of being handed the Test captaincy, and helped the regional side to the semi-finals of the World T20 competition. Ramdin also played a crucial role in helping T&T lift the Nagico Super50 title.
Among the women, footballer Arin King and golfer Monifa Sealy both earned their nomination with strong seasons. King was strong in defence to bring T&T to the cusp of their first World Cup qualification, and Sealy was again a stroke above the rest to help T&T hold on to the George Teale Memorial Trophy.
NOMINEES
Men
Michael Alexander (Amateur Boxing), Kristian Boodoosingh (Automobile Sports), Alistair Espinoza (Badminton), Kelton Thomas (Bodybuilding), Satyam Maharaj (Canoeing/Kayaking), Ryan Harper (Chess), Denesh Ramdin (Cricket), Kwesi Browne (Cycling), Akim Toussaint (Hockey), Kevin Molino (Football), Talin Rajendranath (Golf), William Albert (Gymnastics), Brian Boodramsingh (Horse Racing), Christopher George (Judo), Zachary Alexander (Karate), Brent Branker (Powerboat Racing), Adrian Brown (Powerlifting), Craig Sumair (Rally), Agboola Silverthorn (Rugby), Andrew Lewis (Sailing), Roger Daniel (Shooting), Colin Ramasra (Squash), George Bovell III (Swimming), Dexter St. Louis (Table Tennis), Dorian Alexander (Taekwondo), Hasmath Ali (Target Archery), Yohansey Williams (Tennis), Keshorn Walcott (Track and Field), Ancil Greene (Triathlon), Simon Blake (Volleyball).
Women
Nekeisha Blake (Badminton), Vanessa Hill – (Bodybuilding), Keian Huggins (Canoeing/Kayaking), Aditi Soondarsingh (Chess), Britney Cooper (Cricket), Alanna Lewis (Hockey), Arin King (Football), Monifa Sealy (Golf), Marisa Dick (Gymnastics),Tamara Joseph (Karate), Joelisa Cooper (Netball), Yolande Mcintyre (Bodybuilding), Nicolette Pantor (Rugby), Kelly-Ann Arrindell (Sailing), Kerrie Sample (Squash), Kristin Julien (Swimming), Rheann Chung (Table Tennis), Neela Cezair (Target Archery), Olivia Bennett (Tennis), Cleopatra Borel (Track and Field), Channon Thompson (Volleyball).
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Borel set to capture 4th award (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-03-06/borel-set-capture-4th-award)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Friday, March 6, 2015
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Cleopatra Borel in line for First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Award
The stage is set for the country’s biggest night of sporting honours with the hosting of the First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2014 at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, Port-of-Spain, tonight.
Based on the achievements recorded over the past year, it was clear many of the top contenders already had the honour of being in winners’ row at various events which paid tribute to the success of T&T’s athletes.
Three-time Sportswoman of the Year Cleopatra Borel, two-time Sportsman of the Year Roger Daniel, Olympic gold medallist Keshorn Walcott and Sportsman of the Year 2012, as well as Olympic bronze medal winner George Bovell, Sportsman of the Year 2004, are believed to be favourites for top honours.
Other athletes being touted as top contenders include: Kwesi Browne (cycling) Michael Alexander (amateur boxing), Christopher George (Judo), Dexter St Louis (table tennis) and Rheann Chung (table tennis) and Dr Dorian Alexander (taekwondo).
They would be among 50 athletes (30 men and 20 women) across 31 disciplines in contention for these awards.
Alexander (taekwondo), Browne, St Louis, George and Daniel earned bronze at the CAC Games in Veracruz, Mexico.
Chung earned her bronze at the ITTF Latin American Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic last April.
Borel, the internationally respected shot putter and Bovell copped gold at the championships.
At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Borel and javelin athlete, Walcott, both won silver. At that event, Walcott registered a new national record, too. Meanwhile, Alexander, the amateur boxer, earned bronze.
Daniel, the celebrated shooter, said being nominated meant, “I am a great athlete and I give thanks for being recognised for all the hard work I put out during the year. Since the London 2012 Olympics, I have matured in the sport tremendously. I am more driven to be successful. I have learnt to be very patient with my self-development in the sport.
“I have grown as an athlete even more now because I understood what it takes to be a world class athlete and my roles and functions if I am to be at the top in my sport.”
To be an effective ambassador for the sport, said Daniel, meant knowing he was representing a nation and not himself.
“You represent the people of the nation and as such when you’re out there on the circuit competing and you win, it gives you the greatest feeling. That is all the more reason why you have to conduct yourself in a manner that is a cut above the rest as an ambassador.
“My sport is not growing, but there are other aspects or disciplines associated with the sport that I would like to see get some more recognition like archery or bring back the paintball or even more air shooting events that can be allowed for all ages. There are such things, just that vision is needed: away with negatives and open up to positives,” he said.
Daniel added: “I don’t think it might be as popular, but we can get it to a level where people can enjoy and practice it and if they decide to venture further then we take them to the next level.”
The Nominees
AMATEUR BOXING
Michael Alexander
AUTOMOBILE SPORTS
Kristian Boodoosingh
BADMINTON
Alistair Espinoza
Nekeisha Blake
BODYBUILDING
Kelton Thomas
Vanessa Hill
CANOEING/KAYAKING
Satyam Maharaj
Keian Huggins
CHESS
Ryan Harper
Aditi Soondarsingh
CRICKET
Denesh Ramdin
Britney Cooper
CYCLING
Kwesi Browne
HOCKEY
Akim Toussaint
Alanna Lewis
FOOTBALL
Kevin Molino
Arin King
GOLF
Talin Rajendranath
Monifa Sealy
GYMNASTICS
William Albert
Marisa Dick
HORSERACING
Brian Boodramsingh
JUDO
Christopher George
KARATE
Zachary Alexander
Tamara Joseph
NETBALL
Joelisa Cooper
POWERBOAT RACING
Brent Branker
POWERLIFTING
Adrian Brown
Yolande McIntyre
RALLY
Craig Sumair
RUGBY
Agboola Silverthorn
Nicolette Pantor
SAILING
Andrew Lewis
Kelly-Ann Arrindell
SHOOTING
Roger Daniel
SQUASH
Colin Ramasra
SWIMMING
George Bovell III
Kristin Julien
TABLE TENNIS
Dexter St Louis
Rheann Chung
TAEKWONDO
Dorian Alexander
TARGET ARCHERY
Hasmath Ali
Neela Cezair
TENNIS
Yohansey Williams
Olivia Bennett
TRACK AND FIELD
Keshorn Walcott
Cleopatra Borel
TRIATHLON
Ancil Greene
VOLLEYBALL
Simon Blake
Channon Thompson
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Bovell, Borel star at Sports Awards (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Bovell-Borel-star-at-Sports-Awards-295501271.html)
By Kern De Freitas (T&T Express)
Story Created: Mar 7, 2015 at 8:42 PM ECT
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BOVELL COPS IT AGAIN Top man: Trinidad and Tobago swimmer George Bovell holds the First Citizens Sportsman of the Year 2014 award at that organisation’s annual award ceremony at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, on Friday night. It was Bovell’s second time winning the honour.
Cleopatra Borel who did not attend won the Sportswoman of the Year Award —Photo: Curtis Chase
“Chase your dreams.”
That’s the advice Cleopatra Borel gave to young athletes moments after being crowned Sportswoman of the Year at the First Citizens Sports Foundation 2014 Awards ceremony alongside George Bovell, the Sportsman of the Year.
But Borel was not present at the event to collect her award. She was out chasing her own lifelong dream, firmly in competition in Cuba.
Instead, the pre-recorded video presentation of the veteran female shot putter passing down pearls of wisdom to up-and-coming sportsmen and women turned out to be a fitting victory speech when the honour was finally announced.
“You have to go after your dreams,” Borel urged. “You can never achieve your goals by sitting at home and waiting for the moment. You have to go out there and make it happen. Remember you are your own best advocate. You have to do it.”
Bovell, meanwhile, in his usual style, thanked his supporters and those who have helped him along the way. It was his second such award after first being honoured in 2004. Borel triumphed for the fourth time after wins in 2002, 2007 and 2010.
The live televised programme also saw Bovell and Borel among the top ten nominees for 2014. Also among them was Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) Athlete of the Year Keshorn Walcott, another big contender for the award. Each selectee had a strong year, including Commonwealth Games boxing bronze medallist Michael Alexander, shooter and two-time FCSF Sportsman of the Year Roger Daniel--who won back-to-back awards in 2010-2011—judoka Christopher George and powerlifter Adrian Brown.
Powerlifting continues to show tremendous strides, being the only sport outside of track and field to have both its nominees in the top ten, with Yolande Mc Intyre also making the cut. This after powerlifter Giselle-Ann Jackman won the award for 2013.
Monica Sealy (golf) and Rheann Chung (table tennis) also had very impressive seasons and made the top ten.
The Lystra Lewis award for an outstanding individual or team was presented to the T&T’s women’s football team, which fell at the last hurdle with a late 1-0 defeat to Ecuador.
The National Association of Athletics Administrators (NAAA) was given the Jeffrey Stollmeyer Award for the top sporting administration of 2014 in the large category, while the T&T Target Archery Federation got the nod in the medium category.
In giving the feature address, incoming UWI pro-vice chancellor Hillary Beckles—who assumes the post from May 1 this year—said the Caribbean has more sportsmen and women per capita than any other region in the world. Where improvements need to happen, Beckles appealed, is in the governance of sport.
The event also had its poignant moments, as sportsmen who passed away in the previous year were remembered. They were all men, including runner Hakeem Alexander, Olympic weightlifting silver medalist Rodney Wilkes, Neville Phipps (table tennis), Rawle Barrow (sailing), Kevon Carter (football), Benedict Cayenne (track and field) and cricketer Tevin Robertson.
Cycling was hardest hit, losing no fewer than eight personalities: Clinton Grant, Hilton “Barracuda” Mitchell, Kent Luces, Roger Smart, Ronald Dickie Sr, Russell Parris, David Beard and Len Harvey.
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T&T’s Williams, Richards golden at NJCAA Champs (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/TTs-Williams-Richards-golden-at-NJCAA-Champs-295565011.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 9, 2015 at 12:05 AM ECT
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Domonique Williams & Jereem Richards capture National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Indoor Track and Field Championship titles
Domonique Williams and Jereem Richards captured National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Indoor Track and Field Championship titles, in New Mexico, USA, on Saturday.
Richards stopped the clock at 46.70 seconds to win the men’s 400 metres final. The South Plains College student had clocked 47.85 in the qualifying round. Central Arizona College freshman, Ruebin Walters was 21st overall in 49.59. (Click link to view final with Jereem Richards: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=843936005665179&fref=nf and click this link to view after race interview: http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/252096-NJCAA-Indoor-Championships-2015/video/762750-Jereem-Richards-after-winning-the-400-in-467)
Williams was the class of the field in the women’s 400m final, the South Plains athlete earning gold in 53.84 seconds. Another Trinidad and Tobago runner, Western Texas College’s Marissa Gale bagged bronze in 55.29.
Walters secured bronze in the men’s 60m hurdles with a 7.88 seconds run. In the qualifying round, he had clocked a personal best 7.77.
In the women’s 200m finals, New Mexico Junior College freshman Kayelle Clarke was fourth in 23.86 seconds, while Williams and Gale were fifth and sixth, respectively, clocking 24.24 and 24.31.
In the preliminaries, Gale got home in 24.23 seconds, Williams produced a 24.39 run, and Clarke clocked 24.40. South Plains College sprinter, Aaliyah Telesford was 26th overall in 25.63.
Central Arizona College thrower Hezekiel Romeo finished fourth in the men’s shot put with a 16.91 metres effort.
John Mark Constantine clocked 6.85 seconds for seventh spot in the men’s 60m final. The Western Texas College sprinter was faster in the qualifying round, getting to the line in 6.75.
Telesford was seventh in the women’s 60m final in 10.49 seconds. She had clocked 7.50 in the preliminaries. Central Arizona College’s Akila McShine was 19th overall in 7.84.
McShine’s 8.66 run in the qualifying round of the women’s 60m hurdles earned her a lane in the final as the third fastest qualifier. However, she did not face the starter in the championship race.
Williams captured three gold medals at the NJCAA Championships. In addition to her individual 400m triumph, she helped South Plains earn the women’s distance medley and 4x400m titles.
Williams ran the second leg (400m) in the distance medley, helping her school to a 12 minutes, 17.58 seconds clocking. And in the 4x4, she performed lead-off duties, setting the stage for a 3:43.32 South Plains run. Gale ran the second leg for fifth-placed Western Texas College (3:50.99).
South Plains won the women’s team title with 147.5 points. New Mexico (73), Central Arizona (65) and Western Texas (30) were third, fourth and eighth, respectively.
South Plains also emerged victorious in the men’s team competition, Richards and company accumulating 136 points. Central Arizona were second with 116, while Western Texas (33) finished ninth.
At the ECAC/IC4A Indoor Championships, in Boston, Coppin State University’s Deandra Daniel cleared the bar at a personal best 1.87 metres to capture the women’s high jump title.
Temple University’s Kiersten LaRoche finished 11th in the women’s long jump with a 5.49m leap and 21st in the 60m hurdles in 8.93 seconds.
Haysean Cowie-Clarke clocked 7.10 for 23rd spot in the men’s 60m dash. And his Coppin State teammate, Mark London was 28th in the men’s 800m in 1:54.95.
At the Marc Randle Classic outdoor meet, in Texas, Dan-Neil Telesford finished third in the men’s 400m in 48.72 seconds and sixth in the 200m in 22.05. His Wiley College teammate, Quinn-Lee Ralph was fourth in the men’s 200m in 21.61 and 11th in the 100m in 10.99.
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Seems we will be good for a while in the 400m with Richards and St. Claire in the wings. Even our female 400m runners are improving.
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Bovell III, Borel set sights on Rio 2016 (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,208053.html)
By JOEL BAILEY Monday, March 9 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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Sportsman of the Year George Bovell III & Sportswoman of the Year Cleopatra Borel aiming for Rio
SPORTSMAN AND Sportswoman of the Year 2014 George Bovell III and Cleopatra Borel are both setting their sights firmly on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Speaking on Friday night, after the First Citizens Sports Foundation’s Sports Awards at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s, the 31-year-old Bovell III, asked about his plans for 2015, replied, “getting back to basics, building a great foundation for 2016, towards the Olympics. That’s what really matters.
“That’s what we all look towards, the ultimate goal,” said the lanky swim ace. “It will be nice. If it happens it happens, if it doesn’t, then I wouldn’t be too upset about it.”
Looking back at his season last year, the 2004 Athens Olympic Games 200-metre individual medley bronze medallist stated, “there were some real struggles for me in 2014. The Commonwealth Games, I was over-trained. When I was in the World Cup, I was swimming very well, then I was in Asia and I got pneumonia. I did some competitions with the pneumonia.”
He continued, “some of the hardest racing I’ve done in my career just came down to will-power. The CAC was a very memorable one for me. I think I might be the first person to win three in a row - three Games, three consecutively.”
Borel, the 2014 Commonwealth Games shot put silver medallist, was unable to attend Friday’s ceremony due to a training stint in Cuba.
Her mother Marcelle Borel, who collected the trophy on behalf of her daughter, noted, “she worked hard and when you work hard, you expect good results.”
She added, “we are always cheering her on. We are her worst and her best critics. So if she’s good, we compliment her. If she’s bad, we tell her.”
About her daughter’s plans for 2015, Borel (senior) stated, “she’s looking to do her best in all events, and looking forward to 2016. So her goal is the Olympics (as well as) Pan Am Games 2015 and World (Championships).”
The Pan Am Games will take place from July 21-26 in Toronto, Canada while the World Championships will be staged in Beijing, China from August 22-30.
Sir Hilary Beckles, pro vice-chancellor and campus principal of the Cave Hill campus (Barbados) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), delivered the feature address at Friday’s ceremony.
“In the last year, at my campus in Cave Hill, we have done something historic and unique,” he revealed. “We have rolled out a Masters Degree in Sports Science, and this degree is designed to fit into the routine, movements and cultures of our athletes.”
And, in his address to the gathering, chairman of the First Citizens Sports Foundation Dr Keith Clifford highlighted the events which the Foundation undertook last year, and also mentioned that the group plans to forge partnerships with academic institutions, both local and abroad.
Hall of Famer Florrie Kelshall (hockey) was recognised at the show, while a number of sporting persons who died in 2014 were remembered, including Rodney Wilkes (power lifting), Rawle Barrow (sailing), Kevon Carter (football), Benedict Cayenne (track and field) and cyclists Clinton Grant, Hilton “Barracuda” Mitchell, Kent Luces, Roger Smart and Ronald Dickie senior.
Entertainment was provided by the husband and wife duo of Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez, who opened the show with his 2015 track “Our Time” and Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez, who closed the 75-minute long ceremony with her 2015 hit “Raze”.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
By now you would or should know that George Bovell III and Cleopatra Borel were named Sports Man and Sports Woman of the Year respectively by the First Citizens Sports Foundation last Friday. For Bovell it was his second such award, 10 years apart and Borel was taking home her 4th trophy.
SPORT: PROFILE OF THIS YEAR'S SPORTS MAN AND SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR:
https://www.youtube.com/v/cpXEr31fECE
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James leads 68-member Carifta team (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,208243.html)
Friday, March 13 2015 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Chelsea%20James%20shot%20put%20gold%20medalist.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Chelsea%20James%20shot%20put%20gold%20medalist.jpg.html)
Chelsea James, 2014 Carifta Games U18 Shot Put Gold Medalist
After a hard fought weekend of performances sixty-eight athletes and eighteen officials have been selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 44th Carifta Games to be held in St Kitts Nevis from April 3-6 at the Silver Jubliee Athletic Stadium, Bird Rock, Basseterre.
The athletes will be competing at Under 18 and Under 20 age groups. These age groups are similar to the global competitions such as the World Youth (Under 18) and World Junior (Under 20).
Two of the athletes will be returning to defend their gold medal performances from last year - Kayelle Clarke (200m Girls U-20) and Chelsea James (Shot Put). James has won gold for three years straight, twice in the under-17 age group, once at under-18, and this year she will be competing in the under-20. Akanni Hislop, one of the top 10 athletes at the 2014 First Citizens Youth Awards is one the team as well and will be competing in the Boys Under-18 100m, 200m and 4x100m events.
Hurdler Jeminise Parris will also be on the plane to St Kitts where she will ve vying for honours in the Girls Under-20 100m hurdles and 4x100m relay.
There are four other medallists from last year’s Carifta Games on this year’s team including Akidah Briggs, Portious Warren, Jonathan Farinha and Omari Benoit.
This is one of the biggest Carifta teams ever selected, and after some high quality performances over this past weekend, there are great expectations for even better results at this year’s Carifta Games.
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Daniel jumps to NCAA bronze (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Daniel-jumps-to-NCAA-bronze-296340861.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 14, 2015 at 9:36 PM ECT
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deandra%20Daniel%20High%20Jump%20Coppin%20State%20University.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deandra%20Daniel%20High%20Jump%20Coppin%20State%20University.jpg.html)
Deandra Daniel caps off indoor season with high jump bronze at NCAA Indoor T&F Champs
Deandra Daniel capped off a very satisfying indoor campaign with women’s high jump bronze at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships, in Arkansas, USA, on Friday. The Coppin State University junior cleared the bar at 1.87 metres, equalling her personal best in the event.
Daniel enjoyed a perfect competition up to 1.84m, going over on her first attempt at 1.73, 1.78, 1.81 and 1.84. When the bar was raised to 1.87m, she knocked it down twice but made a successful clearance third time around. The Trinidad and Tobago athlete was unable to successfully negotiate 1.90m. Gold went to Cypriot Leontia Kallenou (1.93m), a sophomore at University of Georgia, while Spain’s University of Akron senior Claudia Garcia (1.90m) picked up silver.
Late yesterday, T&T’s Deon Lendore attempted to repeat as men’s 400m champion. He went into the finals with the second fastest qualifying time after winning heat one in 45.92 seconds. Lendore’s Texas A&M University teammate, Grenadian Bralon Taplin led all qualifiers with a 45.64 run.
Texas State University sophomore Aaron George finished 15th in the men’s long jump with a 7.19 metres leap--well short of his 7.87m PR (personal record). George is an American of Trinidadian parentage.
T&T/University of Arkansas athlete, Sparkle McKnight finished fourth in heat four and 16th overall in the women’s 400m preliminaries in 54.12 seconds. The top eight advanced to the finals. A couple hours later, however, McKnight was back on the track, helping Arkansas earn gold in the women’s distance medley relay. She ran the second leg for her team, and her 52.84 seconds clocking was the fastest 400-split in the event. Arkansas returned a time of 10 minutes, 51.89 seconds.
At the NCAA Division 2 Indoor Championships, in Alabama, T&T’s Kevin Roberts finished ninth in Friday’s men’s long jump event with a 7.08m leap. And in yesterday’s triple jump, the Tiffin University freshman produced a 14.51m effort to secure 12th spot.
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Lendore surrenders NCAA 400 title
...anchors Texas A&M to 4x4 gold (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Lendore-surrenders-NCAA-400-title-296394211.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 15, 2015 at 11:10 PM ECT
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20Lendore%20Texas%20ATM.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20Lendore%20Texas%20ATM.jpg.html)
Deon Lendore surrendered NCAA Men 400m title but anchors his Texas A&M relay team to gold in a new COLLEGIATE RECORD of 3:02.86.
Deon Lendore surrendered his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championship men’s 400 metres title, in Arkansas, USA, late on Saturday.
Lendore, a senior at Texas A&M University, clocked 45.81 seconds to finish second in section two and fourth overall in the finals. The title went to American Vernon Norwood, the Louisiana State University (LSU) student getting home in 45.31. Lendore’s Texas A&M teammate, Grenadian Bralon Taplin picked up silver in 45.55, and United State/University of Florida athlete Najee Glass got bronze in 45.77.
While Lendore missed out on a top-three finish in the individual event, the Trinidad and Tobago quartermiler had the satisfaction of anchoring Texas A&M to men’s 4x400m gold in three minutes, 02.86 seconds. Lendore produced a 45.34 seconds split.
Sparkle McKnight ran the second leg for University of Arkansas in the women’s 4x400m relay, the T&T athlete splitting 51.79 to help her team earn silver in 3:28.70, just behind University of Texas, the winners in 3:28.48. On Friday, McKnight was part of the triumphant women’s distance medley relay team.
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SPARKLING PERFORMANCE: Trinidad and Tobago’s Sparkle McKnight lifts the trophy over her head after University of Arkansas won the women’s team title at the NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA, on Saturday night. —Photo: AP
McKnight featured in a huge Arkansas celebration on Saturday night, the school emerging as women’s team champions with a total of 63 points.
University of Oregon (46.5) and University of Georgia (37) finished second and third, respectively, while Deandra Daniel’s Coppin State University finished joint-32nd with six points. The T&T athlete earned all six points with her third-place finish in Friday’s high jump.
Lendore’s Texas A&M accumulated 33 points for fourth spot in the men’s team competition, behind champions Oregon (74), Florida (50) and Arkansas (39).
At the NCAA Division 2 Indoor Championships, in Alabama, Kevin Roberts’ Tiffin University finished sixth in the men’s team competition with 28 points. Adams State University earned 45 points to capture the men’s title, while the women’s title went to University of Central Missouri (47).
Roberts, a freshman at Tiffin, finished ninth in the men’s long jump (7.08m) and 12th in the triple jump (14.51m).
At the Division 1 Championships, Daniel continued her fine run of form, earning women’s high jump bronze with an impressive 1.87m clearance.
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deandra%20Daniel%20High%20Jump%20Coppin%20State%20jumps%20to%20NCAA%20bronze.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deandra%20Daniel%20High%20Jump%20Coppin%20State%20jumps%20to%20NCAA%20bronze.jpg.html)
Deandra Daniel of Coppin State jumps to NCAA bronze
“It means a lot to me to come in third,” said Daniel, in an interview on the Coppin State website www.coppinstatesports.com. “I put in the work and got the results I deserved. I am very pleased with my efforts today and I had great attempts at each height. I knew in my heart that I could do it. Jumping today I felt relaxed and great. That helped me throughout the competition.”
Daniel said she was grateful to her high jump coach at Coppin State, former T&T athlete Natoya Baird, as well as the school’s women’s track and field head coach, Alecia Shields-Gadson.
“I just want to thank God because without him I wouldn’t have been able to reach this far and accomplish any of this. Also, I want to thank my main coach Natoya for believing in me. She is the best coach and we have built a great relationship, not only as coach but as good friends. I want to thank coach Shields for her great support, and everyone else for their prayers and support. It meant a lot and it mattered.
“Finishing third feels great, but I didn’t accomplish all of my goals for indoors. I will be even better for outdoors,” Daniel warned.
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T&T’s Lendore in NCAA relay record run (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-03-16/tt%E2%80%99s-lendore-ncaa%E2%80%88relay-record-run)
Published: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Texas%20AampM%20relay%20foursome%20of%20Gregory%20Coleman%2046.52%20Bralon%20Taplin%2045.12%20Shavez%20Hart%2045.89%20and%20TampTrsquos%20Deon%20Lendore%20left%2045.33.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Texas%20AampM%20relay%20foursome%20of%20Gregory%20Coleman%2046.52%20Bralon%20Taplin%2045.12%20Shavez%20Hart%2045.89%20and%20TampTrsquos%20Deon%20Lendore%20left%2045.33.jpg.html)
Texas A&M relay foursome of Gregory Coleman (46.52), Bralon Taplin (45.12), Shavez Hart (45.89) and T&T’s Deon Lendore, left, (45.33) cruised to victory as they toppled the collegiate record of 3:03.20 that the Aggies set in winning the 2014 SEC title. It’s the first NCAA Indoor title for A&M since winning consecutive titles in 2010 and 2011.
FAYETTEVILLE—Texas A&M men’s 4x400 metres relay achieved its second collegiate record as they won the NCAA Indoor championship in a blazing 3:02.86, the fourth fastest time ever recorded in the world, to close out the meet on Saturday evening at the Randal Tyson Track Center.
The A&M relay foursome of Gregory Coleman (46.52), Bralon Taplin (45.12), Shavez Hart (45.89) and T&T’s Deon Lendore (45.33) cruised to victory as they toppled the collegiate record of 3:03.20 that the Aggies set in winning the 2014 SEC title. It’s the first NCAA Indoor title for A&M since winning consecutive titles in 2010 and 2011.
Texas A&M men scored 33 points to place fourth in team scoring, while the women finished tied for 15th place with 14 points.
Oregon won the men’s team title with 74 points with Florida runner-up at 50. Arkansas finished third with 39 points with the Aggies in fourth at 33. Rounding out the top 10 teams were Texas Tech (31), Texas (25), LSU & TCU (19), along with Akron, Iowa State and USC tied for ninth with 16 points.
Arkansas scored 63 points to win the women’s team title over Oregon’s 46 ½ with Georgia in third at 37. The rest of the top 10 included Florida (36), Kentucky (35), Texas (33), Baylor (27), and LSU & Southern Illinois tied for ninth with 18 points. (AP)
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‘Torpedo’ targets World Relays title (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Torpedo-targets-World-Relays-title-296511261.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 16, 2015 at 9:33 PM ECT
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/TampT%20Men%204x100m%20Relay%20Team.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/TampT%20Men%204x100m%20Relay%20Team.jpg.html)
FAST FOUR: 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
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 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)
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I hope that he(Richard) is able to maintain and continuously improve upon his form post world relays and doesn't boil down like bhaji like last year.
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Cabara, Stewart win in US (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Cabara-Stewart-win-in-US-296664551.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 17, 2015 at 9:41 PM ECT
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Holland%20Cabara%20100m%20amp%20Theon%20Lewis%20400m.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Holland%20Cabara%20100m%20amp%20Theon%20Lewis%20400m.jpg.html)
States Side: Holland Cabara wins 100m & Theon Lewis 3rd in 400m in California
Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Holland Cabara captured the men’s 100 metres title at the Mt SAC 10 Way outdoor track and field meet, in California, last Saturday. The College of the Sequoias freshman stopped the clock at 10.53 seconds, getting to the line just ahead of American Cravon Gillespie, the runner-up in 10.54.
Another T&T/Sequoias athlete, Theon Lewis produced a 47.77 seconds run to secure third spot in the men’s 400m.
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Emmanuel%20Stewart%20menrsquos%20discus.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Emmanuel%20Stewart%20menrsquos%20discus.jpg.html)
FORMER MORGAN STATE STANDOUT: Emmanuel Stewart
In North Carolina, former Morgan State University standout Emmanuel Stewart claimed two titles at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Seahawk Invitational.
Stewart was the class of the field in the men’s discus, the T&T field athlete throwing 49.44 metres for a huge cushion on second-placed Jeff Jordan of the United States. Jordan produced a 44.31m effort.
Stewart, who is now an assistant coach at Morgan State, was also triumphant in the men’s hammer throw, landing the implement 53.63m. And in the javelin, he finished third with a 54.59m throw.
Late last month, in Arizona, Denzel Ramirez finished sixth in the BMO Harris Bank Phoenix Half-Marathon. The T&T distance runner completed the 13.1-mile course in one hour, 11 minutes, 19 seconds. Americans swept the top three places. Danny Mercado led the charge, getting home in 1:04:59 to secure the easiest of victories. Andrew Benford finished second in 1:07:24, while third spot went to Xavier Rodriguez (1:09:04).
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Solomon opens in style
Ayanna Alexander strikes gold (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Solomon-opens-in-style-297198291.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 22, 2015 at 11:48 PM ECT
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Jarrin%20Solomon%20400m%20amp%20Ayanna%20Alexander%20Triple%20Jump.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Jarrin%20Solomon%20400m%20amp%20Ayanna%20Alexander%20Triple%20Jump.jpg.html)
Outdoor Season Openers: Jarrin Solomon wins 400m & Ayanna Alexander wins Triple Jump
Jarrin Solomon opened his 2015 outdoor campaign in fine style at the Willie Williams Classic, in Arizona, USA, on Saturday. The Trinidad and Tobago athlete captured the men’s 400 metres title with a 46.07 seconds clocking.
Central Arizona College freshman Hezekiel Romeo threw 17.30 metres to finish fifth in the men’s shot put.
At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Springtime meet, Ayanna Alexander produced a 13.57 metres effort in the women’s triple jump to strike gold. The impressive season opener earned Alexander fifth spot on the 2015 world outdoor performance list.
Kayelle Clarke was also in winners’ row, the New Mexico Junior College sprinter topping the women’s 200m field in 24.16 seconds. Another T&T athlete, South Plains College student Domonique Williams, clocked 24.50 to secure fourth spot. UTEP’s Aeisha McDavid finished seventh in the women’s javelin with a 36.41m throw and tenth overall in the 100m hurdles in 14.72 seconds.
At the Baldy Castillo Invitational, in Arizona, Jamol James won the men’s 100m dash in 10.47 seconds. The Arizona State University student also competed in the long jump, finishing third with a 7.44m leap—a new personal best.
At the McMurry War Hawk Classic, in Texas, Western Texas College athlete Marissa Gale emerged victorious in the women’s 400m in 56.66 seconds. Another T&T runner, Jessica James, clocked 56.91 to finish second.
In California, Theon Lewis was the class of the Hornet Invitational men’s 400m field, the College of the Sequoias freshman winning in 47.83 seconds. Another T&T/Sequoias athlete, Ohdel James finished sixth overall in 48.47. Academy of Art University freshman Asa Guevara was seventh fastest in 48.67. And in the men’s 100m dash, Sequoias sprinter Ashron Sobers was 19th overall in 10.94 seconds.
At the Wake Forest Open, in North Carolina, Emmanuel Stewart snatched silver in the men’s discus with a 53.41m throw. In the hammer throw, he produced a 47.52m effort to finish 10th.
At the Texas Christian University (TCU) Invitational, Baylor University senior Dannielle Davis was second in the women’s long jump with a 5.37m leap. She finished fifth in the 100m hurdles in a wind-assisted 14.40 seconds.
Abilene Christian University (ACU) sophomore Sterlen Paul returned a time of four minutes, 09.66 seconds for 15th spot overall in the men’s 1,500m. Aaron Leung Woo-Gabriel was 19th in the men’s 100m, the University of Texas at Arlington senior clocking 11.16. And Paul’s ACU teammate, Osei Alleyne-Forte was 24th in the men’s 200m in 23.38.
In Pennsylvania, Kiersten LaRoche bagged Philadelphia Classic women’s 200m bronze with a 25.81 seconds run. In the javelin, the Temple University student threw 32.65m to finish 16th.
At the Texas Southern University (TSU) Relays, Wiley College athletes, Quinn-Lee Ralph and Dan-Neil Telesford finished fifth and seventh, respectively, in the men’s 200m finals, clocking 21.70 seconds and 21.72.
Ralph was fourth fastest in the 100m preliminaries, getting to the line in 10.99. However, the meet was halted prematurely on Saturday due to inclement weather, and the championship race was not contested. In the men’s 400m, Wiley College’s Justin Maloney finished 10th overall in 49.40 seconds, while Telesford was 11th in 49.60.
At the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Ram Invite, University of Delaware junior Chelsi Campbell finished second in heat two and seventh overall in the women’s 400m in 58.04 seconds.
In Florida, Trishelle Leacock clocked a wind-aided 25.23 seconds for eighth spot overall in the Hurricane Invitational women’s 200m event.
The University of Miami freshman was ninth in the 100m in 12.18.
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ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-ATHLETE-OF-THE-YEAR-297856391.html)
Story Created: Mar 27, 2015 at 9:09 PM ECT (T&T Express)
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Lalonde Gordon shows off his USA Track & Field New York Association 2014 Open Male Athlete of the Year award, at last Friday’s awards banquet, in New York, USA. Last year, Gordon bagged men’s 400 metres bronze for Trinidad and Tobago at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The New York-based quartermiler is a double Olympic bronze medallist. —Photo courtesy ADRIAN CRICHLOW
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McKnight wins 400m at Texas Relays (http://www.trackalerts.com/track-and-field/Articles/mcknight-wins-400m-at-texas-relays/13462/)
March 28th, 2015 12:04am (TrackAlerts.com)
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Sparkle McKnight, T&T and Arkansa University athlete (400m/400m Hurdles)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 7 University of Arkansas women’s track and field team added two more titles Friday at the 88th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin. The Razorbacks picked up wins in the sprint-medley relay and from Sparkle McKnight in the 400-meter hurdles. The win in the relay event also brought a school and meet record. Arkansas will close out the weekend Saturday afternoon with competition in the 4x400-meter relay and pole vault.
Running in the second section of the timed final, the quartet of Brianna Swinton, Taylor Ellis-Watson, Daina Harper and Chrishuna Williams combined for a meet- and school-record time of 3:42.36 to win the sprint-medley relay. With their time, the Razorbacks broke the previous school of 3:44.40 set in 2010 and bettered the Texas Relays meet record of 3:43.79 set by LSU in 2012. The three fastest times in school history have all been run at the Texas Relays.
Having posted the fastest qualifying time in Thursday’s prelims, McKnight charged past the other runners down the back stretch to win the 400-meter hurdles in a time of 56.70. She qualified for Friday’s final with a time of 58.21 in the prelims. The win caps McKnight’s return to the event after redshirting during the 2014 outdoor season.
With their victories in the sprint-medley relay and 400-meter hurdles, the Arkansas women have now won 20 Texas Relays title in program history and their second and third of the weekend. Alex Gochenour opened the weekend with a win in the heptathlon.Friday’s win marks the Razorbacks’ third title in the sprint-medley relay having previously won the event in 2007 and 2011. McKnight’s win was Arkansas’ first in the event.
The ‘A’ section of the pole vault featuring NCAA indoor champion Sandi Morris will start Saturday at noon (CT) and the invitational section of the 4x400-meter relay is set to close out the four-day event. In its program history, Arkansas has won three Texas Relays pole vault titles (2010-12) and one 4x400-meter title (2010). A live broadcast of day four will air from 1-5 p.m. on the Longhorn Network.
The outdoor home opener is also scheduled for this week with the Arkansas Spring Invitational which will be held March 27-28 at John McDonnell Field. After Friday’s hammer throw, the competition begins Saturday with field events at 10:30 a.m. and running events at 1:30 p.m.
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Ahye in windy scorcher (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Ahye-in-windy-scorcher-297958731.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 29, 2015 at 11:53 PM ECT
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Wins twice in Texas: Michelle-Lee Ahye
Trinidad and Tobago sprint star Michelle-Lee Ahye won twice in Texas, USA, on the weekend.
At the Texas Relays, Ahye scorched the track in a wind-assisted 10.87 seconds for a commanding victory in the women’s invitational 100 metres dash. She was pushed to the line by a 3.7 metres per second following wind—well above the 2.0 legal limit. American Jessica Young was a distant second in 11.13, while third spot went to Nigeria’s Dominique Duncan (11.34).
Another T&T sprinter, Reyare Thomas finished sixth in the same race in 12.84 seconds.
In the university/college women’s 400m hurdles, University of Arkansas senior Sparkle McKnight topped the field in 56.70 seconds.
Texas State University sophomore, Aaron George produced a wind-aided 7.15 metres leap to finish 11th in the university/college men’s long jump.
And Kayelle Clarke clocked 11.98 seconds for 32nd spot overall in the university/college women’s 100m. The New Mexico Junior College sprinter will represent T&T at the Carifta Games in St Kitts and Nevis, on the weekend.
Ahye was also victorious at the Bobcat Invitational. She won the women’s 100m dash in 11.36 seconds, while Thomas was sixth overall in 11.65.
Dan-Neil Telesford was second fastest in the men’s 200m, the T&T athlete clocking a windy 20.98 seconds. His Wiley College teammate, Quinn-Lee Ralph finished eighth overall in 21.65.
Moriba Morain got to the line in 10.62 seconds to finish first in heat three and third overall in the men’s 100m. There was bronze too for Sterlen Paul, the Abilene Christian University student finishing third in the men’s 800m in one minute, 53.39 seconds.
In California, Holland Cabara stopped the clock at 10.47 seconds to win the Fresno Pacific Sunbird Open men’s 100m dash. Another T&T/College of the Sequoias sprinter, Ashron Sobers was third in 10.68.
Cabara won the 200m in 21.15 seconds to complete the sprint double. His Sequoias teammate, Theon Lewis was second in 21.65, while Sobers (22.13) finished seventh.
And Ohdel James, who is also a Sequoias student, struck gold in the men’s 400m in 47.81 seconds.
In Maryland, Deandra Daniel won the Coppin State Twilight women’s long jump event with a 5.20m leap. Her Coppin State University teammate, Mark London finished second in the men’s 1500m in 4:08.72. And another T&T/Coppin State athlete, Haysean Cowie-Clarke was 11th overall in the men’s 400m in 54.88 seconds.
At the Florida State Relays, Emanuel Mayers clocked 51.46 seconds to earn silver in the men’s 400m hurdles.
Trishelle Leacock was seventh in the women’s 100m dash in 12.64 seconds. The University of Miami freshman also competed in the 200m, finishing 10th overall in 25.46.
At the Puma Outdoor meet, in Arizona, Mikel Thomas finished second in the men’s 200m in 21.47 seconds.
And in Alabama, Peli Alzola was fourth overall in the Crimson Tide Invitational women’s 200m. The Western Kentucky University sprinter got home in 24.57 seconds.
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James 3rd in Arizona dash (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/James--3rd-in--Arizona--dash-298233571.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Mar 31, 2015 at 8:21 PM ECT
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Jamol James bronze in Arizona State
Jamol James bagged bronze in the Arizona State Pac-12/Big Ten Invitational men’s 100 metres dash, in Arizona, USA, on Saturday. The Arizona State University student got to the line in 10.51 seconds.
American Leon Powell secured victory in the event, stopping the clock at 10.43.
James also competed in the long jump, the 22-year-old Trinidad and Tobago athlete finishing fourth with a 7.30 metres leap. Latvia’s Nikita Pankins was the class of the field, winning with a 7.37m jump.
In his 100m outdoor opener, two weekends ago, James was victorious at the Baldy Castillo Invitational with a 10.47 seconds run. He was also on show in the long jump, finishing third with a personal best (PB) effort of 7.44m.
James’ 100m PB is 10.17 seconds—a clocking he produced in finishing sixth at the 2012 T&T Championships, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
At the Maryland Invitational, on the weekend, Temple University’s Kiersten LaRoche disturbed the sand at 4.79m to finish ninth in the women’s long jump. In the 800m, LaRoche was 25th overall in two minutes, 36.03 seconds.
And in North Carolina, University of Delaware junior Chelsi Campbell got home in 58.28 seconds for 36th spot in the Raleigh Relays women’s 400m event.
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Ahye leads the world
T&T sprint star clocks 10.97 into headwind (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Ahye-leads--the-world-298689191.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 4, 2015 at 9:04 PM ECT
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Michelle-Lee Ahye shaping up for a good 2015 Outdoor Season
Trinidad and Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye shot to the top of the 2015 world performance list in the women’s 100 metres dash when she stopped the clock at 10.97 seconds at the Florida Relays, in the United States, on Friday.
Ahye produced the impressive clocking, running into a 2.5 metres per second headwind. Jamaica’s Remona Burchell finished second in 11.04.
In another women’s 100m race, T&T/Western Kentucky University sprinter Peli Alzola finished ninth in 12.02 seconds.
Rondel Sorrillo finished in a dead heat for first in the men’s 200m “B” race. Both the T&T sprinter and his American rival, Just’N Thymes clocked 20.46 seconds. In the 100m “A” race, Sorrillo was second in 10.17.
Another T&T sprinter, Keston Bledman clocked 21.05 seconds for second spot in the men’s 200m “D” race.
Emanuel Mayers got home in 50.63 seconds to secure fourth spot in the men’s 400m hurdles. In the women’s 400m hurdles, Janeil Bellille clocked 58.41 to finish fifth.
Mikel Thomas was fifth in the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.47 seconds. Another T&T hurdler, Wayne Davis II finished ninth in 13.86.
Alena Brooks returned a time of two minutes, 08.42 seconds for fifth spot in the women’s 800m. In the men’s 800m “F” race, Coppin State University’s Mark London was fifth in 1:52.02.
And in the women’s 400m “D” race, Romona Modeste completed her lap of the track in 54.30 seconds to secure seventh spot.
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Solomon stars in New Mexico (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Solomon-stars-in-New-Mexico-299273201.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 9, 2015 at 9:17 PM ECT (T&T Express)
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CLOCKED 45.62: Jarrin Solomon
Jarrin Solomon topped the men’s 400 metres field at the Tailwind Open, in New Mexico, USA, on Saturday. The Trinidad and Tobago quarter-miler stopped the clock at 45.62 seconds.
In the men’s 100m dash, Adams State University student, Micah Ballantyne finished sixth in a wind-assisted 10.65 seconds.
At the Stanford Invitational, in California, Texas A&M University senior, Deon Lendore struck gold in the men’s 200m in 21.04 seconds. In the 200m “B” race, College of the Sequoias freshman, Holland Cabara was third in 21.52.
Sparkle McKnight captured fourth spot in the women’s 400m hurdles in one minute, 00.22 seconds. The University of Arkansas student clocked 55.17 seconds for eighth spot in the 400m. And in the 200m “B” race, McKnight was sixth in 24.79.
College of the Sequoias freshman, Ohdel James got home in 49.40 seconds to finish seventh in the men’s 400m “B” race.
In Texas, South Plains College student, Domonique Williams grabbed Texas Tech Open women’s 800m gold in 2:10.78. Western Texas College sprinter, John Mark Constantine bagged men’s 100m bronze in a windy 10.41 seconds. His teammate, Marissa Gale was eighth overall in the women’s 200m in a windy 24.45. And in the men’s 400m, Abilene Christian University’s Osei Alleyne-Forte finished 18th overall in 48.69 seconds.
At the Savannah State Twilight meet, in Georgia, Deandra Daniel won the women’s high jump, the Coppin State University athlete clearing the bar at 1.77 metres. Daniel also competed in the long jump, finishing sixth with a 5.19m leap.
Coppin State’s Mark London was fifth in the men’s 400m in 49.72 seconds. And his teammate, Haysean Cowie-Clarke finished second in the 200m “C” race in 23.01.
At the Florida Relays, Ayanna Alexander was second in the women’s triple jump with a 13.34m effort. And in the women’s high jump, Daniel cleared 1.78m to finish tenth.
At the ACCAC #1 meet, in Arizona, Ruebin Walters won the men’s 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles events, clocking 13.85 seconds and 52.85. His Central Arizona College teammate, Hezekiel Romeo finished second in the men’s shot put, throwing the iron ball 17.02m.
Another T&T/Central Arizona athlete, Akila McShine was third in both the women’s 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles, clocking 15.88 seconds and 1:13.17. In the 100m dash, McShine finished eighth in 13.67.
At the Bob Kahn Invite, in Ohio, Kevin Roberts won the men’s triple jump with a 14.15m effort. The Tiffin University freshman also competed in the 400m event, finishing eighth overall in 57.40 seconds.
In Texas, Wiley College’s Quinn-Lee Ralph grabbed Carl Kight Invitational men’s 100m gold in a wind-aided 10.54 seconds. In the 200m, T&T/Wiley College athletes finished one-two, Dan-Neil Telesford clocking 21 seconds flat to get the better of Ralph (21.25).
At another meet in Texas, Texas State University’s Aaron George secured bronze in the Baylor Invitational men’s long jump with a windy 7.46m leap. His best legal jump in the competition was 7.28m.
Baylor University’s Dannielle Davis finished ninth in the women’s 100m hurdles (14.26 seconds) and 11th in the long jump (wind-assisted 5.38m). Her only legal leap was 4.58m. University of Texas at Arlington student, Aaron Leung Woo-Gabriel was 17th in the men’s 100m (11.18) and 22nd in the 200m (23.04).
At the Colonial Relays, in Virginia, Kiersten LaRoche finished 17th in the women’s javelin with a 32.73m throw. And in the 100m hurdles, the Temple University senior was 20th overall in a windy 14.75 seconds.
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Thomas 2nd in Arizona, Lendore trails Kirani (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Thomas-2nd-in-Arizona-Lendore-trails-Kirani--299520661.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 12, 2015 at 11:34 PM ECT (T&T Express)
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COPPED SECOND: Mikel Thomas
Mikel Thomas picked up silver in the open men’s 110 metres hurdles, at the Sun Angel Track Classic, in Arizona, USA, on Saturday.
The Trinidad and Tobago hurdler clocked 13.57 seconds to finish behind American Aries Merritt, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder getting to the line in 13.29. T&T/Central Arizona College athlete, Ruebin Walters was first in his section and third overall in 13.82.
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COPPED THIRD: Deon Lendore
T&T’s Deon Lendore got home in 45.18 seconds in the premier men’s 400m. The clocking earned the Texas A&M University senior third spot in the event.
The 2012 Olympic champion, Kirani James ran a world-leading 44.31 to top the field in his 2015 opener, beating his fellow-Grenadian Bralon Taplin into second spot. Taplin, a student at Texas A&M, clocked a personal best 44.89.
Hezekiel Romeo secured seventh spot in the premier men’s shot put. The T&T/Central Arizona field athlete threw the iron ball 17.00 metres.
Arizona State University junior, Jamol James produced a 6.97m leap to finish ninth in the premier men’s long jump.
In the open men’s 400m, College of the Sequoias athletes, Ohdel James and Theon Lewis were ninth and 10th fastest, respectively, clocking 47.78 seconds and 47.93. University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) student, Aeisha McDavid was ninth in the open women’s long jump (5.16m) and 24th overall in the open women’s 200m (25.98).
Marissa Gale earned women’s 400m silver at the Wes Kittley Invitational, in Texas. The Western Texas College sophomore completed her lap of the track in 54.55 seconds. Another T&T athlete, Jessica James was fourth in 55.01.
Gale also competed in the women’s 200m event, clocking a wind-assisted 24.51 seconds to finish fourth, one spot ahead of South Plains College student Domonique Williams (24.54).
Abilene Christian University (ACU) sophomore Sterlen Paul bagged bronze in the men’s 800m in one minute, 54.55 seconds. And another ACU student, Osei Alleyne-Forte was 17th overall in the men’s 400m in 49.29 seconds.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Burns starts solid
T&T sprinter wins Alabama 100 in 10.17 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-Burns-starts-solid-300730011.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 20, 2015 at 8:44 PM ECT
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Won in Alabama: Marc Burns
Marc Burns produced a solid run at his first outdoor meet this season. The experienced Trinidad and Tobago sprinter clocked 10.17 seconds to win the War Eagle Invitational men’s 100 metres dash, in Alabama, USA, on Saturday.
In the preliminary round, Burns won heat three in a wind-assisted 10.21 to advance to the final as the fastest qualifier.
Renny Quow also opened his 2015 outdoor campaign with gold. The T&T athlete won the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Invitational men’s 200m event in 20.78 seconds. South Plains College student Jereem Richards clocked 21.18 to finish first in section two and third overall.
Another T&T/South Plains athlete, Domonique Williams was fourth in the women’s 200m in 23.92 seconds.
UTEP’s Aeisha McDavid finished fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles in a wind-aided 14.20 seconds and fifth in the high jump with a 1.52 metres clearance. And South Plains sprinter Aaliyah Telesford secured fifth spot in the women’s 100m dash in 11.93 seconds.
In Maryland, Deandra Daniel won the Morgan State Legacy women’s high jump with a 1.87m clearance, equalling her personal best. The Coppin State University student also competed in the long jump, finishing sixth with a 5.57m leap.
Emmanuel Stewart established a new national record in the men’s hammer throw, landing the implement 55.11m to finish second. He won the discus with a 50.90m throw.
Temple University’s Kiersten LaRoche got home in 14.81 seconds to finish 11th overall in the women’s 100m hurdles. Coppin State’s Haysean Cowie-Clarke was 14th fastest in the men’s 100m in 10.94 and 35th in the 200m in 22.79. University of Delaware junior, Chelsi Campbell produced a 25.53 seconds run for 20th spot overall in the women’s 200m. And in the 400m, Campbell was 21st in 58.20.
At the Mt SAC Relays, in California, Ayanna Alexander secured silver in the women’s triple jump, her 13.83m effort earning her third spot on the 2015 world outdoor performance list.
Mikel Thomas was also impressive, the T&T hurdler snapping up silver in the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.32 seconds. He is sixth on the 2015 world list. The clocking was the second fastest of Thomas’ career, behind his 13.19 national record.
Jarrin Solomon secured second spot in the men’s 400m in 45.86 seconds. In the women’s 400m hurdles, Josanne Lucas got home in 57.24 seconds to finish first in section two and fourth overall. Lucas was also fourth fastest in the college/open 100m hurdles, the T&T athlete getting to the line in 13.54.
Magnolia Howell clocked 55.94 seconds for 11th spot overall in the women’ 400m. In the college/open men’s 400m, College of the Sequoias students, Ohdel James and Theon Lewis were 24th and 31st, respectively, clocking 48.09 and 48.30. And in the college/open women’s 100m, Western Kentucky University sprinter Peli Alzola was 31st fastest in 11.86 seconds.
At the Ross Black Open, in New Mexico, Kayelle Clarke bagged bronze in the women’s 100m, the New Mexico Junior College student clocking 11.75 seconds.
In Oklahoma, Osei Alleyne-Forte was fifth fastest in the John Jacobs Invitational men’s 400m event in 47.49 seconds. His Abilene Christian University teammate, Sterlen Paul was 10th in the men’s 800m in one minute, 53.44 seconds.
In the women’s 200m, Missouri State University’s Kadisha Francois was 15th overall in 25.11 seconds, finishing one spot ahead of another T&T athlete, Jessica James (25.34). And in the 100m dash, Francois was 16th in 12.64.
At the Georgia Tech Invitational, Tiffin University’s Kevin Roberts finished sixth in the men’s long jump with a 7.07m leap.
In Texas, Dannielle Davis produced a 5.58m effort to finish 12th in the Michael Johnson Classic women’s long jump. The Baylor University senior clocked 14.30 seconds for 20th spot overall in the 100m hurdles.
University of Texas at Arlington sprinter, Aaron Leung Woo-Gabriel was 17th in the men’s 200m in 22.75 seconds and 30th in the 100m in 11.25.
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Coming back strong (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-Coming-back-strong-300872341.html)
By Garth Wattley garth.wattley@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 21, 2015 at 9:40 PM ECT
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Still going strong: Marc Burns
There seems to be some life left in Marc Burns’ legs.
It was good to see that even at what one might consider the veterans stage of his career, T&T’s most senior sprinter can still finish at the head of the field as he did on the weekend in the USA.
Recent years have not been kind to him with injury, and people like Richard Thompson and Keston Bledman are now the ones expected to carry more of the load in the sprints, and especially in the relays, where T&T have had more success at big games over the last decade or so.
But T&T’s success at 4x100 level has had much to do with the presence of Burns.
On his CV, he counts three World Championships relay silver medals from the meets in Edmonton (2001), Helsinki (2005) and Berlin (2009), and Olympic silver behind the unstoppable Jamaicans in Beijing in 2008 and a bronze by virtue of a disqualification at London in 2012.
As an individual, Burns also has a 100 metres bronze medal from the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. And while there is no such hardware to show from his runs at Olympics and World Championships, Burns has consistently made finals.
A steady, stable presence in T&T sprinting is what the 32-year-old has been.
Ato Boldon revitalised the sprints with his bagful of 100 and 200 medals at Olympics and World Championships, and Darrell Brown with his World Champs silver in 2003 and Thompson with his Olympic silver in 2008 have momentarily hit the heights that Boldon used to reach with regularity.
But neither of that pair has kept to a standard the way Burns has. In some ways, he is similar to the Kittitian Kim Collins, the man who beat Brown to gold at the Paris World Championships. Without a doubt, Collins has proved himself a cut above, keeping himself free of serious injury and being able to mix it up with his much younger contemporaries, even now, at age 39. As recently as 2013, Collins did a personal best in the 100m of 9.97. That should be inspiration for Burns; that he can still do big things even though he is inching towards his mid-thirties.
Times certainly have changed
Used to be that a sprinter would be looking to walk away from the track after he crossed 30. But Linford Christie winning Olympic gold in Barcelona at age 32 forced a re-take on conventional wisdom. And with the science of sport being at its peak in this era, and with more money and opportunities to compete being available to athletes nowadays, there is much incentive for the power runners to keep going.
Don’t know what his career goals are at this stage, but if Burns soldiers on, he would continue to be an asset to the relay squad, and to the younger athletes. He has seen the eras change on the track for T&T and internationally. He has run with the Boldons and the Maurice Greenes; with Justin Gatlin before his drugs ban, and with Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake and a rejuvenated Gatlin.
You cannot train to acquire such experience and the big race know-how that comes from lining up with the best in the sport in varying conditions over a prolonged period of time.
The weekend news that triggered these thoughts about Burns and Collins also had me thinking nostalgically about a cricketing name on the comeback trail.
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Bledman leads the world
Baptiste sizzles in comeback century (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Baptiste-sizzles-in-comeback-century-301333541.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 25, 2015 at 9:17 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Keston%20Bledman%2003.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Keston%20Bledman%2003.jpg.html)
CLOCKED 10.01: Keston Bledman
Keston Bledman bolted to the top of the 2015 world performance list when he scorched the track in 10.01 seconds for a convincing victory in the Tom Jones Memorial men’s 100 metres dash, in Florida, USA, on Friday.
The Trinidad and Tobago track star finished well ahead of his closest challenger, American Marvin Bracy securing second spot in 10.11.
Two Saturdays ago, also in Florida, Bledman ran his first 100m race for the season, clocking a wind-assisted 9.97 seconds. He returned to the track later in the day for victory in the final in a windy 9.94.
On Friday, the wind cooperated with Bledman, and he produced the sixth fastest legal time of his career.
Another T&T sprinter, Richard “Torpedo” Thompson is third on the 2015 world performance list at 10.04, behind Bledman (10.01) and American Trayvon Bromell (10.02).
Kelly-Ann Baptiste dived under 11 seconds in her first 100m outing since the completion of a 21-month doping ban, in January.
Baptiste won the Tom Jones Memorial women’s century in 10.98 seconds, the clocking earning her fourth spot on the 2015 world performance list. Jamaican Elaine Thompson and American Jenna Prandini are joint-first at 10.92, while third spot is occupied by another T&T sprinter, Michelle-Lee Ahye, who clocked 10.97 seconds on April 2.
At the Penn Relays, in Pennsylvania, St Augustine Secondary student Portious Warren seized silver in the high school girls’ shot put championship. The 2015 Carifta Games under-20 champion threw the iron ball 14.69 metres.
Coppin State University’s Deandra Daniel finished sixth in the college women’s high jump with a 1.74m clearance. Steve Waithe was eighth in the college men’s triple jump, the Pennsylvania State University student disturbing the sand at 15.41m.
Andre Marcano clocked 10.95 seconds for ninth spot in the Olympic Development men’s 100m dash. Toco Secondary’s Terrel Paul was 15th in the high school boys’ triple jump with a 13.54m effort.
St Benedict’s College student, Iley Bruce was 22nd in the high school boys’ 3,000m in nine minutes, 36.71 seconds. And Temple University’s Kiersten LaRoche produced a wind-aided 5.07m jump to finish 48th in the college women’s long jump.
Bishop’s High School, Tobago students, Ako Hislop, Akanni Hislop, Aaron Lewis and Dwight St Hillaire teamed up for eighth spot in the high school boys’ 4x100m small schools event in 42.48 seconds.
Queen’s Royal College emerged as the best of the T&T schools in the high school boys’ 4x400m event, Jesse Frederick, Keivonne Alexander, Elijah Smith and Jacob St Clair teaming up for fourth spot in their section in 3:21.96.
St Francois Girls College was the most impressive of the T&T schools in the high school girls’ 4x100m event. Jeneil Morris, Kadesha Prescott, Jeminise Parris and Thyla-Marie Scott teamed up for 24th spot overall in the large schools category in 49.80 seconds.
In the high school girls’ 4x400m, the Bishop Anstey High School combination of Kafi Ottley, Deleth Charles, Je’Risa James and Jeunice Maxime returned a time of 4:04.11 to finish fourth in their section.
Deon Lendore anchored his university, Texas A&M to silver in the college men’s 4x400m championship of America in 3:04.99. He also anchored Texas A&M to silver in the college men’s 4x100m championship of America in 39.56 seconds.
In the masters men’s 65 and older 100m dash, Terrance Skinner finished third in 13.87 seconds. And in the masters men’s 55 and older 100m, Wayne Marcano was fifth in 13.10.
University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) finished 26th in the college men’s 4x200m in 1:29.65, 33rd in the college men’s sprint medley (3:41.15), 37th in the college women’s 4x200m (1:43.66), and 49th in the college men’s 4x400m (3:25.50).
At the Drake Relays, in Iowa, Arizona State University junior Jamol James finished 10th in the men’s long jump with a 7.25m leap. And Baylor University senior, Dannielle Davis was 22nd overall in the women’s 100m hurdles in 14.61 seconds.
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Ahye flies in windy 200
Victory too for Bellille (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Ahye-flies-in-windy-200-301375621.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 26, 2015 at 8:48 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20Sopot%202014.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20Sopot%202014.jpg.html)
Michelle-Lee Ahye
Michelle-Lee Ahye blazed the track in a wind-aided 22.01 seconds for a huge victory in the Bobcat Classic women’s 200 metres, in Texas, USA, on Saturday.
The clocking is the fastest time in the world this year and the fastest ever recorded by a female athlete from Trinidad and Tobago. However, it will not be recognised as a national record since the following wind was 2.9 metres per second—above the 2.0 legal limit.
Allison Peter finished a distant second, the United States Virgin Islands athlete getting to the line in 23.28.
Another T&T sprinter, Reyare Thomas was second in section two and fourth overall in 23.47 seconds.
Janeil Bellille struck gold in the women’s 400m, the T&T athlete completing her lap of the track in 52.95 seconds. Jessica James clocked 55.44 to secure ninth spot overall.
Texas State University student, Aaron George produced a wind-assisted 7.40 metres effort for fourth spot in the men’s long jump. His best legal leap in the competition was 7.38m.
Domonique Williams topped the women’s 400m field, at the Western Texas A&M University Open Twilight meet. The South Plains College student clocked 53.08 seconds. Another T&T athlete, Western Texas College’s Marissa Gale finished second in 54.97. New Mexico Junior College athlete, Kayelle Clarke was fourth overall in 56.47.
John Mark Constantine bagged men’s 100m bronze, the Western Texas College sprinter getting home in 10.52 seconds.
Jereem Richards was fourth overall in the men’s 400m in 47.85 seconds. And his South Plains teammate, Aaliyah Telesford clocked 12.04 for fifth spot overall in the women’s 100m.
At the Brigham Young University (BYU) Robison Invitational, in Utah, Marsha Mark-Baird won the women’s long jump with a 5.90m leap. She was third in the 100m hurdles in 14.52 seconds, and fifth in the javelin with a 41.10m throw.
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St. Clair and Hislop in World Youth Top Ten (http://www.sportscoretobago.com/news/st-clair-and-hislop-in-world-youth-top-ten/)
by Clayton Clarke (sportscoretobago@gmail.com)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Jacob%20St.%20Clair%20at%20HCS%20PoS%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Jacob%20St.%20Clair%20at%20HCS%20PoS%202015.jpg.html)
Jacob St. Clair-number 3 on the World Youth 400m rankings.
http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/sprints/400-metres/outdoor/men/youth/2015
(Photo courtesy-Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, THA).
Double Carifta silver medallist Jacob St. Clair is ranked at number three in the boys 400m in the latest IAAF World Youth (Under 18) Performance list for 2015. St. Clair is third best following his 46.73 pb run in taking second in the boys under 18 400m at 44th Carifta Games in Basseterre, St. Kitts on April 4.
Ahead of the Queen’s Royal College student is Jamaican Chrstopher Taylor (45.69) and Koroba Sibanda of Botswana (46.33). Christopher took the gold ahead of St. Clair in St. Kitts by 0.09 seconds. St. Clair, who is coached by former top national quarter-miler Charles Joseph.
The Abilene Wildcats sprinter is one of two T&T athletes on the List. Carifta boys under 18 200m champion Akanni Hislop is at fourth in the 100m and 200m with personal best times of 10.47(+0.3) and 20.91 (+1.8 ).
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Akanni%20Hislop%202015%20CARIFTA%20U-18%20200m%20Champion.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Akanni%20Hislop%202015%20CARIFTA%20U-18%20200m%20Champion.jpg.html)
Akanni Hislop is at number 4 in the World Youth 100m and 200m rankings.
http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/sprints/100-metres/outdoor/men/youth/2015
http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/sprints/200-metres/outdoor/men/youth/2015
(Photo courtesy-Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports)
In the 100m the 2014 World Youth Olympics 200m fourth place finisher posted his best time in taking second in the century in St. Kitts on April 4 behind the world leader Javan Martin of the Bahamas (10.41). Martin’s top time was matched by South African Tlotlisa Leotleta on April 10.
Hislop then raced to 20.91 to improve to gold in the 200m on April 6, erasing his previous pb of 21.25 in the semifinals one day earlier. The Bishops High School fifth former is also at 10th on the World Junior (Under 20) rankings.
Another Carifta champion Tyriq Horsford was in the top ten in the last World Youth rankings following his 70.73 record throw to take the Boys under 18 javelin title in St. Kitts.
Carifta Girls under 20 shot put gold medallist Portious Warren is the lone local female on the global rankings at 10th in the World Junior shot put performance list with her 15.22m winning effort in St. Kitts.
http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/throws/shot-put/outdoor/women/junior/2015
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Lalonde golden in New Jersey (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-Lalonde-golden-in-New-Jersey-301636231.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 28, 2015 at 10:10 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Lalonde%20Gordon%20London%20Olympics%202012.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Lalonde%20Gordon%20London%20Olympics%202012.jpg.html)
RIPPING FORM: Lalonde Gordon
Lalonde Gordon captured the men’s 200 metres title at the Essex Brick City Classic, in New Jersey, USA, on Sunday. The double Olympic bronze medallist stopped the clock at 20.90 seconds.
Another Trinidad and Tobago athlete, Odou Hazel won the men’s 800m event in two minutes, 00.95 seconds.
In California, College of the Sequoias athletes, Ashron Sobers and Ohdel James struck gold at the CVC Championships.
Sobers topped the men’s 100m field in 10.68 seconds, while James clocked 47.70 to emerge as men’s 400m champion. Another T&T/Sequoias athlete, Theon Lewis earned silver in the 400m in 47.93. In the 200m, Lewis (21.56) and Sobers (22.05) finished second and fifth, respectively.
At the Red River Athletic Conference Championships, in Oklahoma, Dan-Neil Telesford earned one individual gold medal as well as two silvers.
Telesford won the men’s 200m in 21.14 seconds. Two other T&T/Wiley College athletes, Quinn-Lee Ralph and Justin Maloney were second and fourth, respectively, clocking 21.41 and 21.69.
Ralph grabbed 100m gold in 10.69 seconds, forcing Telesford to settle for the runner-up spot in 10.79. And in the 400m, Maloney triumphed, edging Telesford into the silver slot. Both athletes clocked 48 seconds flat.
Emmanuel Stewart was the class of the Delaware Classic men’s discus field, the T&T field athlete winning with a 51.34 metres effort.
At the Kip Janvrin Open, in Indiana, Deborah John clocked 13.95 seconds to win the women’s 100m hurdles.
At the Triton Invitational, in California, Ruebin Walters was third in the men’s 110m hurdles in a wind-assisted 14.04 seconds, and fourth fastest in the 400m hurdles in 52.94. His Central Arizona College teammate, Hezekiel Romeo finished third in the men’s shot put with a 17.28m throw.
Magnolia Howell was third in the women’s 200m in 24.43 seconds, and fourth in the 400m in 54.36.
In Texas, Marissa Gale finished third in section one and fourth overall in the West Texas A&M Open Twilight women’s 200m event. The Western Texas College student got to the line in 24.14 seconds.
At the Bellarmine Classic, in Kentucky, Peli Alzola clocked 12.35 seconds to secure fifth spot in the women’s 100m dash. The Western Kentucky University sophomore also competed in the 200m, finishing eighth in 25.93.
At the Brutus Hamilton Challenge, in California, Aeisha McDavid was ninth fastest in the women’s 200m in a wind-aided 25.84 seconds. And in the javelin, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) senior finished 11th with a 31.29m throw.
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Baptiste pulls out of World Relays
...NAAA: It’s personal (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-04-30/baptiste-pulls-out-world-relays)
By Andrew Gioannetti (T&T Guardian)
Published: Thursday, April 30, 2015
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Kelly-Ann%20Baptiste%20celebrates%20100m%20bronze%20in%20Daegu%202011.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Kelly-Ann%20Baptiste%20celebrates%20100m%20bronze%20in%20Daegu%202011.png.html)
Kelly-Ann Baptiste
T&T’s prospects for a gold medal in the women’s 4x100m relay at this weekend’s IAAF/BTC World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas, has been dented with the announcement of Kelly-Ann Baptiste’s withdrawal from the event. Off a recent 10.98 winning run at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational in Gainesville, Florida, Baptiste was announced last week by the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) as part of the overall 23-athlete T&T contingent and six-runner women’s 4x100m pool.
However, in a media release issued on Tuesday night, Baptiste’s withdrawal was announced, along with a suggestion by the NAAA that the reason was not related to injury or her recently completed 21-month ban for droping. “Her withdrawal is not related to any prior issue and is merely to allow her to address urgent personal matters,” the release noted.
Contacted for further information yesterday, public relations officer (PRO) at the NAAA, Peter Samuel, said between the time the release was issued on Tuesday and press time last evening, there were no further details with regard to the specifics of her withdrawal, but maintained that he only understands it to be “personal”.
“I know that people are coming to all kinds of conclusions out of it, but I can guarantee that this has nothing to do with previous issues (that were made public),” Samuel said via telephone, adding that Baptiste is still very much expected to feature at next month’s National Open Championships, an event mandatory for athletes to be considered for the IAAF World Championships, in August.
The latest NAAA release, authored by Samuel, states: “Ms Baptiste has been enjoying an excellent season and her presence in the Bahamas would have significantly improved the chances of our 4x100m women’s team (claiming gold). Notwithstanding, our country is being represented by a strong team and all athletes are expected to give of their best.”
In the absence of Baptiste at the inaugural World Relays last year, T&T’s 4x100m women’s team secured bronze after clocking 42.66 seconds, behind USA (41.88) and Jamaica (42.28). Kamaria Durant, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Reyare Thomas and Kai Selvon, represented T&T in the final and have been retained for this weekend’s races. Lisa Wickham is also in the team.
Baptiste’s initial inclusion meant T&T would have had a chance, albeit slim, to provide four runners from the six-athlete pool for the women’s 4x200m relay. Nevertheless, the women’s 4x100m team will challenge the heats on Sunday—second day of competition—at 7.16 pm, approximately two hours and 15 minutes before the final. T&T will also field a men and women 4x400m team and a men 4x100m and 4x200m team.
First in action will be the men’s 4x400m heats, which will open the World Relays from 7 pm on Saturday. Lalonde Gordon, Renny Quow, Machel Cedenio and Jarrin Solomon, all of whom combined for bronze last year in a national record breaking performance at 2:58.34, are also back in Nassau, while Kyle Greaux and Jacob St Clair have joined the pool.
The T&T athletes for the men’s 4x100m 4x200m relays include Marc Burns, Keston Bledman, Rondell Sorrillo and Richard Thompson—who captured silver in 38.04 seconds last year—with support from Marcus Duncan, Emmanuel Callender and Greaux. The men’s 4x100m relay heats and final will run on Saturday at 7.49 pm and 9.52 pm, respectively.
Sunday’s races will again start at 7 pm, opening with the men’s 4x200m heats, two hours and five minutes before the final. The women’s 4x400m relays will start with heats on Saturday at 8.32 pm, a day before the final, scheduled for 8.12 pm. The quarter-miler quartet, who will be seeking to improve from the 12th place finish last year, are Janeil Bellille, Josanne Lucas, Ramona Modeste, Alena Brooks and Magnolia Howell.
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Is it necessary to post the same article three times???? It's not going to take on a different meaning because its under a different thread title.
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Is it necessary to post the same article three times???? It's not going to take on a different meaning because its under a different thread title.
Don't let my posts bother you so much. I have my reasons.
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Is it necessary to post the same article three times???? It's not going to take on a different meaning because its under a different thread title.
Don't let my posts bother you so much. I have my reasons.
You clearly have lots of time on your hands, so carry on.
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Is it necessary to post the same article three times???? It's not going to take on a different meaning because its under a different thread title.
Don't let my posts bother you so much. I have my reasons.
You clearly have lots of time on your hands, so carry on.
Nothing to do with time on my hands. Once I make a post it only takes a few seconds for me to copy and reproduce it in another thread.
As I said I have my reasons but don't see the need to explain why I did it.
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James bolts to two PBs (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-James-bolts-to-two-PBs-303010001.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: May 7, 2015 at 8:02 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Jamol%20James%20left%20amp%20Jereem%20Richards%20right%20updated.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Jamol%20James%20left%20amp%20Jereem%20Richards%20right%20updated.jpg.html)
TOP FORM: Jamol James (left) 100m/200m & Jereem Richards (right) 200m/400m
Jamol James clocked a couple PBs (personal bests) at the Duel in the Desert track and field meet, in Arizona, USA, on Saturday. The Arizona State University student won the men’s 100 metres dash in 10.15 seconds, and topped the 200m field in 20.96. James also competed in the long jump, finishing fourth with a 6.87 metres leap. (Click link https://www.facebook.com/jamol.james.79/videos/10153156217336311 to view Jamol James's 100m PB race video.)
At the Red Raider Open, in Texas, Jereem Richards produced a new personal record (PR), the South Plains College athlete winning the men’s 400m in 45.91 seconds. And in the 200m, he was third in 20.72.
In a women’s 200m race, New Mexico Junior College sprinter Kayelle Clarke and Western Texas College’s Marissa Gale were first and second, respectively, clocking 23.71 and 24.24. In another 200m race, Jessica James finished fifth in a wind-aided 24.91.
Clarke finished third in the women’s 100m in a windy 11.43 seconds. Another T&T sprinter, South Plains student Aaliyah Telesford was seventh in the same race in 11.73. And in the women’s 400m, James clocked 54.80 seconds to finish third.
In Virginia, Ayanna Alexander emerged victorious in the Liberty Twilight women’s triple jump with a wind-assisted 13.84m jump. Her best legal effort on the day was 13.63m.
At the Kehoe Twilight meet, in Maryland, Pennsylvania State University athlete, Steve Waithe struck gold in the men’s triple jump with a 15.29m effort.
At the MEAC Championships, in North Carolina, Deandra Daniel cleared the bar at 1.79m to win the women’s high jump. Her Coppin State University teammate, Haysean Cowie-Clarke was 16th overall in the men’s 100m in 10.82 seconds.
Shermund Allsop won the men’s 100m “B” race at the Louisiana State Invitational in 10.57 seconds. Kyron Blaise disturbed the sand at 7.32m for fourth spot in the men’s long jump. And University of Miami freshman, Trishelle Leacock was 14th overall in the women’s 200m in 24.77 seconds.
In Texas, Deborah John finished third in the Horned Frog Invite women’s 100m hurdles in 13.44 seconds.
At the Princeton Open, in New Jersey, Andre Marcano secured bronze in the men’s 100m dash in 10.73 seconds. He was seventh in the 200m in 22.01.
Temple University’s Kiersten LaRoche finished seventh in the women’s 100m hurdles final in 14.66 seconds. She had clocked 14.62 in the qualifying round. LaRoche was 12th in the javelin with a 30.34m throw and 24th overall in the 200m in 25.92 seconds.
At the Kentucky Relays, Western Kentucky University sophomore, Peli Alzola was third in the women’s 200m “B” race in 24.58 seconds and seventh overall in the 100m in 12.07.
In Virginia, Chelsi Campbell finished fourth in the CAA Outdoor Championship women’s 400m final in 57.47 seconds. The University of Delaware junior was 15th overall in the 200m in 25.36.
In Michigan, Tiffin University’s Kevin Roberts secured fifth spot in the GLIAC Outdoor Championship men’s long jump with a 7.03m leap. He produced a 14.37m effort to finish sixth in the triple jump.
At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Twilight meet, UTEP’s Aeisha McDavid was seventh in both the women’s shot put and javelin events. She threw 10.93m in the shot put and 31.40m in the javelin.
At the Arkansas Twilight meet, Missouri State University’s Kadisha Francois finished seventh in the women’s 400m in 56.94 seconds and 10th in the 200m in 25.38.
At the Longhorn Invitational, in Texas, Dannielle Davis was 11th in the women’s 100m hurdles in 14.10 seconds. The Baylor University senior also competed in the long jump, finishing 20th with a 5.73m leap.
T&T/College of the Sequoias athletes produced solid performances at the Northern California Community College Championship trials.
Holland Cabara clocked 10.77 seconds to lead all qualifiers into the men’s 100m final. Ashron Sobers was seventh overall in 10.90. In the 200m, Cabara (21.90) and Theon Lewis (22.02) were second and third fastest, respectively. Lewis was fastest in the 400m, completing his lap of the track in 47.92 seconds. Ohdel James was second overall in 47.93.
And at the International Meeting, in Guadeloupe, Wayne Davis II finished fifth in the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.82 seconds.
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Hackett returns at Arima Invitational (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-Hackett-returns-at-Arima-Invitational-303009381.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: May 7, 2015 at 7:58 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Semoy%20Hackett%20at%20London%202012.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Semoy%20Hackett%20at%20London%202012.jpg.html)
Hackett returns at Arima Invitational
Semoy Hackett is expected to be at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima on Sunday, competing for the first time since completing a 28-month doping ban, on April 30.
Arima Invitational Games chairman, Ainsley Armstrong told the Express yesterday that Hackett will face the starter in the women’s 200 metres event. She will do battle with Kamaria Durant, who ran the lead-off leg for the fifth-placed Trinidad and Tobago women’s 4x100m quartet, at last weekend’s IAAF/BTC World Relays, in Nassau, Bahamas.
Durant and World Relays 4x100m alternate Lisa Wickham are expected to square off in the 100m dash.
Three other members of T&T’s 2015 IAAF World Relays team have been listed to compete at Sunday’s Arima Invitational Games.
Romona Modeste, who represented the country in the women’s 4x400m in Nassau, will run in the 400m event. Armstrong also named Emmanuel Callender and Marcus Duncan. Neither sprinter competed at the World Relays, but were both in Nassau as part of the men’s 4x100m and 4x200m pools.
On Sunday, Callender will do battle with Barbadian Ramon Gittens in the men’s 200m, while Duncan is expected to line up in the 100m dash, against former world junior champion Darrel Brown, St Kitts and Nevis sprinter Brijesh Lawrence, and Jamaicans Oshane Bailey and Sheldon Mitchell.
The Arima Invitational Games will also feature races for primary school students from the Arima and environs area.
Sunday’s opening ceremony starts at two p.m. The first event is scheduled for three.
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Double gold for Walters (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-Double-gold-for-Walters-303193771.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: May 9, 2015 at 9:15 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Ruebin%20Walters%20TampT%20Hurdler3_1.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Ruebin%20Walters%20TampT%20Hurdler3_1.png.html)
Ruebin Walters
Ruebin Walters captured the men’s hurdles double at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Arizona, USA, on Thursday.
Walters clocked 14.09 seconds to strike gold in the 110 metres hurdles. The Central Arizona College freshman was also triumphant in the 400m hurdles, getting home in 53.82.
Another Trinidad and Tobago/Central Arizona athlete, Hezekiel Romeo grabbed gold in the men’s shot put with a 17.60 metres throw.
At the Northern California Community College Championships, T&T/College of the Sequoias athletes, Theon Lewis and Ohdel James finished one-two in the men’s 400m final. Lewis clocked 47.53 seconds, while James got to the finish line in 47.65.
Lewis bagged bronze in the 200m in 21.58 seconds. And in the men’s 100m final, Ashron Sobers (10.70) and Holland Cabara (10.88) were seventh and 10th, respectively.
In Michigan, Tiffin University freshman Kevin Roberts produced a personal best effort of 15.00m to capture the Hillsdale Classic men’s triple jump title.
At the Georgian Court Last Chance Meet, in New Jersey, Odou Hazel clocked 48.42 seconds to seize silver in the men’s 400m.
In Maryland, Haysean Cowie-Clarke finished seventh overall in the Don Webster Invitational men’s 100m preliminaries in 11.08 seconds, the Coppin State University student earning a lane in the final. Cowie-Clarke, however, did not face the starter in the championship race.
At the Southland Conference Championships, in Louisiana, Sterlen Paul returned a time of one minute, 53.94 seconds to finish 10th overall in the qualifying round of the men’s 800m event. The top eight advanced to the final. And in the men’s 400m, Paul’s Abilene Christian University teammate, Osei Alleyne-Forte was 18th overall in 48.56 seconds.
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Double gold for Lalonde
Gordon wins 200m, 400m in St Martin (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Double-gold-for-Lalonde-303241181.html)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: May 10, 2015 at 11:36 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Lalonde%20Gordon%202012%20London.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Lalonde%20Gordon%202012%20London.png.html)
200/400m double: T&T's Lalonde Gordon
Trinidad and Tobago’s Lalonde Gordon completed an impressive same-day double at the International Meeting, in St Martin, on Saturday.
Gordon grabbed gold in the men’s 200 metres event in 20.53 seconds. The double Olympic bronze medallist was also triumphant in the 400m, clocking 45.50 seconds to finish ahead of Netherlands athlete Lee-Marvin Bonevacia (45.59).
Another T&T quartermiler, Jarrin Solomon secured bronze in 45.85.
Kai Selvon picked up silver in the women’s 100m dash. The T&T sprinter clocked 11.68 seconds, while the winner, American Tawanna Meadows got home in 11.59.
And T&T’s Wayne Davis II finished fifth in the men’s 110m hurdles in 14.29 seconds.
At the University of North Florida (UNF) Invite, in the United States, Emanuel Mayers picked up silver in the men’s 400m hurdles in 50.98 seconds. He also competed in the 100m dash, finishing 11th overall in 10.85.
Mikel Thomas bagged men’s 110m hurdles bronze for T&T at the Jamaica International Invitational, in Kingston. Thomas clocked 13.44 seconds to trail a pair of Americans to the line. Aleec Harris was first home in a world-leading 13.16 seconds, while the runner-up spot went to Jeff Porter (13.36).
Ayanna Alexander captured fourth spot in the women’s triple jump with a 13.52 metres effort. Colombia’s Caterine Ibarguen dominated her rivals in the event, the reigning world champion taking gold with a world-leading 14.87m jump.
Richard “Torpedo” Thompson matched his 10.04 seconds 2015 opener. The fine run, though, could only earn him fifth spot in Saturday’s men’s 100m dash.
Former world record holder Asafa Powell sounded a World Championship warning, the Jamaican sprint star capturing the top spot in 9.84 seconds—the fastest time in the world this year. American Ryan Bailey and Jamaica’s Nesta Carter also dived under 10 seconds. Bailey finished second in 9.93, while Carter was third in 9.98. Another Jamaican, Andrew Fisher clocked a personal best 10.01 seconds to secure fourth spot.
Meanwhile, Jehue Gordon finished sixth in the men’s 400m hurdles, the reigning world champion completing the race in 49.97 seconds. Former world champion Bershawn Jackson was the class of the field, the American winning in 48.47.
Cleopatra Borel opened her 2015 campaign with women’s shot put bronze at the Seiko Golden Grand Prix, in Japan. The T&T field athlete’s best throw in the competition was 18.41m. Hungary’s Anita Marton produced an 18.94m effort to finish first, getting the better of American Brittany Smith (18.61m).
And at the Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Alabama, USA, Texas State University sophomore Aaron George finished 15th in the men’s long jump with a wind-assisted 6.81m leap.
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Dynamite Deon
Lendore wins SEC title in 44.41 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150517/sports/dynamite-deon)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on May 17, 2015, 12:59 am AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20and%20Texas%20AampMrsquos%20Olympic%20medalist2.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20and%20Texas%20AampMrsquos%20Olympic%20medalist2.jpg.html)
2nd fastest time of year: Deon Lendore
Trinidad and Tobago's Deon Lendore was on fire at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Mississippi, USA, yesterday. The Texas A&M University senior stopped the clock at 44.41 seconds to strike gold in the men's 400 metres event.
The superb one-lap run earned Lendore a 14-place jump up the 2015 world performance list, from 16th to second. Only Grenada's reigning Olympic champion Kirani James, the world-leader at 44.22, has run faster this season.
The 44.41 clocking is the second best time ever produced by Lendore, behind the 44.36 personal best he ran at the same meet last year to move into second spot on the all-time T&T one-lap list. Ian Morris is at the head of the class with his 44.21 seconds national record.
In yesterday's SEC 400m final, Lendore forced American Vernon Norwood to settle for silver, the Louisiana State University (LSU) student getting home in 44.76.
Click to view 400m race video: http://rutube.ru/video/ca2ef12639ae98768b5ed3ff7b861823/
Lendore signalled his championship race intentions in Friday's preliminary round. The 2012 Olympic Games 4x400m bronze medallist won heat four in 44.88 seconds to emerge as the fastest qualifier. He delivered emphatically in the final.
Meanwhile, at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Outdoor Championships, in Kansas, South Plains College athlete, Jereem Richards captured the men's 400m title with a 46.23 seconds run.
Kayelle Clarke was golden in the women's 100m final, the New Mexico Junior College freshman clocking 11.68 seconds. Another T&T sprinter, South Plains student Aaliyah Telesford was ninth in 12.21.
Ruebin Walters clocked a personal best 51.18 seconds to seize silver in the men's 400m hurdles. The Central Arizona College freshman also enjoyed a podium finish in the 110m hurdles, claiming bronze in 13.99.
Click to view relay race video: http://rutube.ru/video/44e6d285b673a66ea9d30f65ccd948cf/
Domonique Williams secured silver in the women's 400m, the South Plains student getting round the track in 53.71 seconds. Western Texas College sophomore, Marissa Gale clocked 56.35 to finish sixth.
Central Arizona's Hezekiel Romeo bagged bronze in the men's shot put with a 17.48 metres throw.
Williams, who finished eighth in the women's 800m final in two minutes, 20.50 seconds, was part of the South Plains team that earned silver in the 4x800m in 9:16.81. And Clarke anchored New Mexico to silver in the women's 4x100m in 46.06 seconds.
After press time, yesterday, Richards, Gale and Clarke were on show in the 200m finals. In Friday's preliminary round, Richards clocked a wind-assisted 20.77 seconds to secure a lane in the men's 200m championship race. Gale clocked a wind-aided 24.10 to reach the women's half-lap final. Clarke also advanced after getting home in a windy 24.14. Telesford, however, was eliminated, after finishing 10th overall with a windy 24.83 run.
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World Junior Champ Machel Cedenio Sets New PB of 44.36 in 400m to Win Cayman Islands Invitational (http://www.watchathletics.com/article/8974/world-junior-champ-michael-cedenio-sets-new-pb-of-44-36-in-400m-to-win-cayman-islands-invitational/)
Sunday, 17 May 2015 (WatchAthletics.com)
2014 Eugene World Junior Champion, Machel Cedenio, of Trinidad and Tobago highlighted Saturday's Cayman Islands Invitational with his impressive win in the men's 400m.
https://www.youtube.com/v/ZV1fqHMzKCc
The 19-year-old Cedenio took the win in the 400m race with a new personal best mark of 44.36 seconds beating Jamaica's Jovan Francis 45.54 and USA's Aldrich Bailey 45.63, who took 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Cedenio, who will turn 20 on September 6, improved his old personal best mark of 45.09 by 0,63 seconds. His new PB is also the second fastest time this year in the world behind Olympic champion Kirani James, who leads the world list with 44.22 seconds.
Results Men 400m Cayman Island Invitational 2015 - See Full Results Here>> (http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=64356.msg925668#msg925668)
1 Cedenio, Machel Trinidad And Tobago 44.36
2 Francis, Jovan Jamaica 45.54
3 Bailey, Aldrich USA 45.63
4 Maitland, Nicholas Jamaica 45.90
5 Feeny, Patrick USA 46.20
6 Simmons, Robert Nigeria 46.62
7 Manley, Martin Jamaica 46.94
Video Credit: trackalerts.com
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World Junior Champ Michael Cedenio Sets New PB of 44.36 in 400m to Win Cayman Islands Invitational (http://www.watchathletics.com/article/8974/world-junior-champ-michael-cedenio-sets-new-pb-of-44-36-in-400m-to-win-cayman-islands-invitational/)
Sunday, 17 May 2015 (WatchAthletics.com)
2014 Eugene World Junior Champion, Michael Cedenio, of Trinidad and Tobago highlighted Saturday's Cayman Islands Invitational with his impressive win in the men's 400m.
https://www.youtube.com/v/ZV1fqHMzKCc
The 19-year-old Cedenio took the win in the 400m race with a new personal best mark of 44.36 seconds beating Jamaica's Jovan Francis 45.54 and USA's Aldrich Bailey 45.63, who took 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Cedenio, who will turn 20 on June 9, improved his old personal best mark of 45.09 by 0,63 seconds. His new PB also seconds fastest this year in the world behind Olympic champion Kirani James, who leads the world list with 44.22 seconds.
Results Men 400m Cayman Island Invitational 2015 - See Full Results Here>> (http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=64356.msg925668#msg925668)
1 Cedenio, Michael Trinidad And Tobago 44.36
2 Francis, Jovan Jamaica 45.54
3 Bailey, Aldrich USA 45.63
4 Maitland, Nicholas Jamaica 45.90
5 Feeny, Patrick USA 46.20
6 Simmons, Robert Nigeria 46.62
7 Manley, Martin Jamaica 46.94
Video Credit: trackalerts.com
Whoever wrote this article is either very sloppy or prefers to refer to Machel as Micheal. You do not have to look far to find out that Machel not Michael is the correct name. SMFH
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World Junior Champ Michael Cedenio Sets New PB of 44.36 in 400m to Win Cayman Islands Invitational (http://www.watchathletics.com/article/8974/world-junior-champ-michael-cedenio-sets-new-pb-of-44-36-in-400m-to-win-cayman-islands-invitational/)
Sunday, 17 May 2015 (WatchAthletics.com)
2014 Eugene World Junior Champion, Michael Cedenio, of Trinidad and Tobago highlighted Saturday's Cayman Islands Invitational with his impressive win in the men's 400m.
https://www.youtube.com/v/ZV1fqHMzKCc
The 19-year-old Cedenio took the win in the 400m race with a new personal best mark of 44.36 seconds beating Jamaica's Jovan Francis 45.54 and USA's Aldrich Bailey 45.63, who took 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Cedenio, who will turn 20 on June 9, improved his old personal best mark of 45.09 by 0,63 seconds. His new PB also seconds fastest this year in the world behind Olympic champion Kirani James, who leads the world list with 44.22 seconds.
Results Men 400m Cayman Island Invitational 2015 - See Full Results Here>> (http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=64356.msg925668#msg925668)
1 Cedenio, Michael Trinidad And Tobago 44.36
2 Francis, Jovan Jamaica 45.54
3 Bailey, Aldrich USA 45.63
4 Maitland, Nicholas Jamaica 45.90
5 Feeny, Patrick USA 46.20
6 Simmons, Robert Nigeria 46.62
7 Manley, Martin Jamaica 46.94
Video Credit: trackalerts.com
Whoever wrote this article is either very sloppy or prefers to refer to Machel as Micheal. You do not have to look far to find out that Machel not Michael is the correct name. SMFH
It was written by whoever updates watchathletics.com.
Yes it was a bit sloppy and even included an error with Machel's date of birth and not just the error with spelling his name.
I will correct the errors myself since I posted article here and don't want to misinform anyone.
Will also drop them a note so that they can correct the errors to article as posted on their website.
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Like Ah Boss
Marvellous Machel clocks 44.36 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150517/news/like-ah-boss)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on May 17, 2015, 10:00 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Machel%20Cedenio%20on%20podium%20for%20World%20Junior%20400m%20Gold%20Medal%20Oregon%202014.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Machel%20Cedenio%20on%20podium%20for%20World%20Junior%20400m%20Gold%20Medal%20Oregon%202014.jpg.html)
Machel Cedenio
Machel Cedenio marked his admission to the sub-45 club with a tremendous display of one-lap sprinting at the Cayman Invitational, in George Town, Grand Cayman, on Saturday night.
Cedenio produced a jaw-dropping 44.36 seconds run for a commanding victory in the men's 400 metres event. With that clocking, the 19-year-old quartermiler joined Deon Lendore in second spot on the all-time Trinidad and Tobago list.
Only national record holder Ian Morris has run faster. But with Lendore running 44.41 on Saturday afternoon, and Cedenio going five-hundredths of a second faster less than four hours later, Morris' 23-year-old T&T standard of 44.21 seconds could be under serious threat this season.
Cedenio, the 11th T&T athlete to join the sub-45 club, is now second on the 2015 world performance list, behind Grenadian world-leader Kirani James (44.22). Lendore is in third spot.
Ahead of the Cayman Invitational, Cedenio was 12th on the all-time T&T men's 400m list at 45.09. In 44.36 seconds, the Florida-based athlete leapfrogged nine quality quartermilers, including 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon (44.52), who slips to fourth, and 1964 Olympic silver medallist Wendell Mottley (44.82), who is down to seventh.
On Saturday, Cedenio successfully defended his Cayman Invitational title, breaking his 45.23 seconds meet record in the process. The 2014 world junior champion was unchallenged for gold, Jamaican Javon Francis finishing a distant second in 45.54 seconds. Bronze went to American Aldrich Bailey in 45.63.
T&T's Josanne Lucas was fifth in the women's 100m hurdles in 13.76 seconds. Romona Modeste clocked 54.47 for sixth spot in the women's 400m. And Jonathan Farinha, competing on his 19th birthday, finished seventh in the men's 200m in 21.21.
In Florida, Kelly-Ann Baptiste was the fastest sprinter on show in the Pure Athletics Sprint Elite Meet 2 women's 100m preliminaries. The 2011 World Championship bronze medallist topped heat one in 11 seconds flat, but did not face the starter in the final.
In the 200m event, Baptiste earned bronze in a wind-assisted 23.05 seconds.
Deborah John won the women's 100m hurdles "B" final in a wind-aided 13.56 seconds. Her 13.52 preliminary round run was also windy.
And Mikel Thomas clocked 13.50 seconds to secure fourth spot in the men's 110m hurdles final.
At yesterday's Shanghai Diamond League meet, in China, T&T track star Michelle-Lee Ahye finished third in the women's 100m dash in 11.13 seconds. Among the sprinters Ahye beat to the line were Jamaican Olympic champions, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Campbell-Brown was fourth in 11.22, while Fraser-Pryce was fifth in 11.25.
Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare won in 10.98 seconds, while second spot went to American Tori Bowie (11.07).
T&T thrower Cleopatra Borel produced an 18.32 metres effort to finish sixth in the women's shot put. China's Gong Lijiao topped the field with a world-leading 20.23m throw.
Renny Quow finished eighth in the men's 400m, the T&T quartermiler getting home in 46.65 seconds. James emerged victorious in the one-lap race, the Grenadian world-leader stopping the clock at 44.66. Americans Tony McQuay (45.54) and LaShawn Merritt (45.58) were second and third, respectively.
Late on Saturday, Kayelle Clarke earned more precious metal at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Kansas, USA.
Clarke, who won the women's 100m title earlier in the day, added 200m bronze. The New Mexico Junior College sprinter produced a wind-assisted 24.30 seconds run. Western Texas College student, Marissa Gale was seventh in 24.76.
South Plains College athlete, Jereem Richards, winner of the men's 400m title, finished fourth in the 200m final in 21.16 seconds.
South Plains won the men's and women's team titles.
Theon Lewis claimed bronze in the California Community College State Championship men's 400m event. Lewis clocked 47.67 seconds, while his College of the Sequoias teammate and fellow-T&T athlete, Ohdel James got home in 47.78 to finish fourth. In the 200m, Lewis was fifth in 21.68 seconds.
In Texas, Reyare Thomas grabbed gold in the Hardin-Simmons Twilight meet women's 200m event. The T&T sprinter completed the half-lap race in 23.92 seconds.
At the Hoka One One Distance Classic, in California, Jamaal James finished seventh in the men's 800m "B" race in one minute, 52.83 seconds.
And two Saturdays ago, at the Occidental Invitational, in California, Magnolia Howell clocked 54.37 seconds for fifth spot in the women's 400m.
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Lee Ahye 3rd in China (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-05-18/lee-ahye-3rd-china)
Published: Monday, May 18, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20places%203rd%20in%20Shanghai%20DL%20100m.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20places%203rd%20in%20Shanghai%20DL%20100m.png.html)
T&T’s Michelle Lee Ahye finished a creditable third in the 100 metres sprint at the Shanghai Diamond League meet, in China, yesterday. The event was won by Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare who may have signaled that she is the woman to beat in the women’s 100 metres at the world championships, later this year.
Okagbare got a strong start in the star studded field of eight finalists, and held off a fast-closing Tori Bowie of the United States to win in 10.98. Bowie was second in 11.07, just ahead of Ahye who finished in 11.13.
Two-time world and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica was a disappointing fifth in 11.25, just behind her Jamaican teammate Veronica Campbell-Brown who clocked 11.22. American Muna Lee (11.48), China’s Wei Yongli (11.51), Jamaica’s Schillonie Calvert (11.53), and China’s Tao Yujia (11.68), completed the field.
It was the second bronze medal for T&T at the Diamond meeting in less than a week, after Keston Bledman was third in the series over 100 metres in the Qatari capital Doha, on Friday.
Also competing yesterday were shot putter Cleopatra Borel and 400 metres runner Renny Quow.
Borel enjoy a best throw of 18.32 metres, which could only earn her sixth place in the event which was won by China’s Gong Lijiao (20.23 metres).
Germany’s Christina Schwanitz threw 19.94 metres to finish second while Tia Brooks of the United States took the bronze medal with a throw of 18.66. Also finishing ahead of Borel were China’s Gua Tianqui (18.57) and Anita Marton (18.57).
China’s Gao Yang (18.29), Yuliya Leantsiuk of Belarus (18.00) and American Felisha Johnson (17.91), completed the field.
Olympic champion Kirani James of Grenada dominated the field in the men’s 400, winning in 44.66 — nearly a full second ahead of Tony McQuay of the United States in second. Defending world champion LaShawn Merritt was third. Quow finished in eighth place clocking a disappointing 46.65.
The women’s 100 metres was a perfectly run event for Okagbare. “I focused on my start and it went well,” Okagbare said. “Normally I haven’t the best start but now I was leading from the beginning.”
Fraser-Pryce faded over the last 50 metres and her fifth place in 11.25, was well off her personal best of 10.70.
Coming off a season of injuries and inconsistent results, the Jamaican is hoping to recapture her top sprinting form before the worlds, where she’s the defending champion in the 100 and 200. She said before the Shanghai meet that she may only run the 100 if the season takes a toll on her body.
“I always have my work cut out. Nobody hands anything to me,” Fraser-Pryce said after the race, still smiling despite the result. “I think it’s just one of those races—you go back, you have faith and you just move on from here. It’s not the first time I’m losing.
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Serrette impressed by TT athletes’ form (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,211371.html)
Tuesday, May 19 2015 (T&T Newday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Ephraim%20Serrette%20President%20NAAA%20tt_2.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Ephraim%20Serrette%20President%20NAAA%20tt_2.jpg.html)
Ephraim Serrette, NAAA president
EPHRAIM SERRETTE, president of the National Association of Athletic Administrations (NAAA), is impressed by the recent form of Trinidad and Tobago athletes at the international circuit.
On Saturday, national 400-metre runners Machel Cedenio and Deon Lendore set two of the fastest times in 2015, with respective times of 44.36 seconds (at the Cayman Invitational) and 44.41 seconds (at the South Eastern Championships in Mississippi, United States).
On Sunday, sprinter Michelle-Lee Ahye ran 11.13 seconds to finish third in the women’s 100 metres at the Shanghai Diamond League in China.
And, in the first Diamond League meet for 2015, in Doha, Qatar on Friday, Keston Bledman clocked 10.01 seconds to gain bronze in the men’s 100m.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Serrette admitted that he was in Doha to witness the opening leg of the Diamond League.
“Actually I witnessed Bledman’s performance,” said Serrette. “I returned from Dubai (on Sunday). It was a credible performance. He didn’t get out but he was (focussed) on the times he have been doing.
“Michelle-Lee, on the other hand, continues to prove herself with the best of the female sprinters in the world,” continued the NAAA president. “She just needs to understand the whole (process) so that she’ll be ready for our Championships and the World Championships later in August.”
Focussing on Saturday’s displays by the quarter-mile pair of Cedenio and Lendore, Serrette said, “with Lendore (running) 44.41, and 44.36 by Cedenio, I think these performances augur well for our Championships this year.
“It’s showing that we will have some great match-ups in the case of the 400 (metres), it’s not just one person, the 100 for women (and) men, the 110 hurdles we have both Mikel Thomas and Wayne Davis performing, and also Ruben Walters. We have Emmanuel Mayers who is the defending 400-metre hurdles champion, and Jehue (Gordon). We have young Shakeil Waithe coming up in the javelin and he’ll be in competition with Keshorn (Walcott). So all these performances are assisting the Association in developing a very good product for our Championships in June.”
The National Championships will be staged at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from June 26-28.
Serrette stressed, “the Championships is a requirement for anybody who want to represent Trinidad and Tobago. We have everyone showing that they’re prepared to wear the red, white and black.”
Commenting on Trinidad and Tobago’s disappointing showing at the IAAF World Relays on May 2-3 in Bahamas, Serrette noted “at the inaugural World Relays (last year), we had three medals, the men 4x100m, the women’s 4x100 and the (men) 4x400m. I think it’s early days yet and we have some work to do.
“The plan is for the relay team to get some more work together, which will be most likely after the (National) Championships, leading up to the World Championships in August (in Beijing, China). So we have all of July and August to (get) some sort of competition that our relay teams can get ready to get some fast times,” he ended.
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Waithe jumps to Big Ten silver (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150520/sports/waithe-jumps-to-big-ten-silver)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on May 20, 2015, 6:56 am AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Steve%20Waite%20being%20interview%20on%20Penn%20States%20Official%20YouTube%20channel_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Steve%20Waite%20being%20interview%20on%20Penn%20States%20Official%20YouTube%20channel_1.jpg.html)
Steve Waite being interview on Penn State's Official YouTube channel
Steve Waithe earned men's triple jump silver at the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Michigan, USA, at the weekend. The Pennsylvania State University student jumped a wind-aided 16.06 metres. His best legal effort on the day was 16.00m.
Waithe also competed in the long jump, finishing eighth with a windy 7.24m leap. He also had a legal jump of 7.20m. At the IC4A/ECAC Championships, in New Jersey, Coppin State University's Deandra Daniel cleared the bar at 1.75m to claim bronze in the women's high jump.
In England, Nicholas Landeau returned a time of one minute, 51.62 seconds to bag bronze in the Loughborough International Athletics Meet men's 800m "B" race.
At the American Athletic Conference Championships, in Connecticut, USA, Kiersten LaRoche finished fifth in the women's long jump with a 5.90m leap. The Temple University senior was 15th overall in the 100m hurdles in 14.69 seconds.
In California, Jamol James finished sixth in the Pac-12 Championship men's 100m final in 10.46 seconds. He had clocked a wind-assisted 10.46 in the heats. The Arizona State University senior was 11th overall in the 200m in 21.46 seconds, and 18th in the long jump with a 5.04m jump.
At the Conference USA Championships, in Texas, Peli Alzola finished sixth in the women's 100m final in a windy 11.64 seconds, and sixth in the 200m championship race in 23.92. The Western Kentucky University sophomore clocked 11.61 seconds in the 100m preliminaries, and a windy 24.06 in her 200m heat. University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) senior, Aeisha McDavid accumulated 4,601 points to finish seventh in the women's heptathlon. In the individual 100m hurdles, McDavid was 16th overall in 14.24 seconds. And in the shot put, she was 17th with a 12.08m throw.
In Illinois, Missouri State University's Kadisha Francois finished ninth overall in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Outdoor Championship women's 400m preliminaries in 56.42 seconds. The top eight advanced to the final.
At the Big 12 Championships, in Iowa, Dannielle Davis was 11th overall in the women's 100m hurdles in 14.33 seconds. The Baylor University senior finished 17th in the long jump with a windy 5.44m leap. She also had a legal jump of 5.30m.
And at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championships, in Florida, University of Miami freshman, Trishelle Leacock was 18th overall in the women's 100m in 12.17 seconds, and 23rd in the 200m in 24.89.
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Golden Ahye
T&T track star wins Beijing 100 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150520/sports/golden-ahye)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on May 20, 2015, 11:33 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20at%20start%20of%20100m%20in%20Shanghai%20DL%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20at%20start%20of%20100m%20in%20Shanghai%20DL%202015.jpg.html)
4th win of year: Michelle-Lee Ahye
Michelle-Lee Ahye secured a comfortable victory in the IAAF World Challenge women's 100 metres dash at the Bird's Nest stadium, in Beijing, China, yesterday.
The Trinidad and Tobago track star stopped the clock at 11.05 seconds to finish well ahead of second-placed Charonda Williams, the American sprinter getting to the line in 11.28. Third spot went to Jamaican Schillonie Calvert (11.42).
Ahye's victory was her fourth this year in the 100m. In late March, at the Bobcat Invitational in Texas, the US-based sprinter won her 2015 100m opener in 11.36 seconds. She followed up with a wind-assisted 10.87 triumph at the Texas Relays.
In early April, Ahye produced a superb run at the Florida Relays. Running into a 2.5 metres per second headwind, she won the race in 10.97 seconds.
On Sunday, at the Shanghai Diamond League meet, in China, Ahye suffered her first 2015 defeat in the 100m event, the 23-year-old athlete finishing third in 11.13 seconds, behind Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare (10.98) and American Tori Bowie (11.07).
Ahye had the satisfaction, though, of beating a pair of Olympic champions to the line-Jamaicans Veronica Campbell-Brown and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Campbell-Brown finished fourth in 11.22 seconds, one spot ahead of Fraser-Pryce (11.25).
Ahye bounced back from Sunday's setback to win easily at the Bird's Nest, yesterday. She hopes to be victorious again at that stadium in late August, at the 2015 IAAF World Championships.
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Ahye claims gold in Beijing (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,211466.html)
Thursday, May 21 2015 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20collects%20winners%20followers%20at%20IAAF%20World%20Challenge%20Beijing%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20collects%20winners%20followers%20at%20IAAF%20World%20Challenge%20Beijing%202015.jpg.html)
Michelle-Lee Ahye collects winners flowers at IAAF World Challenge Beijing 2015
BEIJNG: Caribbean athletes took centre stage as they swept both the women’s sprints at the IAAF World Challenge meet here yesterday.
In the marquee 100 metres, Trinidadian Michelle-Lee Ahye raced to 11.05 seconds to take victory, ahead of American Charonda Williams in 11.28, and Jamaican Schillonie Calvert, in 11.42.
Only last Sunday, Ahye finished third in the 100m in the Shanghai Diamond League, clocking 11.13 to finish behind winner Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria.
In the 200 metres yesterday, Jamaican Veronica Campbell-Brown returned to winning ways when she clinched the 200 metres in 22.68 seconds.
The former World champion, who turned 33 last Friday, finished ahead of American Kaylin Whitney in 23.06 and Calvert who returned for her second bronze of the day, in a time of 23.12.
Campbell-Brown finished fourth in the 100m in Shanghai.
(CMC)
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AHYE TAKES 100M IN BEIJING (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-05-20/ahye-takes-100m-beijing)
Published: Thursday, May 21, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20centre%20on%20way%20to%20winning%20100m%20at%20IAAF%20World%20Challenege%20Beijing%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20centre%20on%20way%20to%20winning%20100m%20at%20IAAF%20World%20Challenege%20Beijing%202015.jpg.html)
Michelle-Lee Ahye of TTO (Center) wins 100m at IAAF World Challenge Beijing. Left is Schillonie Calvert (JAM) who place 3rd & right is LaKeisha Lawson (USA) who placed 4th respectively.
T&T’s Michelle-Lee Ahye clocked 11.05 seconds to win the women 100 metres yesterday at the World Challenge Beijing meet at the Bird’s Nest, which will also host the world championships in August.
The local sprinter finished ahead of ChaRonda Williams of the United States and Schillonie Calvert of Jamaica, who crossed in 11.28 and 11.42, respectively.
Ahye gave a much improved performance from the weekend, when she placed third in 11.13 in the same event at the Shanghai Diamond League. Winning was Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare in 10.98 and she was followed by USA’s Tori Bowie in 11.07.
Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica, who skipped the 100, expectedly won the 200 easily with a time of 22.60, leaving American Kaylin Whitney (23.06) and Jamaican Schillonie Calvert (23.12) to take the second and third places.
The men’s 100 was won by Marvin Bracy, a day after American teammate Justin Gatlin withdrew from the event. Bracy clocked 9.95 seconds to beat Mike Rodgers by four hundredths of a second, with Chinese sprinter Su Bingtian taking third in 10.06
Gatlin had arrived for the meet with an injury concern after running a world-leading 9.74 in Doha, Qatar, on Friday.
In other men’s results, Kenya’s Jonathan Muia Ndiku won the steeplechase in 8:11.64, Alexis Copello of Cuba recorded 16.70 meters to clinch the triple jump title and Petr Frydrych of the Czech Republic won the javelin with a throw of 83.10 metres.
World-record holder Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland won the women’s hammer with a throw of 77.73 meters.
The 29-year-old Wlodarczyk, world champion in 2009 and the reigning Olympic and world silver medalist, won comfortably with China’s Wang Zheng second with 73.99 and Martina Hrasnova of Slovakia third with 73.80.
Zhang Wenxiu, the 2008 Beijing Olympic bronze medalist, finished sixth.
In the women’s shot put, Christina Schwanitz of Germany recorded a world-leading 20.77 meters to avenge her loss to China’s Gong Lijiao at the Shanghai Diamond League meet on Sunday.
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More fire Cedenio whips world champ in Ponce (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150525/news/more-fire-cedenio-whips-world-champ-in-ponce)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on May 25, 2015, 12:01 am AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Machel%20Cedenio%20Ponce%202015%2003.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Machel%20Cedenio%20Ponce%202015%2003.jpg.html)
RICH VEIN OF FORM: Machel Cedenio (2nd from left) defeats LaShawn Merritt (4th from left) in Ponce.
Machel Cedenio's rich vein of form continued on Saturday night, the Trinidad and Tobago quartermiler producing a golden run at the Ponce Grand Prix, in Puerto Rico.
Cedenio clocked a fast 44.97 seconds for an impressive victory in the men's 400 metres event, relegating reigning world champion LaShawn Merritt to the runner-up spot. Merritt, who struck one-lap gold for United States at the 2008 Olympic Games, got home in 45.42. Third spot, meanwhile, went to Dominican Republic's Gustavo Cuesta (45.89).
Two Saturdays ago, Cedenio was victorious at the Cayman Invitational in a personal best 44.36 seconds, the clocking earning him second spot on the 2015 world performance list, behind Grenada's 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James (44.22).
Thanks to his 44.36 PR (personal record), 19-year-old Cedenio moved into joint-second on the all-time T&T list, alongside Deon Lendore, and behind national record holder Ian Morris (44.21).
There was victory too in Ponce for T&T sprinter Keston Bledman. Running into a 0.8 metres per second headwind, Bledman stopped the clock at 10.17 seconds.
There was a close battle for second, American Harry Adams taking the silver in 10.26, the same time produced by his St Kitts and Nevis namesake, Antoine Adams. Just one-thousandth of a second separated Adams and Adams.
T&T's Emanuel Mayers clocked 50.49 seconds to finish second in section one and seventh overall in the men's 400m hurdles. Bahamian Jeffery Gibson, the winner of section two in 49.19, took the gold, ahead of Puerto Rico's Javier Culson (49.31) and Nigerian Miles Ukaoma (49.39).
At the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Track and Field Championships, in Alabama, USA, T&T's Dan-Neil Telesford seized silver in the men's 200m in a wind-assisted 20.93 seconds.
In the qualifying round, Telesford won heat three in 21.18 to advance automatically to the final. His Wiley College teammate and fellow-T&T athlete, Quinn-Lee Ralph was ninth overall in 21.25, just missing out on a lane in the eight-man championship race.
Ralph was 13th fastest in the 100m preliminaries in 10.59 seconds. And in the 400m, Telesford was 17th overall in 48.96.
Three T&T athletes-Ralph, Justin Maloney and Telesford-teamed up with American Jordan Woods to secure men's 4x400m silver for Wiley College, in three minutes, 12.45 seconds.
In the 4x100m relay, the all-T&T Wiley combination of Ralph, Telesford, Machael Mark and Maloney bagged bronze in 40.59 seconds. Wiley had clocked 40.55 in the heats.
Wiley accumulated 22 points to finish 15th in the men's team competition. Concordia University, Nebraska won with a total of 59 points.
In California, Ayanna Alexander produced a wind-aided 13.28 metres effort for sixth spot in the Chula Vista Elite #2 women's triple jump event.
And at the Tucson Elite Classic, in Arizona, Central Arizona College athlete Hezekiel Romeo finished ninth in the men's shot put with a 17.23m throw.
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Davis claims IAAF World Challenge bronze (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150525/sports/davis-claims-iaaf-world-challenge-bronze)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on May 25, 2015, 8:05 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Wayne%20C.%20Davis%20II%20TTO%20Moscow%202013.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Wayne%20C.%20Davis%20II%20TTO%20Moscow%202013.jpg.html)
Wayne Davis II
Wayne Davis II bagged bronze in the men's 110 metres hurdles, at the Fanny Blankers-Koen Games IAAF World Challenge meet, in the Netherlands, on Sunday.
The Trinidad and Tobago athlete clocked 13.63 seconds to finish behind Great Britain's Lawrence Clarke, the winner in 13.54, and Netherlands athlete Koen Smet (13.60). (See link: http://www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-challenge/aa-drink-fbk-games-5627/results/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result#resultheader)
Sunday's 13.63 run was Davis' second best time this season. His best clocking so far in 2015, 13.59 seconds, was produced in finishing third at the Aggie Invitational, in North Carolina, USA, on April 11.
On Saturday, at the Chula Vista Elite #2 meet, in California, USA, T&T's Kyron Blaise finished sixth in the men's long jump with a 7.48 metres leap.
American Chris Bernard jumped a wind-assisted 7.76m to emerge victorious, forcing Saudi Arabia's Hamoud Al-Wani to settle for silver with his windy 7.68m effort. Another American, Ron Taylor picked up bronze with a windy leap of 7.67m.
Competing for the second time in three days, T&T's Hezekiel Romeo finished seventh in Saturday's Tucson Elite Classic men's shot put "B" competition. The Central Arizona College student landed the shot 17.27m.
Matt DeChant, of the United States, topped the "B" field with a 19.17m effort. But it was another American who was best on the day, Jordan Clark winning the "A" competition with a 20.78m throw. His compatriot, Eric Werskey also bettered the 20-metre mark, throwing the iron ball 20.13m to secure silver.
In the Thursday edition of the Tucson Elite Classic, Romeo threw 17.23m to earn ninth spot in the men's shot put.
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****New talent alert****
http://www.milesplit.com/articles/155419?page=2 (http://www.milesplit.com/articles/155419?page=2)
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It's Khalifa St. Fort. A 17 year old girl who just ran 11.43 seconds in the 100m. She will be competing for Trinidad.
Props to Ato to taking her under his wing and coaching her after her own coaches neglected her talent.
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It's Khalifa St. Fort. A 17 year old girl who just ran 11.43 seconds in the 100m. She will be competing for Trinidad.
Props to Ato to taking her under his wing and coaching her after her own coaches neglected her talent.
You sure she running for Trini? Has it been confirmed?
If she running 11.43, She could probably make the senior womens team.
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Yes she is. Confirmed by Ato in an interview he had... Saw the clip on YouTube.
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Yes she is. Confirmed by Ato in an interview he had... Saw the clip on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/kDqpCPu5bLY
You're right Trini.. Here it is. Fast forward to 7mins if you want to hear the part about Khalifa. Great interview though. Ato ALWAYS holding it down.
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Disappointing day for T&T athletes (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150530/sports/disappointing-day-for-tt-athletes)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on May 30, 2015, 9:19 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20amp%20Kelly-Ann%20Baptiste%20World%20Champs%20medalist.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20amp%20Kelly-Ann%20Baptiste%20World%20Champs%20medalist.jpg.html)
Kelly-Ann Baptiste clocked 11.08 seconds for sixth spot in the women's 100 metres dash, at the Prefontaine Classic IAAF Diamond League meet, in Oregon, USA, yesterday. Another T&T sprinter, Michelle-Lee Ahye was eighth in 11.90.
The reigning Olympic champion, Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce stopped the clock at a world-leading 10.81 seconds to snatch victory in a keenly contested race.
Murielle Ahoure was also timed in 10.81-a new Ivory Coast record-but had to settle for silver, behind Fraser-Pryce and just ahead of Tori Bowie, of the United States. Bowie got home in 10.82 seconds. Though she produced an impressive clocking, Blessing Okagbare was outside the top three, the Nigerian finishing fourth in 10.87. Americans Carmelita Jeter (11.02) and Tianna Bartoletta (11.09) were fifth and seventh, respectively.
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Richard%20Thompson%20Olympics%20medalist%20amp%20Jehue%20Gordon%20World%20Champs%20medalist.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Richard%20Thompson%20Olympics%20medalist%20amp%20Jehue%20Gordon%20World%20Champs%20medalist.jpg.html)
T&T's Richard "Torpedo" Thompson finished seventh in the men's 100m, the 2008 Olympic silver medallist getting to the line in 10.27 seconds.
Tyson Gay grabbed gold in the event in 9.88, while silver went to his fellow-American Michael Rodgers in 9.90.
China's Su Bingtian produced a national record run of 9.99 seconds to bag bronze, while fourth spot went to evergreen St Kitts and Nevis sprinter Kim Collins, who was also credited with a 9.99 clocking. Jamaica's Nesta Carter (10.02) and Great Britain's James Dasaolu (10.13) were fifth and sixth, respectively, while eighth spot went to American Ryan Bailey (10.28).
T&T's reigning world champion, Jehue Gordon was a non-finisher in the men's 400m hurdles. United States swept the top three places. Johnny Dutch claimed gold in 48.20 seconds, from Bershawn Jackson (48.22) and Michael Tinsley (48.79).
There were world leads for Grenadian Kirani James and American Justin Gatlin. James won the men's 400m in 43.95 seconds. Gatlin, meanwhile, was the class of the field in the men's 200m, completing the half-lap race in 19.68.
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20Lendore%20crosses%20finish%20line.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20Lendore%20crosses%20finish%20line.jpg.html)
Deon Lendore on track for NCAA Division 1 Outdoor 400m title
T&T's Deon Lendore booked a spot in the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championship men's 400m event when he won his quarterfinal heat at the NCAA West Preliminary meet, in Texas, on Friday. The Texas A&M University senior clocked 45.40 seconds to emerge as the fastest of the West qualifiers. On Thursday, he had topped his first round heat in 46.44.
Lendore is the reigning NCAA champion, and will defend his title at the June 10-13 Championships, in Oregon, USA.
Aaron George fell short in his bid to book a ticket for Oregon, the Texas State University sophomore finishing 33rd in the men's long jump with a 7.14 metres leap.
In the men's 100m first round, Arizona State University sprinter Jamol James clocked a wind-assisted 10.88 seconds to finish eighth in heat six and 45th overall. Only the top 24 advanced to the West quarters.
On Tuesday, at the Copa Cuba in Havana, Shakiel Waithe bagged bronze in the men's javelin. The T&T thrower landed the spear 67.47m. Cubans Osmani Laffita and Guillermo Martinez finished one-two in the event, throwing 77.18m and 75.60m, respectively.
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Steve Waithe earns berth at NCAA Championships (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150531/news/steve-waithe-earns-berth-at-ncaa-championships)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on May 31, 2015, 10:35 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Steve%20Waithe%20Jr.%20Penn%20State.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Steve%20Waithe%20Jr.%20Penn%20State.jpg.html)
Steve Waithe senior and triple jumper at Pennsylvania State University
Steve Waithe secured ninth spot in the men's triple jump event, at the NCAA East Preliminary meet, in Florida, USA, late on Saturday. The top-12 finish earned the Pennsylvania State University senior a berth at the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Waithe produced the 15.66m effort in the opening round of the competition. He fouled in round two, and then closed off by jumping 15.60m.
Deandra Daniel did not qualify for the June 10-13 NCAA Championships, in Oregon. The Coppin State University junior could only manage a 1.70m clearance in the NCAA East Preliminary meet women's high jump event, the effort earning her 33rd spot.
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20and%20Texas%20AampM%203_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20and%20Texas%20AampM%203_1.jpg.html)
Bidding for 3 titles: Deon Lendore
Deon Lendore will bid for three titles at the NCAA Championships. The Texas A&M University senior followed up on his impressive performance in the NCAA West Preliminary meet men's 400 metres quarterfinal round, in Texas, on Friday, with a couple qualifying relay runs, late on Saturday.
Lendore anchored Texas A&M to victory in the opening men's 4x100m heat. The school's 39.05 seconds clocking was the second fastest time in the NCAA West Preliminary qualifying round.
Lendore returned to the track for the third and final men's 4x400m heat. He anchored Texas A&M to second spot in three minutes, 03.66 seconds. Again, the school's clocking was the second fastest at the meet.
On Friday, Lendore stopped the clock at 45.40 seconds to win his men's 400m quarterfinal heat, advancing to the NCAA Championships as the fastest of the West Preliminary qualifiers.
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Alexander wins in Virginia (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150602/sports/alexander-wins-in-virginia)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jun 2, 2015, 12:01 am AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Ayanna%20Alexander%20Triple%20Jump%20Glasgow%202014_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Ayanna%20Alexander%20Triple%20Jump%20Glasgow%202014_1.jpg.html)
Ayanna Alexander who won Triple Jump bronze at Glasgow 2014
Trinidad and Tobago’s Ayanna Alexander was golden at the Potomac Valley Track Club All-Comers meet, in Virginia, USA, on Saturday. The 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist disturbed the sand at a season’s best 13.96 metres.
After fouling on her first two attempts, Alexander jumped 13.71m in round three. She fouled again in round four, before producing her big 13.96m effort in round five. The US-based athlete closed off the competition with a 13.81m jump.
Alexander, who is hoping to represent the Red, White and Black at the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, opened her 2015 campaign on March 21, at the UTEP Springtime meet, in Texas. She finished first with a 13.57m effort.
Alexander jumped 13.34m to secure second spot at the Florida Relays. She was second again at the Mt SAC Relays in California, with an improved jump of 13.83m.
Alexander won at the Liberty Twilight meet in Virginia with a wind-assisted 13.84m jump. The 32-year-old athlete jumped 13.52m for fourth spot at the Jamaica International Invitational. And two Fridays ago, at the Chula Vista Elite #2 meet in California, she was sixth with a windy 13.28m effort.
Nicholas Landeau finished seventh in the men’s 800 metres “A” race, at the Sportcity Grand Prix, in Manchester, England, on Saturday. The T&T athlete returned a time of one minute, 49.78 seconds.
British runners swept the top three spots. Dale Clutterback struck gold in a personal best 1:48.36, while silver and bronze went to Rory Graham-Watson (1:48.66) and Spencer Thomas (1:48.84), respectively.
Landeau competed twice in mid-May. At the BMC Grand Prix, in Stretford, the 20-year-old middle distance runner bagged bronze in the men’s 1500m “D” race in 3:53.58. And at the Loughborough International Athletics Meet, he clocked 1:51.62 to finish third in the men’s 800m “B” race.
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Carifta Games champion James among those honored by THA (http://www.trackalerts.com/Articles/carifta-games-champion-james-among-those-honored-by-tha/13922/)
June 3rd, 2015 2:11pm (TrackAlerts.com)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Chelsea%20James%20shot%20put%20TTO.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Chelsea%20James%20shot%20put%20TTO.jpg.html)
Chelsea James shot put
The Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport honoured 47 Tobago sports men and women who represented the country on various national sporting teams at an appreciation ceremony at Café Coco, Crown Point on Tuesday, June 2. Heading the list of female honorees were Soca Princess footballers Kenya Cordner and Forbes sisters Kamika and Karryn, national netball standouts Kemba Duncan and Annecia Baptiste. Hockey player Arecia Sandy, young tennis player Daynelle Des Vignes and track and field Carifta champion Chelsea James were also among those recognized. Among the men were Carifta gold medallist and record holder Tyriq Horsford, National beach soccer standout Makan Hislop , young cricketer Dejourn Charles, national senior footballer Daniel Cyrus, rugby’s Keishon Walker, petite table tennis hitter Deron Douglas, tennis duo of Joshua Arnold and Kobe James, body-builder Kelton Thomas and Masters World track and field champion Andy Montique. The athletes were recognized for their achievement for the last year.
Secretary of the Division Huey Cadette said the success of many of the island’s athletes sometimes go unrecognized. “Sometimes our success goes unheralded. At (2012) Carifta Games we (Tobago) won four of six gold medals earned by Trinidad and Tobago. This year we have a record breaker Tyriq Horsford. We have Akeem Stewart who is world record holder as a paralympian. Kelton Thomas is a global body-building competitor and we have Keshorn Walker in rugby. Andi Montique won a world masters 100m champion.” Cadette added that the island has been doing particularly well in table tennis. “We have a situation where we have (national) table tennis teams going out of regional championships and the majority of the team is coming from Tobago.” Cadette also pledged his Division’s commitment to continue to support the athletes in their efforts.
Two-Olympian Sherridan Kirk told the awardees to use the challenges of travelling to Trinidad to compete as a motivation. “The struggles that we as Tobagonians have to go through and have been going through having to travel to Trinidad on a regular basis to compete. The nights when we are travelling they (our competitors) are sleeping. The nights when we are looking for somewhere to stay they are in the comforts of their homes. It is only because of these struggles we are going to continue to succeed as Tobagonians and continue to do well for the country of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Director of Sports Theophilus Trim encouraged the youngsters to be proud of their accomplishments and challenged them to aim at international success. “If you a considered to be a national athlete it says that you have transcended the local scene and that you are good enough to compete at the other level. You should feel proud that you are among the best at what you do in the country of Trinidad and Tobago. Continue to strive for excellence. Continue to ensure that you stay motivated, that you stay on task and that you intend to move from national to international.”
List of Honourees
Basketball & Netball: Annecia Baptiste
Netball: Kemba Duncan, Romelia Nedd
Swimming: Bradley Thomas, Ornella Walker
Table Tennis: Shaneeka Johnaon, Shakeel Mitchell, Benoi Daniel, Deron Douglas
Track and Field: Safiya John, Anya Akili, Khemani Roberts, Chevelle McPherson, Chelsea James, Asha James, Peaches Stewart, Akanni Hislop, Tyriq Horsford, Vandel Joseph, Kenejah Williams, Nkosi James, Andwuelle Wright, Omari Benoit, Aaron Lewis, Ako Hislop, Franklyn Staniclaus, Andi Montique
Beach Soccer: Victor Thomas, Kevon Woodley, David Mc Dougall, Makan Hislop
Body Building: Kelton Thomas
Cricket: Jegreem Louis, Joshua James, Dejourn Charles,
Football: Daniel Cyrus, Jamal Jack, Trevin Caesar Karryn Forbes, Kennya Cordner, Kimika Forbes
Hockey: Arecia Sandy
Parlympics: Akeem Stewart
Tennis: Joshua Arnold, Kobe James, Daynelle Des Vignes
Rugby: Keishon Walker
Coaches: Gerard Frankly, Wade Franklyn.
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In his path
Khalifa St Fort bids to follow Coach Ato (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150605/sports/in-his-path)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jun 5, 2015, 12:01 am AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Khalifa%20St.%20Fort%20amp%20Ato%20Boldon%20in%20training2.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Khalifa%20St.%20Fort%20amp%20Ato%20Boldon%20in%20training2.jpg.html)
IDENTICAL FORM: Khalifa St Fort, left, looks a carbon copy of her coach, quadruple Olympic medallist Ato Boldon, right. American-born St Fort plans to compete for Trinidad and Tobago, the country of her mother’s birth, at the July 15-19 World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia.
—Photos courtesy Ato Boldon
A teen sprinter with world class credentials makes the trip from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago, keen to make an impression at the trials and earn the right to represent the Red, White and Black on the global stage.
Sounds familiar? It should. But this is not a reminder, 23 years later, of how Ato Boldon announced his arrival.
A brand new chapter of local track and field history is about to be written, and it will feature 17-year-old Khalifa St Fort. Born in 1998 to a Trinidadian mother, the 17-year-old American can represent either T&T or the US.
“I've always been interested in running for Trinidad and Tobago,” St Fort tells the Express, “pretty much since I started running. That's where my heart is.”
The name, Ato Boldon will feature prominently in the Khalifa St Fort chapter. The 1997 200 metres world champion and four-time Olympic medallist coaches the Florida-born sprinter.
“It always inspires me,” says St Fort, “to have an example to look up to who has gone down the same road that I'm taking. Hopefully, I can follow his path and become an Olympic medallist.”
The young sprinter's father, Marc St Fort was not pleased with his daughter's progress under her high school coach, and approached Boldon for help. The former T&T track star has made a huge difference.
“It felt better to train with Coach Ato. I get the max out of my body, and the full potential. My times have dropped significantly, and I have a better understanding of the sport. I was a 12.2/12-flat sprinter in the 100. Now, I'm down to 11.43. He explains everything while we're doing it, and how to look for what's wrong in the start when he's not around.”
St Fort produced her personal best 11.43 seconds run in striking women's 100m gold at the Golden South Classic, in Orlando, Florida, two Saturdays ago.
“I felt ready to do that time because Coach Ato said I looked good at practice. I was due for a PR (personal record).”
The athlete and coach believe in each other, a crucial ingredient that was missing when St Fort was part of the St Thomas Aquinas programme.
“I realised I had world class potential when I came to Coach Ato. He said I had the potential to be the best in the world if I worked hard, stayed focused and took on his philosophy.”
St Fort bought in to the Boldon philosophy, and has started to reap the rewards.
“It's basically taking all the knowledge I previously knew, and changing it. I didn't know anything about training or competing as a professional.”
St Fort has already achieved one of her major season goals, and is hopeful as she works towards the others.
“My goal was to run in the 11.4/11.3 region in the 100. My main goals are now to run 11.2, make the Trinidad and Tobago team for the World Youth (under-18) Championships, and possibly win there.”
They are all attainable targets, for St Fort is currently in third spot on the 2015 global under-18 100m performance list. Just two sprinters, Americans Candace Hill and Zaria Francis have gone faster than St Fort's 11.43. Hill clocked 11.30 on April 4, while Francis produced an 11.41 run on May 2. And while St Fort is currently 12th on this year's 200m list at 24.03 seconds, she is capable of going much faster, having run a 23.55 PR last year.
St Fort will be on show in T&T this weekend, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, where she will bid for the NGC-NAAA Junior Championship girls' under-18 sprint double. She arrives in the country today, and competes in the 100m dash tomorrow. On Sunday, the country's newest sprint sensation will face the starter in the 200m. All things being equal, she will then be named on the T&T team for the July 15-19 World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia.
St Fort returns to her Florida training base on Monday. But before checking in at Piarco International Airport, she and her mother, Tamika Roberts-St Fort will make a quick visit to Couva.
“I've visited a few times. I was eight or nine the last time. I have memories of staying by my great grandmother in Couva, meeting cousins, and watching cricket on TV with my great aunts and grandmother.”
If everything goes according to plan, St Fort's T&T family connection will again gather around the television in August 2016, this time to cheer on one of their own as she makes her first appearance on an Olympic stage, at the Rio Games.
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Walcott explodes at Golden Gala (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,212204.html)
Friday, June 5 2015 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Keshorn%20Walcott%20sets%20new%20natonal%20record%20at%20Rome%20Golden%20Gala%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Keshorn%20Walcott%20sets%20new%20natonal%20record%20at%20Rome%20Golden%20Gala%202015.jpg.html)
Keshorn Walcott sets new natonal record at Rome Golden Gala 2015
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S Keshorn Walcott stunned spectators at the IAAF Diamond League Meet in Rome yesterday, throwing the spear a fantastic 86.20 metres to snatch bronze in the Men’s Javelin event and smashing his own national record in the process.
The 2012 Olympic champion left it very late; in fact, it was his sixth and final throw that got him among the medals. In his first five attempts, Walcott had recorded distances of 79.52, 80.59, 78.77, 76.76 and 81.62, and seemed likely to finish out of the top three. However, the Toco-born athlete got everything right in his final throw, eclipsing his previous national mark of 85.77, set last year in Zurich.
The winner, Vitezslav Vesely of the Czech Republic had a best throw of 88.14, while Kenya’s Julius Yego (87.71) took the silver medal. Walcott’s effort on Thursday took him into fifth in the Diamond Ranking for 2015 with just one point; Vesely leads with five points.
Keshorn Walcott (T&T) 86.20m NR Javelin Rome Diamond League 2015
https://www.youtube.com/v/q0L1BSlyXbk
Following his performance, the National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad & Tobago (NAAA) issued a public congratulation to Keshorn on his achievement.
TT’s other athlete in Rome, Jehue Gordon, did not fare nearly as well. The World Champion, who fell and did not finish at the Prefontaine Classic last weekend, finished seventh yesterday from a field of nine in the 400 metre hurdles, clocking in 49.22 seconds; it was his fastest time for the year. American Johnny Dutch took the gold, as he did in Prefontaine, finishing slightly faster this time in 48.13.
Meanwhile, US sprinter Justin Gatlin maintained his run of form, taking the men’s 100 in 9.75; Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut was adjudged second after clocking the identical 9.98 as American Michael Rodgers. Jamaican Nesta Carter (10.06) finished fourth.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The writer of above T&T Newsday article seems to have overlooked the fact that Wayne Davis II of T&T competed in the 110m Hurdles. Unfortunately he had a bad race and placed 9th. See video of race below.
110m Hurdles MEN Sergey Shubenkov 13.23 Rome Diamond League 2015
https://www.youtube.com/v/u2JbcWCiQVQ
110m Hurdles Wind: +0.7 m/s
Pos Name Nat Date of Birth Lane Reaction time Result
1 SHUBENKOV Sergey RUS 10 OCT 1990 4 0.149 SB 13.23
2 DARIEN Garfield FRA 22 DEC 1987 5 0.149 13.23
3 PORTER Jeff USA 27 NOV 1985 7 0.153 13.32
4 O'FARRILL Yordan CUB 9 FEB 1993 3 0.162 13.42
5 BASCOU Dimitri FRA 20 JUL 1987 6 0.154 13.45
6 BAJI Balázs HUN 9 JUN 1989 2 0.149 SB 13.54
7 RILEY Andrew JAM 6 SEP 1988 8 0.136 13.58
8 FOFANA Hassane ITA 28 APR 1992 9 0.153 13.80
9 DAVIS Wayne TTO 22 AUG 1991 1 0.133 13.84
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Record-breaking Walcott
Olympic champ bags bronze at Golden Gala (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150605/sports/record-breaking-walcott)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jun 5, 2015, 12:01 am AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Keshorn%20Walcott%20competes%20in%20the%20Mens%20Javelin%20event%20at%20the%20Golden%20Gala%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Keshorn%20Walcott%20competes%20in%20the%20Mens%20Javelin%20event%20at%20the%20Golden%20Gala%202015.jpg.html)
HERCULEAN EFFORT: Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott competes in the Men's Javelin event at the Golden Gala, the 4th stage of IAAF Diamond League 2015 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, yesterday. —Photo: AFP
Keshorn Walcott saved his best for last at the Golden Gala IAAF Diamond League meet, in Rome, Italy, yesterday. In the sixth and final round of the men's javelin, the reigning Olympic champion landed the spear 86.20 metres—a new Trinidad and Tobago record—to grab bronze.
World champion Vitezslav Vesely struck gold in the event, the Czech Republic thrower producing an 88.14m effort. Silver went to Julius Yego, the reigning African and Commonwealth Games champion breaking his own Kenyan record with an 87.71m throw.
Walcott's 86.20m effort was 43 centimetres better than his previous national record, the 85.77m standard he had established in Zurich, Switzerland, last August.
World champion Jehue Gordon finished seventh in the Golden Gala men's 400m hurdles, the T&T athlete getting home in a season's best 49.22 seconds. Americans Johnny Dutch and Michael Tinsley finished first and second, respectively, clocking 48.13 and 48.34. Puerto Rico's Javier Culson was third in 48.65.
Another T&T athlete, Wayne Davis II clocked 13.84 seconds to finish ninth in the men's 110m hurdles. Russian Sergey Shubenkov earned gold, just getting the better of France's Garfield Darien. Both hurdlers got to the line in 13.23 seconds. American Jeff Porter, meanwhile, was third in 13.32.
On Tuesday, at the Aileen Meagher International Track Classic, in Canada, Kyle Greaux snapped up silver in the men's 200m in 21.30 seconds, behind Cuban Roberto Skyers (21.18) and ahead of Canadian Gavin Smellie (21.45). In the 100m dash, Greaux was seventh in a wind-aided 10.92. Barbadian Ramon Gittens clocked 10.40 for the win.
Greaux's T&T teammate, Alena Brooks seized silver in the women's 800m in two minutes, 09.33 seconds. American Bethany Praska emerged victorious in 2:05.99.
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Olympic champion Walcott breaks National javelin record (http://www.sportscoretobago.com/news/olympic-champion-walcott-breaks-national-javelin-record/)
By Clayton Clarke (sportscoretobago@gmail.com)
Thursday, 4 June 2015 (SportsCoreTobago.com)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Keshorn%20Walcott%20Olympic%20javelin%20champion.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Keshorn%20Walcott%20Olympic%20javelin%20champion.jpg.html)
Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott set a new T&T javelin record of 86.20m at the Diamond League Golden Gala Pietro Mennea meet in Rome, Italy on June 4. (Photo courtesy: SPORTSCORETOBAGO)
Reigning Olympic men’s javelin champion Keshorn Walcott set a new T&T national record at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea Diamond League Meet in Rome, Italy earlier today (Thursday, 4, June).
Walcott hurled the iron spear out to 86.20m to improve his previous national mark of 85.77 achieved at the Weltklasse Meet in Zurich, Switzerland on 28 August last year.
The new national figures were good enough to earn Walcott third, his best placing for the year. In Rome, the Toco javelin star was beaten by reigning World Champion Vitezslav Vesely of Czech Republic and Commonwealth champion Julius Yego of Kenya. Vesely threw a world leading mark of 88.14 to take the top spot while Yego broke his Kenya record with a 87.71m effort.
Walcott got his best mark in the sixth and final round to surpass former World Champion Tero Pitkamaki of Finland for the third spot. With his national record mark Walcott also improved previous season best of 81.56 which he set in his seventh place finish at the Golden Spike Meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic on May 26.
The 2012 World Junior champion is now fifth on the IAAF World Rankings moving up from 30th. The Toco Secondary graduate is also at 59th on the world all-time. In addition, Walcott surpassed the 82.00m qualifying standard for for this summer’s World Outdoor Athletic Championships in Beijing, China from August 22-30. He is now the 14th local athlete to have attained qualifying performances for the World Champs.
Walcott is listed to be action on Sunday (7 June) in the Birmingham leg of the IAAF Diamond League where he is expected to face Vesely, Yego and Pitkamaki in another quality field. T&T’s second Olympic champion will be looking to continue his improvement. At the first Diamond League meet in Doha, Qatar on May 15 he opened his season with an eighth place finish (80.68) and then improved to seventh with 81.56 in Ostrava 11 days later.
Reigning World champion Jehue Gordon was seventh in the men’s 400m hurdles in a World Championship qualifying time of 49.22. The 23 year old improved on his previous season’s best time of 49.97 set in his sixth place finish at the Jamaican Invitational on May 9. Gordon is an automatic qualifier for the World Championships as a defending champion. The Belmont Boys Secondary/QRC graduate is now at 14th on the latest 2015 World Performance list improving from 44th on the last list.
T&T athletes who have attained World Championships qualifying standards:
100m
Women (World Championships qualifying standard-11.33): Michelle-Lee Ahye (TTO) 10.97/-2.6, 1st-Florida Relays, Gainesville, Florida, April 3/, Kelly-Ann Baptiste (TTO) 10.98/+0.8, 1st-Tom Jones Memorial, Florida, April 24,
Men (World Championships qualifying standard-10.16): Keston Bledman (TTO) 10.01/+1.5, 1st-Tom Jones Memorial, Florida, April 24 & 10.01/+0.9, 3rd-Diamond League, Doha, Qatar, May 15, Richard Thompson (TTO) 10.04/+1.0, 1st-LSU Alumni Gold, Bato Rouge, LA, USA, April 18 & 10.04/+1.8, Jamaica International, Kington, Jamaica, May 9, Jamol James 10.15/+1.9 pb, 1st-Dual Meet, Tempe Arizona, USA, May 2,
200m
Men(20.50): Rondel Sorillo (TTO) 20.46/-0.1, 1st-Florida Relays, Gainesville, Florida, April 3,
Women (23.20): Kamaria Durant 23.12/+2.0pb, -Hampton Games, Port of Spain, T&T, May 24
400m Men (45.50): Machel Cedenio (TTO) 44.36pb, 1st-Cayman Islands Invitational, Georgetown, Cayman Islands, May 16, Deon Lendore 44.41, 1st SEC Championships, Starkville Mississippi, USA, May 16, Lalonde Gordon (TTO) 45.50, 1st-St. Martin Invite, St. Martin, May 9,
110m hurdles (Men) (13.47): Mikel Thomas (TTO) 13.32/+1.8, 2nd-Mt. Sac Relays, Walnut, CA, April 18,
400m hurdles Men (49.50): Jehue Gordon (TTO)-defending champion
Javelin Men (82.00): Keshorn Walcott (TTO) 86.02NR, 3rd-Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, Rome, Italy, June 4
Shot put Women (17.75): Cleopatra Borel (TTO) 18.41, 3rd -Seiko Golden Grand Prix, Kawasaki, Japan, May 10
Qualification System and Entry Standards
Individual Athletes can qualify in one of four ways:
1. Automatically by achieving the Entry Standard within the qualification period.
2. Based on the finishing position at designated competitions.
3. By Wild Card (Defending Champion or Diamond League / Hammer Throw Challenge Winner).
4. As a result of being one of the best ranked athletes at the end of the qualification period (to fill the remaining places in order to reach the target number of athletes by event established by the IAAF).
This does not apply to the 5000m, 10,000m, Marathons and Race Walks.
Relay Teams can qualify in one of two ways:
1. Automatically as being one of the first eight placed teams at the IAAF World Relays held in the year preceding the IAAF World Championships.
2. As a result of being one of the best ranked teams at the end of the qualification period (to fill the remaining places in order to reach the target number of teams by event established by the IAAF.
Complete qualification regulations: Entry standards – IAAF World Championships, Beijing 2015
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Record re-set
Walcott throws 86.43m for Birmingham bronze (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150608/sports/record-re-set)
By Kwame Laurence
Published on Jun 8, 2015, 1:00 am AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Keshorn%20Walcott%20competes%20competing%20in%20Mens%20Javelin%20event%20at%20Rome%20Golden%20Gala%202015..jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Keshorn%20Walcott%20competes%20competing%20in%20Mens%20Javelin%20event%20at%20Rome%20Golden%20Gala%202015..jpg.html)
Keshorn Walcott sets new T&T national record again!
Keshorn Walcott re-set his own Trinidad and Tobago men's javelin record at the Sainsbury's Birmingham Grand Prix IAAF Diamond League meet in England, yesterday.
The reigning Olympic champion threw 86.43 metres to improve on the 86.20m standard he had established in Rome, Italy, last Thursday. Walcott's new national record earned him bronze in yesterday's competition.
Walcott's series of throws was impressive. He opened at 80.56m, and followed up with an 85.21m effort. The 86.43m T&T record came in round three, and was followed by an 85.59m throw. Walcott fouled in the fifth round, but bounced back to land the spear 84.97m in the sixth and final round.
Julius Yego had the statisticians busy, joining the 90-metre club with a huge 91.39m effort in round six. The monster throw re-set the Kenyan and African records. Czech Republic's reigning world champion, Vitezslav Vesely threw 88.18m to snap up silver.
Watch the video 'Keshorn Walcott sets new national record'
https://www.youtube.com/v/yAK144M7TTE
Meanwhile, T&T's Cleopatra Borel threw the iron ball a season's best 18.80m to pick up silver in the women's shot put, behind Germany's Christina Schwanitz (19.68m). However, Jarrin Solomon trailed the field in the men's 300m, the T&T athlete finishing eighth in 33.22 seconds. South Africa's Wayde van Niekirk won in 31.63.
In the men's 100m, T&T sprinter Keston Bledman clocked 10.11 seconds to finish fifth in heat one and ninth overall in the qualifying round, just missing out on a top-eight finish and a lane in the final. American Marvin Bracy topped the championship race in 9.93.
At the Flanders Cup, in Belgium, on Saturday, T&T's Josanne Lucas triumphed in the women's 400m hurdles in 57.61 seconds.
At the Jim Bush Track and Field Championships, in California, USA, T&T athlete, Mikel Thomas struck gold in the men's 110m hurdles in 13.39 seconds.
Janeil Bellille seized silver in the women's 400m hurdles in a season's best 56.72 seconds. Magnolia Howell was sixth in the women's 400m in 54.96, and seventh in the 200m in 23.95.
In Florida, Semoy Hackett, back in competition after serving a 28-month doping ban, opened her season in fine style, securing silver in the Star Athletics Sprint Classic women's 200m. The T&T sprinter completed the half-lap race in 22.81 seconds. Shermund Allsop clocked 10.51 to finish second in the men's 100m “C” race.
At the New Jersey International Invitational, Andre Marcano bagged bronze in the men's 100m dash in 10.70 seconds. In the qualifying round, Marcano clocked 10.63, and Lalonde Gordon got to the line in 10.88.
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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 in 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.
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Solomon seizes Spanish silver (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150611/sports/solomon-seizes-spanish-silver)
By Kwame Laurence
Published on Jun 11, 2015, 12:01 am AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Jarrin%20Solomon%20celebrates.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Jarrin%20Solomon%20celebrates.jpg.html)
T&T Olympian Jarrin Solomon
Jarrin Solomon seized silver in the men’s 400 metres event at the Iberoamericano de Atletismo Meeting in Huelva, Spain, yesterday. The Trinidad and Tobago quartermiler clocked 46.59 seconds.
Botswana’s Onkabetse Nkobolo topped the field in 46.28, while third spot went to American Kyle Clemons (46.70).
Solomon finished a disappointing eighth in the men’s 300m at Sunday’s Sainsbury’s Birmingham Grand Prix IAAF Diamond League meet, in England, getting to the line in 33.22 seconds. But he quickly put that performance behind him, bouncing back with the runner-up finish in Huelva.
In his 2015 outdoor opener, on March 21 in Arizona, USA, Solomon struck gold in the Willie Williams Classic 400m event in 46.07 seconds. On April 4, the 2012 Olympic Games 4x400m bronze medallist won again, this time clocking 45.62 at the Tailwind Open, in New Mexico, USA.
Solomon earned one-lap silver in 45.86 seconds at the April 18 Mt SAC Relays, in California. And on May 9, at the International Meeting in St Martin, the US-based athlete bagged bronze in 45.85. Another T&T quartermiler, double Olympic bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon captured the 400-200 double in St Martin, clocking 45.50 seconds in the 400 and 20.53 in the shorter race.
On Monday, in the Czech Republic, T&T’s Josanne Lucas finished seventh in the Josef Odložil Memorial women’s 400m hurdles. The 2009 IAAF World Championship bronze medallist got home in 57.48 seconds. South Africa’s Wenda Nel won in 55.20.
Lucas’ best clocking this season is 57.24 seconds—more than four seconds outside her 53.20 national record.
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Lendore defends NCAA 400 title
Borel sixth at Bislett Games (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150611/sports/lendore-defends-ncaa-400-title)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Jun 11, 2015, 8:01 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20and%20Texas%20AampMrsquos%20Olympic%20medalist2.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20LendoremdashTampT%20and%20Texas%20AampMrsquos%20Olympic%20medalist2.jpg.html)
IN ACTION TODAY: Deon Lendore
Trinidad and Tobago’s Deon Lendore will defend his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championship men’s 400 metres title, in Oregon, USA, tonight.
Lendore has been drawn in lane five for the 8.35 p.m. (TT time) championship race, after winning his semifinal heat, late on Wednesday. The Texas A&M University quartermiler clocked 45.43 seconds to advance as the second fastest qualifier, behind Louisiana State University (LSU) student Vernon Norwood (45.42). The American athlete won heat three in 45.42.
Lendore is also expected to compete in the two relay finals. On Wednesday, he produced a 45.02 seconds split to anchor Texas A&M to victory in the second 4x400m semifinal, in three minutes, 05.21 seconds. And in the 4x100m, Lendore anchored his team to victory in semifinal number three in 39.11 seconds.
Another T&T athlete, Pennsylvania State University student Steve Waithe will bid for honours in the men’s triple jump.
Cleopatra Borel finished sixth in the women’s shot put, at the Bislett Games IAAF Diamond League meet, in Oslo, Norway, yesterday. The T&T thrower’s best effort on the day was 18.50 metres.
Germany’s Christina Schwanitz was the class of the field, striking gold with a 20.14m throw. Michelle Carter (19.20m) finished a distant second, while third spot went to her fellow-American, Brittany Smith (18.93m).
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Lendore limps out NCAA final James 4th in Bermuda (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150613/sports/lendore-limps-out-ncaa-final-james-4th-in-bermuda)
Published on Jun 13, 2015, 8:03 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20Lendore%20picks%20up%20injury%20during%20400m%20Final%20at%202015%20NCAA%20Outdoors%20Champs.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20Lendore%20picks%20up%20injury%20during%20400m%20Final%20at%202015%20NCAA%20Outdoors%20Champs.png.html)
Deon Lendore picks up injury during 400m Final at 2015 NCAA Outdoors Champs
Deon Lendore limped out of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championship men's 400 metres final, in Oregon, USA, late on Friday.
With Kinetic tape on his right leg, it was clear Lendore was carrying an injury. Early on, the discomfort forced him to abort his title defence, the Trinidad and Tobago quartermiler unable to complete the championship race. It was an anticlimactic end to an outstanding collegiate career.
Lendore was actually scheduled to return to the track for the 4x400m final, but was unable to take his place on the Texas A&M University team. Earlier on Friday, he anchored his school to fifth spot in the 4x100m final in 38.77 seconds. Another T&T athlete, Penn State University's Steve Waithe finished eighth in the men's triple jump with a wind-aided 16.26 metres effort. His only legal jump was 14.16m.
Texas A&M finished sixth in the men's team competition with 27 points, while Penn State earned 17 points to tie for 10th with University of Illinois. University of Oregon were runaway winners with 85 points. University of Florida (56) and University of Arkansas (53), meanwhile, finished second and third, respectively.
Also on Friday, at the Bermuda National Championships, T&T halfmiler Jamaal James returned a season's best time of one minute, 49.53 seconds to secure fourth spot in the elite invitational men's 800m event.
Shaquille Dill won in 1:48.96, from his fellow-Bermudian Aaron Evans (1:49.24) and American Dage Minors (1:49.40).
—Kwame Laurence
2015 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships - Men's 400m
https://www.youtube.com/v/1BYr4yOi8ak
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Shaquille Dill? I wonder if he related to Dill who won the Carifta Games 100 meters in the Oval in 71? That Dill was big fellow.
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Gordon 2nd to James in Morocco (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150615/sports/gordon-2nd-to-james-in-morocco)
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Jun 15, 2015, 8:24 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Lalonde%20Gordon%20amp%20Kirani%20James%20London%202012%2002.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Lalonde%20Gordon%20amp%20Kirani%20James%20London%202012%2002.jpg.html)
T&T's Lalonde Gordon second to Kirani James
Lalonde Gordon snared silver in the men’s 400 metres event at the Mohammed VI d’Athletisme IAAF World Challenge meet, in Morocco, on Sunday.
The Trinidad and Tobago quarter-miler completed his lap of the track in 46.02 seconds to finish behind Grenada’s reigning Olympic champion, Kirani James, the winner in 45.15. Bahamian Demetrius Pinder secured bronze in 46.16.
Gordon (in lane 5) came off the final turn near the back of the eight-man field. The 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, however, had plenty gas left in his tank. He powered down the home straight, reeling in all but James to secure the runner-up spot in his second individual one-lap outing this season.
Men's 400m Kirani James 45.14 Rabat IAAF World Challenge Meeting 2015
https://www.youtube.com/v/re-cbP3N2g4
In his 2015 400m opener, in St Martin on May 9, Gordon emerged victorious in 45.50 seconds. He captured an impressive double at that meet, winning the 200m event in 20.53.
Gordon will be home for the June 26-28 NGC-Sagicor NAAA National Open Track and Field Championships, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. The 26-year-old quartermiler is expected to square off against Machel Cedenio, Deon Lendore, Jarrin Solomon, Renny Quow and Jereem Richards for the men’s 400m title at Nationals. Quow is the reigning one-lap champion, while Gordon captured 200m gold last year.
Josanne Lucas (in lane 8 ) was also on show at Sunday’s IAAF World Challenge meet, in Morocco. The 2009 IAAF World Championship bronze medallist finished sixth in the women’s 400m hurdles in 57.53 seconds.
Women's 400m Hurdles Rabat IAAF World Challenge Meeting 2015
https://www.youtube.com/v/hUelJp7vjm8
South African Wenda Nel earned gold in 55.36, finishing ahead of Ukraine’s Anna Titimets (55.86) and Morocco’s Hayat Lambarki (55.94).
Complete Results for 2015 Mohammed VI d’Athletisme IAAF World Challenge Meet, in Morocco: http://www.iaaf.org/Competitions/iaaf-world-challenge/mohammed-vi-dathletisme-de-rabat-5628/timetable/byday
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Race video:
https://www.youtube.com/v/re-cbP3N2g4
Mr Gordon needs to seriously adjust that race model. Seems to be a trend among our q-milers. Quow does it and Cedenio to a lesser extent. You have to attack the first 300m to be consistently competitive.
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Race video:
https://www.youtube.com/v/re-cbP3N2g4
Mr Gordon needs to seriously adjust that race model. Seems to be a trend among our q-milers. Quow does it and Cedenio to a lesser extent. You have to attack the first 300m to be consistently competitive.
Analyzing his race, I think Lalonde went out as hard as the others for the 1st 200m but then lost a lot of ground with the other runners during the 3rd 100m of the race leaving him at the back of the pack and with a lot of ground to make up in the last 100m.
To me Lalonde Gordon has similar tools (long stride and good 200m speed) as Kirani does and can learn a lot from emulating how Kirani runs his races.
Kirani usually goes out hard and positions himself to be at the front of the pack with 100m to go and then relies on his speed endurance and final kick to take him clear of the field in the home straight (last 100m).
If Lalonde trains himself to run his 400m race in a similar pattern to Kirani he will consistently run faster times and will eventually start pressing Kirani for the 1st place when they clash.
I believe Lalonde has the tools to consistently run much faster than he regularly does over 400m so I am not sure if the reason why he is not fulfilling his true potential is down to lack of conditioning or if it is more down to bad race strategy and his coach not giving him enough guidance after analyzing his races to help him improve his performances.
However despite all our critic of Lalonde’s 400m race pattern he still tends to turn up at his best for major championships and got among the medals in the Commonwealth Games last year and the Olympics in 2012.
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St Fort, Hislop for World Youth (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150618/sports/st-fort-hislop-for-world-youth)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jun 18, 2015, 12:01 am AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Khalifa%20St%20Fort%20celebrates%20victory%20at%202015%20Junior%20Track%20amp%20Field%20Champs%20and%20Akanni%20Hislop%20wins%20Boys%20U18%20100m%20at%20Natnl%20Sec%20Schools%20Champs%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Khalifa%20St%20Fort%20celebrates%20victory%20at%202015%20Junior%20Track%20amp%20Field%20Champs%20and%20Akanni%20Hislop%20wins%20Boys%20U18%20100m%20at%20Natnl%20Sec%20Schools%20Champs%202015.jpg.html)
Top photo: Khalifa St Fort celebrates victory in 2015 Junior Track & Champs U-18 100m final;
2nd photo: Akanni Hislop wins Boys' U18 100m at T&T National Secondary Schools Champs 2015.
Khalifa St Fort and Akanni Hislop are among four athletes selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the July 15-19 IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia. In a press release, yesterday, the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) announced that St Fort will compete in the women’s 100 metres event at the global under-18 meet. Hislop bids for honours in the men’s 100m and 200m events. Also on the team for Cali are Jacob St Clair, who will chase honours in the men’s 400m, and female shot putter Akidah Briggs.
St Fort, Hislop and St Clair have also been named on the 24-member T&T team for the July 31-August 2 Pan American Junior Championships, in Edmonton, Canada. That team also includes sprinters Jonathan Farinha and Kayelle Clarke, long jumper Andwuelle Wright, and shot putter Portious Warren. Hislop and Briggs will be the T&T track and field representatives at the September 5-11 Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia, Samoa.
T&T TEAMS
IAAF World Youth (July 15-19):
Akanni Hislop (men’s 100, 200), Jacob St Clair (men’s 400), Khalifa St Fort (women’s 100), Akidah Briggs (women’s shot put)
Officials: Jim Clarke (manager), Nadine Hamid (coach), Clint McKenzie (medical)
Pan Am Juniors (July 31-August 2):
Male — Jonathan Farinha (100, 200, 4x100), Akanni Hislop (100, 200, 400), Jacob St Clair (400, 4x400), Jamoul Pierre 400, 4x400), Aaron Lewis (110 hurdles), Omari Benoit (high jump), Andwuelle Wright (long jump), Che Richards (long jump), Kenejah Williams (shot put), Joash Huggins (4x100), Corey Stewart (4x100), Francis Louis (4x100), Nathan Farinha (4x100, 4x400), Jesse Frederick (4x400), Terry Frederick (4x400), Onal Mitchell (4x400)
Female — Kayelle Clarke (100, 200, 4x100), Khalifa St Fort (100, 4x100), Jeminise Parris (100 hurdles, 4x100), Portious Warren (shot put), Chelsea James (shot put), Jendayi Noel (4x100), Jael Fergusson (4x100), Thyla-Marie Scott (4x100)
Officials — Allan Baboolal (manager), Reynold Porter-Lee (coach), Ian Carter (coach), Wendell Williams (coach), Kerron Browne (coach), Nicole Fuentes (medical)
Commonwealth Youth Games (September 5-11):
Akanni Hislop (men’s 100, 200), Akidah Briggs (women’s shot put), Althea Busby (manager/coach)
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Injury forces St Clair on sidelines (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-06-20/injury-forced-st-clair-sidelines)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Saturday, June 20, 2015
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Jacob%20St%20Clair%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Jacob%20St%20Clair%202015.jpg.html)
Joshua Jacob St. Clair (400m specialist) of Abilene Wildcats Athletics Club
Abilene Wildcats 400m specialist Joshua Jacob St Clair, who was named by the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) to compete at the IAAF World Youth Championships, scheduled to take place from July 15–19 in Cali, Colombia and the Pan American Junior Championships, from July 31–August 13, 2015, Edmonton, Alberta Canada, appears doubtful because of an injury.
A media release from the NAAA listed St Clair to compete at these events, but injuries to both his legs have reduced his chances to sport the red, white and black national colours at both events.
NAAA president Ephraim Serrette told the T&T Guardian yesterday that St Clair had an achilles injury which was healing, but he later sustained a fresh grade two hamstring injury.
“He may be out of the Championships based on information coming from the medical team,” said Serrette.
The Samoa 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games was the third international event for which the NAAA announced its competitors. That event was carded to take place this September in Apia, Samoa.
Thirty athletes and ten officials have been named for the three Championships respectively.
Serrette said athletes were selected based on performances from Carifta to the NGC/NAAA Junior Championships and these would have been athletes who qualified and St Clair was among them, but recent developments would deny him a chance to represent T&T, at least for now.
He said for competition in the World Youth Championships only four athletes were selected and St Clair was among them.
The other athletes were: Carifta double medallists Akanni Hislop of Zenith AC (100m / 200m) Khalifa St Fort (100m) Akidah Briggs of Toco Titans in the shot put.
“For the Pan American Junior Championships we have a little larger team, because of the relay factor. So, we have our women and men 4x100m and a men’s 4x400m that would automatically take the total up. But we would have selected athletes who we know are competitive and should at least make a final at these events,” Serrette said.
When the people of T&T hear the names Hislop, and Jonathan Farinha, said the NAAA official, they should know that athletes of this calibre were the future of track and field.
These athletes, according to Serrette, now have to be put on the transition list from junior into senior level.
Hislop was selected for all three junior Championships.
“In the case of the World Youth Championships in Cali Colombia I am expecting great performance from Hislop. Hislop and St Fort can deliver performances that lead to the rostrum,” Serrette said.
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Solomon wins in 45.15
... qualifies for Worlds one-lap (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150706/sports/solomon-wins-in-4515)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 6, 2015, 8:23 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Jarrin%20Solomon%20400m%20London%202012.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Jarrin%20Solomon%20400m%20London%202012.jpg.html)
World Champs qualifier: Jarrin Solomon
Jarrin Solomon produced his fastest run this season to strike gold in a men's 400 metres race, at the Résisprint International meet, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, on Sunday.
Solomon stopped the clock at 45.15 seconds to secure top spot in the one-lap “B” race. The Trinidad and Tobago quarter-miler finished well ahead of Sudan's Sadam Koumi, the silver medallist in 45.58. Belgian Antoine Gillet was a distant third in 46.25.
For Solomon, yesterday's run was very significant. In addition to being the second fastest clocking of his career, behind the 44.98 seconds personal best he produced in Belgium last year, the 45.15 run was well inside the 45.50 IAAF World Championship qualifying standard.
Five T&T quarter-milers have now attained the standard for the August 22-30 global meet, creating a potential selection headache for the officials who will travel to Beijing, China with the World Championship team. Only three of the five can run in the individual 400m event.
The fastest of the quintet are Machel Cedenio, who is sixth on the 2015 world list at 44.36 seconds, and Deon Lendore, who is seventh at 44.41. However, Cedenio was disqualified in last month's National Championship final for running out of his lane, while Lendore did not compete at Nationals because of injury.
National champion Renny Quow is third fastest among T&T quartermilers this year with the 44.90 seconds run that earned him the T&T title. Solomon is fourth with Sunday's 45.15 clocking. And 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon is fifth at 45.50. Solomon and Gordon earned silver and bronze, respectively, at Nationals.
Only two quarter-milers were faster than Solomon at the Résisprint International meet--Botswana's Isaac Makwala and Qatari junior Abdalelah Haroun.
Makwala won the men's 400m “A” race in a jaw-dropping 43.72 seconds to move into fifth spot on the world all-time list, behind world record holder Michael Johnson (43.18) and his fellow-Americans Butch Reynolds (43.29), Jeremy Wariner (43.45) and Quincy Watts (43.50). Makwala's 43.72 clocking is a new African record and the fastest time in the world this year.
Haroun clocked 44.27 seconds to finish second to Makwala, yesterday, the fine run pushing him up to second on the world all-time junior 400m list. Only former Olympic champion Steve Lewis has run faster while still in the under-20 ranks. The American was golden at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in South Korea in a world junior record time of 43.87 seconds.
Eighteen-year-old Haroun is joint-fourth with Bahamian Steven Gardiner on the 2015 men's 400m list. Only Makwala, Grenada's reigning Olympic champion Kirani James (43.95) and South African Wayde van Niekirk (43.96) have run faster this year.
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According to this article on Trackalerts, Lendore is supposed to be running at a meet in Edmonton:
http://www.trackalerts.com/Articles/edmonton-welcomes-strongest-fields-in-history-of-tracktown-classic/14118/
Not sure how accurate it is. I thought he was supposed to run at HCS this weekend.
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Borel wins big
Gold as well for Bledman (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150707/sports/borel-wins-big)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 7, 2015, 9:21 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Cleopatra%20Borel%20shot%20put%20TTO.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Cleopatra%20Borel%20shot%20put%20TTO.jpg.html)
Cleopatra Borel in good form
Cleopatra Borel captured the Istvan Gyulai Memorial women's shot put title, in Hungary, yesterday. Borel produced a big 19.26 metres effort—a new meet record and her best throw in four years—to secure the top spot ahead of American Michelle Carter (19.20m).
The Trinidad and Tobago field athlete is fourth on the 2015 world performance list.
On Saturday, Borel finished fourth at the Meeting Areva IAAF Diamond League meet, in Paris, France, with a 19.07m throw.
Renny Quow was also in fine form in Hungary yesterday, the T&T quartermiler bagging bronze in the men's 400m in 44.72 seconds. The clocking was the fastest produced by Quow since 2009, the year he finished third in the IAAF World Championship final in Berlin, Germany. He had run a personal best 44.53 in the semifinal round. Bahamian Steven Gardiner emerged victorious in Hungary in 44.30 seconds, while second spot went to American LaShawn Merritt in 44.43.
Quow, who captured the national one-lap title last month in 44.90 seconds, jumped from 18th to 15th on the 2015 world performance list with yesterday's 44.72 run.
Keston Bledman, who is joint-fourth on the 2015 men's 100m list with France's Jimmy Vicaut thanks to the 9.86 seconds scorcher he produced to win the T&T title, was again in winners' row on Monday.
Bledman stopped the clock at 10.02 seconds for gold at the Meeting Pro Athlé, in Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France. The 27-year-old track star forced Americans Mike Rodgers (10.06) and Charles Silmon (10.23) to settle for the minor medals. And at the Cork City Sports International Athletics Meet, in Ireland yesterday, T&T's Jarrin Solomon finished fourth in a men's 200m race in 21.87 seconds.
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Three T&T athletes will take part in the 2015 Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland tomorrow Thursday (http://lausanne.diamondleague.com/en/home/) so I will create a dedicated thread for that DL Meet if I get the time.
Keshorn Walcott will compete in the Men's Javelin, Keston Bledman will compete in the Men's 100m Dash while Jehue Gordon will compete in the Men's 400m Hurdles.
Here is link to the startlists: http://lausanne.diamondleague.com/en/disciplines-results/2015-disciplines/#contentTabFrame#/live/general/js/mappings/schedule#ScheduleFrame#Lausanne2015_SCHEDULE_json
Also three T&T athletes will take part in the 33rd Meeting Madrid 2015 in Spain this Saturday (http://www.rfea.es/competi/madridmeeting/index_eng.htm) so I may create a dedicated thread for that Meet if I get the time.
Renny Quow and Jarrin Solomon will compete in the 400m Dash while Jehue Gordon will compete in the 400m Hurdles.
Here is link to the startlists: http://www.rfea.es/competi/madridmeeting/participantes2015.pdf
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ELITE CLUB: Walcott hits 90-metre mark (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150709/sports/elite-club-walcott-hits-90-metre-mark)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 9, 2015, 9:26 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Keshorn%20Walcott%20competes%20competing%20in%20Mens%20Javelin%20event%20at%20Rome%20Golden%20Gala%202015._1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Keshorn%20Walcott%20competes%20competing%20in%20Mens%20Javelin%20event%20at%20Rome%20Golden%20Gala%202015._1.jpg.html)
Golden effort: Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott. —Photo: AFP
Keshorn Walcott joined the elite 90-metre club, at the Athletissima IAAF Diamond League meet, in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday.
In the very first round of the men's javelin competition, Walcott landed the spear 90.16 metres to smash his own national record, jumping from 59th to 14th on the world all-time list in the process. He also broke the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) record, bettering the 87.20m standard set by Cuba's Guillermo Martinez in 2011.
Walcott had established the previous Trinidad and Tobago record of 86.43m at the Sainsbury's Birmingham Grand Prix IAAF Diamond League meet, in England, on June 7. The 2012 Olympic champion finished third on that occasion.
There was no beating Walcott, yesterday, the 22-year-old field athlete securing his first Diamond League victory with his first-ever 90-metre effort. When the distance was posted on the scoreboard, an exultant Walcott triumphantly raised both arms. The 90.16m monster throw is a new meet record, bettering the 89.94m standard established by world record holder Jan Zelezny, of the Czech Republic, back in 2001.
Silver yesterday went to another Czech Republic thrower, Vitezslav Vesely, the reigning world champion producing an 87.97m effort. And Finland's Tero Pitkamaki bagged bronze at the Athletissima meet with an 87.44m throw. Pitkamaki is seventh on the world all-time list at 91.53m. Three-time Olympic champion Zelezny heads the list with his world record throw of 98.48m.
Walcott is only the 14th thrower to join the exclusive 90-metre club. Understandably satisfied with his superb opening round effort, the Toco athlete only took one more throw in the competition, a third round foul.
Meanwhile, Keston Bledman finished fifth in the Athletissima men's 100 metres dash, the T&T sprinter getting to the line in 10.03 seconds, the same time clocked by fourth-placed Michael Rodgers of the United States.
Another American, Justin Gatlin won in a very fast 9.75 seconds. It was the third time this season he had produced a sub-9.80 run. Jamaican Asafa Powell seized silver in 9.92 seconds, while bronze went to American Tyson Gay, who also clocked 9.92.
T&T's Jehue Gordon finished eighth and last in the men's 400m hurdles in 50.07 seconds. American Bershawn Jackson clocked 48.71 to strike gold, ahead of South Africa's LJ van Zyl (48.92) and Russia's Denis Kudryavtsev (49.01).
Gordon, who will defend his IAAF World Championship title in Beijing, China next month, was disappointed with his performance.
"Terrible race for me. The race got away from me on the backstretch. Running from lane two was not easy and it was cold temperature, but I'm not making excuses. I have to go back to training and work hard. I am the defending champion," Gordon ended, "and I intend to do well in Beijing."
At the World University Games, in Gwangju, Korea, yesterday, University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) athlete, LeSean Noel competed in the semi-final round of the men's 100m event. The T&T sprinter finished sixth in heat two in 10.54 seconds. The top four in each heat advanced to the final. South Africa's Akani Simbine clocked 9.97 to grab gold in the championship race.
On Wednesday, Noel was third in his first round heat in 10.65 seconds, and third in his quarterfinal heat in 10.74. He was eliminated in the opening round of the 200m, after finishing sixth in his first round heat, yesterday, in 21.81.
Another T&T/UTT athlete, Kyle Stanley was fifth in his men's 400m first round heat, on Wednesday, in 51.57 seconds and did not progress to the semis.
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Solomon golden in Madrid (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150711/sports/solomon-golden-in-madrid)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 11, 2015, 8:46 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Jarrin%20Solomon%20about%20to%20start%20400m%20at%20Meeting%20Madrid%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Jarrin%20Solomon%20about%20to%20start%20400m%20at%20Meeting%20Madrid%202015.jpg.html)
Jarrin Solomon about to start 400m at Meeting Madrid 2015
Jarrin Solomon topped the field in a men’s 400 metres event, at the 33rd Meeting Madrid IAAF World Challenge meet, in Spain, yesterday.
The Trinidad and Tobago quarter-miler got home in 45.20 seconds, the fourth fastest time of his career, to secure gold. Botswana’s Onkabetse Nkobolo clocked 45.36 to finish second, while third spot went to American Joshua Mance in 45.85.
Solomon’s T&T teammate, Renny Quow competed in the other men’s 400m race, the 2015 national champion finishing sixth in 45.37 seconds. Abdelalelah Haroun was the class of the field, the 18-year-old Qatari sensation completing his lap of the track in 44.63 to strike gold. American David Verburg claimed silver in 44.72, ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Yousef Ahmed Masrahi (44.79).
Jehue Gordon produced a 49.53 seconds run to finish fifth in the men’s 400m hurdles. Top spot went to Bahamian Jeffery Gibson in 48.89. Gibson finished ahead of American Jeshua Anderson, the runner-up in 49.14 seconds, and Nigeria’s Miles Ukaoma (49.29). Reigning Commonwealth Games champion, Cornel Fredericks was fourth in 49.50, the South African finishing just ahead of Gordon.
For Gordon, the 49.53 run was a big improvement on the 50.07 seconds clocking he produced in finishing eighth and last at Thursday’s Athletissima IAAF Diamond League meet in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 23-year-old T&T athlete is preparing for the defence of his IAAF World Championship title in Beijing, China, next month.
At the World University Games, in Gwangju, Korea, on Friday, T&T’s Kyle Stanley returned a time of one minute, 57.80 seconds to finish eighth in his first round heat. The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) student did not qualify for yesterday’s semi-final round.
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Thomas, Telesford, Bellille shine at Falcons Invitational (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150711/sports/thomas-telesford-bellille-shine-at-falcons-invitational)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 11, 2015, 8:25 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Janeil%20Bellille%20400m%20amp%20400%20hurdles.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Janeil%20Bellille%20400m%20amp%20400%20hurdles.jpg.html)
400 hurdles winner: Janeil Bellille (Abilene Wildcats)
Reyare Thomas and Kamaria Durant pushed each other to personal bests at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, yesterday.
Thomas earned a slight edge in the Falcons Invitational Last Chance Meet women’s 200 metres event, the Abilene sprinter just getting the better of Durant in a battle royale. But both athletes were “winners” on the day. Thomas grabbed gold in 22.82 seconds, while Durant clocked 22.83 for silver.
Thomas and Durant will run the half-lap event at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada later this month, and would both be buoyed by their first-ever legal sub-23 clockings. The times are also well inside the 23.20 seconds IAAF World Championship qualifying standard.
The Falcons Invitational men’s 200m was also keenly contested, Neon Trackers sprinter Dan-Neil Telesford emerging victorious in 20.56 seconds. Telesford had a significant lead, coming off the turn. Kyle Greaux, however, was stronger on the straight, but not strong enough, Telesford holding on for the victory. Fast-finishing Greaux was forced to settle for silver in 20.59.
Janeil Bellille underlined her class with a dominant run in the women’s 400m hurdles. The Abilene athlete won in 55.68 seconds, the third fastest time she has ever produced in the event and more than half-a-second faster than the 56.20 IAAF World Championship qualifying standard.
Levi Cadogan was unchallenged for gold in the men’s 100m dash. The Barbadian sprinter clocked 10.48 seconds, shutting down at the end. Nathan Farinha was a distant second in 10.66.
Sade Williams won the women’s 400m in 53.52 seconds, from Alena Brooks (53.94) and Romona Modeste (54.16). Coming off the final bed, Modeste had the edge on her two rivals. It was Williams, though, who had the most gas left in her tank, the Barbadian motoring past Modeste to claim the title.
Defence Force quarter-miler Deverne Charles topped the men’s 400m field in 48.03 seconds. There were victories for Rebirth field athletes, Quincy Wilson, Hezekiel Romeo and Kyron Blaise. Wilson threw 56.29 metres for a runaway victory in the men’s discus. Romeo’s 17.23m effort earned him gold in the men’s shot put. And Blaise disturbed the sand at 7.41m for top honours in the men’s long jump.
Portious Warren completed a throwing double. The Toco TAFAC athlete triumphed in the women’s discus with a 38.90m effort, and then topped the shot put field with a 15.17m throw.
And in the women’s 100m hurdles, Air Bon Sonics athlete, Deborah John won in a wind-aided 13.58 seconds, forcing Jeminise Parris to settle for the runner-up spot in 13.85.
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Borel second in Switzerland meet (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,214164.html)
Wednesday, July 15 2015 (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Cleopatra%20Borel%20competing%20in%20Womens%20Shot%20Put%20at%202015%20TampT%20Champs.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Cleopatra%20Borel%20competing%20in%20Womens%20Shot%20Put%20at%202015%20TampT%20Champs.jpg.html)
Cleopatra Borel competing in Women's Shot Put at T&T Champs
CLEOPATRA BOREL finished second in the women’s shot put yesterday at the Spitzen Leichtathletik meet in Luzern, Switzerland.
Borel saved her best for last, as she threw 18.71 metres with her sixth and final effort. But she was unable to get the better of Olympic and World champion Valerie Adams of New Zealand, whose best throw was 18.73 m.
Natalia Duco of Chile was third with 17.56m while Lena Urbaniak of Germany was fourth with a best effort of 16.80m.
Jamaican Stephenie-Ann McPherson was victorious but Veronica Campbell-Brown, two-time Olympic Games 200m gold medallist, and World and Olympic Games medallist Warren Weir, were also in action, but ended on losing sides.
McPherson topped the women’s 400m dash in 50.50 seconds. Kemi Adekoya, a Nigerian-born Bahrain athlete, finished second in 50.86 and Jamaica champion Christine Day, third in 51.57.
Campbell-Brown was the second best on the day, finishing the half lap event in 22.61.
Another Jamaican, Shericka Jackson won her section in 22.87, but the overall winner was American Charonda Williams in 22.32. Williams earlier won the 100m in 11.14.
Weir ran 20.45 and Tyquendo Tracey 20.59 for fifth and sixth in the men’s 200m ‘A’ race won by South African Wayde van Niekerk in 19.94, a new national record.
Jamaican Edino Steele did 20.54 in the ‘B’ race.
In the highly competitive women’s 100m hurdles, Jamaican Danielle Williams, fresh from her success at the World University Games last week, crossed the line in 12.92. Americans Queens Harrison 12.62, World Champion Brianna Rollins 12.66 and Sharika Nelvis 12.72 were faster on the day.
In the men’s sprint hurdles, Shane Brathwaite of Barbados 13.43 and Dwight Thomas of Jamaica 13.48 watched as former World Champion Jason Richardson recorded the day’s fastest time of 13.25.
Jason Morgan improved on her last outing with 61.10m, but that was only good enough for fifth in the men’s discus, won by German Martin Wierig 63.85.
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Borel 2nd in Luzern (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150714/sports/borel-2nd-in-luzern)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 14, 2015, 9:03 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Cleopatra%20Borel%20Shot%20Put%20at%20HCS_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Cleopatra%20Borel%20Shot%20Put%20at%20HCS_1.jpg.html)
SILVER: Cleopatra Borel finished second in the women's shot put
at the Spitzen Leichtathletik meet, in Luzern, Switzerland, yesterday.
Trinidad and Tobago's Cleopatra Borel finished second to New Zealand's two-time Olympic champion Valerie Adams at the Spitzen Leichtathletik meet, in Luzern, Switzerland, yesterday.
Borel threw the iron ball 18.71 metres for silver in the women's shot put, while Adams was marginally better at 18.73m. Chile's Natalia Duco (17.56m) finished third.
Borel and Adams have now clashed 50 times, starting with the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. Adams leads 48-2 in their head-to-head meetings.
T&T's Emanuel Mayers was in fine form at the USATF National Club Championships, in New York, USA, last Saturday.
The Shore Athletic Club (New Jersey) athlete stopped the clock at 49.80 seconds to strike gold in the men's 400m hurdles. The clocking was Mayers' fastest time this season and the fourth fastest of his career.
Andre Marcano captured the men's 100m title with a season's best 10.59 seconds run, into a 1.1 metres per second headwind. In the preliminary round, the T&T/Central Park Track Club (New York) sprinter won heat five in 10.65.
Another T&T/Central Park Track Club athlete, Adrian Crichlow topped section three in the men's 200m in 21.67 seconds. Crichlow was sixth overall. Marcano, meanwhile, was second in section four and ninth overall in a personal best 21.83.
Mayers' Shore Athletic Club won the men's team title with 140 points, beating Central Park Track Club (119) into second spot
On Sunday, at the Track Town Classic, in Edmonton, Canada, Mikel Thomas finished seventh in the men's 110m hurdles in 13.69 seconds. The top two spots went to Americans Ashton Eaton (13.38) and Kevin Craddock (13.53), while bronze was bagged by Canada's Sekou Kaba (13.57).
Next week, Borel, Mayers and Thomas will represent T&T at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
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Medals pickings going to be lean at the games!
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Former BYU track star revives Olympic dreams at age 41 (http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/former-byu-track-star-revives-olympic-dreams-at-ag/18778/cDdNfKAWB0WSdgUOAgwU3Q)
07/15/2015 09:44 PM (Good4Utah.com)
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Marsha Mark-Baird former BYU track star, training in the heptathlon for 2016 Rio Olympics
PROVO, Utah (ABC 4 Sports) - Former BYU track star Marsha Mark-Baird isn't let age slow her down one bit.
After competing in the Olympics in 2000 and 2004 for her native country of Trinidad and Tobago, Mark-Baird is training for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro in the heptathlon at the age of 41.
"I think once you set your mind to something, you can decide, hey, I can do whatever I want," she said.
Marsha set her mind to competing in the Olympics and she accomplished just that -- twice.
"It was amazing," she said. "I just tell people it was amazing and awesome, but when I focus on how it really was, it was the experience of my lifetime."
But Marsha stepped away from track in 2004. She thought her track and field career was over. But after watching Dara Torres compete at the age of 41 in the 2008 Olympics, Marsha's Olympic dreams were revived. After a 10-year break from competing, she started training again and amazingly, because her technique had improved, her body responded well.
"Actually, I was not surprised, but pleased with how well my body has held up," said Mark-Baird, who graduated from BYU in 1997 and attained her Masters in 1999. "At 41, with three kids, a 10-year break and training for Rio."
Training for the Olympics is expensive, however. Not being an American athlete, finding sponsors has been difficult. She says it costs anywhere from $10,000 to 15,000 per year for training. So, Marsha teaches kids how to run track, mainly the hurdles, which is something she never had growing up.
"For me, it's a blessing to be able to teach and help," she said. "Because I didn't have all that help, especially in hurdles, at their age. I started hurdles when I was a freshman in college. It was very stressful and difficult for me. I cried the first day, because I had no idea how to hurdle."
Marsha's been overcoming hurdles ever since. She thought about trying for the 2012 Olympics in London, and even named her son, London.
"I have not named any kids or pets Rio," she said with a smile.
Marsha won't know if she'll make her third Olympic team until next June, Marsha will continue being a mom, teaching kids to run, and training like 40-something is nothing.
"So I've been training for about three years," she said. "I've got one more year to go, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Click to view video feature: http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/embed/iframe?aspect_ratio=3x2&auto_start=0&pf_id=9207&rel=3&show_title=0&va_id=5870803&volume=8&windows=1
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Lalonde breaks T&T 300m record (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150716/sports/lalonde-breaks-tt-300m-record)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 16, 2015, 8:39 pm AST
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New 300m record: Lalonde Gordon
Lalonde Gordon erased a 23-year-old Trinidad and Tobago record from the books, at the International Meeting de Liège, in Belgium on Wednesday.
Gordon stopped the clock at 32.21 seconds to capture the men's 300 metres title. The 2012 Olympic 400m bronze medallist finished ahead of Belgium's Jonathan Borlee, the runner-up in 32.43, and American Patrick Feeney (32.73).
Gordon's impressive 32.21 clocking was six-hundredths of a second faster than the previous T&T standard of 32.27, established by Ian Morris in Wales way back in 1992.
On Wednesday, Gordon ran a full half-second faster than his previous outdoor best in the event, 32.71 seconds. The 26-year-old Tobago quarter-miler also has a 32.47 indoor best to his name.
Gordon is now at the top of the all-time T&T men's 300m outdoor and indoor lists. Morris is second on the outdoor list with his 32.27 run. Renny Quow is third thanks to the 32.36 seconds clocking he produced at last year's International Meeting de Liège, in Belgium. Ato Stephens and Patrick Delice are fourth and fifth, respectively, at 32.62 and 32.90.
Quow is second on the all-time T&T indoor list at 32.71 seconds.
Gordon's 32.21 national record run earned him fifth spot on the 2015 world outdoor list. South Africa's Wayde van Niekirk is the world-leader at 31.63 seconds. Veteran Bahamian Chris Brown is in second spot with a 31.99 clocking. Great Britain's Delano Williams is next on the list with a 32.14 run. And American David Verburg is fourth fastest this year at 32.17.
American 200/400 great, Michael Johnson is the men's 300m world record holder with a 30.85 seconds run, produced at altitude in Pretoria, South Africa in 2000. Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt is second on the global all-time list at 30.97, while third spot is held by American LaShawn Merritt (31.30).
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Walcott 4th in Monaco Diamond League (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150717/sports/walcott-4th-in-monaco-diamond-league)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 17, 2015, 8:51 pm AST
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RICH VEIN OF FORM: USA’s Justin Gatlin, left, on his way to winning the
100m men’s race ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Keston Bledman, who
finished fifth, at the Herculis International Athletics meet, at the Louis II
Stadium in Monaco, yesterday. —Photo: AP
Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott finished fourth in the men’s javelin, at the Herculis IAAF Diamond League meet, in Monaco, yesterday. The reigning Olympic champion threw 83.54 metres in the opening round, but was unable to improve on the mark. The closest he came was in round four when he landed the spear 83.37m.
Finland’s Tero Pitkamaki threw 88.87m to grab gold, forcing Vitezslav Vesely to settle for silver with an 85.44m effort. Vesely’s Czech Republic teammate, Jakub Vadlejch (84.32m) finished third. Kenyan Julius Yego, who beat Walcott into second spot at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, was sixth yesterday with an 81.79m throw.
Last week Thursday, Walcott produced the best throw of his career, the 22-year-old Toco athlete capturing the Athletissima IAAF Diamond League title with a huge 90.16m effort.
Walcott is the 14th member of the elite 90-metre club. With his 90.16m monster throw, he jumped from 59th to 14th on the world all-time list.
Keston Bledman finished fifth in the Herculis men’s 100m dash. The T&T sprinter clocked 10.10 seconds.
Justin Gatlin continued his rich vein of form with a scintillating meet record run of 9.78 seconds. Gatlin won easily, finishing well ahead of his fellow-American Tyson Gay, the runner-up in 9.97. France’s Jimmy Vicaut got home in 10.03 to finish third, while fourth spot went to Great Britain’s Chijindu Ujah (10.08).
Gatlin has raced unbeaten in individual events this year, and has dived under 9.80 seconds four times in five 100m outings.
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Lalonde clocks sub-45 in Belgium (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150719/sports/lalonde-clocks-sub-45-in-belgium)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 19, 2015, 8:15 pm AST
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Lalonde Gordon, TTO Quarter-miler
Lalonde Gordon produced his fastest 400 metres clocking this season at the KBC Night of Athletics meet, in Heusden, Belgium, on Saturday. The Trinidad and Tobago quartermiler topped the men's one-lap field in 44.99 seconds, getting home ahead of American Tony McQuay (45.13) and Belgium's Kevin Borlee (45.24).
Gordon was triumphant in his 400m season-opener, in St Martin on May 9, completing his lap of the track in 45.50 seconds. On June 14, in Morocco, he clocked 46.02 to secure the runner-up spot, behind Grenada's reigning Olympic champion Kirani James (45.15).
A couple weeks later, Gordon competed at the NGC-Sagicor National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Open Track and Field Championships, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. The double Olympic bronze medallist bagged bronze at the T&T Nationals in 46.45 seconds. The run was almost two seconds slower than his personal best time of 44.52.
But Gordon found form on Wednesday in Belgium, clocking 32.21 seconds to win the International Meeting de Liège men's 300m title. The fast run was a new national record, bettering Ian Morris' 32.27 standard, which stood for 23 years.
Gordon's 32.21 clocking put him in fifth spot on the 2015 world outdoor performance list. South African Wade van Niekirk tops the list at 31.63 seconds. Evergreen Bahamian quartermiler Chris Brown (31.99), Briton Delano Williams (32.14) and American David Verburg (32.17) are second, third and fourth, respectively.
James, van Niekirk and Botswana's Isaac Makwala have all dived under 44 seconds in the 400 this season, clocking 43.95, 43.96 and 43.72, respectively, and would fancy their chances of a podium finish at the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
Makwala leads the world, while James and van Niekirk are second and third, respectively. T&T's Machel Cedenio is joint-sixth with American LaShawn Merritt at 44.36 seconds. Another T&T quartermiler, Deon Lendore is joint-eighth with Verburg at 44.41. And three other T&T athletes are in the top 40. Renny Quow (44.72) is 15th, Gordon (44.99) 25th, and Jarrin Solomon (45.15) 34th.
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REAL DEAL: Ato heaps praises on St Fort (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150719/sports/real-deal-ato-heaps-praises-on-st-fort)
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Jul 19, 2015, 9:39 pm AST (T&T Express)
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PROUD ON THE PODIUM: Trinidad and Tobago's Khalifa St Fort, left, poses with her IAAF World
Youth Championship girls' 100 metres silver medal, in Cali, Colombia, on Thursday night.
Also in the photo are gold medallist Candace Hill, centre, and bronze medallist Jayla Kirkland,
both of the United States. —Photo: © Getty Images for IAAF
"Khalifa is fearless in a way that I've never seen a young female sprinter, so she goes out there and has fun and truly enjoys it. That's championship pedigree."
Ato Boldon was high in praise for Khalifa St Fort, the 17-year-old sprinter he steered to girls' 100 metres silver at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia.
Boldon is no stranger to the global stage. He has four Olympic medals, and is the 1997 200m world champion. But on Thursday night, the retired track star experienced a global final as a coach for the very first time.
"New territory for me man," Boldon told the Express.
"I was nervous for that first round like never before, but she was so calm and assured she reassured me. Plus she was waving and smiling and talking to people before the race, so I said ok if she is that calm I should be too."
Boldon was very proud of his young charge.
"To be quite honest I am getting way too much credit for her progress. She is that good. She just needed someone to see it, believe In her and stop making her feel like she wasn't good enough compared to other athletes who were better known or higher rated. For me to be able to contribute to what she has done is amazing, because it's so unexpected. I never planned to be here, but I'm glad God put me here, because she has made my year!"
In Thursday's final, American-born St Fort clocked 11.19 seconds, her third T&T under-18 record in the space of nine hours. She clocked 11.39 in the first round, and then bettered her national standard with an 11.24 run in the semis. It took an 11.08 seconds Championship record run from American world youth record holder Candace Hill to deny St Fort the global title.
"Khalifa has been under-appreciated, under-coached, under-valued and under-rated for the past two years, so my surprise is not the times. I told her father she would run 11.2 when we started training last year. In practice I can see she is actually on course to run 11.0. She has had awful luck with no tailwinds at all in any of her big races since she has been ready to roll. The 11.19 was with no wind whatsoever.
"My plan," Boldon declared, "doesn't involve getting her ready for April or May. It involves getting her ready for July and August. The surprise for me was how well she performs under pressure. At 17!? She was up against the fastest girl in history, and her attitude was she will have to run her best race ever to beat me, which is what happened. Candace's time with no wind is superior to her 10.98 with a 2.0."
St Fort's 11.19 scorcher is 14-hundredths of a second faster than the 11.33 IAAF World Championship qualifying standard. Boldon said he wants the talented teen to represent the Red, White and Black at the August 22-30 World Champs in Beijing, China.
"I am going to officially ask Monday that she be sent to Beijing, even though it will be a little complicated with school. I don't think she should go just because of the times she ran and because only Kelly-Ann Baptiste and Michelle-Lee Ahye have run faster. I think she should go because it's an investment in arguably the best young female sprinter we have ever had.
"She is ready," Coach Ato continued, "her confidence is sky high and she is hungry. I had to tell her she could not practice today (Saturday), but we are back to work on Sunday (yesterday). She can run 11.0 with a tailwind and she has nothing to lose and everything to gain by being in Beijing in terms of experience and big stage reps."
Boldon added that St Fort will enhance T&T's chances in the women's 4x100m relay.
"As people saw from Colombia she will not be overwhelmed by the occasion. The women have done well in semi-finals and not so much in finals. I would like to be given a chance to fix that. They'll be medal contenders in Beijing, Khalifa or not, but Khalifa can make that team better. Khalifa on that relay is an investment in the country's future, and the start of ending our Olympic drought on the women's side."
No female athlete from T&T has ever achieved a podium finish at the Olympic Games. Boldon believes that statistic could change at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"Next year might be a bit early for an individual Olympic medal (from Khalifa) at 18, but relay definitely. I think Kelly-Ann and Michelle are capable of ending the Olympic female drought individually, but if not, Khalifa is the one, in Tokyo 2020 when she will be 22. I was that age," Boldon ended, "when I ended the drought from 1976-96."
St Fort's silver was T&T's only medal at the 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships. It ended a 10-year drought at the global under-18 meet, and earned the country joint-26th spot on the medal table, with Austria, Norway, Poland and Turkey.
United States finished first with eight gold medals, five silver and six bronze, while Kenya (five gold, four silver, four bronze) and Japan (three gold, one silver, one bronze) were second and third, respectively. Jamaica, with one gold medal, were joint-16th, with Ecuador, Moldova, Romania and Switzerland.
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I can definitely see Khalifa running 1st leg on that relay. She has a text book start. Given KAB and MLA are the only ones going to be on 2nd or anchor. Leaving SH, RT, KD. Now Kalifa has proven she can hang with them. A spot should be given to her.
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I can definitely see Khalifa running 1st leg on that relay. She has a text book start. Given KAB and MLA are the only ones going to be on 2nd or anchor. Leaving SH, RT, KD. Now Kalifa has proven she can hang with them. A spot should be given to her.
I totally agree with you.
Any word on MLA and KS? The NAAA will probably name the team 2 weeks before the WCs. I think MLA will be named to the 4x100. If not I think the relay will be:
KSF to KAB to RT to SH.
I think this team can bring us a medal. Throw MLA in and a medal is guaranteed.
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Borel, Cedenio on show in Stockholm (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,214906.html)
Thursday, July 30 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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2015 Pan Am Games Shot Put Gold Medalist, Cleopatra Borel
TWO OF Trinidad and Tobago’s outstanding performers at the just-concluded Pan Am Games are expected to compete today at the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) Diamond League Meet in Sweden.
Today’s Stockholm BAUHAUS Athletics meeting is the last of the Diamond League series before the IAAF World Championships in Beijing; there will be a five-week break before the final two meets are run off.
Pan Am Shot Put champion Cleopatra Borel and 400 metre silver medallist Machel Cedenio will be the country’s lone representatives on show.
Borel, who threw the shot 18.67 metres for her gold medal in Toronto, followed that performance with 18.53m and a bronze medal at last week’s Diamond League meet in London; she has been consistently third among the world’s best, and will be seeking to maintain her form as the World Championships draw closer.
Cedenio finished second in the Pan Am 400 metres, clocking 44.70 seconds, and returned two nights later to anchor TT to victory in the Men’s 4x400m relay final— the quartet’s winning time being two minutes, 59.60 seconds. Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott, however, and sprinter Keston Bledman will not be in Sweden, as neither the Men’s Javelin nor the Men’s 100 metres are among the disciplines scheduled on today’s programme.
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Borel 6th in Stockholm (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150730/sports/borel-6th-in-stockholm)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 30, 2015, 12:01 am AST
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PAN AM CHAMP: Cleopatra Borel, en route to gold in the women’s shot put, at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, last week Wednesday. —Photo: AP
Trinidad and Tobago’s Cleopatra Borel finished sixth in the women’s shot put, at the Bauhaus Athletics IAAF Diamond League meet, in Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday.
The competition was held in Stockholm’s city square. The other events will be staged in the Olympic Stadium today. Another T&T athlete, reigning world junior champion Machel Cedenio is expected to face the starter in the men’s 400m.
Yesterday, Borel threw 18.25 metres in the opening round of the women’s shot put, and it proved to be her best effort on the day. She followed up at 17.70m, and then fouled in round three. Borel threw 17.89m in the fourth round and 17.86m in the fifth, before fouling her sixth and final attempt.
Germany’s Christina Schwanitz outclassed her rivals with a golden throw of 20.13m. American Michelle Carter (19.24m), Hungary’s Anita Marton (18.74m), New Zealand’s two-time Olympic champion Valerie Adams (18.69m), and American Brittany Smith (18.54m) were second, third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
Borel has been enjoying a solid season, the highpoint coming last week Wednesday, in Toronto, Canada, where she won the Pan American Games title with an 18.67m throw. With that gold, Borel now has a complete set of Pan Am medals, adding to the bronze she earned at the 2007 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the silver she secured at the 2011 Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Earlier in July, Borel produced a season’s best effort of 19.26m to strike gold at the Istvan Gyulai Memorial meet, in Hungary.
Thanks to that big throw, the veteran field athlete is fourth on the 2015 world outdoor performance list.
Schwanitz leads the world with a 20.77m throw. China’s Gong Lijiao is second at 20.34m, while Carter (20.02m) rounds out the top three.
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Cedenio stunner
T&T star wins from behind in Stockholm (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150730/sports/cedenio-stunner)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 30, 2015, 9:09 pm AST
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FINISHING POWER: Machel Cedenio, right, of Trinidad and Tobago wins the men's 400 metres
event ahead of fifth-placed Tony McQuay of the US, left, and sixth-placed Rusheen McDonald
of Jamaica at the IAAF Diamond League meet in Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday. —Photo: AP
Machel Cedenio produced a stunning come-from-behind victory at the Bauhaus Athletics IAAF Diamond League meet, in Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday.
Coming off the final turn in the men's 400 metres event, Cedenio trailed the field. The Trinidad and Tobago track star was way behind the leaders, but the work required to get in contention for the top spot was not beyond him.
Watch "T&T's Machel Cedenio wins Men's 400m at IAAF Diamond League" (http://www.tv6tnt.com/news/TTs-Machel-Cedenio-wins-Mens-400m-in-4497-at--IAAF-Golden-League-320196971.html)
In chilly conditions, Cedenio was red hot. He steamrolled his rivals on the home straight, reeling in all before him for what turned out to be a comfortable victory in 44.97 seconds.
“The race felt good,” said Cedenio. “It was a little bit slow but I'm so happy with the win and I thank God for it.”
Cedenio exacted swift revenge on Luguelin Santos, the man who forced him into the silver medal position at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, last week, the Dominican Republic quarter-miler finishing second yesterday in 45.21. Third spot, meanwhile, went to Great Britain's Martyn Rooney (45.41).
Cedenio's superb finishing power was also on display in the Pan Am Games men's 4x400m championship race. His storming finish on anchor turned bronze into gold for T&T.
The 44.97 seconds clocking in Stockholm was Cedenio's fourth sub-45 run this year. The 19-year-old athlete produced his first-ever 44-point 400 on May 16 at the Cayman Invitational, stopping the clock at a personal best 44.36 seconds. He followed up on his golden run at the Cayman meet with victory in Ponce, Puerto Rico one week later in 44.97. In the Pan Am Games final, Cedenio clocked 44.70, before notching sub-45 number four at yesterday's Diamond League meet.
There was actually a fifth 44-point run for Cedenio in 2015. However, the 44.29 seconds scorcher at the NGC-Sagicor National Open Championships was scratched from the books following his disqualification for running out of his lane.
Cedenio is currently joint-sixth on the 2015 world performance list, with reigning world champion LaShawn Merritt of the United States. Both quartermilers have clocked 44.36 this year.
Botswana's Isaac Makwala is the world-leader at 43.72 seconds. Grenada's 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James clocked 43.95 for second spot on the global list, while third spot is held by South Africa's Wayde van Niekirk with a 43.96 run. Bahamian Steven Gardiner and Qatar's Abdalelah Haroun are joint-fourth at 44.27.
Another T&T quarter-miler, Deon Lendore is joint-eighth with American David Verburg thanks to a 44.41 seconds run he produced in May.
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Cedenio powers to 1st Diamond League gold (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,214928.html)
By ASHFORD JACKMAN Friday, July 31 2015 (T&T Newsday)
MACHEL CEDENIO confirmed his status as one of the world’s foremost 400 metre runners yesterday, taking the gold medal in his pet event with a typically dramatic finish at the IAAF Diamond League Grand Prix meet in Stockholm, Sweden.
Just weeks before the World Athletics Championships in Beijing, the lanky southerner, still two months short of his 20th birthday, has stamped his name firmly among the few of the quality to challenge Olympic champion Kirani James for one lap sprint gold.
In the process, Cedenio, the Pan Am Games silver medallist also exacted revenge on the Dominican Republic’s Luguelin Santos, who had beaten him to the Pan Am gold in Toronto.
What made his victory the more remarkable was the fact that despite falling way behind the leaders at 300 metres, Cedenio was the only athlete to finish under 45 seconds.
One of only two TT athletes who competed in Stockholm, Cedenio appeared initially to be out of medal contention.
When the runners cleared the final turn, the World Junior champion, running in lane five, was second-to-last; Jamaican Rusheen Mc Donald (lane 6) and Santos (lane 8 ) were leading the pack home.
Cedenio then began to accelerate, passing athlete after athlete, almost as though they were stationary. He crossed the line first, in 44.97 seconds; Santos followed, almost a quarter of a second behind in 45.21, while Britain’s Martyn Rooney took the bronze in 45.41.
Victory for the TT quarter-miler came in just his second appearance in the Diamond League; he was sixth in New York on June 13 in 45.89, just behind countryman Renny Quow (5th, 45.57) in a race won by South African Wayde Van Niekerk (44.24).
Van Niekerk heads the Diamond League Men’s 400m points standings with eight; Cedenio is now tied for second with Bahamian Steven Gardiner, on four; Americans La Shawn Merritt and David Verburg are next, on three points each.
Defending World and Olympic Champion Kirani James has not appeared in the Diamond League since finishing second (44.17) behind Van Niekerk (43.96) in Paris on July 4.
Meanwhile, Pan Am Games gold medallist Cleopatra Borel finished down the field in the Women’s Shot Put, sixth of eight competitors with a best throw of 18.25 metres. Germany’s Christiana Schwanitz (20.13) claimed the gold, while American Michelle Carter (19.24) and Hungary’s Anita Marzon (18.74) took the minor placings.
Jamaica’s World and Olympic sprint champion, Shelly Ann Fraser- Pryce won the Women’s 100 metres in 10.93 seconds; American Tori Bowie (11.05) took the silver and Pryce’s compatriot Natasha Morrison (11.22) got the bronze.
The Diamond League series now takes a break for the World Championships, which open on August 22 in Beijing, China.
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Machel Cedenio wins men's 400m Diamond League Stockholm 2015
https://www.youtube.com/v/h8z9vyjUMAQ
400m Men 21:20 30 JUL 2015
Rank Name Nat Date of Birth Result Diamond Points Diamond Ranking
1 CEDENIO Machel TTO 6 SEP 1995 5 0.242 44.97 4 3
2 SANTOS Luguelín DOM 12 NOV 1993 3 0.184 45.21 2 7
3 ROONEY Martyn GBR 3 APR 1987 8 0.160 45.41 SB 1 11
4 YOUSIF Rabah GBR 11 DEC 1986 2 0.174 45.46
5 MCQUAY Tony USA 16 APR 1990 7 0.149 45.49 2 7
6 MCDONALD Rusheen JAM 17 AUG 1992 6 0.189 45.55
7 HAROUN Abdalleleh QAT 1997 4 0.267 45.89
8 STEELE Edino JAM 1 JUN 1987 1 0.168 46.17
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More gold for Cedenio (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-07-31/more-gold-cedenio)
Published: Friday, July 31, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Machel%20Cedenio%20TTO%20clocked%2044.97%20winning%20Mens%20400m%20at%202015%20Stockholm%20IAAF%20Diamond%20League_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Machel%20Cedenio%20TTO%20clocked%2044.97%20winning%20Mens%20400m%20at%202015%20Stockholm%20IAAF%20Diamond%20League_1.jpg.html)
T&T’s Machel Cedenio, centre, wins the men’s 400m event ahead of 6th placed Rusheen
McDonald of Jamaica, left, and 7th placed Abdalleleh Haround of Qatar, righ, at the IAAF
Athletics Diamond League meeting at Stockholm Olympic Stadium, yesterday. AP Photo
T&T’s Machel Cedenio clocked 44.97 to win the Men’s 400m at the IAAF Diamond League meet in Stockholm, Sweden yesterday. The 19-year-old unleashed a burst of speed on the final stretch which left the crowd stunned. “That was astonishing from Cedenio,” remarked one television commentator. “It just all changed in the last 40m. It was quite incredible.”
Dominican Republic’s Luguelin Santos nabbed the silver in 45.21 while Great Britain’s Martyn Rooney was third in a season’s best of 45.41. The result bumped Cedenio up to third in the Diamond League 400m standings with four points. He is led by Grenada’s Kirani James and Russia’s Wayde Van Niekerk, who have each won two races this season.
It capped off a successful week for Cedenio, who earlier managed an individual 400m silver and anchored T&T’s gold medal winning 4x400m run at the Pan American Games in Toronto, which ended on Sunday.
Also announcing herself yesterday was Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who warmed up for the world championships with a dominant win in the women’s 100 metres. Fraser-Pryce, the world and Olympic champion, clocked 10.93 seconds in the headline race to beat Tori Bowie of the U.S. by 0.12 seconds.
“The time wasn’t what I wanted, but I’m grateful I came out here and did my best,” Fraser-Pryce said. “There’s always pressure going into a world championships, but I’m not worried about that. I’m not worried about anything.” Fraser-Pryce also reiterated her stance that she won’t defend her 200 title at the worlds, a day after hinting she may change her mind and run both distances.
“In Beijing, I’m not running the 200. I’m telling my coach he has to change my mind,” she said. “The 200 is too far, so I’m set for the 100.”
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A Bronze Medal Story – The 4x100 Men’s Pan Am Relay (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5008:a-bronze-medal-story--the-4x100-mens-pan-am-relay&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=buffercac04&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Thursday, 30 July 2015 16:20 (TTOC.org)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Dan-Neil%20Telesford%20second%20from%20right%20prepares%20to%20take%20baton%20from%20Emmanuel%20Callender%20during%20semi-finals%20of%20mens%204x100%20relay%20at%20Pan%20Am%20Games%202015_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Dan-Neil%20Telesford%20second%20from%20right%20prepares%20to%20take%20baton%20from%20Emmanuel%20Callender%20during%20semi-finals%20of%20mens%204x100%20relay%20at%20Pan%20Am%20Games%202015_1.jpg.html)
Dan-Neil Telesford, second from right, prepares to take baton from Emmanuel Callender,
during semi-finals of men's 4x100 relay at Pan Am Games 2015. T&T won the semi-final
in a time of 38.52.
Championship medals don't happen by chance, especially in an event with as many variables as the sprint relay. At the recently held Pan Am Games in Toronto, Trinidad and Tobago came home with two relay medals, gold in the men’s 4x400 and bronze in the men’s 4x100. Sprint relay events are always tricky because of the number of variables involved. Not only do competitors have to run fast, they must also get the baton around the track without leaving their lanes, and in the case of the 4x100 within a clearly demarcated “take over zone.” Failure to do either of these things can result in disqualification.
Putting together a successful relay team is also not simply a matter of selecting your fastest runners. Nic-Connor Alexander, Olympian, former NCAA Division 2 champion in the 100 and 200metres and a certified USATF and IAAF coach, who is based at ZC Athletics in San Fernando was in charge of the men’s 4x100 team at Pan Am. Of putting together the relay team Alexander who has over fifteen years of sprinting experience, and who gave up a vacation to coach the team said, “Putting together a relay team is not as easy as one would think. As coaches we need to know the strengths and weaknesses of the six people that make up the team. With the absence of Richard Thompson and Marc Burns, we had to rebuild the team and get it right within a few days. During practice everyone ran in different positions before we came up with the final order. For the semi-final race we had four possible combinations that that we could have run depending on the outcome of races that ran earlier that day.”
The relay team of Keston Bledman, Rondel Sorillo, Emmanuel Callendar, Dan-Neil Telesford and silver medallist in the men’s 110 hurdles Mikel Thomas qualified easily for the finals by winning their semi-final in a time of 38.52 with few hiccups in getting the baton around the track. On the night of the finals, Thomas was given a well-deserved rest with Rondel Sorillo, Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callendar and Dan-Neil Telesford stepping up to finish the race in a time 38.69. Unofficial results had them as fourth, an agonizing .01 seconds outside of the medals with Canada first, the United States second and Brazil third. Alexander however like his coaching counterparts from the USA and Brazil had spotted an infraction by the Canadian team during their third hand over.
Along with coaches from the USA and Brazil, Alexander asked for a formal review of the race and was told that each coach would have the opportunity to review the race individually. Alexander spotted the infraction after a close review and told the guys, “We may get a medal so don’t worry,” although he was really thinking I am not leaving here without a medal. When the race referee refused to let an official from the USA review the race after Alexander and his Brazilian counterpart spotted infractions, a formal protest was launched. That challenge was ultimately successful and Canada was disqualified for leaving their lane. Antigua and Barbuda were also disqualified for passing the baton outside the takeover zone, leaving the United States with the gold, Brazil with the Silver and Trinidad and Tobago with the bronze.
While we are no stranger to medal upgrades, Alexander insists that Trinidad and Tobago has the quality to consistently medal in the relays on the international stage. “There is one change that we need to make before we head to the World Championships in August. All we have to do now is practice, practice and practice some more and we should be coming home with another medal in the men's 4x100m.”
Sprinter and relay bronze medallist, Callendar added, “There are rules in every sport and we have to abide by it. It’s not the way we expected to win but we’ll take this bronze; and continue moving forward to every meet, trying to perfect our chemistry so by the time world championships comes around we can get the gold.”
The world Championships are scheduled to take place in Beijing China from August 22nd to August 30th 2015, and Alexander believes that more training camps for our relay athletes throughout the year can only be an asset in building the chemistry and belief that is needed for relay success.
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Good to see Lendore back on the track at an Atlanta Meet today. Who is Mike Berry?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLXqVgCUMAApW9y.png)
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Good to see Lendore back on the track at an Atlanta Meet today. Who is Mike Berry?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLXqVgCUMAApW9y.png)
Must be a mistake. We would have known about him.
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Most knowledgeable track fans will know that Mike Berry is a US sprinter (400m mostly) who represented the University of Oregon until recently.
Interesting that the 400m race shows a -0.2 wind reading??
http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/united-states/michael-berry-256409#personal-bests
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Most knowledgeable track fans will know that Mike Berry is a US sprinter (400m mostly) who represented the University of Oregon until recently.
Interesting that the 400m race shows a -0.2 wind reading??
http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/united-states/michael-berry-256409#personal-bests
did he switch ???
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Most knowledgeable track fans will know that Mike Berry is a US sprinter (400m mostly) who represented the University of Oregon until recently.
Interesting that the 400m race shows a -0.2 wind reading??
http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/united-states/michael-berry-256409#personal-bests
did he switch ???
The fact that the IAAF Profile link confirms that Mike Berry is registered with them as representing the USA means that the Atlanta Meet officials made a mistake to list him as representing Trinidad.
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Ahye 2nd in comeback race (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150802/sports/ahye-2nd-in-comeback-race)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Aug 2, 2015, 9:12 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Michelle-Lee%20at%20start%20of%20womens%20100m%20mdash%20at%20Emory%20University%20August%202015%20ver2.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Michelle-Lee%20at%20start%20of%20womens%20100m%20mdash%20at%20Emory%20University%20August%202015%20ver2.jpg.html)
PLEASING RETURN: Trinidad and Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye (lane 5)
Michelle-Lee Ahye was the best of the Trinidad and Tobago athletes on show at the American Track League meet, in Atlanta, United States, on Saturday night. Ahye picked up silver in the women’s 100 metres dash in 11.29 seconds. Jamaica’s 2007 world champion Veronica Campbell-Brown clocked 11.22 to claim gold. Bronze, meanwhile, went to another Jamaican, Simone Facey (11.30). The other T&T sprinter in the race, Kai Selvon got to the line in 11.70 seconds to finish seventh.
Ahye and Selvon are coming back from injury, and used Saturday’s meet to prove their fitness ahead of the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
Semoy Hackett secured bronze in the American Track League women’s 200m, the T&T athlete getting home in 23.37 seconds. Campbell-Brown was also the winner in the half-lap event, the two-time Olympic 200m champion stopping the clock at 22.82 for a comfortable cushion on second-placed Charonda Williams (23.25) of the United States.
Like Ahye and Selvon, Deon Lendore ran a comeback race at the American Track League meet. The T&T quartermiler was sixth in the men’s 400m, completing his lap of the track in 45.94 seconds. Nineteen-year-old Bahamian Steven Gardiner triumphed in 45.11, forcing decathlete Ashton Eaton to settle for the runner-up spot in 45.55. Eaton’s fellow-American, Kyle Clemons clocked 45.76 to finish third.
In a Twitter post, on Saturday night, Lendore said: “I’m thankful I’m not hurt no more but I’m disappointed I didn’t trust myself in this race. Brighter days ahead.”
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http://www.ptgrouponline.com/Live/2015/ATL/150801F001.htm
Perfect Timing Group - Contractor License 8/1/2015 - 8:28 PM
ATL - Atlanta 2015 - 8/1/2015
Emory University
I believe MLA runs in lane 5 in this first come back from injury race. She had a slow start as per usual.
Not sure which lane Kai Selvon is running in but its either lane 1 or lane 8.
Welcome back to both ladies and lets hope they both remain injury free for the rest of the season and can both make the trip to Beijing.
Veronica Campbell-Brown wins Women 100 Meter Dash Atlanta Track Meet 2015
https://www.youtube.com/v/0WI4Y92ErXw
Event 1 Women 100 Meter Dash
=====================================================================
Name Year Team Finals Wind
=====================================================================
Finals
1 Campbell-Brown, Veronica Jamaica 11.22 -0.1
2 Ahye, Michelle-Lee Trinidad 11.29 -0.1
3 Facey, Simone Jamaica 11.30 -0.1
4 Williams, Charonda United States 11.31 -0.1
5 Barber, Mikele United States 11.47 -0.1
6 White, Mandy United States 11.57 -0.1
7 Selvon, Kai Trinidad 11.70 -0.1
8 Robinson, Moushami United States 11.96 -0.1
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Lendore wins men’s 400m in Oregon (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150810/sports/lendore-wins-mens-400m-in-oregon)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Aug 10, 2015, 12:01 am AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Deon%20Lendore%20at%20start%20of%20Mens%20400%20Meter%20Dash%20at%20FloTrack%20Throwdown%20Duniway%20Park%20-%20Portland%20Oregon%20August%208%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Deon%20Lendore%20at%20start%20of%20Mens%20400%20Meter%20Dash%20at%20FloTrack%20Throwdown%20Duniway%20Park%20-%20Portland%20Oregon%20August%208%202015.jpg.html)
Deon Lendore in his Puma outfit at start of Men's 400 Meter Dash at FloTrack Throwdown, Duniway Park - Portland, Oregon, August 8, 2015.
Deon Lendore captured the men’s 400 metres title at the FloTrack Throwdown meet in Oregon, United States, on Saturday. The Trinidad and Tobago quartermiler stopped the clock at 45.77 seconds to finish ahead of Americans Jeremy Wariner (46.03) and Mike Berry (46.10).
Lendore is on the comeback trail after succumbing to injury in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Outdoor Track and Field Championship men’s 400m final, in Oregon, on June 12. Two Saturdays ago, he ran his first race since the NCAA disappointment, the 22-year-old athlete clocking 45.94 to finish sixth in the American Track League one-lap event, in Atlanta.
Lendore was not fit enough to compete at the NGC-Sagicor National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Open Championships, in late June, and requested an exemption. Now that he is fit again and back in competition, the Texas A&M University student is hoping to be selected for the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
Before his injury, Lendore was in fine form, clocking a season’s best 44.41 seconds on May 16 for gold at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Outdoor Championships, in Mississippi.
Lendore is joint-eighth with American David Verburg on the 2015 world outdoor performance list. Another T&T quartermiler, Machel Cedenio is joint-sixth with American LaShawn Merritt at 44.36 seconds.
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Official result: http://results.flotrack.org/2015/08-08-Flo/Web/Track.php?EN=12&RN=1&D=1
FloTrack Throwdown, Duniway Park - Portland, Oregon
August 8, 2015
Men's 400 Meter Dash (Final)
7:20pm - Saturday August 08
Place Athlete Time
1 Deon Lendore Trinidad & Tobago 45.77
2 Jeremy Wariner Adidas 46.03
3 Mike Berry Nike 46.10
4 Bralon Taplin Grenada 46.16
5 Patrick Feeney USA 46.58
6 Nick Symmonds Brooks 48.53
Race Video: https://www.flotrack.org/premium/video/791465-mens-400-deon-lendore-runs-4577-nick-symmonds-shoes-catch-fire
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Reyare's second chance (http://trinidadexpress.com/20150813/sports/reyares-second-chance)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Aug 13, 2015, 10:35 am AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Kwame%20Laurence%20at%20the%20IAAF%20World%20Championships%20in%20Beijing2.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Kwame%20Laurence%20at%20the%20IAAF%20World%20Championships%20in%20Beijing2.jpg.html)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Reyare%20Thomas%20goes%20through%20her%20paces%20at%20HCS%20in%20Port-of-Spain.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Reyare%20Thomas%20goes%20through%20her%20paces%20at%20HCS%20in%20Port-of-Spain.png.html)
FINE-TUNING: Reyare Thomas goes through her paces at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, last week. —Photo: ANISTO ALVES
“I look back at my career, and the only regret I have was not making Olympics 2008.”
Reyare Thomas was just 20 at the time, and was extremely disappointed to not be part of the Trinidad and Tobago team for the Beijing Games. But she battled on, and was selected on the women's 4x100 metres relay squad for the 2012 London Olympics.
Click to view video: http://trinidadexpress.com/20150813/sports/reyares-second-chance
Credit: Videographer/ Photos Anisto Alves
Reporter: Kwame Laurence
Music: Destiny's Child - Ms Independent
Thomas is now 27, and though things have unfolded seven years later than planned, she will compete in the Chinese capital after all. The Enterprise sprinter is in Beijing for the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships.
Thomas is enjoying the season of her life, recording personal best times in the 100m and 200m events. On June 27, she clocked 11.22 seconds for women's 100m bronze at the NGC-Sagicor National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Open Championships. And a fortnight later, she produced her first-ever legal sub-23 half-lap run, stopping the clock at 22.82 seconds to strike gold at the Falcons Invitational Last Chance meet.
“What has accounted for my success,” Thomas tells the Express, “is my focus on and off the track. With the death of our coach that passed away in 2013, it stepped up my game to really accomplish something great in track and field.”
Thomas was a member of the Neon Trackers Athletic Club, and trained under the guidance of Ian Goddard, coach and father figure to many athletes in central Trinidad before his death.
Now a member of the Abilene Wildcats Athletic Club, Thomas will run in an individual event at a major global meet for the first time in her career at the Beijing Worlds.
“I want to focus on the 200 for Beijing. I think that's my stronger event. I just run the hundred because I really don't feel like running 400 metres,” she quipped. “The lactic (acid) is just different.
“My goals for Beijing are just to lower my times and try to make it through every round. I know the main focus is making the final, get on the podium, but for me making it through every round is a guarantee that a medal might happen.
“I'm trying to go at least 22-mid, like really lower that standard and see what I can do before the season's done so I know what approach to have for next season.”
Thomas is part of a strong World Championship 4x100m squad. The other sprinters selected for relay duty are Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Semoy Hackett, Khalifa St Fort and Kamaria Durant.
“I assess our chances,” says Thomas, “as being great. Before, it was me, Michelle-Lee, Kai (Selvon) and Kamaria, and we flew the Trinidad and Tobago flag high. With the addition of Kelly-Ann, Semoy, and Khalifa being a part of it, it really and truly strengthens the women's 4x1. We got a stronger force, so we know we can go out there and battle with the world's best.”
With T&T's new-found depth in the women's sprint relay, competition for a spot in the final four will be tough. Thomas welcomes the challenge.
“Before, Trinidad and Tobago had a solid four, and that was the top four no matter what. But now, we could actually rest people through the rounds and really pull out the best quartet for the final.”
Thomas says Baptiste, Ahye and shot putter Cleopatra Borel are well-positioned to make the country proud at Beijing 2015.
“The women have a possibility of medalling this year. Kelly-Ann has medalled already at World Championships, Michelle-Lee is finding herself...Cleo's just killing it this whole season, so I think everybody's going with a mindset of we want to bring back a medal for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Borel and Baptiste competed at last month's Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. Ahye, however, was recovering from injury and did not travel to Toronto. Borel captured shot put gold at the hemispheric meet. Baptiste, meanwhile, was among the favourites in the 100m dash, but finished fifth in the final.
Thomas progressed to the Pan Am Games 200m championship race. She finished seventh in the final in 23.32 seconds.
“I went out there,” Thomas explains, “wanting to go through every round, make it to semis, make it to the final. But when I made it to the final I kind of psyched out myself. But it's just a growing experience, so it's time to get over it and get ready for the next upcoming meet.”
Beijing 2015 is more than just another upcoming meet. For Thomas, the global track and field championship represents an opportunity to make up for the pain of missing out on the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
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Another bronze
4x1 women 3rd at Diamond League (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150903/sports/another-bronze)
By Kwame Laurence (T&T Express)
Published on Sep 3, 2015, 9:45 pm AST
VIDEO: Women's 4x100m Relay - IAAF Diamond League Zurich 2015
https://www.youtube.com/v/IpsRWbpx8xs
Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Reyare Thomas and Semoy Hackett combined for third spot in the women's 4x100 metres relay, at the Weltklasse Zurich IAAF Diamond League final, in Switzerland, yesterday.
The same quartet bagged bronze at the IAAF World Championships last Saturday, and repeated the feat with a 42.94 seconds run at the Diamond League meet. As they did at the Worlds in Beijing, the Jamaicans won yesterday, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce anchoring them to a Diamond League and meet record time of 41.60. United States, meanwhile, secured second spot in 41.83.
In the women's 100m dash, Ahye finished fifth in 11.19 seconds, while Baptiste clocked 11.30 for eighth spot.
Ahye and Baptiste, running side by side in lanes three and two, respectively, were on level terms for more than half the race. In the latter stages, however, Ahye pulled away from her T&T teammate.
A dominant front-running performance from world champion Fraser-Pryce earned the Jamaican sprint great victory in 10.93 seconds, a fine effort into a 1.4 metres per second headwind. Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare finished strong but could not catch the “Pocket Rocket”, and had to settle for silver in 10.98. Americans Tori Bowie and Candyce McGrone were third and fourth, respectively, clocking 11.06 and 11.09.
Jamaicans Veronica Campbell-Brown and Natasha Morrison finished between Ahye and Baptiste. Campbell-Brown clocked 11.22 seconds for sixth spot, while Morrison was seventh in 11.30, the same time credited to Baptiste. Switzerland's Mujinga Kambundji was ninth and last in 11.51.
Thomas clocked 11.66 seconds for ninth spot in the women's 100m "B" race.
Mikel Thomas finished fifth in the men's 110m hurdles, the T&T athlete getting to the line in 13.54 seconds. After his disastrous World Championship campaign last month when he crashed out in the first round after hitting the first hurdle hard, yesterday's completed run would have come as a relief for Thomas.
Newly-crowned world champion, Russian Sergey Shubenkov enjoyed a comfortable victory in the Weltklasse sprint hurdles. He clocked 13.14 seconds for a big cushion on David Oliver, the American finishing second in 13.30. Third-placed Cuban, Orlando Ortega was also timed in 13.30, while Barbadian Shane Brathwaite got home in 13.43 for fourth spot.
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TT women snatch bronze in Zurich (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,216558.html)
Friday, September 4 2015 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Reyare%20Thomas%20Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20Kelly-Ann%20Baptiste%20amp%20Semoy%20Hackett%20at%20Zurich%20Diamond%20League%202015.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Reyare%20Thomas%20Michelle-Lee%20Ahye%20Kelly-Ann%20Baptiste%20amp%20Semoy%20Hackett%20at%20Zurich%20Diamond%20League%202015.jpg.html)
FROM LEFT: Reyare Thomas, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Kelly-Ann Baptiste & Semoy Hackett at Zurich Diamond League 2015 after winning bronze in the Women 4x100 Relay behind JA & USA.
TRINIDAD AND Tobago’s women sprinters maintained their IAAF World Championship form in Switzerland yesterday, picking up the bronze medals in the 4x100m relay at the Weltklasse Grand Prix in Zurich, the penultimate leg of the IAAF Diamond League series. However, their form did not extend to the individual events, in which four TT athletes all failed to get among the medals.
It was Deja Vu for the sprint quartet, making their first appearance as a team in the Diamond League this year, as Kelly-Ann Baptiste and company found themselves up against rivals Jamaica and the United States once again, and the three achieved the same result as in Beijing last week.
The TT women, running in lane seven were given a very strong start from Kelly-Ann Baptiste, and Michelle- Lee Ahye maintained the pace on the back stretch. However, Jamaica and the US were ahead when Semoy Hackett passed the baton to Reyare Thomas; after that, it was a matter of Thomas holding off the hosts Switzerland to secure the bronze for her team. Jamaica’s winning time was 41.60 seconds, and the Americans were a close second in 41.83, while TT ’s time was 42.94. Earlier, Ahye and Baptiste ran 5th and 8th respectively in the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce anchored Jamaica home in the 100 metres. Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.93) was a very comfortable winner, ahead of Nigerian Blessing Okagbare (10.98) and American Tori Bowie (11.06).
Ahye clocked 11.19 and Baptiste’s time was 11.30.
Earlier, Reyare Thomas was 9th and last in the “B” 100m in 11.66; Jamaicans Elaine Thompson (11.06) and Sherone Simpson (11.27) claimed the top two spots and were followed home by American Tori Bowie (11.06).
Mikel Thomas was TT ’s only male athlete in competition; running in lane nine, he finished 5th in the 110m hurdles in 13.54. The Russian Sergey Shubenkov (13.14) took the gold, with American David Oliver adjudged to be second after clocking the same time as Cuban Orlando Ortega (13.30).
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Quow strikes gold in Italy
Thomas 5th in 110m hurdles; Ahye pulls up in women’s century (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150911/sports/golden-quow)
Published on Sep 6, 2015, 8:55 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Renny%20Quow%20in%20400m%20Berlin%202009.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Renny%20Quow%20in%20400m%20Berlin%202009.jpg.html)
GOLDEN RUN: Renny Quow
Trinidad and Tobago quarter-miler Renny Quow won gold in the Citta Di Padova athletics meeting in Italy, yesterday, while other T&T athletes Michelle-Lee Ahye and Mikel Thomas failed to climb the podium in the IAAF World Challenge in Berlin, Germany.
Running out of lane five, Quow clocked 45.99 seconds in the men's 400-metres event to take first place ahead of the French pair of Mamadou Eliman Hanne and Teddy Atine-Venel, second and third respectively. Hanne stopped the clock in 46.18 seconds for silver while Atine-Venel finished the race in 46.76 seconds.
Meanwhile, Ahye, who was fifth in the IAAF World Championships women's 100m final last month, finished last in Berlin yesterday in 17.81 seconds, hobbling over the line after pulling up with an injury.
USA's Candyce McGrone won the sprint in 11.11, beating Marie-Josee Ta Lou of Ivory Coast by one-tenth of a second and fellow American Barbara Pierre by two-tenths.
Meanwhile, Thomas was fifth in the 110 hurdles in Berlin, clocking 13.72 in the final, running out of lane four. Andrew Riley of Jamaica won the event in 13.40, ahead of Shane Brathwaite of Barbados, 13.42 and Hungarian Balazs Baji, who clocked 13.55.
And Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis won the men's 100 metres in 10.13, edging American Isiah Young by four-hundredths of a second. “I really needed this to boost my self-confidence after what happened in China,” said Collins, the 2003 world champion, who failed to emerge from his heat at the Worlds. “My body and soul needed to recover from it.”
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Telesford looks to strong finish (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150911/sports/golden-quow)
Published on Sep 8, 2015, 10:32 pm AST (T&T Express)
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HOPEFUL: Dan-Neil Telesford, who currently runs for Wiley College in Texas, USA, is hoping to continue his good form this year on the track. —Photo courtesy Wiley College.
US-based Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Dan-Neil Telesford will be hoping his eventful year on the track will help to a strong finish this season in athletics competitions on the intercollegiate circuit.
The 100 and 200-metre sprinter who runs for Wiley College in Texas, was set to represent T&T at the recently concluded IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China but withdrew due to an injury he sustained.
The injury was a big blow, as he only recently made his debut in national colours in major competition, competing at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada where he ran in the men’s 4x100m relay team that won the bronze medal after clocking 38.69 seconds.
“It felt great being on that medal podium,” he said.
“Seeing my countrymen supporting us and receiving that medal was such an honour. I would not exchange that moment for anything.”
The sprinter was also very glad for the experience in Canada.
“It was my first time competing on a national team,” he told the Wiley College website.
“I have learnt a lot. Being at the Pan American Games was such an honour getting to represent my country. I went over there and did my best.”
The recent promotion to the national ranks was no fluke however, as last season at Wiley, he earned All-American honours after he finished second in the men’s 200m, third in the 4x100m relay and sixth in the 4x400m relay at the National Intercollegiate Athletics meet. He helped Wiley College finish 15th and win its second-consecutive Red River Athletic Conference Championship.
The athlete will be hoping to return from injury and continue his decent season.
“I’ve had a great experience this year,” he said.
“I must say thanks for all the support from my coaches… It wasn’t an easy journey, but with every success you must go through some trials.”
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Walcott spears bronze at World Challenge (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,216780.html)
Wednesday, September 9 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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Keshorn Walcott competes in the Men's Javelin event at the Golden Gala 2015
TRINIDAD AND Tobago’s Olympic Javelin champion Keshorn Walcott marked his return to competition following a disappointing World Championships with a podium finish at the IAAF World Challenge in Croatia yesterday.
The 22-year-old, who failed to qualify for the “Worlds” final after all his throws fell under 77 metres in Beijing, produced a best effort yesterday of 82.99m, good enough to take the bronze medal.
Gold and silver went to the German pair of Thomas Rohler (85.44m) and Andreas Hofmann (84.98) respectively.
Walcott, who has been working around a foot injury for several months, will next see action on Friday at the season-ending IAAF Diamond League meet in Brussels, Belgium.
However, earning a medal in Belgium will take some doing; among his rivals will be Rohler, Hofmann, Vitezslav Vesely of the Czech Republic and Julius Yego, the Kenyan who took the gold at the World Championships in China.
Up to press time yesterday, the only other TT athlete listed to compete in the Diamond league finale was Renny Quow, in the Men’s 400m.
Meanwhile, TT ’s Semoy Hackett finished a disappointing 7th in the Women’s 100m in 11.60 seconds; American Candyce Mc Grone won it in 11.10 and was followed home by the Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou (11.17) and Simone Facey of Jamaica (11.25).
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Quow golden; Keshorn 3rd in Diamond ranking (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,216918.html)
Saturday, September 12 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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Renny Quow & Keshorn Walcott competing at T&T Open Champs 2015
Seasoned quarter-miler, Renny Quow, struck gold at the final leg of the AG insurance Memorial van Damme Diamond League Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday, ending his 2015 campaign in the prestigious athletics competition on a high.
Meanwhile reigning Olympic men’s javelin champion, Keshorn Walcott, settled for bronze in his pet event, capping off a strong season where he cracked the 90m barrier for the very first time. Keshorn also finished third in the Diamond standings.
Earlier, the 28-year old Quow clocked 45.29 seconds, holding off eventual silver medallist, Belgian Kevin Borlee (45.43s) and bronze receiver, Jamaican Peter Matthews (45.74s). Quow, who partnered with compatriots Machel Cedenio, Lalonde Gordon and Jarrin Solomon to grab gold in the Men’s 4x400m relay event at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, will wind down his competitive campaign in the coming weeks as he prepares for a hectic 2016 track season, prior to the Olympic Games. Grenadian Kirani James, who did not compete yesterday won the Diamond after a stellar season. In the men’s javelin, the 22-year old Keshorn launched the spear a distance of 84.03m to grasp bronze.
The Toco-bred field athlete was the only competitor hailing from the western hemisphere, but still showed mettle on the day by securing a podium finish.
Winning gold was Finnish athlete Tero Pitkamaki (87.37m) while German Thomas Rohler snatched silver with 86.56m.
With yesterday’s meet counting for double points in the Diamond Ranking, Pitkamaki’s victory made sure he would pocket the diamond with an unassailable 17 points while Vitezslav Vesely, who placed sixth yesterday, was second with 15 points. Walcott trailed in third with eight points.
Yesterday’s Belgian stage brought to an end the 13-leg 2015 Diamond League series. Competition resumes in June next year in Doha.
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Golden Quow
Brussels bronze for Walcott (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150911/sports/golden-quow)
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 11, 2015, 10:30 pm AST (T&T Express)
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FIRST PAST THE POST: Trinidad and Tobago's Renny Quow wins the men's 400 metres event at the Memorial Van Damme IAAF Diamond League final, in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. —Photo: AP
Renny Quow won for the second time in as many post-World Championship meets when he stopped the clock at 45.29 seconds at the Memorial Van Damme IAAF Diamond League final, in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday.
Quow was the class of the nine-man field, the Trinidad and Tobago quartermiler forcing hometown hero Kevin Borlee to settle for the runner-up spot in 45.43. Jamaica's Peter Matthews clocked 45.74 to finish third. And another Borlee, Kevin's younger brother Dylan was sixth in 46.45.
After the race, Quow spoke to the media.
“Circumstances were good tonight. I really like the track and the atmosphere here. It felt good to win here. Running against the Borlees in Brussels motivated me extra to win here.”
On Sunday, in his first outing since earning IAAF World Championship 4x400m silver, Quow won the 400m event at the Meeting Citta di Padova, in Italy, in 45.99 seconds.
Keshorn Walcott bagged bronze in the Memorial Van Damme men's javelin event with an 84.03 metres throw. The T&T athlete finished behind Finland's Tero Pitkamaki, the winner at 87.37m, and German Thomas Rohler (86.56m). Newly-crowned world champion, Kenyan Julius Yego threw 83.82m to finish fourth.
On Tuesday, at the IAAF World Challenge meet in Zagreb, Croatia, Walcott picked up bronze with an 82.99m effort. It was a welcome return to 80-metre territory for the reigning Olympic champion following his disappointing showing at the World Championships, where he threw just 76.83m to finish 26th.
Walcott followed up on the Zagreb bronze with another third-place finish in Brussels.
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Thompson, Baptiste, Cedenio among locals attending ‘High Performance’ summit (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151110/sports/thompson-baptiste-cedenio-among-locals-attending-8216high-performance8217-summit)
Published on Nov 10, 2015, 9:15 pm AST (T&T Express)
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ELITE GROUP: Members of the T&T contingent attending the High Performance summit in Texas, USA.
The bpTT, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) and the Michael Johnson Performance (MJP) inaugural High Performance Summit got underway at the Michael Johnson World Training Centre in McKinney, Texas, on Monday and will conclude on Friday.
This year, the bpTT/TTOC/MJP Team TTO (Trinidad & Tobago) Road to Rio Summit focus is preparing podium ready athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Nine elite track and field athletes will undergo a series of evaluation and assessment as well as media and mental conditioning training.
The athletes attending the summit are Richard Thompson, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Semoy Hackett, Machel Cedenio, Mikel Thomas, Emmanuel Callender, Jarrin Solomon and Wayne Davis. Four time Trinidad and Tobago Olympic medalist Ato Boldon and fellow coach, Eric Francis are amongst the Trinidad and Tobago contingent attending the summit. The bpTT/TTOC/MJP Summit 2015 forms part of the overall #10Gold24 athlete preparation programme.
Francis, coach of Michelle-Lee Ahye, said: “This is a really good idea definitely a step in the right direction in track and field and sports in Trinidad and Tobago. I congratulate the TTOC on a great initiative.”
Lance Walker, Executive vice president Global Performance Director, added: “its all about the athletes and providing them and their coaches with complementary support. These are world class athletes and coaches doing some great things. Our role is to add value where and when required.”
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Warren smashes T&T junior record (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151206/sports/warren-smashes-tt-junior-record)
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Dec 6, 2015, 8:47 pm AST (T&T Express)
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Portious Warren competing in women’s shot put at HCS
Portious Warren smashed the national Girls Under-20 shot put record at the Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Holiday Open, in Arizona, USA, on Saturday.
Warren threw the iron ball 16.20 metres to erase Annie Alexander’s nine-year-old Trinidad and Tobago junior standard from the books. Alexander established her 15.87m record at the 2006 World Junior Championships, in Beijing, China.
Warren was victorious in Saturday’s women’s shot put competition, dominating with an impressive series of throws. The Central Arizona College student opened with a 15.41m effort, and followed up with her big 16.20m throw. In rounds three, four and five, she landed the shot 15.03m, 15.39m and 15.36m. And in the sixth and final round, Warren produced her second best throw on the day, 15.60m.
Second-placed Jess St John, of Antigua, only managed a 15.14m effort, while third-placed Trevia Gumbs, a British Virgin Islands (BVI) athlete, threw 12.32m.
Warren was in fine form this year, grabbing Under-20 gold at the Carifta Games in Basseterre, St Kitts with a 15.22m effort, and following up with silver at the Pan American Junior Championships in Edmonton, Canada with a big 15.57m throw. Warren clashed with Gumbs at both meets. The BVI thrower finished second at Carifta and sixth at Pan Am Juniors.