Young T&T T&F Prospects - All they need is the right nurturing & coaching!

[STMB]

Cedenio Update:

http://www.trackalerts.com/index.php/news/latest-stories/6439-cedenio-joins-kirani-james-former-coach-joseph-in-grenada

ST. GEORGES, Grenada - T&T's double Junior CARIFTA gold medallist Machel Cedenio is undergoing a two-week training stint in Grenada in preparation for the 2012 track and Field. Cedenio, who won the Boys' U-17 200m and 400m double at the CARIFTA Games in Montego Bay, Jamaica last year, has been training with the Gouyave-based Speed Zone Track Club at the Cuthbert Peters' Park with the club coach Albert Joseph, the coach of 2011 World Championships 400m gold medallist Grenadian Kirani James.

In 2011 the lanky sprinter just missed out a medal at the World Youth Championships in Lille, France last July finishing fourth in a personal best of 46.89 seconds, a national under 17 record and then anchored the national boys medley relay team to sixth. Cedenio also won silver medal in the Carifta boys under 17 4X100 and 4X100 relays was part of T&T's 2011 Pan American Junior Championships men's 4x400 silver medal winning team.

The Southern Academy student is a member of the local Quantum Athletic Club under head coach Trevor James and won the men's 100m (11.02) and was second in the 200 (22.24) and the 2012 NAAA Fourth Development meet at the Ato Boldon Stadium,Couva in Trinidad on February 11.

[jai john]

After a long lay off I was pleased to see a topic like this ..... Nothing like discovering them early and putting nurturing systems in place . I hear MLA is being supervised now as she is such a talent ... no scholarship prospects, no job and little focus it was good to hear that the high school drop out is not being allowed to drop out !
I know I mentioned john mark Constantine awhile ago but my interest is now in monitoring a younster called Adelle Colthrust. Not since 13 year old darrel brown have I been so excited to see a youngster run. it is becoming boring nowadays though as he is clearly above his age group ...just as Darrel was.

 Colthrust is still running under 13  this year ...after he cleaned up the division in both sprints last year ... He beat the top runners nationally last year and they hev moved up in age . Asd a result his races this season so far have been procession like and I would even back him to take a call in the 200 metres and still win. ( B mobile take note ...dont wait .. connect as quick as Adelle !! ) 

Still in primary school and turning 12 this year he has already cleaned up locally and in the caribbean in his age group ...he already looks the part of a seasoned athlete ....his coach at southern athletic just brings him faster each year ...I think he manages less than 5 athletes ...great form, tremendous acceleration, making it look so easy.
he is no secret ...just as a diamond in the rough we just have to look beyond the surface ...

[Trini1]

Happy to hear about MLA!!! Hope she continues to progress and grow... I wish she would go to KAB's camp I think Kelly would look after her well but it's good she's getting some form of decent training.

Really excited to hear about Adelle Colthrust!!

[jai john]

Adelle Colthrust led a procession in both the 100m and 200 metres for boys under 13 at the primary school games at the HC Stadium last thursday. What was amazing is that he sped to a 11.77 clocking in the 100m !! needless to say the older boys could not come near his time. In fact for the entire season he has been running  faster  than boys much older than he. He also ran a relay leg which wowed the stadium ...he received the baton last and handed off first between second and third leg. Now it seems like a lot to be said about him after all he is just 13 but i encourage anyone who will be around next weekend to go juvenile champs . You wont regret it.

[fLaSh]

Colthrust is fantastic! He's already breaking 12 for 100m and 24 for 200m winning by a second and half a second respectively. He runs a lot like Tyson Gay. We need to ensure he is not spoilt and burnt out like previous prodigies

[Socapro]

Colthrust is fantastic! He's already breaking 12 for 100m and 24 for 200m winning by a second and half a second respectively. He runs a lot like Tyson Gay. We need to ensure he is not spoilt and burnt out like previous prodigies

Real nice to hear! 

Was Bolt running that fast at age 13?

We need to nurture that youth and not over work and burn him out by the time he becomes a senior athlete. 

[truetrini]

My little cousin crushed them at the 400...and he want to play cricket and swim  lol  Victor Ludorum winner.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Boisson_leads_PoS_to__Primary__track_title-156571055.html

Boisson leads PoS to 'Primary' track title

Story Created: Jun 2, 2012 at 12:03 AM ECT

Story Updated: Jun 2, 2012 at 12:03 AM ECT

Port of Spain emerged champion district in the Atlantic National Primary Schools' Track and Field Championship on Thursday, edging out Tobago for the honour at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.

Port of Spain owe much to Under-13 Boys star Akil Boisson, who was also Victor Ludorum. Dominic Alfred also topped the Under-11 Boys to help Port of Spain take the narrow victory with a total of 414 points.

Tobago finished second, 19 points behind with 395, while Caroni emerged a distant third with 349 points.

St George East (317) were fourth and St Patrick (298.5) rounded out the top five. Sixth to eighth were North East (273.5), Victoria (217) and South East (160).

Boisson sewed up the Victor Ludorum title with 22 points, just ahead of fellow Under-13 sprinter Adel Cothrust (Victoria) and Dominic Alfred (Port of Spain), who tied for second with 20.

Samuel Toney was also impressive for Tobago in the 13-15 Boys Division, but finished in a five-way tied for fourth (18 points).

Among the Under-13 boys Boisson led Port of Spain to victory in the 4x100m relay and 400m events and finished third in the 100m and 200m sprints. Both those races were won by Adel Colthrust of Victoria.

Alfred was the pick of the Under-11 Boys, while Triston Stafford (St George East) was best Under-9 boy.

Among the girls, 13-15 Division sprinter Aquila St Louis (St George East) impressed with 30 points. St Louis prevailed, not only in the 13-15 Girls sprint events in her category, taking both the 100m and 200m events, but in the field as well, where she triumphed in the high jump.

She beat back the pair of Patrice Richards (Caroni) and Schrese Trim (Tobago) overall, as they were joint second with 26 points.

Joint fourth among the girls were Kerneka Waldron (St George East) and Sydney Hayde (North East), both with 22 points.

Hayde was the best athlete among the Under-9 girls, while Richards took the Under-11 Girls title. And Trim was the best of the Under-13 Girls competitors.

SELECTED RESULTS:

Champion Districts

1. Port of Spain – 414; 2. Tobago – 395; 3. Caroni – 349; 4. St George East – 317; 5. St Patrick – 298.5; 6. North East – 273.5; 7. Victoria – 217; 8. South East – 160

Victor Ludorum

1. Akil Boisson (Port of Spain) – 22 points; 2. Adel Colthrust (Victoria), Dominic Alfred (Port of Spain) – 20; 4. Samuel Toney (Tobago), Triston Stafford (St George East), Anson Moses (Tobago), Avindale Smith (St George East), Jaramali Miller – 18

Victrix Ludorum

1. Aquila St Louis (St George East) – 30; 2. Patrice Richards (Caroni), Schrese Trim (Tobago) – 26; 4. Kerneka Waldron (St George East), Sydney Hayde (North East) – 22

Female

U-9: 1. Sydney Hayde (North East) – 22; 2. Maria La Foucade (South East) – 19, Natasha Fox (St Patrick) – 18

U-11: Patrice Richards (Caroni) – 26, Twanna Homeward (North East) – 16, Rae Ann Serville (POS) – (15)

U-13: Schrese Trim (Tobago) – 26; Kerneka Waldron (St George East) – 22; Tiffany Watson (St Patrick), Jenea Spinks (Caroni) – 20

13-15: 1. Aquila St Louis (St George East) – 30; 2. Kershel McIntyre (POS) – 18; 3. Carmelita Phillips (North East), Amirah John (Tobago), Amari Smith (North East) – 16.

Male

U-9: 1. Triston Stafford (St George East) – 18; 2. Jaylon Hyson (St Patrick) 16; 3. Ajay Ramoutar (South East), Jarvon Westfield (POS) – 10.

U-11: 1. Dominic Alfred (POS) – 20; 2. Avindale Smith (St George East) – 18; 3. Terrell Brown (Caroni) – 14.

U-13: 1. Akil Boisson (POS) 22; 2. Adel Colthrust (Victoria) 20; 3. Anson Moses (Tobago) 18.

13-15: 1. Samuel Toney (Tobago), Jaramali Miller (Tobago) – 18; 3 Garnet Antoine (Caroni) – 16.

[Socapro]

Nice one, yuh obviously have talented in yuh family! 

[jai john]

Well Adell Coulthrust just posted a 11.70 running into -0.8 wind for the 100 metres. He is just 12 folks ...tuns 13 next year ! Oh I should mention that he won easily ...not pushed .

[Trini1]

Great stuff!

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/George__Cougars__dominate_at__Juveniles_-158331665.html

George, Cougars dominate at 'Juveniles'
By Kern De Freitas
Story Created: Jun 9, 2012 at 10:53 PM ECT

David George gave Cougars Boys Under-15 100m gold on Day One of the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Juvenile Championships yesterday, while Nikita Paul of Concorde picked up the girls' version at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
 
George edged home in a virtual photo finish with Point Fortin New Jets' Terry Frederick to be the  winner in 11.44 seconds, just one hundredth of a second ahead.
 
Frederick (11.45) picked up silver, and Akanni Hislop (Zenith) was third in 11.54.
 
Adell Colthrust, who dominated Boys Under-11 sprinting last year, grabbed gold once again for Southern Athletics in the Boys Under-13 100m sprint, getting the better of another Zenith sprinter Tyriq Horsford, who clocked 12.32.
 
Jenea Spinks of Neon Trackers won the Girls Under-13 100m dash in 12.74, while Terrel Noel (Simplex; 13.55) and Patrice Richards (Neon Trackers; 14.12) won the Boys and Girls Under-11 100m events respectively.
 
In the Under-9 Division, Vanessa Stephens (9.65) of D'Abadie Progressive and Joshua Lewis of Memphis (9.27) won the 60m dash respectively.
 
Cougars dominated the 4x100m relay events, taking five of the eight contests. They won the Girls and Boys Divisions in the Under-9 and Under-11 age groups, as well as the Boys Under-15 Division.
 
Neon Trackers (Girls Under-13), Air Bon Sonics (Boys Under-13) and Memphis Pioneers (Girls Under-15) won the other Divisions.
 
John took the Boys Under-15 100m hurdles event in 14.79, and Kermisha Serapio of Toco TAFAC (16.24) won the girls' version, where Toco TAFAC swept the podium, thanks to Vanessa Lee (19.51, second) and Daniella Barker (19.70, third).
 
Donicia Antoine (5:22.50) of Toco and Atiba Samuel (4:33.47) of Petrotrin Palo Seco were winners among the Girls and Boys Under-15 1500m events.
 
Kashief King (Point Fortin, 50.58) got Boys Under-15 400m gold, and Renee Stoddard (Neon Trackers 58.84) took the Girls' equivalent.
 
Stephen was also successful in the field, taking the Girls Under-9 long jump with a 3.06m leap, ahead of second-place Zenith competitor Dominique Scott (2.64m), with Amanda Gibbs (2.27m) of St Mary's Children's Home.
 
Akanni Hislop (Zenith) won the Boys' Under-15 long jump  with a 5.79m effort. He beat Kobe John (Memphis Pioneers; 5.42m) and Colin Wheeler (Oasics; 5.34m) into second and third spots respectively.
 
The Boys Under-15 shot put was won by Isaiah Taylor (Abilene Wildcats) with his 11.73m effort, while Zenith's Nkosi James' 11.38m throw was good enough for second place.

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-06-10/colthurst-samuels-bag-gold-medals

Colthurst, Samuels bag gold medals

Colthrust of (Southern Athletics) and Atiba Samuels  (Petrotrin Palo Seco) defended  their titles on the first day of the 2012 National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) Juvenile Championships at the Hasely Crawford  Stadium, Mucurapo yesterday. The two captured gold medals in the Boys under 13 100 and Boys under 15, 1500 metres races respectively. Both were double winners last year. Samuels held on to the boys 1500 metre clocking 4:33.47 to finish ahead of Rushawn Murphy (Cougars) and Otis Barker (Valencia) and will be competing for the gold in the 800 metres today. Colthrust, who has been unbeaten for the last two seasons, ran away with the 100 metres title in 11.81 seconds and is favourite to capture the 200 m crown. Kashief King (Point Fortin New Jets) won double gold taking the boys under 15 400 metres (50.58) and the high jump (1.65 m). Defending club champions Cougars were on fire taking four of the eight 4 x 100  relays  events (Boys under 9, Girls under 11, Boys under 11 and Boy under 15.) Cougars  crossed the line first in the girls under 9 event  but were disqualified. 
 
Secondary schools champion Nikita Paul of Concorde, and Kernisha  Serapio of (Toco TAFAC) also won gold. Paul captured the girls under 15 100 metres in 12.14 seconds ahead of Micheala Neils (GC Striders) and Aquila St Louis (D’Abidie) in third. Serapio won back to back girls under 15 gold. Two time Carifta girls under 17 javalin medallist   Akidah Briggs of (Toco TAFAC) won the girls under 15 shot put with a distance of  11.37 metres and would chase gold medals in the javelin and discus events today. Jenea Spinks (Neon Trackers) took the girls under 13  100m in 12.74 defeating Schrese Trim (Tobago Jaguars) 12.99, as she did at the National Primary Schools Championships on May 31. Defending champion Raylene Kerr (Zenith) was third 13.01. Terrel Noel (Simplex) secured the boys under 11 100m title in 13.55 seconds ahead of Ariel Kerr (Cougars) 13.63 in a reverse of the placing at the National Primary Schools finals. Carifta representative Alisha St Louis of (D’Abadie) won the girls under 15 high jump in the distance of 1.61 metres.
 
Yesterday’s Selected Results:
 
Girls Under 15 Shot Put
1 Akidah Briggs Toco T.A.F.A.C  11.37
2 Alisha St Louis D’Abadie 9.06
3 Jael Lewis Hampton 8.23
 
Boys U15 Javelin throw
1 Javaughn Watson D,Abadie 42.97
2 Vandel Joseph Zenith 36.51
3 Travis Bello  Simplex 33.83
 
Boys U15 High Jump
Kashief King  P/Fortin 1.65
Troy Richards  Toco  1.6
 
Boys Under 9 Long Jump
John Keone  Memphis  Pioneers  3.31
Jacob St Hillaire  Cougars  3.14m
Josiah Dyer  Toco TAFAC  2.94m
 
Boys U9 Long Jump
Keone John Memphis Pioneers  3.31 m
Jacob St Hillaire  Cougers  3.14 m
Marquis  Joseph Cougers  3.03 m
 
Girls Under 9 Ball Throw
Celise Adams  Zenith  20.15
Shinelle Mark  Point fortin Jets 19.91
Reneisha  Andrews  Cougers  18.62
 
Girl Under 15 100 Meter Hurdles
Kermisha Serapio Toco 16.34
Venessa Lee Toco 19.51
Daniella Barker  Too 19.70
 
Boys Under 11 4x 100 Meter  Relay
1 Cougers 54.95
2 Zenith 57.97
3  Simplex 58.03
 
Girls Under 11 4x 100
Cougars  57.28
Neon Trackers  1.00.54
Hampton 1.01.22
 
Boys Under  4x100
Cougars 1.01.47
Memphis Pioneers 1.05.28
D’Abadie Progressive
 
Girls under 9 Long
Vanessa Stepan  D’Abadie  3.06m
Dominique Scott Zenith  2.64m
Amanda Gibbs St  Mary’s Home  2.27 m
 
Girls Under 9 4x100 Meter Relay
Point Fortin 1.08.07
Boys under 15 Shot Put
Isaiah Taylor  Abilene Wildcats  11.72
 
Boys Under 15 shot  Put
Isaiah Taylor  Abilene Wildcats 11.72
Nkosi James  Zenith 11.38m
Akil Federick  Movant Jets 10.21 m
 
Girls Under 15 high Jump
Alisha St Louis D’Abadie 1.61
Daniella Barker Toco TAFAC 1.50
Waldron Zakiya Bishop Anisty 1.45
 
Boys under 13 100 Meter
Adell Colthrust Suthern Athletics  11.81
Tyriq Horsford Zenith 12.41
Jeremiah Marcell Morvant Jets 13.22
 
Boys Under 11 100 meter Dash
Terrel Noel Simplex 13.79
Ariel Kerr Cougars 14.08
Roy Roberts Tobago Falcons 14.08

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-06-30/cedenio-walcott-impress-national-championships

Cedenio, Walcott impress at national championships
Published: Sunday, July 1, 2012

Machel Cedenio and Keshorn Walcott were the most outstanding juniors at the recent Sagicor/NGC National Open Track and Field Championships. Cedenio, a 17-year-old Presentation College student, ran brilliantly to take fifth spot in the men’s 400m finals in 46.02, a new national Under-18 record. He smashed the 46.40 mark of World Championships bronze medallist Renny Quow set back in 2004. The lanky sprinter had won his heat earlier in the day in 46.50, an improvement on his previous best of 46.68 set two weeks earlier at the National Junior Championships. The 2011 Carifta boy’s Under-17 200/400m gold medallist is the top Youth (Under-18) quartermiler in the world. His 46.02 timing is tenth on the World Junior (Under-20) listing. 
 
Cedenio had anchored the national junior 4x400m team to a world leading junior time of 3:05.95, with a scorching anchor leg to run down and past the National B team anchor Stan Waithe in the last 50 metres. The quartet, which included 17-year-olds Asa Guevera (47.28) and Theon Lewis (48.53) and hurdler Brandon Benjamin (47.31) is almost three seconds ahead of the next quickest team on the World Junior rankings, Poland (3:08.81). The quartet will be further bolstered with the inclusion of Jereem Richards, who has a personal best of 46.79. The squad finished third behind the men’s national team, which won in national mark of 3:00.45, and Venezuela (3:04.05). Walcott took the men’s javelin with a throw of 75.00 ahead of a youthful field. Taking second was 17-year-old Shakeil Waithe (51.46) with 16-year-old Precious George (51.24) and 18-year-old Andwele Korede (46.19) following behind. Walcott was short of his Olympic qualifying performance of 80.11 set in Cuba in May, his best throw on local soil (78.94) at the Quantum Classic in May and his Carifta record of 77.59. 
 
His mark of 80.11 puts him at the top of the Junior (Under-20) men javelin rankings. In the men’s shot put, silver medallist Hezekiel Romeo got the iron ball out to 16.72m, over the 16.30 World Junior standard with the 7.26kg shot.  Mark London lost his men’s 800m title, finishing third, but was rewarded with a personal best and world junior time of 1:50.54. The World Junior men’s 4x100m team was third in 40.18 seconds. In the men’s 400m hurdles Brandon Benjamin and Reubin Walters were quicker the World junior standard of 53.34 with Benjamin taking third in 52.13 and Walters fourth one second slower (53.13). Among the women, Kernesha Spann lowered her 400m personal best to 54.35 in finishing fourth in the “A” finals of the open event. Spann was also fourth in the one lap hurdles finals in 1:00.40 getting past the World Junior standard of 1:00.75 for yet another time this season.
 
Rankings
Juniors (U-20)
Men
Pl  Time/Distance  Athlete (s)
Javelin
1  80.11  Keshorn Walcott
4x400m
1  3:05.95  T&T Juniors (Asa Guevera, Brandon Benjamin, Theon Lewis, Machel Cedenio)
400m
10  46.02  Machel Cedenio
200m
20  20.82(+0.6)  Jereem Richards
Youth (U-18)
100m
6  10.50(-1.5)  Jonahan Farinha
200m
3  21.19(-1.2)  Jonathan Farinha
4  21.23(+1.0)  Machel Cedenio
400m
1  46.02  Machel Cedenio
4  47.28  Asa Guevara
110m hurdles (91.4cm)
3  13.68(-1.4)  Reubin Walters
400m hurdles (84.0cm)
9  53.30  Reubin Walters

[Socapro]

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,162807.html

Samuel ready to dominate Juniors
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH
Thursday, July 5 2012

Two-time reigning national 800m/ 1500m Juvenile champion, Atiba Samuel is keen and optimistic of making a successful transition into the more competitive Juniors division next year.

The 14-year-old has been a dominant force from the primary school level and has now directed his sights on making a name for himself. At last year’s National Juvenile Championships, Samuel powered to 800m gold in two minutes and 12 seconds and was also crowned champion of the 1500m event in an impressive time of four minutes and 47 seconds. In 2012, the Siparia West Secondary School student went on to better both times and again took top honours in these respective categories. In the 800m, Samuel won in two minutes ten seconds and in the 1500m, he clocked a four minutes 33 seconds at the same meet.

“I always tell my dad I want to be an international athlete and represent Trinidad and Tobago on the world stage,” said Samuel. “My main goal is to get to the Olympic Games and I know that will be a lot of work but I really am confident that I can do it.”

With reference to the forthcoming transition from Juvenile to Juniors division, the budding athlete was highly expectant that he would be able to challenge in that age group. Samuel, who represents the Petrotrin Palo Seco athletics club, has been training there for over five years under the tutelage of coach Kenny Bermudez.

“My coach makes my training very simple and we understand each other easily. My training is important both in the on and off-season. I think it’s more important in the off-season because when you go back out (to compete), you’ve had a lot of extra time to better yourself, and well in my case, better my times.

This coming off-season I will be doing a lot of running and prep work,” he added. Samuel also spoke of his progress through the national and internal primary school track competitions. He has been Palo Seco Government’s reigning 400m/800m champion and continues to be a dominant force at the secondary level.

Juvenile champion trains three days per week from 5 pm - 8.30 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Samuel affirmed that these crucial hours were the driving force behind his growth as an upcoming local athlete. By next year, the 14-year-old intends to shave a few seconds from his previous 800m/1500m times. “Hopefully by January I would like to probably be running the 800m in one minute 45 seconds and the 1500m in about four minutes 20 seconds.”

[Flex]

But SP, Theon Lewis came in second to Machel Cedenio in the Boys U-17 400m final at 2011 Carifta Games..

Keep an eye on him as well..

[Flex]

Cedenio leads TT sprinters at World Junior Championship
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH (Newsday), July 11 2012

THREE National track athletes advanced to the next stage of competition after day-one of the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday.

Sprinter Machel Cedenio was the most impressive on the opening day as he finished with the fastest qualifying time in Heat Two of the Men’s 400m. Running in lane six, Cedenio recorded a creditable 46.58s finish to advance.

Another TT athlete, Asa Guevara was not so lucky as he finished sixth in Heat Seven. Guevara clocked 47.93s. In the 110m hurdles, Ruebin Walters clinched a spot in the next round with a third place finish in Heat One. Walters’ performance saw him clock his personal best time of 13.92s.

Even though he did not finish in the top two of his heat, the national hurdler advanced with one of the eighth fastest times. Meanwhile, Lisa Wickham barely made it into the semi-finals of the Women’s 100m when she crossed the line fourth fastest in Heat Seven. Her time was recorded as 11.98s.

She was lucky enough to have provided one of the three fastest times after all the top two finishers in the other heats. However, Aaliyah Telesford just missed out on advancing further when she finished fourth in Heat Two of the same event. Her time was 12 seconds flat.

The women outshone the males in the 100m event as both Ashron Sobers and Jonathan Holder failed to move on to the next round. Competing in Heat Five, Sobers could only manage a fifth place finish in 10.84s. Holder had a slightly better performance than Sobers, but grabbed fourth spot in 10.73s.

Today’s events will see local athletes Walters and Cedenio vie for a finalist spot in the 110m hurdles and 400m respectively, while Wickham will contest for top honours in the Women’s 100m final. Locals, Hezekiel Romeo and Brandon Benjamin begin their competitive campaign today in the Men’s Shot Put (6kg) and 400m hurdles respectively.

[STMB]

Did you notice that we had no Junior athletes in either the Men or Women 100m finals?

Not a good sign for the immediate future of T&T sprinting so we have got a lot of work to do to discover new upcoming world class sprint talent.

I also noticed that the USA, Jamaica and Britain all had two sprinters in the 100m Men’s Final so we definitely have some serious catching up to do to maintain our 4x100m Relay Squad as one of the top 5 in the world in the coming years.

Right now we need some young T&T sprinters to step up and show us that they could be world class seniors in the future once they are nurtured and managed properly.
« Last Edit: Today at 03:43:54 PM by Socapro »


I think a few years ago an NAAA official initiated an "Athletics Roadshow or Caravan" that was geared towards an outreach in various areas of the country. It sounded like a good idea at the time but I do not know how it turned out.

If I were the NAAA, I would seek some corporate sponsorship from each and every one of those RICH expat oil & gas companies enjoying wealth from T&T resources (not just BP) to purchase, design, and brand a bus (1 in Trinidad, another in Tobago), outfitted with flat screen monitors to show videos of T&T's rich T&F past. These buses could be deployed at different venues/events on a monthly basis, with prior promotion and teasers to get kids in different areas of the country to come out and get excited about getting involved in track & field. They could then enjoy some introductory training from guest speakers (current/past athletes and certified T&T coaches) and get some hands-on on some of the implements - starting blocks, shot put, discus, javelin, etc.

As mentioned before I believe the challenge in T&T is promotion, catchment and quality coaching of fundamentals to kids. We are lucky that some parents have the foresight to bring their kids out to a track club, but there may be many youths who may not even be aware of their talents. I have had the privilege of speaking to young men in drug rehab in T&T about taking up the sport, as I have seen guys in my time from St. Michael School for Boys end up earning scholarships, representing T&T and making a better life for themselves via track and field.

Lastly, the quality of T&T has gotten better, not at the level we expect, but we have not seen the multiple of athletes contend in junior and senior global events as we have recently. I guess we have to commend some of the T&T club coaches who show up tirelessly for the love of the sport to guide the young charges. However, it is still surprising to observe that in local track meets that for the 50% of athletes performing well, the other half show very poor running form and knowledge about how to run any distances over 100m. There have been clinics for coaches in the past but these clinics always seem to rely on someone coming in from abroad. Don't we have enough local, IAAF-certified coaches who can instruct the others in Trinidad?

[Socapro]

Good idea STMB, let's hope someone connected to the NAAA reads this thread and get them to take up these ideas and seriously try to implement them.

Time to put egos aside and get serious about T&F or we will be left behind by not just Jamaica but also Bahamas and some of the other Caribbean territories who are prepared to make the best possible use of the resources at their disposal. 

[Deeks]

Good idea STMB, let's hope someone connected to the NAAA reads this thread and get them to take up these ideas and seriously try to implement them.

Time to put egos aside and get serious about T&F or we will be left behind by not just Jamaica but also Bahamas and some of the other Caribbean territories who are prepared to make the best possible use of the resources at their disposal. 

I think Bahamas is already ahead of us. Their women have already stood on the rostrum. Ours have not.

[jai john]

Colthrust is fantastic! He's already breaking 12 for 100m and 24 for 200m winning by a second and half a second respectively. He runs a lot like Tyson Gay. We need to ensure he is not spoilt and burnt out like previous prodigies

Real nice to hear! 

Was Bolt running that fast at age 13?

We need to nurture that youth and not over work and burn him out by the time he becomes a senior athlete. 

Thought I would keep a focus on the young talent in T&T ..Adelle Colthrust blasted the record books in jamaica recently at the caribbean Union Track and field championships ....11.28 for the 100 metres ..again leading a procession in that event ....12 + for the second place ...according to his coach ..his eye is set on Usain Bolt and all his records ...the boy is still 12 years old !

[Socapro]

Bump!!

We need to keep this thread up-to-date with news about our upcoming Young T&T T&F Prospects folks!! 

[Deeks]

Bump!!

We need to keep this thread up-to-date with news about our upcoming Young T&T T&F Prospects folks!! 

I agree!!!

[jai john]

Hasely Crawford Stadium - Site License                     16/06/2013 - 4:47 PM
            T&T NAAA JUVENILE CHAMPS 2013 - 15/06/2013 to 16/06/2013           
                           Live Results @ ttnaaa.org                           
                     HASELY CRAWFORD STADIUM, P.O.S. T'DAD                     
 
Event 21  Boys Under 15 100 Meter Dash
============================================================================   
    Name                    Year Team                    Finals  Wind Points   
============================================================================   
Finals                                                                         
  1 Colthrust, Adell          00 Southern Athletics       11.06   0.7  10      
  2 Edwards, Tyrell           99 Toco Titans              11.59   0.7   8       
  3 Hernandez, Daniel         99 D'Abadie                 11.60   0.7   6       
  4 Hislop, Ako               99 Zenith                   11.85   0.7   5       
  5 MC Millan, Joshua         99 Rebirth                  11.88   0.7   4       
  6 Moore, Ronaldo            99 Abilene Wildcats         11.95   0.7   3       
  7 Gordon, Tyreke            99 Zenith                   12.07   0.7   2       
  8 Alleyne-Noreiga, Renaldo  99 Memphis Pioneers         12.10   0.7   1   


Hasely Crawford Stadium - Site License                     16/06/2013 - 4:48 PM
            T&T NAAA JUVENILE CHAMPS 2013 - 15/06/2013 to 16/06/2013           
                           Live Results @ ttnaaa.org                           
                     HASELY CRAWFORD STADIUM, P.O.S. T'DAD                     
 
Event 52  Boys Under 15 200 Meter Dash
============================================================================   
    Name                    Year Team                    Finals  Wind Points   
============================================================================   
Finals                                                                         
  1 Colthrust, Adell          00 Southern Athletics       22.73   1.1  10       
  2 Hernandez, Daniel         99 D'Abadie                 23.50   1.1   8       
  3 Hislop, Ako               99 Zenith                   24.27   1.1   6       
  4 Vance, Rondell            99 Neon Trackers            24.36   1.1   5       
  5 Walcott, Jason            99 Simplex                  24.37   1.1   4       
  6 MC Millan, Joshua         99 Rebirth                  24.53   1.1   3       
  7 Caesar, Aaron             99 P/Fortin N/Jets          24.67   1.1   2       
  8 Bernard, Dariel           99 Dovers                   24.89   1.1   1   

I should add that Adell ran in pain in that 200 and could not even walk up the stairs after his race.... his mother had to meet him downstairs ...according to her ..." he hides his pain  he wont tell us , we have to see it " . I tell you I have never seen a dingle minded individual like this boy in a long while. PB in pain ..I tell you .

[jai john]

Dont forget Ayodele Taffe ...Texam A&M next year to join Lendore .... hope it works out ..improving every race this season ...the 19 year old has certainly run clear of all locals ....

[STMB]

Here's an idea:

Is it possible for Ato Boldon to recruit talent in T&T and be an executive producer of a local version of Inside Athletics?

Imagine a series with interviews of T&T's past and present track and field heroes (both at senior and junior levels) to share their experiences for the benefit of today's young athletes, competing professionals, officials, and the wider T&F spectator community.

There could be formatted questions that may encompass for example, (i) how did you make that shift from average to excellent athlete, (ii) what is key to your initial and continuing success, (iii) what was your most special moment in the sport and what was your personal experience, (iv) what constructively can be done to improve T&F in T&T from a retired and competing athlete perspective, (v) how can officials and past athletes best manage or volunteer to improve athletics in T&T, (vi) what new coaching methods and resources are you employing in T&T/US/elsewhere that have benefitted your successful athletes, etc.

The young athlete audience would benefit by understanding how to set goals, the perseverance and pain involved, the plan to get to end results, the glory experienced in success, etc. The officials would benefit from hearing the common constructive issues (regardless of politics) that challenges the sport - hearing it from the retired group/their peers may resonate better. The overall community of track lovers could benefit from finding ways to get involved in outreach, officiating, volunteering, and coaching education opportunities, etc.

There is a nest egg of interesting story lines from potential interviewees both in the US and in T&T e.g. Laura Pierre first female Olympic sprinter in 1972 (what was her experience competing amidst the Munich massacre); Ian Morris on carrying the 400m flag for T&T for 10 years; Darrel Brown on competing at the highest level as a junior; Gail Emmanuel former women's 400m champ and record holder on transitioning to coaching a very successful NY-based high school program; Joanne Gardner-Hastings on raring Natasha Hastings to become a US Olympic gold medallist; Charlie Joseph on his youthful glory days as a complete sprinter (100, 200, 400m) and transitioning to a successful coach at Abilene Wildcats (Lendore, Greaux, Taffe, etc).

After the season's wrap up there would be a gold mine of data that can be analyzed and summarized in a report to the betterment of the sport for the future

[Socapro]

Bump! 

[Dumplingdinho]

Dont forget Ayodele Taffe ...Texam A&M next year to join Lendore .... hope it works out ..improving every race this season ...the 19 year old has certainly run clear of all locals ....

did Ayodele join Texas A&M?

[STMB]

Though we mostly discuss the benefits and challenges of developing age group level athletes on this thread, here's a good, somewhat lengthy read featuring an interview with Lauryn Williams on taking the leap from college to pro T&F.

In my opinion this is where most athletes with promise end up retiring from the sport because of a lack of financials, access to tracks to train, access to good meets, and a lack of knowledge about what to look for in a good pro coach, agent, training base with resources (sports medicine, supplements, etc), and a quality training group:

Lauryn Williams Q&A: the transition from Collegiate to pro Track & Field

POSTED ON JUNE 20TH, 2014 • ELLIE SPAIN
For graduating seniors, this is a very exciting, but often intimidating and confusing time of the year.

For those who have had a successful NCAA career, the transition from the NCAA ranks to a professional career in our great sport brings about many unfamiliar circumstances, and often difficult decisions. Paramount of these are deciding on the training group/coaching set-up, and which agent to choose. We asked Lauryn Williams – a multi-time World and Olympic medalist (and also one of the very, very few athletes to have ever medaled in a Summer AND a Winter Olympic Games) to offer some advice to the soon-to-be pro athlete.

Firstly – thanks for joining us Lauryn. As an athlete who enjoyed immense success in both the NCAA and professional ranks, your opinion on this most important of topics is both required, and respected by many. Graduating seniors are often placed in very difficult positions, and are asked to make extremely important decisions without having the required background and understanding in the professional ranks of the sport. This unfamiliarity makes it very difficult for them to make an informed decision at this crucial stage in their careers, in an area that has a massive impact in determining the success or failure of the remainder of their careers – namely – their choice of coach and agent.

As you now begin to get more involved in aiding young athletes (partly from your work with the TFAA), we would like to speak to you about some of the things that you have learned throughout your career. I’m sure you have many lessons for the recently graduated athlete!

So firstly – is it necessary for a professional track and field athlete to have an agent?

The current state of our sport makes it hard to get races and negotiate fees without an agent. It is not mandatory – but without an agent you would have to contact the meets personally to ask for a lane and negotiate your appearance fees. If you are not well versed in business, this could be complicated. Additionally, meet promoters can choose to, or not to, do business with you and may side with agents in wanting to keep a short list of professionals they are dealing with as opposed to each athlete individually. Choosing a family member has become popular, but family members run into the same problem as athlete when negotiating. Additionally, your family member may place more value on you than a meet promoter does. If he/she gets too pushy, this might cause you to be shut out as well. Also – it is critically important that you realize that your agent works for YOU – not the other way around.


What is the difference between a race agent and a commercial agent?

Track agents will handle shoe contracts, race schedules, appearance fees for races and collection of prize money. They usually will handle negotiation for any request for appearance or sponsorship that are pitched to them by a company with interest in you but will not go out and actively seek sponsorship opportunities other than shoe contracts. Agents mostly eat what they kill which is taking 15-20% of whatever deal they are involved in. It should be noted that they usually also take of prize money at races and 15-20% of world championship money though there is no negotiation required on their part.

Commercial agents build a platform specific to you and pitch it to companies where you may fit well. They are focused on building your ‘brand’, and gaining media familiarity so that you are widely known and sought after for sponsorship opportunities

Are there agents that do both?

I think Bolt’s agent (Ricky Simms) does, but I can’t name another – there may be one or 2 others, but not many agents in track and field do both.

Should athletes have both?

Yes – if an athlete is interested in building a recognizable brand larger than the sport they compete in. You should also realize that commercial agents usually request a monthly retainer in addition to taking a percent of what they secure for you. Sometimes it will take a while for deals to come in and you may pay a commercial agent for months before you start to see income coming in.

When athletes are looking for an agent, what types of things should they be thinking about?

•   How many athletes does the agent have in total: How much energy will the agent have to put towards your career?

•   How many in my specific event group: If there are already multiple athletes in your event, chances are you may get passed over for many lanes – as the agent will already have established relationships with his current stable.

•   What the level of their athletes is: If you go with an agent who is representing a bunch of big-names, you could get lost in the shuffle; whereas, if you find an agent with a bunch of other athletes around your same level, chances are that agent will work harder for you.

•   Besides choosing your coach, partnering with the right agent is the most important decision you can make. Take your time – and do your research. many athletes will jump at the first contact an agent makes. However, if this first contact was from the wrong agent, then this could lead down the wrong road. Be patient – talk to as many as you can. Speak to as many professional athletes as you can that are competing at your level. Let them help direct this decision!

What are the typical contract terms?

A one-year deal automatically renewing into the next year if you don’t cancel or say otherwise. Beware of signing multi-year contracts – at least initially, before you have established a strong relationship with the agent. There should be a feeling-out period for both parties.

“Besides choosing your coach, partnering with the right agent is the most important decision you can make. Take your time – and do your research.”

Lauryn Williams

As the majority of meets are in Europe, is it best to sign with a US-based or a Europe-based agent?

This is based on personal preference – there are good agents State-side and in Europe. Think about being able to reach your agent when there is a time difference. Usually US agents are in Europe the majority of summer so it’s not a big deal. Often, European agents have closer ties with European meet directors – so if you’re not a super-star, and are thinking about running some smaller meets, then it is often better to go with a European-based agent.

What are the main ways that a track & field athlete can make a living?

Currently the main source of income is a sponsorship contract from a shoe company. There are bonuses and incentives inside that contract that could pay extra on top of the base amount. At races you might be offered an appearance fee based on your resume and then at the various meets there is prize money based on placing. It should be noted that not all races pay all 8 lanes, however!

What can athletes do to better market themselves?

In addition to sponsorship and prize money American athletes can apply for possibly grant support from the USATF Foundation. There is also a new initiative called AthleteBiz, which empowers our athletes to define their brand, tell their story, market themselves, and unleash their entrepreneurial potential. Social media is now the obvious way to promote your brand: remember that your career as an athlete is very short – you have to make the most of it while you can!

In North America, athletes and coaches hear a lot about the Diamond League races, and that’s it. It should be noted that there are races throughout Europe most every day – many of them exceptional competitions, with great fields and crowd-support. It is in these meets that younger athletes will ply their trade, and learn the ropes of international competition. It is for this reason that it is important to have an agent that knows the smaller meets, and has relationships with the smaller meet promoters.

We all know athletes who spend all summer in Europe, and actually make a pretty decent living bouncing from one competition to the next: exactly how much can young athletes expect to earn from these non-Diamond League events?

Typical payout varies based on event and caliber of athlete but I would say $2,000 for winning is average for a non DL meet, then working down from there, with places 4-8 paying between 200 euros and nothing.

Lauryn, we’ve also opened the floor to our followers on Twitter – so firstly a question the from @Wade01 who has asked you to talk about the way agents, coaches, training groups and pro track athletes are paid.

It is hard sometimes for athletes to balance the role reversal that takes place when going from college to professional. As a pro, your coach is now paid by you and is a member of your staff. You are no longer a member of their team – it is important to discuss how this will work and how to have your own voice while trusting your coach to create a successful program for you.

Selecting your first professional coach is the single most important decision you will make as an athlete. Do your due diligence. Talk to prospective coaches a lot. Ask them intelligent questions – about everything. Not only their training. Do they have any history working with athletes who have doped? If so – be wary. Speak to the coaches’ former athletes – or even current ones, if you can. If possible, visit the coach – and the training group – at practice. Watch the athletes – are they technically sound? Are many of them injured, or does the coach have a history of injured athletes in the group? The training environment is EVERYTHING! If everyone seems like they are enjoying themselves, having fun, and working hard, then this will help inform your decision. If possible, spend some time with one or more of the athletes in the group – ask if you can go out for a coffee or a tea. Remember – this decision should NOT be rushed into!

“Selecting your first professional coach is the single most important decision you will make as an athlete. Do your due diligence. Talk to prospective coaches a lot. Ask them intelligent questions – about everything.”

Lauryn Williams

Now from @beastNdaBlocks who asks: How were you able to handle the mental hurdles? (I.e. injuries, bad championship performances)

The hardest thing is getting back up when you have been knocked down. Whether race rhythm is off, injury or unexplainable crappy runs, it sucks to be in a slump. The best first step is to reassess your plan. What might you being doing wrong? The biggest mistake we make is looking for someone or something to blame. Your performance is your responsibility and your thoughts become your actions. My rule is 24hr pity-party – then move on to trying to fix the problem. Positive energy is the weapon against negative energy.

Thirdly – a question from @Jroz_the_motto who asks: What is the time commitment, and how do you put yourself on the map?

The biggest thing is knowing how to properly manage your time. During college you have no choice but to balance class, track and socializing – among other things. If you plan to pursue track in a post-collegiate setting you probably did a good job at juggling all these balls. Now as a pro you are responsible for showing up to practice and that is all. It is easy to use your free time to get fat eating out more and finding trouble to get into to fill the time. I would suggest finding a productive hobby or community activity to volunteer in.

Also – ditch the sense of entitlement. You have enough time to handle your own business, so don’t say ‘I have people who do this or that, so that all I have to do is focus on training’. You will find that making sure your ducks are in a row is a full time job but you are more than capable of staying up to date on issues in your sport and new rules and regulations etc: Read something at least 3x a week about the state of the sport.

And our last twitter question comes from @JezMcBackson: How do you deal with the time zone difference in Europe when you go to compete?

Firstly, it is most important that you are taking good care of your sleep and rest environment at home – BEFORE you even begin to travel. Are you watching TV until midnight? Are you playing video games. Is you sleep poor? Ensure that this is all taken care of first! Then, you can begin to strategize as to how you will travel. Begin adjusting your sleep patterns a few days before traveling helps – as does frequent walking and drinking on the plane during the flight. Make sure you get a light shake-out done when you arrive – this can be done at the hotel, or in the parking lot – just make sure it gets done!

Lauryn, thanks for your time – some informed and honest advice for all athletes!

[Socapro]

Bump!! 

We need to keep this thread updated folks so we can easily check who are our best prospects for the future!

[Socapro]

IAAF Ambassador Ato Boldon and his 5 points of advice to young athletes
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/zLhLur5uqJw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/zLhLur5uqJw</a>