Machel Cedenio is elated with his T&T record run of 44.01 seconds in the epic men’s 400m finals. Though he had to settle for fourth place behind the winner, Wayde Van Niekerk (RSA), who sped to a world record time of 43.03, Cedenio is thankful for his accomplishment.
“It was great race and a fast race. Wayde broke the world record and I ran a personal best and a national record. Thank God enough for that. I am satisfied. My coach is happy. I know everyone home is happy,” said Cedenio.
The 20-year-old broke the previous national record of 44.21 set by Ian Morris who was also fourth at the 1992 Olympic finals in Barcelona, Spain. The 2014 World Junior champion took his feat in stride and is looking forward to next year’s World Championships in London.
“I am disappointed I didn’t get a medal but I am still young. I am patient,” Cedenio told Trackalerts.com.
“I am going to go back to the drawing board, train hard and come back for (the) Worlds (Championships) next year,” added the World Championships 2015 finalist.
The six-time Carifta gold medallist was also beaten by defending champion, Kirani James (GRN), 43.76, and 2008 winner Lashawn Merritt (USA), 43.85.
The fifteenth fastest 400m runner ever, was in high praise of Van Niekerk’s phenomenal run. “I know he is great. I am happy for him. He has the potential. He ran 43.48 last year. His record run has motivated me and make me want to train harder.”
Cedenio is now looking forward to the men’s 4x400m where he will have a second chance for a medal in Rio. He anchored the team to silver at the 2015 World Championships.
“I am just going to focus on the (men’s 4x400m relay as we (Trinidad and Tobago) still have a chance to medal.”
He was a member of the relay team at the London Olympics four years ago , as a reserve, at the age of just 16 years. He did not run, but his compatriots finished third. One year later, he was again in the squad at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow and then at 18 years running the third leg of the bronze medal winning quartet in the 2014 World Relays.