Basseterre
Tyriq Horsford produced one of the most outstanding performances at Carifta 2015 here in Basseterre, St Kitts. The 15-year-old Trinidad and Tobago athlete established a new record in the boys’ under-18 javelin, his 70.73 metres monster throw earning him gold and the admiration of all who witnessed the Sunday morning feat.
Horsford was among the contenders for the Austin Sealy Award, presented to the most outstanding performer at the Games. The eventual recipient was triple gold medallist Mary Fraser. The Barbadian won the girls’ under-18 800 metres and 1500m events, as well as the girls’ open 3,000m.
Horsford was one of six T&T gold medallists at the 44th Carifta Games. Isaiah Taylor (boys’ under-18 shot put), Portious Warren (girls’ under-20 shot put), Andwuelle Wright (boys’ under-20 long jump), Kayelle Clarke (girls’ under-20 200m) and Akanni Hislop (boys’ under-18 200m) were also in winners’ row.
Jonathan Farinha looked a good bet for another gold, but pulled up lame in Monday’s boys’ under-20 200m final.
In addition to the six gold medals, T&T bagged eight silver and eight bronze, for a total of 22. T&T finished fourth on the medal table, behind perennial champions Jamaica (41 gold, 25 silver, 19 bronze), Bahamas (8 gold, 13 silver, 10 bronze), and Barbados (7 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze).
Hislop secured his gold medal on Monday, scorching the track in a personal best 20.91 seconds.
“I knew from the start,” Hislop told the Express, “I had to catch my two opponents outside of me. Once I did that I knew I was going to win.”
T&T head coach Reynold Porter-Lee named Hislop among the team’s standout athletes. His list also included Taylor, Horsford, Warren and girls’ under-20 high jump silver medallist Khemani Roberts.
“It’s a satisfactory performance,” Porter-Lee declared, “because most of the athletes lifted their game.”
National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) president Ephraim Serrette was very impressed with Horsford, whose 70.73m throw signalled to the world that another “Keshorn Walcott” is in the making.
“We would have identified that two years ago,” Serrette told the Express, “from our age-group championships. Last year he was here as a 14-year-old, and was fourth. In the ball throw at the age-group championships, they could not measure his throw.
“We want to encourage and support him, and other athletes where we see the talent. We need to have some fund where we would be able to assist those athletes to continue to train, assist them medically and nutrition-wise.”
Horsford told the Express that Walcott, T&T’s reigning Olympic men’s javelin champion, is a source of inspiration.
“Since I was growing up, I was seeing him throwing great distances for his age, and I was amazed.”
Horsford is producing amazing feats as well, and has his sights set on the 74.78m world under-16 record, held by Australian Luke Cann.
Exciting times for T&T sport
As the drama that is general elections in T&T begins in earnest, there are calls for a greater quality of public engagement. Concerns have been expressed in many quarters. There is a pervading sense of frustration and anger as the populace seeks answers to the fundamental question—what will the future hold for the twin island republic?
The very same concerns have been expressed within sport about sport in T&T. The perception of uncertainty is dominating mind space. People have negative emotions–they are in fight or flight mode. They are anxious and insecure. Uncertainty is stifling confidence, notwithstanding the fact that many people are feeling beleaguered and angry. The nation building process is at work.
Somewhat hesitantly our society is waking up to the reality and challenge of shaping the country and society it wants.
Some people and organisations will buckle under the pressure sinking into despair losing confidence, while others will bend and bounce back.
Changing from negative to positive emotions about the situation will require resilience as distinct from optimism.
Without denying the facts, resilience is needed. Resilient people possess three defining characteristics; they accept the harsh realities facing them. They find meaning and purpose in difficult times. And they find a way to innovate, create and be inventive making do with the resources that are available. Right now in T&T resilience and learning to be resilient is important.
We have to build the bridge to a better future by facing up to the reality of our situation. Wishful thinking and denial will not wipe our problems and issues away. We have to get out of the victim mode and thinking.
This is not to say that being optimistic should be used to distort reality. By the same token optimism can be turned into denial with dire consequences. Optimism has its place and should be encouraged.
Resilience on the other hand is pragmatic about the reality.
National Sport Organisations (NSOs) can’t remain on the periphery of the dialogue and discussions. Sport must play a key role in articulating the role sport can and must play in the immediate, near and long term future of T&T.
Facing and confronting reality can be unpleasant but it allows us to prepare for the challenges that must be overcome.
Organisational resilience requires having strong value systems. Strong value systems allow an organisation to share a common set of values that are core and that can be used to hold an organisation together in hard times. Important decisions are shaped by the value system. In the main strategy and mission may change but values remain constant.
Recently while browsing through two books—A History of Modern Trinidad 1783-1962 by Bridget Brereton and Inward Hunger by Dr Eric Williams—history provided compelling clues and lessons.
Making sense of what’s happening currently in T&T when looked through the prism of history is easier. There are deep historical and social dimensions and constructs that shape the response of our society.
There are subtleties at play that aren’t obvious and the natural consequence is a lack of context and understanding.
T&T is entering a new and different dynamic. Our society is evolving and wrestling with the issues of nation building.
Every aspect of T&T life is being challenged—old and existing value systems, norms and cultures. Nothing is sacrosanct.
It’s an exciting time for T&T.
The debate and discussions are necessary and should be encouraged. Now is not the time for intolerance. We must welcome and embrace the diversity of views, values, lifestyles and opinions.
We are defining what we want social progress to look like. Reaching our full potential individually and collectively demands that we welcome the current convulsions and not be afraid or traumatised by them.
Thompson targets Beijing medal
…opens season with windy 200 win
The 2014 season was a mixed bag for Richard “Torpedo” Thompson.
In June, at the Trinidad and Tobago Championships, Thompson produced a 9.82 seconds national record run to capture the 100 metres title. Three weeks earlier, he had clocked a wind-assisted 9.74 at a meet in Florida, USA.
The 9.82 sizzler put the T&T track star in pole position ahead of the July 23-August 3 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. However, he was unable to live up to his status as favourite for the 100m title, bowing out of the event after finishing third in his semi-final heat in 10.19 seconds.
Thompson told the Express fatigue was responsible for his sub-par performance.
“My body was just tired, to be honest. People asked if I was injured or if something happened, but that wasn’t the case. The road back to healthy started in early September 2013, and it really took a lot out of me physically, mentally and emotionally, getting back to the times I got down to. When we got to late July and beyond, my body was fried.”
After a disappointing 2013 campaign that was hampered by a painful hip injury, Thompson put his body through an arduous 2014 season. Not since his final year on the US collegiate circuit, in 2008, had Thompson raced as much as he did last year.
“I proved in 2014 that I can run very fast again. What’s important though is doing it at the right time. I want to run fast on the circuit, and I want to be the national champion, but far more significant than that is being a medallist in Beijing.”
Thompson is planning to be in Beijing for the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships. He has fond memories of the Chinese city, having earned silver medals in the 100m and 4x100m events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Thompson is also eyeing the July 10-26 Pan Am Games, in Toronto, Canada.
“I’d like to be a part of the Pan Am team. I’ve never run in Toronto before, and I have a lot of family there. Even if it’s just on the relay team, I’d like to do it. That will give us a chance to work together and perfect our exchanges for Beijing.”
The 29-year-old sprinter said he is satisfied with his build-up to the 2015 season.
“Preparations have been good so far. I’m thankful to be healthy and not to have to dig myself out of a hole, as I did last year coming into the season. I’m in a much more relaxed state, physically and mentally, than I was at this time last year, so there’s less emotional stress.
“Also,” Thompson continued, “we don’t have to run as many races trying to familiarise my legs with sprinting at that high level again. We can plan the season better so that the right races come at the right time.”
Thompson opened his 2015 campaign on Saturday, at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Battle on the Bayou meet, in Louisiana, USA. He won the men’s 200m event, the triple Olympic medallist clocking a wind-assisted 20.81 seconds. Another T&T sprinter, Shermund Allsop was sixth fastest in a windy 21.87.
“I haven’t yet confirmed my first professional outdoor meet,” Thompson explained. “That circuit usually starts in May, so I will be using some of the smaller meets at LSU in April to get ready for the big ones.”
Continental rotation of World Cup proposed as Prince Ali publishes FIFA Presidential manifesto
FIFA Presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein today published his manifesto to reform football's world governing body, with the establishment of a formal continental rotation system for the World Cup among its key elements.
Entitled A FIFA Worthy of the World's Game the document details specific pledges to transform FIFA into a service organisation that is a model of good governance and ethical conduct.
Prince Ali said he envisages a "virtuous circle which will take the beautiful game of football to new and unprecedented levels all over the world".
The manifesto is the result of an extensive international consultation process involving National Association leaders, players, coaches, sponsors, fans and other stakeholders, he claimed.
The Jordanian foresees the World Cup being played in different countries, in a similar way to Euro 2020, but believes all stakeholders should be consulted before making a decision on expanding the tournament from its current 32 team make-up.
"My manifesto for reforming FIFA reflects my discussions with National Associations around the world and the priorities that they have expressed to me," said Prince Ali, President of the Jordan Football Association and vice-president of FIFA.
"They have told me that they want a FIFA Development Programme which is transparent, fair, generous and flexible - and which delivers tailored support where it is most needed, so that the level of the game rises for all."
Prince Ali claimed there was a "culture of intimidation" within football's governing body at the launch of his campaign in February and insisted he cannot be a part of FIFA if incumbent President Sepp Blatter is re-elected.
The 39-year-old has promised greater transparency by making public the salaries of the FIFA President and Executive Committee members, as well as the minutes from Executive Committee meetings.
Ensuring commmerical success is also high on Prince Ali's list of priorities to increase the funds available to invest in football around the world.
"It is clear to me that FIFA currently rides rather than drives the success of the beautiful game of football," he added.
"With good governance, targeted development, and growth in the game around the world, there is a great deal of room for improvement in FIFA's commercial performance, and National Associations around the world would benefit from a more commercially savvy and successful FIFA capable of generating more money to invest in them and in football.
"I will lead by example and I have a clear vision to accelerate a long-term plan for football development.
"I am committed to a programme of reform for FIFA that has football's best interests at heart and I want the game to flourish for generations to come.
"With a new culture of democracy and with leadership that promotes accountability, transparency and integrity, the global football community can unite to form a new FIFA that National Associations, players, fans and all our stakeholders can all be proud to belong to and own."
The evaluation and optimisation of the international match calendar is another prominent pledge, with a review of the world ranking system and a full and open debate about the place of technology in football also proposed.
Additionally, a detailed 10-point proposal for development has been drawn up, including providing more support for National Associations who need it most and more investment in women's football.
Prince Ali is aiming to ensure that every Football Association in the world will have what it needs to play the game, including basic infrastructure and equipment, within four years.
Despite the endless amount of corruption allegations made towards FIFA and the fact that he could face three different challengers to his Presidency - with The Netherlands' Michael van Praag and Portugal's Luis Figo the other two candidates - Blatter remains the firm favourite to continue in a role he has held since 1998.
The National Associations are due to vote to decide the winning candidate at the FIFA Congress on May 29 in Zurich.
To view the full manifesto, click here.
T&T swimmers start with 5 gold
Five gold medals, one silver and two bronze, were on the cards for the Trinidad and Tobago swim team on the opening night of the 2015 Carifta Championships at the Barbados Aquatic Centre Friday night. The effort in the pool was boosted in the Boys’ 15-17 4x100m relay, where the T&T team won gold, clocking three minutes, 36.50 seconds. Currently, the national team stands at third on the overall standings after the first day of competition.
Jeron Thompson, Kael Yorke, Racine Ross and Tyla Martin were the other swimmers who got to the wall first in their individual events.
Thompson won the Boys 13-14 50m backstroke, clocking 28.47 seconds. Yorke got home first in the 100m butterfly in 58.17. Racine Ross (13-14) and Tyla Martin (15-17) both won the 100m butterfly Girls events, clocking 1:04.78 and 1:04.82 respectively. Meanwhile, the 15-17 boys were able to clock 3:36.50 on the way to victory in the Boys 4x100m relay.
Other athletes to cop precious metal included Aquel Joseph, who came second in the Boys 11-12 100m butterfly, clocking 1:05.82. Jahmia Harley placed third in the Girls 11-12 100m butterfly in 1:10.53, and Emil Goin with 57.23, won bronze in the same event in the Boys 15-17 division.
Graham Chatoor may not have medalled last night, but he did have a reason to be satisfied, shaving 33 seconds off his personal best when he clocked 17:36.31, finishing fifth in the Boys 13-14 1500m freestyle.
The four-day competition features junior swimmers from across the region and is but a small portion of the overall action. The event also includes the already completed water polo and synchronized swimming events from March 27-29, while the open water event will conclude the championships on April 8.
Team standings:
1.Bahamas 209.
2.Barbados 149.50.
3.Trinidad and Tobago 128.
4.Guadeloupe 117.
5.Jamaica 112.
6.Suriname 73.
7.Aruba 72.
8.Cayman Islands 64.
9.Bermuda 61.
10.Martinique 57.
GOLDEN TAYLOR
Silver for St Clair, Briggs, James
Isaiah Taylor produced Trinidad and Tobago’s first golden moment at the 44th Carifta Games, here in Basseterre, St Kitts, yesterday.
Taylor topped the Boys Under-18 shot put field with a Games record throw of 17.56 metres. Jamaicans Kevin Nedrick (17.44m) and Kyle Mitchell (17.03m) earned silver and bronze, respectively.
Jacob St Clair produced a spectacular run to strike silver in the Boys Under-18 400 metres final.
St Clair made a strong challenge for the title, the T&T quartermiler battling hard in the final stages of the race. He closed in on the leader, Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor, but eventually ran out of track. St Clair had the satisfaction, though, of clocking a personal best 46.73 seconds. Taylor got gold in 46.64, while bronze went to another Jamaican, Devaughn Ellington (47.43).
Asha James claimed silver for T&T in the Girls Under-18 javelin with a 45.12m throw. Gold went to Barbadian Hayley Matthews (47.37m), while bronze was bagged by Dominica’s Shanee Angol (43.55m). Another T&T thrower, Akidah Briggs (40.35m) was sixth.
Briggs put T&T on the medal table during yesterday’s morning session.
The Toco field athlete threw the iron ball 15.09m to seize silver in the Girls Under-18 shot put. Briggs was in pole position for much of the competition, taking the lead in round one with a 14.43m effort. She followed up with her 15.09 personal best in round two, and kept the lead up to the end of the fourth round.
In round five, however, Jamaica’s Sahjah Stevens produced a monster throw, 16.31m, establishing a new Carifta Games record and snatching gold from Briggs in the process. In an effort to land the big one, Briggs fouled her last three attempts. Bahamian Laquell Harris earned bronze with a 14.54m effort.
At the end of the competition, Briggs spoke to the Sunday Express.
“The feeling is very good. I expected more than this, but unfortunately I came out with the silver medal…not what I wanted, but I’m extremely satisfied. The goal was over 16 metres. Unfortunately I fell short, but I’m happy that I got the silver medal and I’m also happy that I got over 15 metres.”
Renee Stoddard finished sixth in the Girls Under-18 400m final, the T&T quartermiler clocking 55.95 seconds.
Meanwhile, both Tauren George and Aaron Lewis are through to today’s Boys Under-20 400m hurdles final.
George was an automatic qualifier, clocking 55.09 seconds to secure third spot in the opening heat. Lewis, though, advanced as a “fastest loser” after finishing fifth in heat two in 55.15.
Lewis went out hard and looked a contender for one of the automatic qualifying berths, but faded coming home.
Ashton Gill returned a time of four minutes, 08.10 seconds to finish seventh in the Boys Under-20 1500m. His T&T teammate, Iley Bruce was eighth in 4:14.30.
In the Girls Under-18 long jump, Safiya John (5.24m) and Chevelle McPherson (4.85m) were sixth and 14th, respectively.
Omari Benoit finished seventh in the Boys Under-20 high jump. The T&T jumper’s best clearance in the competition was 2.00m. In the Boys Under-20 discus, Kenejah Williams threw 44.36m to secure seventh spot. In the Boys Under-18 high jump, Franklyn Stanislaus cleared the bar at 1.80m to finish 11th.
And late on Friday, Alisha St Louis finished sixth in the Girls Under-18 triple jump. The T&T athlete produced a wind-assisted 11.56m effort. Her only wind-legal jump in the competition was 11.38m.
After press time, last night, T&T’s Kayelle Clarke challenged for the Girls Under-20 100m title. The New Mexico Junior College freshman won heat one in 11.64 seconds to advance to the final as the second fastest qualifier.
The other T&T sprinter in the event, Kadesha Prescott was 11th overall in 12.33, and did not qualify for the championship race.
Akanni Hislop was among the starters in the Boys Under-18 100m final. He was third in his heat in 10.68 and progressed as a “fastest loser”. Hislop’s T&T teammate, Tyrel Edwards was disqualified for a false start in heat two.
Xavier Mulugata qualified for the Boys Under-20 100m final when he finished third in heat two in a wind-assisted 10.57. He advanced via the “fastest loser” route. Francis Louis clocked a windy 10.58 in heat three, and just missed out on a lane in the final.
And in the Girls Under-18 100m, Deleth Charles and Akeera Esdelle were eliminated. Thirteen-year-old Charles finished 15th overall in 12.33 seconds, while Esdelle was 16th in a wind-aided 12.42.