Last year at the inaugural International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays in Bahamas, team Trinidad & Tobago definitely made an impression on the world stage by bringing home three medals, one silver and two bronze.
Here are some facts from last year’s performances. (1) Forty-three countries took part in the IAAF World Relays. (2) Only thirteen made it onto the podium, Trinidad & Tobago was amongst the thirteen. (3) Trinidad & Tobago was fourth in the medal standings, being one of only four countries that won three or more medals. (4) Eight of the thirteen countries only won one medal. (5) Twenty-Nine of the forty-three countries accumulated points; Trinidad & Tobago was sixth in the point standings.
With this is mind our athletes will be going into the second edition of the IAAF World Relays on a positive note. In 2014, Trinidad & Tobago’s quartet of Kamaria Durant, Michelle Lee Ahye, Reyare Thomas and Kai Selvon re-wrote the history books on day one of the relays when they won bronze in the 4X100m. This was the first time ever that our women have medaled in a relay on the World Stage. This year the ladies 4X100m relay pool comprises of Michelle Lee Ahye; Kelly Ann Baptiste; Kai Selvon; Reyare Thomas; Kamaria Durant and Lisa Wickham.
On the men’s side of the table, the quartet of Keston Bledman; Marc Burns; Rondel Sorrillo and Richard Thompson who won silver in the 4X100m last year, will all be back, together with Marcus Duncan; Kyle Greaux and Emmanuel Callender.
The seven athletes are all part of the 4X100m and 4X200m relay pools. Our men’s 4X400m team of Lalonde Gordon, Renny Quow, Machel Cedenio and Jarrin Soloman not only won bronze last year, but they did it in fine style, by setting a new National Record of 2.58.34. Joining them this year will be Jacob St. Clair and Kyle Greaux.
The women’s 4X400m team will come from Janeil Bellille; Romona Modeste; Alena Brooks; Josanne Lucas and Magnolia Howell. This year the IAAF World Relays will be held on the 2nd – 3rd May at the Robinson Stadium Nassau Bahamas.
Accompanying the team will be Manager Mr. Dexter Voisin Coaches Dr. Ian Hypolite and Charles Joseph, Medical team Dr. Anyl Gopeesingh, Zephyrinus Nicholas and Verne Alleyne. The team departs on the 29th April.
The National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago will like to take this opportunity to wish the entire team all the best in their endeavors, as they strive to remain the most successful sport in Trinidad & Tobago.
