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1
What about Track & Field / T&T bid for Carifta improvement
« on: April 06, 2012, 09:12:21 AM »
T&T bid for Carifta improvement
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 4, 2012 at 9:54 PM ECT
Story Updated: Apr 5, 2012 at 4:03 AM ECT

Improvement is the goal for Team Trinidad and Tobago at this weekend's Carifta Games, in Bermuda.
Team manager Dexter Voisin described T&T's fourth-place finish at the 2011 Games, in Jamaica, as "a big disappointment".

"We definitely want to regain our position on the Carifta stage. We want to improve our position from last year."

Voisin told the Express that while all the team goals were not achieved at last weekend's Falcon Games, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, he was pleased with some of the individual performances.

Keshorn Walcott was outstanding, the Toco thrower winning the men's javelin with a 77.53 metres throw--a new national junior (under-20) record, as well as a Central American and Caribbean (CAC) junior record. Walcott will bid for a hat-trick of boys' under-20 javelin titles in Bermuda.

"As manager, I welcome that performance going into the Carifta Games," said Voisin.

Boys' under-20 sprinters Jonathan Holder and Jesse Berkley were also impressive at the Falcon Games. Holder finished third in the men's 100 metres final in 10.54 seconds, while Berkley won the boys' under-20 century title in 10.59.

"I was satisfied with what I saw, especially Berkley. That is a plus for us."

Kernesha Spann topped the women's 400m hurdles field in a personal best 58.61 seconds.

"Spann has been very consistent at the last three Cariftas. I remember her as a mere 12-year old on the team. Now, she has matured and is a senior athlete. I expect a lot from Spann at this meet."

Jereem Richards also clocked a personal best on the weekend, the World Indoor Championship 4x400m bronze medallist winning the boys' under-20 200m in 20.92 seconds.

In the boys' under-20 400m, Machel Cedenio struck gold in 47.73.

"Jereem's experience at World Indoors would have helped him a lot. He's still highly motivated.
"And Cedenio," Voisin continued, "looks very focused. I expect the best from Cedenio."

The team manager said there are "no major concerns where injuries are concerned".

"We're in a very good position, going into the Games. That's always a plus."

Voisin was scheduled to arrive in Bermuda yesterday.

The 45 athletes selected to represent T&T at Carifta 2012, as well as the other team officials and the medical staff leave for Bermuda today.

"The decision to take a smaller team," Voisin explained, "was based heavily on funding. Also, some coaches did an analysis of athletes over the past three to four years who went to the meet, and whether they got a medal or not. The analysis supported the decision to go primarily with qualifiers."

The 2012 Carifta Games start on Saturday and conclude on Easter Monday.

TEAM T&T
Boys' under-20: Jereem Richards (200, 4x100, 4x400), Asa Guevara (200, 4x400), Machel Cedenio (400, 4x400), Mark London (1500), Nicholas Landeau (1500), Ruebin Walters (110 hurdles, 400 hurdles, 4x100, 4x400), Kuniba Stewart (110 hurdles), Kern Alexis (400 hurdles, 4x400), Atiba Wright (long jump), Kevin Roberts (long jump, triple jump), Akeel Edwards (triple jump), Hezekiel Romeo (shot put), Keshorn Walcott (javelin), Akim Phillips (javelin), Jonathan Holder (4x100), Breon Mullings (4x100, 4x400), John Mark Constantine (4x100), Jesse Berkley (4x100)

Girls' under-20: Kernesha Spann (400, 400 hurdles), Domonique Williams (800), Dawnell Collymore (800, 1500), Shaunna Downey (discus), Marielle Pierre (discus), Cherisse Murray (shot put)

Boys' under-17: Nicholas Douglas (100, 200, 4x100), Ron Wright (100, 4x100), Jonathan Farinha (200, 4x100, 4x400), Andwuelle Wright (long jump, 4x100), Edson Moses (long jump, high jump, 4x400), Kenejah Williams (shot put, discus), Shaquille Singuineau (shot put), Precious George (javelin), Jamell Dacon (4x100), Nathan Farinha (4x400), Jamoul Pierre (4x400), Aaron Andrews (4x400)

Girls' under-17: Jeminise Parris (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles), Alisha St Louis (long jump), Ayana Glasgow (high jump), Meriah Freeman (high jump), Britney Bedlow (discus), Shaiann Charles (discus), Portious Warren (shot put), Chelsea James (shot put), Akidah Briggs (javelin)

Officials: Dexter Voisin (manager), Allan Baboolal (assistant manager), Nadine Hamid (throws coach), Ismael Lopez (throws coach), Robin Brereton (jumps coach), Wendell Williams (jumps coach), Edwin Skinner (sprint & hurdles coach), Althea Busby (sprint & hurdles coach), Gerard Franklyn (sprint & hurdles coach), Juleus Smart (middle & long distance coach), Anyl Gopeesingh (team doctor), Zephyrinus Nicholas (massage therapist), Jason Pilgrim (massage therapist), Lucretia Burns (chaperone), Dawn Washington (chaperone)

2
What about Track & Field / Lalonde, Quow sizzle
« on: January 30, 2012, 03:52:22 PM »
Lalonde, Quow sizzle
Impressive US wins for T&T duo
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jan 29, 2012 at 11:54 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 29, 2012 at 11:54 PM ECT

Lalonde Gordon continued his fine run of form this season with a world-leading time in the men's 200 metres, at the Terrier Invitational in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on Saturday. The Trinidad and Tobago athlete earned gold with a 20.58 seconds sizzler.

Already at the top of the 2012 IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) indoor 400m world list with the 46.43 seconds run he produced in New York two Saturdays ago, Gordon is now the 200m world-leader as well.

The 20.58 clocking is an indoor best for Gordon, and is also faster than his outdoor best--20.67.
Gordon also competed in the 60m dash in Boston. The 23-year-old athlete clocked 6.94 seconds in the preliminary round to advance to the final as the sixth fastest qualifier. However, he opted to sit out the championship race.

Jamaal James opened his season with a third-place finish in the men's 800m, the T&T half-miler getting home in one minute, 49.08 seconds.

At the US Open, in New York, T&T's 2009 World Championship 400m bronze medallist Renny Quow won the men's 600-yard event in a personal best one minute, 11.20 seconds. The impressive opener at Madison Square Garden is a positive sign in the build-up to the 2012 London Olympics.

Quow overhauled American Bershawn "Batman" Jackson late in Saturday's race to claim gold. Jackson, the 2005 400m hurdles world champion, was forced to settle for silver in 1:11.31. US Virgin Islands quarter-miler, Tabarie Henry (1:11.75) picked up bronze.

Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell won the men's 50m dash in 5.64 seconds, beating his compatriot Nesta Carter (5.67) into second spot. And another Jamaican, Veronica Campbell-Brown topped the women's 50m field in 6.08.

At the Jack Jennett Invite, in Iowa, T&Tsprinter Reyare Thomas triumphed in the women's 60m dash. The Iowa Central Community College student clocked 7.52 seconds.

In Nebraska, University of Georgia field athlete Hilenn James captured the Mark Colligan Memorial women's shot put title with a 15.40 metres heave.

At the Penn State National Invitational, in Pennsylvania, Aleesha Barber seized women's 60m hurdles silver in 8.17 seconds. Kiersten LaRoche finished 16th in the women's pentathlon, the Temple University freshman accumulating 3,025 points in the five-discipline event.

Jarrin Solomon clocked 46.93 seconds to bag bronze in the New Mexico Collegiate Invitational men's 400m event. Abilene Christian University (ACU) student, Karla Hope was fourth in the women's 400m in 56.90. Another T&T/ACU athlete, Osei Alleyne-Forte finished fourth in his section and 18th overall in the men's 200m in 22.67 seconds.

At the Texas A&M Mondo Challenge, Texas Tech University student Dellon Williams earned bronze in the men's triple jump with a 15.49m effort. University of Tennessee sprinter, Jamol James clocked 22.14 seconds for 13th spot overall in the men's 200m.

McNeese State University athlete, Ashlee Smith threw 16.15m to finish third in the Arkansas State Invitational women's weight throw. She was fourth in the shot put (13.46m).

Emmanuel Stewart copped fourth spot in the Spire Midwest Open men's weight throw with a 16.57m effort. The Morgan State University student also competed in the shot put, throwing 13.91m to cop 10th spot. And at the Wesley A. Brown Invitational, in Maryland, University of Maryland athlete Shawn David finished eighth in the men's 400m in 49.57 seconds.

3
What about Track & Field / Bledman under pressure
« on: January 27, 2012, 01:52:49 AM »
Bledman under pressure
Ministry help next week, says Creed
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jan 25, 2012 ECT
Story Updated: Jan 25, 2012 at 3:26 PM ECT

The third fastest Trinidad and Tobago sprinter in history is facing serious financial challenges as he prepares for the July 27-August 4 Olympic Games, in London, England.

Keston Bledman, who jumped to number three on the all-time T&T men's 100 metres performance list with a 9.93 seconds scorcher last June, has not yet received his elite athlete funding cheque.

The Florida-based athlete told the Express, yesterday, that in addition to rent, he needs money to pay for massages and purchase vitamins.

"By next week or so, I would have to come home," a dejected Bledman explained.

But Ashwin Creed, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, has promised that Bledman will receive a $200,000 cheque very soon.

"We're dealing with the applications as they come in," the PS explained. "Bledman will get his funding in the next release of funds, at the end of next week."

Bledman enjoyed a successful 2011 campaign. The highpoint came in mid-July, at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, where he struck gold in the 100m dash in 10.05 seconds.

In late August, at the World Championships in Daegu, Korea, Bledman missed out on a lane in the final by the narrowest of margins--less than one-hundredth of a second.

The 23-year-old sprinter was fifth in the first of three semi-final heats, in 10.14 seconds. Antiguan Daniel Bailey finished fourth in that heat, also in 10.14, qualifying for the championship race as the second of two "fastest losers".

Bledman said he is aware that fellow T&T sprinters Emmanuel Callender, Marc Burns and Aaron Armstrong have received funding.

"The only person I expected to get (funding) before me was (Rondel) Sorrillo, because he reached the 200 final at Worlds."

But Bledman, who started his Olympic preparations in November, said he is not begrudging his fellow sprinters. The 2008 Olympic Games 4x100m silver medallist just wants to be well-equipped for the London 2012 challenge.

"We have to put in to put out, and without the funding we cannot perform to the best of our ability."
Bledman called off his 2011 campaign after the World Championships. He skipped the Pan American Games, which were staged in Guadalajara, Mexico in October, opting instead to get some much needed rest.

"By that time I was very tired, so I could not go to Pan Am. Plus, I had a small calf injury, which I did not want to risk at Pam Am because of the Olympics this year."

4
What about Track & Field / Davis now a T&T athlete
« on: January 20, 2012, 08:31:20 AM »
Davis now a T&T athlete
World record-holder switches allegiance

By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jan 20, 2012 at 1:07 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 20, 2012 at 1:07 AM ECT

World record-holder Wayne Davis II is now a Trinidad and Tobago athlete.

At the 2009 Pan American Junior (under-20) Championships, here in T&T, Davis struck gold in the men's 110 metres hurdles in 13.08 seconds, a new world junior record (hurdles height 99 centimetres).

However, he achieved the feat as a member of the United States team.

Davis, though, has decided to switch allegiance.

On the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) website, www.iaaf.org, his change from US to T&T athlete is confirmed. The sprint hurdler became eligible to compete for T&T on August 4, 2011.
Davis was born in 1991 in North Carolina. However, his parents, Wayne and Anne Marie Davis, are Trinidadians.

Their daughter, Dannielle Davis is also a sprint hurdler. She competed for T&T at the 2010 and 2011 editions of the Carifta Games.

In 2007, in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Wayne II earned the World Youth (under-18) Championship boys' 110m hurdles title in a world youth record time of 13.18 seconds (height 91.4cm).

Davis is now 20 and attends Texas A&M University. Last Saturday, at the Texas 10 Team Invitational, he got to the line in 7.91 seconds to top the men's 60m hurdles field. In the preliminary round, Davis clocked 8.00.

The T&T athlete also competed in the 200m. He finished first in his section and ninth overall in 21.85 seconds.

In his season opener, at the Reveille Invitational in Texas, on December 10, Davis triumphed in the 60m hurdles in 7.87 seconds, and finished eighth in the 60m dash in 6.95.

National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) president, Ephraim Serrette told the Express, yesterday, he is happy about Davis' decision to compete for T&T.

"We welcome him. It's good for Trinidad and Tobago. Davis has been progressing well, and having him is also a plus for the sprint relay."

5
T&T Olympian Ali St. Louis dies in vehicular crash
Monday, 26 September 2011 20:39 By Clayton Clarke, tobtrackmed@gmail.com   

 
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - 1984 Olympian Ali St. Louis died in vehicular crash on Sunday night near the Mausica Intersection near his home in D’Abadie.

St. Louis competed in the men’s 400m heats at the Los Angeles Games. The 52 year old retired soldier also was part of T&T’s silver medal 4x400m team at the 1986 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santiago, Dominican Republic. He also was part of the 1982 bronze medal team in Havana, Cuba. St. Louis was also an IAAF Level Five Middle/Long Distance and Race Walking coach and also a starter at track meets.

He recently served as head coach of T&T contingent to the Carifta Games in Montego Bay, Jamaica last April. He was also a sprint coach to the Pan American Junior Championships in Miramar, Florida in July and the 2010 Carifta Games in the Cayman Islands.

The former 2000/400 sprinter also served as a team official to the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaquez, Puerto Rico.

He leaves to mourn his wife Portia who is the head coach of the D’Abadie Progressive Athletic Club. His four daughters who have all represented Trinidad and Tobago in track and field. Sade competed at the 2001 Carifta and 2002 CAC Junior championships while Britney wore national colours from 2004 and is currently on an athletic scholarship at the Florida International University. Aquilla and Alisha were part of the national team to the 2011 CAC Age group Championships in July.

NAAA president Ephraime Serrette said St. Louis’ passing a great loss to the local athletic family. “He contributed as an athlete and official and last year was elected on the executive. Ali will be missed. The NAAA is in mourning.”

Serette added that the former Abilene Wildcats athlete was very competitive as an athlete and that the local athletic body will meet and discuss fitting tribute to St. Louis.

Former NAAA president Dr. Jesse Noel said he was in shock on hearing of the death of St. Louis. Dr. Noel described him as a live wire in the athletic community.

Trackalerts.com extends condolences to the St. Louis family.


 :'( :'(

6
What about Track & Field / 'Torpedo' targets Olympic podium
« on: September 22, 2011, 11:16:52 PM »
'Torpedo' targets Olympic podium
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Sep 23, 2011 at 12:48 AM ECT
Story Updated: Sep 23, 2011 at 12:48 AM ECT

Richard "Torpedo" Thompson is taking a few weeks off to recover from a tough 2011 season, before he begins preparations for his 2012 campaign.

The Trinidad and Tobago track star captured silver in the men's 100 metres dash at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. He plans to return to the podium at the 2012 Games, in London, England.

"I know it's not going to be an easy task, but I am prepared to put in the necessary work."

Thompson's 2011 campaign was challenging. In 15 100m finals, from April to September, the US-based sprinter recorded four victories, and produced just one legal sub-10 clocking— the 9.85 seconds national record run on August 13 that earned him a hat-trick of national titles. On August 28, he bowed out in the semi-final round at the World Championships, in Daegu, Korea.

"By my standards and expectations," Thompson told the Express, "the 2011 season was disappointing. My goal going into any season with a major Championship is to make the final and medal, and I was unable to accomplish either of the two. Apart from that, I was a bit inconsistent on the European circuit. It's easy to point fingers and blame others for my failures. However, I am the one putting on the spikes and lining up, and I know what needs to be done, so I take full responsibility. I need to work harder and I need to work smarter.

"My national record run in Trinidad," he continued, "shows that I am capable of running very fast still, like I did in my Olympic year (2008). I just need to be more consistent at doing it. I would have preferred to produce that effort at the World Champs, but it didn't work out that way. I am firmly of the belief that God does everything for a reason, and He has a better plan for me in the future."

Thompson ended his 2011 campaign on a high, clocking 10.05 seconds to triumph at the Athletics Bridge meet, in Slovakia, last Thursday.

The 26-year-old T&T sprinter beat World Championship bronze medallist Kim Collins into second spot, the St Kitts and Nevis track star getting to the line in 10.07. Jamaica's Michael Frater (10.09) and Briton Dwain Chambers (10.10) finished third and fourth, respectively.

"It was nice to end the season strong and beat a solid field in Slovakia. However, I see those guys as people I should be ahead of, so I'm not going to make a huge deal about it. I knew, regardless of how I ended this season, that I would have to take a brand new approach to next year to really make a change in my performances.

"When I start back," the double Olympic silver medallist continued, "I will immediately target my weaknesses, and start strengthening them in and out of the weight room."

Thompson was scheduled to arrive in the country late last night for a week-long visit. He was accompanied by American sprint great Maurice Greene.

Thompson and Greene will conduct a coaching clinic for primary school children, at the Morvant Recreation Ground, from nine o'clock this morning.

7
What about Track & Field / Not the 'D' word
« on: September 14, 2011, 11:27:52 PM »
Not the 'D' word-Daegu 2011 review
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Sep 15, 2011 at 12:51 AM ECT
Story Updated: Sep 15, 2011 at 12:51 AM ECT


Disappointing is the word I've been hearing in reference to Trinidad and Tobago's performance at the IAAF World Championships, in Daegu, Korea. Apparently, that's the popular sentiment, and since it's far easier to just go with the flow rather than make a measured assessment, that "D" word continues to roll off the tongues of many.

How can the country's second best performance ever at a World Championship meet be described as disappointing? To those who are shocked at the suggestion that one bronze medal could put the 2011 T&T team in second spot, that rating is based on the placing table and not the medal table.

The placing table puts a value on top-eight finishes, while the medal table focuses on those who make it to the podium. Surely, precious metal is not the only measure of success when competing on a global stage.

Kelly-Ann Baptiste was undoubtedly the star of the Daegu show for T&T, the 24-year-old sprinter earning bronze in the women's 100 metres. Running into a stiff 1.4 metres per second headwind, Baptiste got to the line in 10.98 seconds, missing out on silver by just one-hundredth of a second. A similar wind blowing in the other direction, and Baptiste might well have produced a clocking somewhere in the 10.7s. Among the sprinters she beat to the line was Jamaica's 2008 Olympic gold medallist and defending world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. That third-place finish earned T&T six points.

Baptiste was instrumental in earning five more points for the red, white and black, the Florida-based athlete performing second leg duties for the fourth-placed women's 4x100m team. In the qualifying round, 19-year-old Kai Selvon, Baptiste, Semoy Hackett and another 19-year-old, Michelle-Lee Ahye, bolted round the track in an impressive 42.50 seconds—a new national record.

It's insulting to Baptiste to use the "D" word when she successfully took on the best in the world, and came away with a medal. Not satisfied, the Plymouth, Tobago sprinter then took two teens and a 22-year-old under her wing, steering them oh so close to a podium finish.

That relay run reminded me of the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton, Canada, where a seasoned Ato Boldon teamed up with 16-year-old Darrel Brown, Marc Burns, 18, and Jacey Harper, 21, for third spot in the men's sprint relay. T&T were later upgraded to silver following the disqualification of the United States, on account of the confession of their anchorman Tim Montgomery that he had used performance-enhancing drugs during his track career.

The Edmonton silver laid the foundation for further global success—men's 4x1 silver at the 2005 and 2009 editions of the IAAF World Championships, as well as silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Daegu experience is likely to have a similar impact, serving as a catalyst for medal-winning performances on the global stage from T&T's sprint relay women.

The men's 4x1 combination of Keston Bledman, Burns, Aaron Armstrong and Richard "Torpedo" Thompson seemed set for a top-three finish in the Daegu final. Their hopes were dashed, however, when American Darvis Patton fell into Armstrong's path. Team T&T finished sixth to earn three points.

The "D" word? Not after Rondel Sorrillo became the second T&T sprinter to reach a World Championship 200m final, his seventh-place finish giving the country an additional two points. Only Boldon, the 1997 gold medallist, had previously competed in a half-lap final at the global meet.

Sorrillo opened with a 20.68 seconds run. He improved to 20.56 in the semis, and in the championship race dropped his time to 20.34.

The four top-eight finishes in Korea gave Team T&T a combined total of 16 points, good enough for 20th spot on the placing table. Think about it. There were 202 countries represented at the World Championships, and T&T finished among the top 20. Beating the likes of Canada, Norway, Brazil and Croatia must count for something.

The only occasion on which T&T had more World Championship finalists, earned more points, and finished higher on the placing table was at the 2009 edition of the meet, in Berlin. We were on fire in the German capital, the seven finalists accumulating 32 points to secure 13th spot on the placing table. And for the first time, T&T earned three medals at the Championships—men's 4x1 silver, Renny Quow's men's 400m bronze and Josanne Lucas' women's 400m hurdles bronze.

We were not as successful in Daegu. But not matching our best ever World Championship performance is certainly no justification for use of the "D" word.

At the 2007 World Championships, in Osaka, Japan, we earned just one point. It was Burns who saved face for T&T, the consistent sprinter finishing eighth in the men's 100m final.

The following year, Thompson earned 100m silver at the Beijing Olympics, and the men's 4x1 team also finished second. And in 2009, we were brilliant in Berlin.

So, there's no need to panic ahead of the 2012 London Olympics. Nor should there be complacency.
Admittedly, there were performances in Daegu that did not meet expectations.

Cleopatra Borel was a good bet for a top-eight finish in the women's shot put. She was seventh in the qualifying round with an 18.95m throw, but was well short of her best in the final, and had to settle for 13th spot.

While Quow had been having an ordinary season, there was optimism following his 44.84 seconds run in the opening round in Daegu. In the semis, though, he could only manage a 45.72 clocking, and finished 13th.

With good reason, Thompson, Bledman and Jehue Gordon were seen as potential finalists.

Gordon finished ninth overall in the semi-final round of the men's 400m hurdles, the 19-year-old missing out on a berth in the final by just one-hundredth of a second. Though still a teenager, much was expected of Gordon following his impressive fourth-place finish in Berlin two years ago.

Bledman was ninth best in the men's 100m semis, a championship race lane eluding him by less than one-hundredth of a second.

And Thompson was tenth overall in the same event. A true patriot, the double Olympic silver medallist was distraught at the end of the semi-final round.

About seven weeks before the 2011 National Championships, Thompson had said that staging the meet in mid-August, just two weeks ahead of Worlds, would put T&T athletes at a disadvantage.

While Baptiste and Borel were allowed to skip the T&T Championships, Thompson and Quow were not granted exemptions, and had to compete to be eligible for World Championship selection. Gordon and Bledman were also among the athletes on show at the local meet.

Thompson emerged as the star of the National Championships, blazing to victory in the 100m final in 9.85 seconds—a new T&T record. The best he could muster in Daegu a fortnight later was 10.20.

After his semi-final run, Thompson said: "I guess coming off the 9.85, jumping on a plane, and flying for about 30 hours total in travel just kind of threw my legs off."

And with a 13-hour time difference between Daegu and Port of Spain, Thompson should have been in the Korean city at least two weeks ahead of competition, ensuring that his body was properly adjusted. That was not possible. A fortnight before Worlds, he was running at the National Championships.

We'll never know for sure if the "Torpedo" left his World Championship performance on the Hasely Crawford Stadium track. What is evident, though, is that one month after the T&T meet, Thompson is regaining his legs. On Sunday, he clocked 10.08 seconds in Germany, and followed up with 10.03 in Croatia on Tuesday.

But what could have been in Daegu is no longer important.

After diving under 10 seconds five times in 2008, Thompson, at the time of writing, has produced a total of three sub-10 runs in the three subsequent seasons. The T&T track star must do a rethink ahead of off-season preparations, and make a decision about the way forward. If a change of coaching personnel is required, then so be it—whatever it takes to steer clear of that "D" word in post-Olympic analyses.

8
What about Track & Field / Former Olympic sprinter survives landslide
« on: September 14, 2011, 11:22:10 PM »
Former Olympic sprinter survives landslide
By Jensen LaVende jensen.lavende@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Sep 15, 2011 at 12:51 AM ECT
Story Updated: Sep 15, 2011 at 12:51 AM ECT


FORMER Trinidad and Tobago national sprinter Patrick "Bullet" Delice is thanking God for being alive after a landslide behind his home smashed through his bedroom.

Delice who represented the country in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics in the 200 and 400 metres told the Express yesterday at his Upper L'anse Mitan Road, Carenage home had he been in bed he may have been dead.

"I normally home watching movies... I don't go out... look here I have real movies... watch right here I does normally have my head," Delice said pointing to the broken wall.

The 43-year-old said he was at the home of a former coach Richard Ross on Saturday, when he received a telephone call that "Pa was in his room". "Pa" is Delice's elderly neighbour who came tumbling down, along with the dirt beneath him, which crashed through Delice's bedroom wall, leaving a nature made window and an easy entrance for would-be bandits.

Delice is now calling on the powers that be to lend any form of assistance to repair the damage to his home as well as to construct a retention wall to prevent further landslides from damaging his home, which he shares with his sister and brother.

The sprinter—turned—carpenter said he is now forced to keep a pair of boots on hand for whenever rain falls to remove the excess water which finds itself settling in his bedroom and kitchen floor.

Delice said the entire incident may have been avoided had the neighbour's wall been constructed properly. He added that the elderly gentleman suffered a head injury and has since moved out of the area to recover.

9
What about Track & Field / Daegu Predictions
« on: August 23, 2011, 09:30:07 AM »
I'm not just putting these up for you to badtalk them. I'm putting them up so you could put up yours too! Let's all do this.

Updated after Asafa Powell's withdrawal and me finding out that Allyson Felix is indeed doing the 200m/400m double

MY PICKS

100m
MEN Usain Bolt, Richard Thompson, Yohan Blake
DARKHORSE Ngonidzasha Makusha

WOMEN Carmelita Jeter, KellyAnn Baptiste, Veronica Campbell-Brown
DARKHORSE Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

200m
MEN Usain Bolt, Walter Dix, Nickel Ashmeade
DARKHORSE Jaysuma Saide Ndure

WOMEN Carmelita Jeter, Allyson Felix, Veronica Campbell-Brown
DARKHORSE Shalonda Solomon

400m
MEN Lashawn Merrit, Kirani James, Jermaine Gonzales
DARKHORSE Chris Brown

WOMEN Sanya Richards-Ross, Allyson Felix, Amantle Montsho
DARKHORSE Anastasiya Kapachinskaya

110m Hurdles
MEN David Oliver, Daryon Robles, Lui Xiang
DARKHORSE Jason Richardson

100m Hurdles
WOMEN Sally Pearson, Kellie Wells, Danielle Carruthers
DARKHORSE Dawn Harper

400m Hurdles
MEN Angelo Taylor, Bershawn Jackson, Dai Greene
DARKHORSE Jehue Gordon

WOMEN Kaliese Spencer, Lashinda Demus, Melaine Walker
DARKHORSE Zuzana Hejnova

4X100m Relay
MEN Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, United States
DARKHORSE France, Great Britian

WOMEN Jamaica, United States, Bahamas
DARKHORSE Ukraine, Trinidad & Tobago

4x400m Relay
MEN United States, Bahamas, Belgium
DARKHORSE Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago

WOMEN United States, Jamaica, Russia
DARKHORSE Brazil, Ukraine

10
KINGSTON - A Jamaican athlete, with less than three weeks to go before the 13th IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, has tested positive, this according to information reaching trackalerts.com.

A well-placed source told trackalerts.com that the test on the athlete was carried out at the Jamaican trials, held June 23-26.
 
It was also said that the athlete was only informed about the result on Monday. The athlete in question has competed since trials.

Patricia Charles-Freeman, executive director of JADCO, the body which was responsible for carrying out the drug testing locally, could not be reached for a comment while the JAAA doesn’t comment on drug issues.

At the 2009 trials, five Jamaicans, Yohan Blake, Allodin Fothergill, Sheri-Ann Brooks, Marvin Anderson and Lanceford Spence tested positive before the Berlin World Championships. They received three-month bans.

Also in 2009, Chris Williams returned positive findings and is currently serving a 2-year ban.

Also, in 2010, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce returned a positive test for the non-performance enhancing drug oxycodone, at the Shanghai Diamond League meeting on May 23.

Julien Dunkley, Steve Mullings, Bobby-Gaye Wilkins and Patrick Jarrett are some of the other Jamaicans to received drug bans in the past.





Jamaican sprinter tests positive
2011-08-10 18:13:06 | (0 Comments)
Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

An emerging sprinter that was expected to represent Jamaica at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Daegu, South Korea in three weeks, has reportedly returned an adverse analytical finding.

The result, which revealed a masking agent was derived from a drug test administered at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships, held between June 23 and 26 this year.

In sports, a masking agent is used to hide or prevent detection of a banned substance or illegal drug such as anabolic steroids or stimulants.

The news comes just over a week before the team departs for a one-week camp in Gyeonasan, South Korea. The team is also set to be named next week.

Word is that the United States-based athlete, who returned this latest adverse finding was failing a test for the second time which could effectively mean the end of his international career considering that, if found to be culpable, it could lead to a four year suspension.

The athlete has reportedly been notified and will now have to face a disciplinary hearing effectively ruling him out of the championships where he was a medal contender in two events.

11
What about Track & Field / Crawford predicts Olympic success
« on: July 24, 2011, 03:55:44 AM »
Crawford predicts Olympic success (Newsday)
By STEPHON NICHOLAS Sunday, July 24 2011

HASELY CRAWFORD, Trinidad and Tobago’s only Olympic gold medallist, is predicting an excellent performance by this country at the highly anticipated London Olympics next year.

Crawford pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago are beginning to produce top quality in athletes in various disciplines and are not limited alone to track events.

“If you notice, we have increased our depth. We are winning shot put, long jump and other events. Once athletes are properly prepared and healthy, expect a good performance at the Olympics. I am so excited. We no longer have just one or two athletes. Even in the women the depth is increasing,” he said.

Crawford hailed the performance of the local contingent at the recently concluded CAC Senior Championships where they placed third in the standings with 14 medals (six gold, three silver and five bronze).

“It was a good achievement. I’m not surprised because we have a lot of top athletes,” he said.

The 60-year-old believes 2011 CAC 100m champion Keston Bledman has a very bright future ahead of him and expects him to make an impact at the Olympics next year.

Bledman, a former Junior Pan Am 100m champion, won the gold at the CAC in 10.05 seconds to continue his good form this season where he has clocked an impressive 9.93.

“I always felt that young man was destined to go places. He has settled down and has impressed. If he keeps the way he is going don’t be surprised to see him in the Olympic final,” he added.

The 1976 Olympic 100m champ also expressed his admiration for national sprint queen Kelly-Ann Baptiste who has been scorching the tracks across Europe for the past year.

“I admire that young lady. I remember we went CARIFTA in Barbados. She was 14 years old at the time and was as an alternate. I remember her well and she was always focused but didn’t talk too much. She is focused and disciplined,” he revealed.

Crawford also had a surprising prediction to make, stating that he believes 2011 CAC Women’s 100m winner Semoy Hackett will eclipse her more esteemed compatriot.

“Semoy is talented and powerful and I feel she will be better than Kelly-Ann,” he declared.

Turning to the sub-par performances by Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson on the European circuit this year, Crawford expressed his approval for him changing his coach.

The 26-year-old has not been at his best and has struggled to consistently dip below 10 seconds.

“I told him he should change his coach about three years ago and I see he has now changed his coach. He needs to put on about 10 more pounds, he’s a bit light. I’m not expecting too much of him at the World Championships but don’t rule him out. He’s a guy that has shown he can perform when the pressure is on so that’s good. He has things to correct, though. He should begin running the 200m and start some quarter-miles to get strength,” he advised.

12
What about Track & Field / Gordon vs Sanchez on new Crawford track
« on: July 19, 2011, 11:59:30 PM »
Gordon vs Sanchez on new Crawford track
All systems go for Hampton 2011
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jul 20, 2011 at 12:59 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 20, 2011 at 12:59 AM ECT


Reigning world junior champion Jehue Gordon is expected to renew his rivalry with 2004 Olympic gold medallist Felix Sanchez at this weekend's Hampton International Games.

The one-lap hurdlers will clash on the brand new Hasely Crawford Stadium track.

At a press conference, at the Ministry of Sport, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, yesterday, Hampton International Games president Noel Hyland said all systems are go for the 2011 edition of the meet.

"We are blessed that the Hampton International Games will be the one to be opening the new track that has been put down by the Ministry of Sport. We want to thank the Ministry for giving us this opportunity."

German contractor Porplastic is in the final stages of laying the new track. The track is expected to be fully laid and marked before Friday's Caribbean heats.

Gordon and Sanchez clashed last Saturday, at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Senior Track and Field Championships, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Sanchez got the better of his Trinidadian rival, the Dominican Republic athlete snapping up silver in the men's 400 metres hurdles in 49.41 seconds. Gordon clocked 50.10 to earn bronze.

Nineteen-year-old Gordon leads 5-3 in head-to-head clashes with Sanchez and would be keen to extend that lead in front of his home crowd on Saturday.

Another former Olympic champion, 2004 men's 200m winner Shawn Crawford, is listed for action in the men's 100m and 200m events at Hampton 2011.

In the 100m, Crawford will take on fellow American Jeffery Demps, Jamaican Oshane Bailey, and Trinidad and Tobago sprinters Darrel Brown, Rondel Sorrillo, Emmanuel Callender and Aaron Armstrong.

And in the longer sprint, Crawford squares off against Sorrillo, Callender and Armstrong.

"The theme will be Trinidad and Tobago versus the rest," Hyland declared.

CAC Championship men's 400m gold medallist Renny Quow is among the T&T athletes who will be on show at the Hampton International Games.

The list also includes Lalonde Gordon (men's 400m), Aleesha Barber (women's 100m hurdles), Melissa De Leon (women's 800m) and Jamaal James (men's 800m).

American jumper Walter Davis is among the foreigners billed to compete. His compatriots, Natasha Hastings (women's 400m) and Ginnie Crawford (women's 100m hurdles) are also listed for action, as well as Nigerian sprinter Oludamola Osayomi and Jamaican sprint hurdler Vonette Dixon.

Hyland said the cost of staging this weekend's meet is "about $1.4 million".

He explained that the Ministry of Sport "is dealing with the appearance fees, the hotel accommodation and airfare" for the elite athletes.

Friday's Caribbean heats will be staged at the Crawford Stadium from two p.m., while the starting time on Saturday and Sunday is one p.m.

Admission to the Stadium on Saturday and Sunday is $40 for the covered stands and $20 for the uncovered stands.

The 2011 edition of the Hampton International Games is being held in honour of deceased Hampton and T&T coach Hubert Francis.

13
What about Track & Field / Who will take up Boldon's baton?
« on: July 13, 2011, 09:05:44 AM »
Who will take up Boldon's baton?
By Garth Wattley
Story Created: Jul 13, 2011 at 1:00 AM ECT
 Story Updated: Jul 13, 2011 at 1:00 AM ECT

The feet are moving fast again.The world over, running tracks and jumping pits from Rome to Kingston are full of activity as athletes do their thing.

Most of them are building up to next month's IAAF World Championships of track and field which will be held in Daegu, South Korea, from August 27 to September 4.

There really is no shortage of activity.

'World Championships' are now as run-of-the-mill as one-day international cricket matches. Almost every sport has them.

There is a world champion for everything, even for the American basketball league (Isn't it presumptuous for the NBA winners to be declared world champions?).

But boxing takes the cake. There can be a world title on the line virtually every month given the plethora of weight divisions and boxing organisations that have spawned over the years.

And with 24-hour television capturing almost everything international sport has to offer "live", it is easy not to bother too much with world championships. After all, the Olympics in London are coming up next year.

However, track and field's second biggest meeting—the World Champs—still catch my fancy. Maybe it is because of the great variety that exists. The track championships are a series of events within an event. It is like a mini Olympics.

For those who like the really fast action, there is the 100 metres which, especially because of Usain Bolt, is over well before you can count to ten!

But there is also the 400 metres, a fast one-lapper, a real lung-burster with strategy. But if you want a race of tactics and drama, try an 800 or 1,500 metres clash of the world's best.

It can also be a thing of beauty to see how jumpers soar through the air after sprinting into a leap, especially the triple jumpers. Then there is the human drama.

The range of emotions that success and failure can produce are writ large on the faces and in the body language of athletes when gold medals and records are on the line.

I can still see Michael Johnson's face, his eyes ready to pop out of his head, muscular arms spread wide and raised to the sky as he glanced at the electronic timer which read: "19.32" at the end of the 1996 Olympic 200 metres final in Atlanta.

Then there was Derek Redmond, the British quarter-miler whose hamstring failed him during his semi-final heat at the Barcelona Games in 1992.

His face was etched in the deep pain caused both by the injury and the dashing of his medal hopes. He limped to the finish line, his father coming onto the track to help him to get there.

It is hard not to empathise, even though you are watching by tube from thousands of miles away. The nature of track and field is such that it can suck you in emotionally.

The emotions can really get on edge when the athletes concerned are those in whom one has particular interest.

Ato Boldon's fast feet and glib speech made it impossible for people here to be passive onlookers once he stepped onto the track. In every World Championship or Olympic race in which he competed, Ato had thousands of people following his every rapid step. Things have not been the same since he left the stadium.
Yes, Richard Thompson has since emulated the Olympic 100 metres silver medal Boldon earned in Sydney in 2000 by getting one in Beijing three years ago.

And T&T have also earned 4x100 Olympic and World Champs silver and Worlds bronze in the 400 metres (Renny Quow) and 400 hurdles (Josanne Lucas) since Ato retired to the commentary booth.

As yet, though, no one has been able to take up the mantle of main medal hope.

Give it to Ato—whether or not he is your pick as the country's best-ever athlete—he has been the most consistent sprinter in local history.

The current bunch, as promising as some of their performances have been, will have much to do to get close to his record. And matching his charisma is a near impossibility.

Gold, however, produces sufficient sparkle of its own. The public will settle for just the wins.

But purely in terms of results, the past three years have been disappointing for T&T's male sprinters.

Thompson, who set the bar very high for himself in Beijing, is still not a consistent sub-ten man. He opened the current season with a windy 9.91 victory in Louisiana. But the "Torpedo" has not managed to earn gold since.

Instead, he has been forced to race behind a number of different opponents, mostly the fast men from Jamaica, his best since the 9.91 being 10.05 that got him fourth spot behind Asafa Powell (9.91), Nesta Carter (9.93) and Michael Frater (10.01) at the Aviva Grand Prix on Sunday.

Keston Bledman has had some brighter moments than the Torpedo in the 100m. He has dipped under 10 twice--a wind-assisted 9.99 and a legal 9.93 at a meet in Florida in May.

He also clocked 10.09 in Reims, France to finish behind Antiguan Daniel Bailey (10.05) and former Olympic champ Justin Gatlin (10.08). But to earn a medal in Daegu, even to get to the final, Bledman will have to up the pace even further.

The sprint relay looks T&T's best bet for a medal from the men at this stage, although a healthy Quow can never be discounted because of his sheer determination.

Jehue Gordon, whose 2011 preparations started late because of surgery last year, will take some time to get fully up to speed in the 400 hurdles.

At this point, therefore, Kelly-Ann Baptiste is the one who seems closest to taking up the baton from Ato.
She has been genuinely world-class this year. In four starts, Baptiste has won three times and two of those victories have come against quality opponents.

World No.1 Carmelita Jeter beat her at the Jamaica International Invitational in May, but Baptiste clocked 10.94 in finishing second. Since then, she has turned back Veronica Campbell-Brown and Kerron Stewart at the Areva meet this month (10.91) and has also won races in Reims (11.11) and Arkansas (11.56).

Baptiste only got to the semi-finals at the last World Championships in Berlin. In Daegu, though, she could have a much better time.

The next Ato Boldon may be taking on an entirely different form.
garth.wattley@trinidadexpress.com

14
What about Track & Field / 'Torpedo' slams August Champs
« on: July 02, 2011, 10:12:15 PM »
'Torpedo' slams August Champs
Sprint star to skip CAC to prepare for Worlds

By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jul 2, 2011 at 11:54 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 2, 2011 at 11:54 PM ECT


Double Olympic silver medallist, Richard "Torpedo" Thompson has slammed the decision to stage the National Senior/Open Track and Field Championships just two weeks before the World Championships, in Daegu, Korea.

The local meet was originally scheduled for June 25 and 26, but had to be postponed because rain delayed completion of the new track at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. At a June 21 press conference, the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) announced that the Championships will now be held on August 13 and 14. The World Championships will be staged in Daegu, Korea between August 27 and September 4.

"It's absolute madness," Thompson told the Sunday Express, "to even entertain the thought of having a National Championships two weeks before the World Championships. Two weeks before Worlds, athletes are usually either at their training base fine-tuning for the games, or on their way to the host country. In this case, the World Championships will be held in South Korea, so an ideal situation would be to travel there that weekend–August 13-14--to acclimatise.

"Competing in any Championship for any athlete is mentally, physically and emotionally draining, so to put us through that two weeks before means we will be at a disadvantage in Daegu."

"There's also the possibility," he continued, "of someone getting injured. Any level of injury can mean someone having to stay out of the World Championships because he/she doesn't have sufficient time to recover. For the NAAA to come to such a decision is extremely inconsiderate, and shows utter disregard for the athletes and their preparations to represent the country at the highest level in late August. This has been really bothering me and the other athletes."

The NAAA's decision to postpone the Championships came on June 17, the same day the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) explained in a press release that German contractor Porplastic needed "at least 14 full days without precipitation" to finish laying the new track at the Crawford Stadium.

Thompson, who earned silver behind Usain Bolt in the men's 100 metres dash at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said the NAAA, SPORTT and the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA) should have ensured the track was laid before the weekend of June 25 and 26.

"It is very unprofessional of the NAAA, SPORTT and MSYA, and disrespectful to us as athletes, who train so hard every day to fly the flag, to not have the track ready in time for June–when it should have been–to have our official trials. It is distasteful and even moreso hurtful to see how little they care about us. This would never happen in the US, Jamaica, Canada or any other nation that has Olympic and World Championship medallists who currently represent the country.

"Imagine (world junior champion in the 400m hurdles) Jehue Gordon, who is based in Trinidad but represents T&T, has to train on grass at CIC grounds, while all of his competitors are training with the best facilities. He's at an instant disadvantage.

"I would just like to appeal to the necessary authorities to do something about the way we manage our facilities in T&T. A brand new Mondo track was laid five years ago, both at the Hasely Crawford and Dwight Yorke (stadiums). There is absolutely no reason why it should be in such a state already."

At the June 21 press conference, NAAA secretary and Games Committee chairman Allan Baboolal said switching the Championships to the Yorke Stadium, in Bacolet, Tobago, was not an option.

"Tobago's track is absolutely no good for this type of competition," Baboolal had told the media.

Thompson criticised the use of the Crawford Stadium for concerts and Carnival shows.

"I am an avid supporter of Trinidadian culture and support Soca music like no other, but every time an event takes place it destroys our facility more and more, and the athletes suffer as a result. Just as the Government spent millions of dollars in prize money for these competitions, in 2011, to promote our culture, I suggest that a few extra is allocated for building a facility where Soca Monarch and events of that nature can be hosted in the future."

Thompson, who finished fifth in the 100m at the 2009 Worlds, has declined selection for the July 15-17 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Senior Championships, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

"I'm getting ready to head to Europe. I'll be running in a couple races there over the next month. I will not be taking part in CAC. My agent, Emanuel Hudson, wrote them (NAAA) a letter, informing them that I will not be available for the games, as I have already made commitments long in advance to some of the European meets. I will go up against some of the world's best–including Bolt and Asafa (Powell)–and will use these races as preparation to get a feel for my competition at the World Championships."

Thompson, who earned Olympic silver under the guidance of Dennis Shaver, his coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), travelled to Dallas recently to get input from former US sprinter Jon Drummond.

"I have been working with Drummond temporarily as there are a few things that I needed to work on, and I felt as though he was the perfect person to address those errors and get me ready for the World Championships. Everything is working out well so far."

Thompson said he has been putting out a lot in training.

"I know it will pay off when it counts! As usual, a lot of people have counted me out, but I am confident that I will surprise all the doubters. I will be ready by Worlds for sure," the 26-year-old sprinter declared.

15
What about Track & Field / Roberts: Elite athletes must compete
« on: June 09, 2011, 10:50:08 PM »
Roberts: Elite athletes must compete
NAAA National Championship launch

By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jun 9, 2011 at 12:59 AM ECT
 Story Updated: Jun 9, 2011 at 12:59 AM ECT
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Anil Roberts is insisting that all elite track and field athletes compete at the June 25-26 National Senior/Open Championships.
Speaking at yesterday's launch, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in Port of Spain, Roberts said athletes are obligated to show off their wares at the two-day meet.
"All the best athletes must come home and run. You want funding, you call everyday, you write everyday, you want taxpayers' money. It's not a right.
"The people want hospital beds, we have 175,000 people living on less than $665 a month, we have pensioners who need their $3,000. We are competing for every dollar we get. So when athletes feel they deserve funding, that's not how it works. You get what you deserve, based on your work ethic, on your pride and love for country, on how you perform.
"So to those athletes," Roberts continued, "who will try to feign injury and not run in your National Championships, you have a coach as Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, so it's not going to be that easy. You must run at your Championships, or else you may be penalised for not performing.
"We are watching the trends as we move forward. And for all other athletes, whether it's cycling, swimming, who feel they cannot represent Trinidad and Tobago, no problem. If you don't want to, go to Sagicor and get some funding. But as long as you get funding from your people, from your taxpayers, you must treat that responsibility with the utmost respect that it deserves. Red, white and black is critical."
But Roberts, who coaches 2004 Olympic 200 metres individual medley bronze medallist George Bovell III, stressed that "no athlete in Trinidad and Tobago will ever be penalised for being legitimately injured".
The National Championships will be staged at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, on a brand new Mondo track. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, Ashwin Creed, said yesterday the laying of the track will be completed next week.
"The Sport Company (sportt) is charged with the responsibility for the refurbishment of the stadium, the relaying of the track. It's on schedule. We expect a delivery around the 16th or 17th of June, once there are no challenges with the weather. We are almost 80 per cent ready. Let's pray for good weather to ensure that we meet the delivery time."
National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) secretary and Games Committee chairman, Alan Baboolal, explained that countries hoping to qualify for the World Championships in the 4x100m and 4x400m relay events will have the opportunity to do so at T&T's National Championships.
"The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) once again has granted us permission to use the Championships as a relay qualifier."
T&T earned silver in the men's 4x100m relay, at the 2008 Olympics and 2009 World Championships.
Richard Thompson, Keston Bledman, Marc Burns, Emmanuel Callender, Darrel Brown and Aaron Armstrong are among the sprinters who will be bidding for selection on the T&T sprint relay team for the August 27-September 4 World Championships, in Daegu, Korea.
At the National Championships, Team T&T will square off against St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda and Puerto Rico.
"Still waiting word on Brazil and Japan.
"We're going to have invitational 100 male and female events and invitational 400 male and female," Baboolal continued. "For instance, we'll have Daniel Bailey coming from Antigua. He will not compete in our open 100, but in an invitational.
"Denzel Ramirez just ran under 15 (minutes). So, we're going to bring five Kenyans and two Venezuelans for the 5,000. They will also compete in the 3,000 metres steeplechase. We'll bring two or three athletes, around 50/51 seconds, to help Jehue Gordon (in the 400m hurdles). Ayanna Alexander, we will bring some people to assist her with the triple jump. And we told (half-miler) Melissa De Leon if she doesn't see the kind of competition she's looking for (at home), get us some athletes and we'll bring them."
Yesterday's function also served as a launch for the NAAA's new website, www.ttnaaa.org. The impressive website was designed by former marathon runner Shane Collens. Collens also designed the NAAA's new logo.
T&T Olympic Committee (T&TOC) president, Larry Romany, praised NAAA president Ephraim Serrette and his executive.
"Track and field has been the carrier of the flag in sport in Trinidad and Tobago for a long time. Of the 14 medals we have won at the Olympic Games, track and field has won over 70 per cent of those medals, and continues to perform. We expect great things from the team (at the Olympics) next year.
"Mr Serrette has moved it (NAAA) from one level to the next level. He's somebody that has a lot of creativity and a lot of ideas. And it's no surprise to me today that you would be launching a new logo and a new website--things that inform the public as to what you're actually doing. The executive of track and field must be commended for this effort."
While Minister Roberts also lauded the NAAA, he challenged track and field's local governing body to do even better.
"They have been very good over the years. The NAAA is one of our best associations. They are functioning well, but good is not great."
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs has sponsored the 2011 National Championships to the tune of $400,000, while Sagicor has contributed $150,000.
Hyatt Regency and Blue Waters are also sponsors of the two-day meet.

16
What about Track & Field / Sport gets stadium priority, says Roberts
« on: June 09, 2011, 10:49:22 PM »
Sport gets stadium priority, says Roberts
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jun 9, 2011 at 12:59 AM ECT
 Story Updated: Jun 9, 2011 at 12:59 AM ECT
A new Mondo track is being laid at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, in Port of Spain. And the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (sportt) is putting things in place to ensure the longevity of both the track and the football field.
This assurance was given by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Anil Roberts, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, yesterday, during the launch of the June 25-26 National Senior/Open Track and Field Championships.
"The Sport Company is in the process of procuring the best covering. The Hasely Crawford Stadium, as all stadia, will be utilised—in conjunction with all sporting activities—for cultural events. However, there are strict guidelines that have been put down for all people wanting to utilise any of the facilities—with major caution fees, major timelines. If you have an event you will only be allowed a day before and a day after to get in and out."
Minister Roberts said the covering that will be used during shows "will ensure there'll be absolutely no damage to the track".
"We must understand that these facilities take a lot of money to be maintained, and while we want to allow all our sporting people and our track athletes to utilise the facilities for free, there is no free lunch, so somebody has to pay the bill. The fusion of culture and sport--they will pay the bill, but we will manage and maintain the facility, so that we do not damage it. That's the synergy we are trying to put in place.
"This track," Roberts continued, "is going to be one of the best in the world, and we will not want it damaged in any form or fashion, whether by concerts, culture, religious festivals or the track athletes themselves. They will have to use the correct shoes. The coaches will be held responsible on those training days. People will be penalised very heavily. This track is supposed to last us ten years. We do not want to see in 2015 that we have to rip up and put down another track.
"We are also going to do the Ato Boldon (Stadium) and the Larry Gomes (Stadium) within the next six to eight months, so the same policies of the Hasely Crawford Stadium will apply to those other tracks. We must take care of what we invest in."
The Minister assured priority will be given to sports events at the Crawford Stadium.
"The NAAA (National Association of Athletics Administrations) are very well advanced with their calendar of events, so those dates have already been blocked off. The problem arises with certain football organisations that are not as disciplined as the NAAA and want to feel they could come two weeks before and they want a match. It will not work like that. They have to be efficient enough to move from good to great.
"To ensure that your sporting event gets the priority, send in your calendar of events to the Sport Company. Those dates will be blocked off, and then cultural events will fill in the gap.
"We must understand," Roberts continued, "that to rent the Stadium brings in 150 to $350,000 on one event. It takes approximately $1.9 million a month to maintain the five stadia in Trinidad and Tobago.
"We cannot just be a Caroni (1975) Limited, and just keep sucking money. We would like to generate some revenue, so I don't have to harass the Minister of Finance every minute for more and more. The cultural events will be charged heavily because it's a fantastic facility. We'll cover the track and the field properly, and the revenue will go towards the upkeep and maintenance."
The laying of the new Mondo track at the Crawford Stadium is expected to be completed by June 17.

17
What about Track & Field / 2011 Tobago Falcon Games
« on: April 17, 2011, 10:30:04 PM »
Gordon strikes Falcon gold
Winning Carifta warm-ups for Spann, Landeau
By Kwame Laurence In Bacolet
Story Created: Apr 16, 2011 at 11:54 PM ECT
Story Updated: Apr 16, 2011 at 11:54 PM ECT


Jehue Gordon emerged victorious in his 2011 one-lap hurdles opener, the world junior champion getting home first at the 10th Falcon Games, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, here in Bacolet, Tobago, yesterday.

"I'm totally satisfied," Gordon told the Sunday Express, after the race.

The Trinidad and Tobago athlete had every reason to be pleased with his battling triumph, over Puerto Rico's Eric Alejandro, in the men's 400 metres hurdles.

Alejandro had the edge coming home, but lost his rhythm and hit the final barrier. Gordon pounced on the opening, grabbing gold in 50.11 seconds. Alejandro was forced to settle for silver in 50.28, while bronze was bagged by T&T's Brandon Benjamin, the Carifta Games selectee clocking 53.93.

Gordon used the race as a test of his readiness for the 2011 season, following foot surgery last October. The 19-year-old passed with flying colours.

"I was feeling good. I finished the race.

"I'm really satisfied, because after such a long few months out of track it was really hard, but I had to keep focused.

"I just want to start back to feel good, have the confidence of being able to put the amount of pressure on my leg as I used to before. I just want to stay healthy, go out there and run fast, and win."

Gordon said improving on his 48.26 seconds national record is among his goals for 2011.

"As soon as possible. Once things are up to mark in training, it's possible."

Kernesha Spann and Gabriela Cumberbatch will both wear T&T colours at next weekend's Carifta Games, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Yesterday, they finished one-two in the women's 400m hurdles. Spann returned a time of one minute, 00.04 seconds, while Cumberbatch clocked 1:00.34. Barbados athlete Sade Greenidge finished third in 1:03.41.

Another Barbadian, Shakera Reece sprinted to victory in the women's 200m. Reece clocked 24.09 seconds to finish well ahead of silver medallist Romona Modeste (24.80). Donelle Stafford (26.29) was a distant third.
American Jamil Hubbard was first home in the men's half-lap race in 21.24 seconds. Kevin Haynes (21.44) was second and Dan-Neil Telesford (21.72) third.

George Smith triumphed in the men's 800m in 1:55.12. Sterlen Paul seized silver in 1:55.47, while bronze went to Guyana's Cleveland Thomas (1:55.52).

In her final two-lap outing ahead of Carifta 2011, Domonique Williams produced a spirited effort. Jessica James, however, held off her challenge for victory in the women's 800m in 2:14.97. Williams clocked 2:15.07 to secure silver, while Kimberly George picked up bronze in 2:28.88.

Nicholas Landeau warmed up for the Carifta Games with a comfortable victory in the boys' under-17 800m.
At the bell, Landeau was second, behind his Carifta teammate Akeem Marshall. But with 200 metres to go, Landeau was in front, the Belmont Boys Secondary student going on to win in 2:00.64, beating Marshall (2:01.81) and Runako Sherwood (2:04.76) into second and third, respectively.

Landeau is expected to bid for honours in the boys' under-17 800m, 1,500m and 3,000m events, at Carifta 2011.

"I'm going for nothing less than gold to make my country proud," a confident Landeau declared, following yesterday's two-lap triumph.

Quincy Wilson was on fire in the men's discus, the 20-year-old athlete winning the event with a huge 54.39 metres throw. Carifta athlete Akeem Stewart produced a 47.03m effort to finish second, while third spot went to Rodney Liverpool (34.04m).

Falcon Games action continues from 9.30 this morning. The Durly Lucas 10K, from Lambeau to the Yorke Stadium, starts at six a.m.

18
What about Track & Field / Texas Relays
« on: April 09, 2011, 05:42:08 PM »
University of Texas
                 84th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays                 
                       Presented by State Farm                       
Univ.of Texas-Mike A. Myers Stadium-Austin,TX  - 4/6/2011 to 4/9/2011
 
Event 20  Women 100 Meter Dash Univ/Coll
=====================================================================
       World: ! 10.49  1988        Florence Griffith Joyner, USA     
    American: $ 10.49  1988        Florence Griffith-Joyner, USA     
  Collegiate: % 10.78  1989        Dawn Sowell, LSU                 
   Myers Std: S 10.97  2004        Lauryn Williams, Miami           
        Meet: M 10.93  1989        Dawn Sowell, LSU                 
    Name                    Year School                  Finals  Wind
=====================================================================
Finals                                                               
  1 Tarmoh, Jeneba            JR Texas A&M                10.94   2.9
  2 Hackett, Semoy            JR LSU                      10.98   2.9
  3 Duncan, Kimberlyn         SO LSU                      11.07   2.9
  4 Townsend, Tiffany         SR Baylor                   11.09   2.9
  5 Levy, Jura                FR South Plains             11.10   2.9
  6 Riggien, Chastity         SR Southern Miss.           11.13   2.9
  7 Duncan, Dominique         JR Texas A&M                11.20   2.9
  8 Kendrick, Stormy          SO Clemson                  11.29   2.9
  9 Bolton, Grecia            JR Houston                  11.48   2.9

19
What about Track & Field / Brown ready to get back on track
« on: January 15, 2011, 11:19:51 PM »
Brown ready to get back on track
By Kern De Freitas
Story Created: Jan 15, 2011 at 10:47 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 15, 2011 at 10:47 PM ECT


Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Darrel Brown is raring to get back on track for 2011.

The 26-year-old athlete has been under the radar for much of the last two years after picking up an injury at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Brown has been regarded as one of T&T's top sprinters over the last decade, but has suffered a number of injury setbacks since his impressive junior career—which saw him set the World Junior 100-metre record of 10.01 seconds at the 2003 World Championships in Paris, where he clinched the silver medal.

Brown has set up his base back in Trinidad since October last year under coach Vern Gambetta and has been focusing on strength training to avoid yet another injury as he targets the 2011 World Championships and charts a course to the 2012 London Olympics.

"Right now I'm feeling like back (to) my old self, I feel young again, like back in 2002," Brown told the media on Friday at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, where he was presented with a cheque from the Elite Athletes Assistance Programme (EAAP) by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Anil Roberts.

This year, in addition to making the World Championships final and improving his personal best of 9.99 seconds, Brown has set the goals of getting up to optimal strength and staying healthy.

"I'm just trying to get my core strong...stable, because that's my main problem," Brown said. "That's why I keep getting injured...(My plan is) mainly just keep on my strength training programme. Once I'm healthy and ready, I'll be good for next year."

Mentally, Brown is doing well too.

"I have a short memory," Brown stated. "So if I get injured like today, and heal, I would just put that behind me and just move forward. Just forget about the past and just look forward."

Minister Roberts handed out the first tranche of cheques to Brown, half-miler Jamaal James, Ainsley Armstrong—father of US-born T&T sprinter Aaron Armstrong—and sailor Andrew Lewis, as assistance to the elite athletes, most of whom are expected to compete at the 2012 Olympics.

Overall, 15 athletes, including T&T Olympic Committee 2010 Sportswoman of the Year Cleopatra Borel-Brown, long jumper Rhonda Watkins, swimmer Christian Homer and Commonwealth Games silver-medallist boxer Tariq Abdul Haqq will benefit from the EAAP.

Track and field athletes Jamaal James and Jessica James and cyclist Adam Alexander received funding specifically for developmental work.

National Association for Athletics Administration president Ephraim Serrette expressed concern recently that athletes, particularly those assisted by the Government, neglected to represent T&T at events like the Pan American Games and last year's Commonwealth Games. Roberts said he had no problems with athletes who miss international events when preparing for big events like Olympic Games.

He reminded the athletes, however, that his Ministry will be looking at those athletes who make it a regular habit of skipping out on competitions rather than lining up to represent Trinidad and Tobago.

20
What about Track & Field / Nesta Carter races to 9.86 PB (+1.0)
« on: August 08, 2010, 11:44:23 AM »
Nesta Carter races to 9.86 PB
Sunday, 08 August 2010 10:46 
 
Nesta CarterNesta Carter raced to a personal best 100m time at Sunday's Spitzen Leichathletik Luzern, an IAAF EAA Outdoor Permit Meetings in Luzern, Switzerland.

 
Carter, who did not get the best of starts, powered past his rivals to take the event in 9.86 seconds, a huge personal best. His previous best was 9.91secs.

American Walter Dix, who was off to a good start, was relegated to second place in 9.88 seconds, also a personal best.

21
What about Track & Field / Thompson, Baptiste, Bledman win in Miami
« on: April 13, 2010, 02:15:52 AM »
Thompson, Baptiste, Bledman win in Miami
Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Tuesday, April 13th 2010

Trinidad and Tobago sprint star Richard Thompson was triumphant in his 2010 individual outdoor opener, at the Miami Alumni meet, in Florida, USA, on Saturday.

The double Olympic silver medallist clocked 20.86 seconds to top the men’s 200 metres field.

Thompson’s compatriots, Renny Quow and Jamil James, were fourth and 27th, respectively. Quow got home in 21.14 seconds, while James clocked 22.21.

Kelly-Ann Baptiste and Keston Bledman were also in winners’ row at the Miami Alumni meet.

Baptiste won the women’s 200m event in a wind-assisted 22.58 seconds. Sasha Springer was 17th in a windy 24.93.

Bledman bolted to victory in the men’s 100m dash in a wind-aided 10.19 seconds.

Louisiana State University (LSU) sophomore Ade Alleyne-Forte earned silver in the men’s 400m in 47.25. And in the men’s 800m, LSU senior Jamaal James returned a time of one minute, 50.11 seconds to bag bronze.

Also on the weekend, Semoy Hackett struck gold in the women’s 100m at the John McDonnell Invitational, in Arkansas. The Lincoln University (Missouri) sprinter got to the line in 11.30 seconds. Another T&T/Lincoln athlete, Kirlene Roberts was seventh in 12.10. In the qualifying round, Hackett had clocked 11.49 seconds and Roberts 12.05. In the 200m, Roberts was ninth overall in a wind-assisted 24.92 seconds.

At the Seminole Invitational, in Florida, Florida State University (FSU) student Pilar McShine produced a superb run in the women’s 3,000m. She topped the field in 9:18.29.

Tonya Nero was a comfortable winner of the women’s 5,000m, at the KT Woodman Invitational, in Kansas. The Wichita State University junior clocked 16:50.17. Her sister, Colby Community College sophomore Scarla Nero was fourth in 17:47.58. Scarla also competed in the 800m, finishing 20th overall in 2:27.45.

Kyron Blaise emerged victorious in the men’s long jump, at the Red Raider Open, in Texas. The South Plains College student produced a 7.67 metres leap. Another T&T/South Plains athlete, Dellon Williams was third with a 7.49m jump. Blaise finished eighth in the 100m in 10.73 seconds.

In the men’s shot put, Quincy Wilson picked up bronze for South Plains with a 17.18m throw.

Abilene Christian University (ACU) sprinter Wanda Hutson finished fifth in the women’s 200m with a 24.19 seconds clocking. New Mexico Highlands University students, Candace St Louis (25.38) and Sherry Ann Baggoo (26.49) were 12th and 22nd, respectively. St Louis was eighth in the 100m in 12.16 seconds, and Baggoo was 14th in the 400m in 58.84.

22
Football / A Lil Primary School Football
« on: November 03, 2009, 06:47:14 AM »
Atlantic LNG National Primary Schools Football League
Trinidad Guardian.


Carenage Boys go after hat-trick
Published: 2 Nov 2009

Carenage Boys will begin defence of their Atlantic LNG National Primary Schools Football League crown when competiton starts on Thursday. The round of 16 for boys and girls will see 32 of the top schools in the eight Education District battling for supremacy. Last year, Carenage Boys won their fourth title when they defeated Arima Boys Government by a 1-0 margin.

Aaqil Campbell’s clinically-taken second half free kick clinched the second consecutive championship title for the Carenage Boys in the Primary School’s League at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. It was the fourth national title for Carenage in six years, having previously won in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

However, new girl’s champion Carapichaima RC will be seeking to retain possession of its national title which it won last year for the first time by sudden death penalty kicks, after coming close in the previous two years. They will be without ace player Zoe Swift this year. The league launches on Wednesday at VIP Lounge, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 10 am.

Matches

Thursday
Boys—Round of 16, Ato Boldon Stadium (Couva), Mannie Ramjohn Stadium (Marabella), Dwight Yorke Stadium (Tobago), 10 am and 11.15 am.

Friday
Girls—Round of 16, Ato Boldon Stadium, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Dwight Yorke Stadium, 10 am and 11.15 am.

November 10
Quarterfinals Girls & Boys, Ato Boldon Stadium, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Dwight Yorke Stadium

November 12
Semifinals—Ato Boldon Stadium

November 17
Finals—Girls, 9.30 am, Boys, 10.30 am, Hasely Crawford Stadium
Presentation of Awards, noon.

November 19
District Quarterfinal, Ato Boldon Stadium, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

December 1
District Semifinal, Ato Boldon Stadium, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

December 3
District final, Hasely Crawford Stadium Girls—9.30 am, Boys - 10.30 am
Presentation of Awards - noon.


Bon Accord, Montgomery Tobago Primary champs
Published: 1 Nov 2009

Bon Accord Government Boy’s and the Montgomery Government Girls’ were crowned District Champions of the Milo Tobago Primary School Football League at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet on Friday. Montgomery persevered with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Eastern Conference winners, Roxborough Anglican, while Bon Accord Government defeated its Leeward B Zone arch rivals, Bethesda Government, by a 2-1 margin. In the Girls Final, Montgomery, the Western Conference Champions, took an early lead when Aaliyah Charles netted her twelfth goal of the season. Montgomery took the 1-0 lead into half-time but Tsaianne Leander, netted her 19th goal this season for the equalizer, with two minutes remaining, to send the match into extra-time for the second consecutive year.

Montgomery regained the lead in the second minute of extra-time via a Tamara Roberts found the net off an assist by Charles while Roxborough’s Leander miss two good chances for her team before Roberts killed off the contest with her second goal of the game and seventh of the season with about five minutes remaining to land its first title just three years after their boy’s team won the Tobago League. Roberts was voted Player of the final, while Charles won the Golden Ball, for the League MVP and Best Defensive Player, award. Leander won the Golden Boot with a record 19 goals. In the Boy’s decider, Bon Accord, the Leeward B zonal champions, went ahead in the 19th minute when Shakeem Irvine finished off a good build up by Lincoln Duncan and Andel Francis with his seventh of the campaign.

Bethesda, which finished as runner Up in the Leeward B Zone, tied up the score in the 52nd minute when Kareem Phillips with an audacious free-kick, similar to the one scored in the semifinal win over dethroned champions, Whim Anglican. Bon Accord wasted little time reclaiming the lead when Jabari George finished off a well executed one-two play with Irvine for his third league goal as Dwight Yorke’s alma mata held on for its first title in ten years. It was also Bon Accord’s third win over Bethesda this season after having notched a 2-1 Golden Goal win in the semifinals of last month’s Goderick Alfred Tobago Primary School Football Cup and a 3-2 conquest in Leeward B group play this season.

The victory gave Bon Accord the Tobago Cup/League double. Irvine was voted Player of the final, while Carrington became the first goalkeeper to win the “Golden Ball” for the league’s Most Valuable Player, in 12 years. Carrington also won the award for Best Defensive Player, while LaShawn Roberts of Bethesda won the Golden Boot, award for his league high 20 goals. All four teams which participated in the finals have qualified to represent the Tobago Educational District in the Atlantic LNG National Primary School Football League. That competition is set to kick off with the next ten days. Montgomery and Roxborough will attempt to become the first Tobago school to win the National Primary School Girls Football League will Bon Accord and Bethesda will attempt to emulate the former’s triumph from ten years ago, which was Tobago’ s last success in the National Primary School Boys Football League.

23
What about Track & Field / National championships in jeopardy
« on: June 17, 2009, 11:47:50 AM »
National championships in jeopardy
Clydeen Mc Donald
Published: 17 Jun 2009

Workmen on the job at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, yesterday.
PHOTOS: CLYDEEN MC DONALD
Clydeen Mc Donald

T&T’s National Track and Field Championships are in jeopardy as there is a race against time to have the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo ready for action. The venue was supposed to be handed over the National Amateur Athletics Association (NAAA) today for the event, which is an official test of the venue’s readiness for the inaugural Caribbean Games in July.

However, a visit to the local sporting mecca yesterday revealed that work is still being done. Workmen could be seen replacing broken chairs under the covered stand which seats 6,000 spectators. While repairs were taking placing on the mono-track which was visibly damaged.

The repairs being done to the mondo track are of special concern to members of the local track and field fraternity, as the championships are mandatory for all of T&T’s junior and senior athletes, who wish to represent this country at any of the forthcoming international competitions, including the 12th World Championships in Germany in August. Because of this stipulation many of this country’s collegiate and professional athletes are expected to return home in the coming days to compete.

However, sources which preferred to remain unnamed questioned whether local and foreign athletes would have a place to compete, or if they will risk injury by running on a damaged track. One source said: “At this point we can’t be sure that this weekend’s Championships will come off. There are serious concerns in terms of seating arrangements for spectators as well as the state of the track.”

The Hasely Crawford Stadium hosted two major events for the carnival season in 2009, the Soca Monarch Finals on February 20th and Alternative Concept 7 on February 16. Another source is attributing the damages to these events: “I know that there was talk after the carnival season to have the mono relayed because it had suffer some damage. But this was not done because of the cost and the time between the relaying and the rectification which would have to be done afterwards.”

When contacted for comment on the readiness of the stadium for this weekend’s championships, president of the NAAA Ephraim Serrette and organisation PRO Peter Samuel referred questions to the offices of the SPORTT Company and the Local Organising Committee both of which have the responsibility for the venue. However, calls to the cell phone of Francis William-Smith the CEO of the Caribbean Games went unanswered while no one from the SPORTT Company was available to make an official statement.

So far four venues for the Caribbean Games have been completed they are - the netball courts at the Jean Pierre Complex, the tennis courts at Shaw Park in Tobago and the volleyball facilities at the University of the West Indies Sport and Physical Education Centre and at Saith Park in Chaguanas. In addition to the Hasely Crawford Stadium work is also being done on the Indoor Gymnasium at the Jean Pierre Complex and the Woodbrook Youth Facility which will host Boxing.

24
What about Track & Field / Keep an eye on THIS guy
« on: May 17, 2009, 12:41:39 PM »
Usain Bolt runs WR 14.35 for 150m

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfZUn1E4rh4

25
What about Track & Field / adidas Track Classic
« on: May 13, 2009, 09:34:20 PM »
MEN'S 100 METERS
Name    Nat/Team
DARVIS PATTON USA
TRELL KIMMONS USA
AARON ARMSTRONG TRI
TRAVIS PADGETT USA
DWIGHT THOMAS JAM
MARC BURNS TRI
DERRICK ATKINS BAH
STEVE MULLINGS JAM
JASON SMOOTS USA
DANIEL BAILEY ANT
YOHAN BLAKE JAM
RICHARD THOMPSON TRI
LEROY DIXON USA
BRENT GRAY USA
MARCUS BRUNSON USA
DABRYAN BLANTON USA

MEN'S 400 METERS
Name    Nat/Team
JEREMY WARINER USA
LIONEL LARRY USA
ANDREW ROCK USA
RICARDO CHAMBERS JAM
DAVID NEVILLE USA
REGGIE WITHERSPOON USA
ANDRETTI BAIN BAH
GREG NIXON USA
RENNIE QUOW TRI
CHRIS BROWN BAH

WOMEN'S 100 METERS
Name    Nat/Team
MARSHEVET HOOKER USA
MUNA LEE USA
CARMELITA JETER USA
LAURYN WILLIAMS USA
GLORIA ASUMNU USA
SCHILLONIE CALVERT JAM
OLUDAMOLA OSAYOMI NGR
KELLY-ANN BAPTISTE TRI
ALEEN BAILEY JAM
TORRI EDWARDS USA
MIKI BARBER USA
TAHESIA HARRIGAN IVB
STEPHANIE DURST USA
BIANCA KNIGHT USA

26
Willie Gault is still racing around at 48
By Jonathan Littman, Yahoo! Sports May 1, 9:26 pm EDT


The man in blue in Lane 2 looked just like the ripped young runners on either side of him, chiseled from head to toe. Yet there was a subtle difference in his demeanor. Cool and measured, he didn’t leap up and down like the others before settling into his blocks.

“On your marks,” boomed the starter.

Taking his sweet time, the man eased his lean frame into position for the open 100-meter dash at the Mt. SAC Relays in Southern California. One runner couldn’t hold back and popped a false start, but the man in blue paid no mind. The gun fired again, and he exploded off the line, his long, muscled legs seeming to float off the ground.

A football fan might have imagined him dashing under a long pass from Jim McMahon in the 1985 Super Bowl. Any spectator could have been forgiven for rubbing his eyes as if experiencing a flashback.

The man in blue was Willie Gault. A 48-year-old Willie Gault. The same Willie Gault who played 11 seasons in the NFL after getting drafted in the first round – in 1983.

Decades later, Gault still has world-class speed. His 10.80 clocking at Mt. SAC a couple weeks ago – not bad for his first 100 of the season – was only seven tenths of a second slower than his personal best nearly 30 years ago.

A few minutes after the race, sitting languidly at the end of the track next to the 20- to 22-year-old youths he’d kept up with, Gault eased off his spikes and slipped on mirror shades.

“I like to see the expression on their faces when they hear the announcer say this guy has the [100 meter] world record for over 45,” Gault said.

Gault shook his head and smiled. “Age is just a number,” he said.

Time can be especially cruel to sprinters, but Gault keeps clocking swift times and beating the odds. To put his accomplishments in perspective, few professional sprinters win beyond their 20s, and most hang up their spikes for good in their early 30s after the hamstring pulls and the years of pounding have taken their toll. Furthermore, most NFL veterans approaching the half-century mark suffer from arthritic knees and assorted aches and pains. Most consider themselves lucky if they can golf without pain.

Compare that to Gault, who can still crack 10 seconds in the 100-yard dash, and last year ran the 40 in a blistering 4.27. Age-grading track and field tables suggest that his recent 10.80 for the 100 meters at 48 is the equivalent of 9.76 by a man in his 20s – only a step behind Usain Bolt, and fast enough for a silver medal at the Bejing Olympics.

In this steroid and HGH-obsessed age, it’s a fair question to ask: Is Gault on the juice? He said he’s clean, and his consistently swift performances the past 30 years without the injuries associated with drug use would argue against any chemical shortcuts.

“What would I have to gain?” he said. “I’m not getting any money from running. I do this because it keeps me in shape. This is the only body I get. I understood that in high school.”

Track experts don’t know quite what to make of him. “He’s a freak of nature,” said Ken Stone of Masterstrack.com. “It’s phenomenal. I don’t see him as even needing to take drugs. He’s quite a specimen.”

Dennis McKinnon, Gault’s teammate on the ’85 Chicago Bears Super Bowl champion, marvels at his dashing friend.

“It’s rare someone as humble as Willie has this perfection for life,” McKinnon said. “His No. 1 thing is preparation. He really hasn’t changed who he is in the last 20 years.”

Experts in aging say it’s a miracle.

“Mr. Gault is a remarkable individual,” said Catherine Sarkisian, associate professor of geriatrics at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. Whereas decreased aerobic capacity and muscle atrophy begins at 25 for most men, “Gault probably has a delayed decrease in the maximum heart rate, and a lower rate of atrophy of the fast twitch muscles.”

Scientists would love to study Gault.

“I know people who would like to do tests on him,” said Steven Austad, a biologist who studies aging at the University of Texas. “This shows we have not yet plumbed what training would do to people at older ages. What’s the optimum training in your 40s? It may be that he’s hit on something really good. Or he’s some strange genetic outlier.”

Gault has always been fast. The Georgia native ran track and played football at the University of Tennessee, and at 19 was a member of the U.S. Olympic team that boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He set a world record with Carl Lewis and two other speedsters in 1983 in the 4x100-meter relay at the World Championships in Helsinki and won bronze in the 110-meter hurdles.

He stepped into the Bears’ lineup as a rookie and averaged 20.9 yards a catch that year and 19.9 yards over 333 catches in his career. The sprinter’s blinding speed required double coverage that helped open holes for running back Walter Payton and played a key role in the Bears’ dominant 1985 championship season.

“Talk about [NFL] speed, and the list includes Ron Brown, Darrell Green, Deion Sanders,” McKinnon said. “I say that Willie was faster than all of them. After a few steps Willie was at top-end speed. Nobody could catch him.”

Gault was a versatile showman off the field always seeking new challenges. He orchestrated the Bears’ hit single and video, “The Super Bowl Shuffle,” rapping, “This is Speedy Willie, and I’m world class.” With less than two months training, he performed the male lead with the Chicago City Ballet in a 1986 benefit performance that earned him glowing reviews. Later that year he phoned the USA Bobsled Federation. “I couldn’t ski or ice skate,” he explained. “All I could do was run and push.” Run and push he did. The next year Gault earned his second world record, this time for the four-man bobsled.

Fast forward 20 years: In 2006 at Indianapolis, he clocked 10.72 in the 100 meters, setting the masters world record for over 45, and generating national press. Gault seems to be improving with age. Last April, at 47 he broke the over 45 record for 200 meters with a brisk 21.80.

His secrets? Hard work, an ethic learned in the NFL. “When I was with the Bears, I ran guys all game, every play,” Gault said. “They’d have to run with me. I wanted to make sure they were tired.”

Gault weighs the same 176 to 178 pounds he did 25 years ago. He eats sparingly, loves his vegetables and organic foods, and eschews meat. “If a fish walked I wouldn’t eat it,” he said.

He said he abstains from the popular vices: “No drugs, no drinking, no smoking.” Six hours is all the sleep he needs, and on his hard training days he does 1,600 crunches.

“Willie’s an old gladiator,” said Larry Wade, a former world-class hurdler. “If he’s hurting or in pain, he’ll keep going.”

Wade recalled a 2004 sprint workout at UCLA with Maurice Green, that year’s Olympic 100 meters bronze medalist, and former world champion Ato Boldon, saying, “Willie ran right with them. Maurice and Ato took pride in winning the last 100 meters. We were all in our prime. He was killing us.”

Gault remembers it well. He was 44. “We were all betting on who would win each race,” he said. “We ran 100 meters seven times. The seventh time I beat Maurice.”

His afternoons and evenings are dedicated to various business endeavors and his Athletes For Life Foundation, which offers free testing for heart disease. He is an actor who appeared in several episodes of The West Wing and a season of The Pretender. Gault recently married singer and actress Suzan Brittan and the couple lives in Encino, Calif. He has a son in high school and daughter in college from a previous marriage.

But four mornings a week he adheres to the rigorous regimen of an elite professional sprinter. He works out with the professional HSI track club coached by John Smith, famed for developing numerous Olympic champions.

Gault doesn’t lift as much weight as younger sprinters, but he still benches 225 pounds 10 times for three sets, and squats nearly 200 pounds during his four 90-minute sessions per week. Gault then displays his speed at the nearby West Los Angeles College track with pro sprinters young enough to be his sons.

“We were running 200 meter repeats earlier this year,” Smith said, “and Willie kept picking up the pace.” Martial Mbandjock, an elite 23-year-old French sprinter, struggled to stay with Gault. “My God, how old is he?” Smith recalled Mbandjock asking his coach, who couldn’t resist a slight exaggeration.

“He’s 50,” said Smith, who chuckled at the memory. “He said, ‘No way!’ ”

Gault said he has fulfilled his ambitions as an athlete. “I’ve done what I can as far as sports go. I’m entering a new chapter, enjoying business, working on saving people’s lives, enjoying spending time with my son and daughter.”

Don’t believe that stuff about no more athletic goals. Smith said he wants to help Gault meet his next challenge: to run 10.65 in the 100 meters at age 50. The age graded tables equate that to 9.5 for a sprinter in his prime – faster than Usain Bolt.

Speedy Willie just might get there. And fast.

27
What about Track & Field / Thompson wins Nike 200m event
« on: April 15, 2009, 08:06:09 PM »
Thompson wins Nike 200m event
Nicholas Clarke | 8:41 pm
Published: April 16, 2009


Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson was among several T&T athletes to compete in track meets across the US over the weekend. Thompson won the Men’s 200m in 20.65 seconds while representing Nike at the 30th Annual Sun Angel Track Classic in Tempe Arizona. He was followed by AAG’s Dion White (20.73) and LSU’s Gabriel Mvumvure (21.00). Adidas’ Marc Burns placed fifth in 21.06 while Arizona State’s Marcus Duncan came in eighth in 21.27.

In a close Men’s 800m final, LSU’s Jamaal James placed third in one minute 48.86 seconds. He finished just behind his schoolmate Richard Jones (1:48.85) and Columbia’s Jeff Moriarty who placed first in 1:48.82. Louisiana State University’s Monique Cabral won the Women’s 100 Meter Dash in 11.72 seconds, beating Illinois’ Tamika Robinson (11.83) and Missouri State’s Shantel Llewellyn (12.12). She returned to the track to take a bronze in the Women’s 200m. Her time of 24.06 was bettered by her teammates Liann Kellman (23.78) and Kristina Davis (23.87). Another T&T athlete, Nyoka Giles placed seventh in 24.56 for the University of Minnesota.

Giles was a part of the Minnesota quartet including Chimerem Okoroji, Chioma Omeoga and Kylie Peterson that placed sixth in the Women 4x100 Meter Relay in 46.93. LSU placed first in 43.76 seconds followed by Arizona State (44.38) Auburn (44.43). The University of Mississippi’s Emmanuel Meyers won the Men’s 400m Hurdles at the Ole Miss Invitational in Oxford Mississippi. Meyers ran a time of 51.57 to beat his teammate Carson Blanks (52.20) and County CC’s Carlyle Thompson (52.48). Meyers did not fare as well in the Men’s 400m in which he placed sixth in a time of 47.88. Bruce Davis won the race in 46.81 followed by Jacob Farmer (46.91).

Florida State University’s Pilar McShine won the Women’s 800 Meter Run at the Seminole Invite in Tallahassee, Florida. McShine had a time of 2:05.48 to beat Jacksonville’s Alyssa Deal (2:14.92) and North Florida’s Brooke Baumann (2:17.37).

At the Spec Towns National Team Invitational, the University of South Carolina’s Sade St Louis placed eighth in the Women’s 200m after finishing in 25.43 seconds. Georgia’s Georgina Nembhard was first to cross the line in 23.72 followed by St Louis’ teammate Breehana Jacobs (24.06) and Boston University’s Tahari James (24.73). In the Women’s 4x400m, the South Carolina B team of St Louis, Radiance Basden, Kettiany Clarke and Shayla Mahan placed fifth in 4:03.66 seconds. South Carolina’s A team of Brandi Cross, Gabrielle Glenn, Janica Austin and Breehana Jacobs won the race in 3:49.54 while Purdue A (3:52.65) and Boston University A (3:53.95) placed second and third respectively.

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What about Track & Field / Richard Thompson speaks after the accident
« on: January 10, 2009, 08:36:34 PM »
Richard Thompson speaks after the accident
Published: January 10th, 2009

Double Olympic silver medalist Richard Thompson is okay and expects to resume training in two weeks’ time. Thompson was involved in a vehicular accident on New Year’s Day in Port-of-Spain which is now the subject of a police investigation. The sprinter has been advised not to speak publicly on the matter until the investigation is concluded. “The first two days after the accident transpired, I had a little pain in my neck and I found myself waking up to some minor headaches, but as of now, the only discomfort I am experiencing is a slight pain above my left knee, more towards my lower thigh, and I am having check ups with my doctors to advise me on this.

“The T&T Olympic Committee has been very caring,” Thompson told the Trinidad Guardian, “but I would like the people of T&T who have all shown me so much love, to know that while I understand their concern, having spoken to the doctors, it is okay and I should resume training in two to three weeks. It is going to take time, and I know it will be a slow progress, but I do not foresee this in any way deterring me from being able to accomplish everything that I planned for 2009.”

The 23-year-old sprinter was clearly willing to talk about the New Year’s Day accident. “I would love to describe everything,” he said, “but the police have taken action in terms of investigating the matter and as a result, my legal counsel has advised me not to speak on the matter any further until the investigation is completed.”

“When the time comes, we will be able to talk openly on the matter. My family, Mr Vialva and I have been in communication and it would seem we are on the same page and no one should be worried. Everything seems to be quite okay, but again, I am very mindful of the genuine concern of the public and I appreciate it very much,” disclosed Thompson. The young sprint sensation admitted that he had learned some important lessons.

“You cannot take life for granted and whenever or wherever you are, you need to be careful on the roads. You should always look out for each other as drivers and to be aware of everyone around you. “I know people have said it happened at 4 o’clock in the morning, I was partying etc, but it could have happened at any time. I just want to advise everyone to be careful on the roads at all times,” he noted.

Thompson said that he has been advised not to drive and he will obey those instructions until his doctors tell him otherwise.
Thompson cast aside any suggestion of hiring a personal chauffeur.
“I do not necessarily agree with that,” he said. “I am an independent person and when it comes to spending my time, I would not really like to have be dependent on someone to move around.”
Thompson’s father, Ruthven Thompson Sr, told the Sunday Guardian that it had been a difficult time for his family.

“It has been a traumatic experience for the family as a group, and for me personally I would like people to know that everything we have done is to ensure our son is safe and secure since the accident.” “When we got the news and we were on our way driving to the accident, it seemed such a long time, there was just so much fear in our minds, it was a relief to see him just there with only cuts and bruises. It was a terrifying experience, not knowing how he was until we got there,” an emotional but caring father indicated.

“We have received so much outpouring of love and concern, so many calls and visits; it has really been a pleasantly surprising experience. But of course we have read and heard that some persons have been annoyed that we prevented them from speaking with Richard. And this I need to clarify, if it came over that way while Richard was at the hospital.”

Thompson senior, while admitting that it was the family that made the decision for Richard to go straight to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, also said, “We made our decisions based on three reasons, one, the doctors told us that Richard needed complete bed rest; two, he was on medication which meant he was in and out of sleep; three, we did not know the full extent of his injuries, despite the x-rays and the CT scan, the doctors wanted to have an MRI done…so it was as parents, my wife (Judy) and I and the rest of the family, believed out of an abundance of concern and caution, we needed to ensure Richard was given time to recuperate, free from any questioning.”

Ruthven Junior, Richard’s elder brother, again wanted to emphasise, “Richard is my little brother, so when I got the news, his health and well being was my biggest concern…..and as I also know Monique (Cabral) very well, I had to place that above all else.” “As far as Richard goes, I was at first concerned for his immediate future, as I know he loves track and field; it is his heart and soul.” “As for all the rumours. I know that in the final analysis, there were just so much best wishes, love and real concern, that I understand our people. But at the same time there were some who have never met Richard that were saying things that were not true, and this is not good,” he remarked.

The Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Gary Hunt was very much involved in the welfare of Richard Thompson and was there at all times, Ruthven Junior said. “Yes, the Minister of Sports was there at least twice and he and other ministers were always ensuring everything was okay.”

Ronald Clarke is the uncle of Richard and also his locally based manager and he said, “We had just left our mother’s home and an hour later, I received a call from Richard’s mom, and all I asked was how he was, and she said at the time, alive and okay.”
“I remember Richard at the accident site, asking me to come into the ambulance with him, but you are only allowed one family member in the ambulance and his dad was already there. I was just happy and thanking God he was alive,” said Clarke.

But Clarke wanted to clear the air on some points. “When we were at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital a reporter asked me if we had obtained permission from the NWRHA to have a personal bodyguard secure the area where Richard was resting, as it was a public institution.

“At the time I told him it was for this very reason we felt it necessary to have a guard as otherwise anyone could come and walk up to Richard while he was trying to rest and recuperate as prescribed by the medical team around him. I also mention that when Government ministers were in hospital, I understand they had security. His response was Richard was not a minister, but I said he was a national hero…..the next day I read, how I had said Richard was no ordinary citizen. I would hope in the future, responsible journalism would suggest people should not write on matters, unless they are certain, a person has made a remark, I never said that.”

 Ruthven Senior also wanted to speak on the role of family in an athlete’s life. “The grounding is critical, if you can give your son or your daughter this sort of education before they become very successful, it will assist them as they move forward,” “For instance at this stage, we do not have much work to do with Richard as he already knows a lot of what needs to be done….but what I will tell him, for the first time, this is an opportunity for him to do an introspection of his own life and where he wants to go. At this stage we can only guide him,” “In the family household, Richard Thompson knows who the boss is, and so do all of us, it is Judy, my wife …”

All four family members stated the unfortunate death of World Boxing champion 21-year-old Jizelle Salandy had made everyone realise how fortunate Richard and Monique were to be alive.
Richard concluded by wishing everyone well including Cabral. “I would hope she is okay, the truth is she has been in some pain up to recently and I know she wanted to run indoors, but given the events, I would advise her not to do that, and instead wait for the outdoor season.

“As for me, now that I am professional, I am not in a situation where I have to run so many events at the university and in that regards, if I do not run indoors it will not affect my plans for the outdoor season in 2009,” said Thompson. “I just wish to thank so many people who have continued to support and be there for me, and making me feel so happy to know that as a team, we were able in Beijing to make people smile and be joyous. T&T, thanks for the love ...” Thompson concluded. Thompson returns to the USA today.


29
What about Track & Field / Richard Thompson Loves that Soca Beat
« on: December 19, 2008, 09:09:14 PM »
Richard Thompson Loves that Soca Beat
Spikes - the New Heroes of Athletics
Link: http://www.spikesmag.com/features/richardthompsonlovesthatsocabeat.aspx


Top Trinidad sprinter Richard Thompson talks to spikesmag.com about his passion for Soca music and how it helped inspire him to an Olympic 100m silver medal.

If any form of music was made for sprinting it is probably Soca music. With its super-fast beat and up-tempo blend of calypso and percussion the Trinidadian sound pounds to the very heartbeat of running.

For Olympic 100m silver medallist Richard Thompson it is no coincidence that his favourite pastime away from the track is music, and more particularly Soca music.

Brought up in the Caribbean republic of Trinidad and Tobago, which embraces Carnival, a festival with Soca music at the very core of it, Thompson cannot recall a day when music was not a central part of his life.

“In my spare time music is probably what I do most,” he explained to spikesmag.com from his US-base. “It helps clear my mind, it helps calm me down. Depending on the type of music it can get me fired up and energetic and ready to really run well.”

Raised in Cascade, Thompson fondly recalls listening to the music of the likes of Jim Reeves and Elvis Presley as well as the local calypso and soca music played by their parents as a youngster.

He later learned how to play the drums and even started to perform and sing his own songs at school shows, although he admits his passion for music sometimes landed him in hot water.

“At school I would drum on the desk and I got into trouble doing it from some teachers,” he adds.

As his sprinting career has skyrocketed Thompson has packed away his drumsticks and preferred to use his feet rather than his hands or voice.

Yet music has remained close to his heart and he has not ruled out a return appearance to the stage.

“I have a lot of respect for these guys who do it professionally, although I don’t consider myself one of those,” he explains. “Some people have pushed me about doing a song and if the time is right, and I do have the time, then I’ll definitely consider giving it a shot.”

Music and Thompson, however, appear closely linked.

The leading Trinidadian artist De Fosto wrote and performed a song We Silver Hero reliving the sprinter’s Olympic silver medal a tribute the sprinter describes as "an honour".

Thompson has also become friendly with Trinidad’s most high profile artist – Machel Montano – and in Miami last autumn the 100m sprinter was invited on stage by the Soca legend and treated the crowd to a few of his favourite dance moves.

But what gives Thompson the biggest buzz performing live or performing on the track?

“They are both a form of entertainment and both really give me a good vibe,” he explains. “I don’t have a problem doing a song some day, I just love entertaining people, so I guess you could say they are comparable. If I had to choose, it’s a no-brainer – I love track and field that’s what I do but Soca music gives me a good response as well.”

And the last song he listened to before going on to win Olympic silver in Beijing? Blazin D Trail by Machel Montano...

30
What about Track & Field / Queen Carl Gets Out of Pocket
« on: September 11, 2008, 03:34:49 PM »
Carl Lewis speaks out on Bolt, U.S. performance in Beijing, more

Last week, SI.com caught up with nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis at the Audi Best Buddies Challenge, a charity bicycle tour and fundraising event to help people with intellectual disabilities. Lewis weighed in on everything from Usain Bolt's record-breaking performance in Beijing to Team USA fumbling the baton in the relays.

SI.com: It's been few weeks since the Games; what do you think of Usain Bolt?

Lewis: I'm still working with the fact that he dropped from 10-flat to 9.6 in one year. I think there are some issues. I'm proud of America right now because we have the best random and most comprehensive drug testing program. Countries like Jamaica do not have a random program, so they can go months without being tested. I'm not saying anyone is on anything, but everyone needs to be on a level playing field.

SI.com: I don't want to put words in your mouth, but are you accusing Bolt of possibly doing something illegal in order to gain an advantage?

Lewis: No one is accusing anyone. But don't live by a different rule and expect the same kind of respect. They say, "Oh, we've been great for the sport." No, you have not. No country has had that kind of dominance. I'm not saying they've done anything for certain. I don't know. But how dare anybody feel that there shouldn't be scrutiny, especially in our sport?

The reality is that if I were running now, and had the performances I had in my past, I would expect them to say something. I wouldn't even be offended at the question. So when people ask me about Bolt, I say he could be the greatest athlete of all-time. But for someone to run 10.03 one year and 9.69 the next, if you don't question that in a sport that has the reputation it has right now, you're a fool. Period.

SI.com: So when Bolt broke three world records and did it as easily as he seemed to, does that tip you off?

Lewis: Let's be real. Let me go through the list: Ben Johnson, Justin Gatlin, Tim Montgomery, Tyson Gay and the two Jamaicans. Six people have run under 9.80 legally, three have tested positive, and one had a year out. Not to say [Bolt] is doing anything, but he's not going to have me saying he's great and then two years later he gets popped. If I don't trust it, what does the public think?

SI.com: To be fair, you reportedly tested positive three times before the 1988 Olympics for banned substances, a ruling that was overturned by the USOC due to inadvertent use.

Lewis: That was an issue where people tried to make something out of nothing. It got thrown out. I didn't lash out. They said I tested for stimulants found in over-the-counter cold medications. That's it. I did nothing wrong.

SI.com: What were your overall impressions of how Team USA did in Beijing?

Lewis: I was completely embarrassed that the United States could not pass the baton. I've been in track and field for 40 years and I've seen the baton dropped 10 times, and we dropped it twice in the Olympics.

Look, I love Lauryn Williams, but when I read she said the baton had a mind of its own, I honestly said that girl needs to be committed. Are you kidding me? It was her fault. And [Tyson Gay] shouldn't have been running, because he was hurt. I'll give him all the credit in the world because he never complained about his injury, so I got his back there. But he couldn't drive out properly, and when he put his hand back, it was sideways and you can't pass the baton like that. These are mechanical mistakes that a coach didn't see in practice.

SI.com: I was surprised to read IAAF President Lamine Diack recently say that Bolt winning three gold medals in Beijing was more impressive than you winning four in 1984 because he broke three world records and you only broke one with the relay team. Did you see that?

Lewis: Yes, and I sent him an e-mail. For him to make that judgment is wrong. He should talk about Usain on his own merits. Secondly, I said one of the problems in our sport is there is such an emphasis on records and here you are, the president of the federation, talking about records. The sport should be about competition.

You can compare us as sprinters, but the thing I am most proud of is that I did multiple events and I long-jumped. There is not a sprinter on the face of this Earth that can long-jump. I tell people all the time that I wasn't a sprinter that long-jumped, I was a long-jumper that sprinted, and that's a fact.

SI.com: Would you ever consider coaching?

Lewis: No. I'm not a coach and I know it. I'm too busy and it doesn't pay. I'm expensive. But I would always advise.

SI.com: How long is track going to have this black cloud over it, where every broken record is looked at with a skeptical eye?

Lewis: Until the athletes want to change it. People forget that I was the first one to speak out about Ben [Johnson], and I got crucified. A year later, I was a prophet. The athletes have to say, "No, this isn't right." They know who's on it. They need to step up.

I look at someone like [Jamaican track star] Veronica Campbell-Brown, who lives in the United States, and has been transparent and consistent. She won the worlds last year in the 100 meters and this year she can't even make the team? And you're going to tell me that shouldn't be questioned?

SI.com: Do you think American track athletes will ever get the fame and notoriety that you and your counterparts did before drugs tarnished the sport?

Lewis: If the sport doesn't have credibility, you're not going to get the sponsors. It has to come from the inside out and America has to lead the way. We're cleaning things up. But they have to go further. Other people have to speak out.

Here's what angers me: Antonio Pettigrew [a North Carolina assistant track coach who testified in federal court that he took human growth hormone and EPO between 1997-2001 while winning the 4x400 relay gold in the 2000 Olympics, a medal he returned in June] kept his job and he's coaching young athletes. This is wrong. There have to be consequences for your actions.

SI.com: You're one of the few people who can understand what Michael Phelps is going through since he's become an American hero and is thought of as possibly the greatest Olympian ever. Do you see similarities or differences in what he will have to endure outside of his sport?

Lewis: Michael is a great athlete. I know him, so I'm really happy for him and all that, but it changes everything. The unique difference, which I am so happy about, is his sport is 100 percent behind him. Mine was the absolute opposite.

SI.com: What's your take on people trying to compare you and Michael in terms of being the greatest Olympian?

Lewis: I've never been one to compare eras in sports and you can't compare swimming to track and field because there's no way in the world you can get as many medals in track and field as you can in swimming. We can run one or two relays; they can swim five. I didn't realize that of Spitz's seven gold medals in Munich, three were relays. Five of his nine golds were relays. I thought, "If I could run the 4x100, 4x200, and so on, I'd have this many medals." To me, it's not a matter of saying I'm better. It's not even worth comparing. We should just celebrate who he is and leave it at that.

SI.com: Even if the comparisons might not be fair or even make sense in certain situations, aren't you happy that you're name still comes up whenever there's a discussion about the best Olympian or Olympic performances?

Lewis: Honestly, the farther I get from competing, the clearer becomes the significance of what I accomplished. When I was doing it, I don't want to say it wasn't a big deal, but in my mind I was just like a person going to work every day. Only 10 years later do you find out you invented something your second year on the job that revolutionized your business. I was at the Olympics in 2004 and Maurice Greene makes this ridiculous comment that he's the greatest of all-time. All of a sudden, people are asking me about that. Then Justin [Gatlin] wins and can be the first to win the 100 and 200 since me. So here we go again. It was the same thing this year with Phelps. Can he win the most gold medals? Can Bolt win the 100 and 200?

We get caught up in comparing all the time. I have this discussion with young people. They'll tell me Beyonce is better than so-and-so. Why can't we just say that Beyonce is amazing and so-and-so is amazing? I mean Ella Fitzgerald is amazing. Sarah Vaughan is amazing. Whitney Houston is amazing. Why do you have to say that Beyonce is better? Let's just be happy that we had a chance to celebrate all of them.

 

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