Fresh off defeating World Champion Brianna Collins, U.S star hurdler, Kristi Castlin arrived in Guyana yesterday on a three-day visit to inspire, educate and encourage youths about the sport and the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Diamond League winner stated that this is the first time she is visiting the ‘Land of Many Waters’ and is looking forward to a productive 72 hours.
“I definitely feel honoured and I appreciative for coming here to Guyana, I would love to spend some more time doing some hurdle clinics and teaching the local athletes here about hurdling” she told the media yesterday.
Castlin, 26, is still getting used to her heightened status on the international track and field stage but plans to use her stardom to influence youths around the world about hurdling.
“It is a very dynamic event, a lot of people that can do the hurdles can do the conventional 100, 200 and 400m events, so by participating in an event like the hurdles, it makes you diverse, strong and explosive so it’s an important event to have in this country because it doesn’t limit the athlete,” Castlin pointed out.
During a hectic first day, Castlin paid to courtesy call to the Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, met with students at the Synthetic Track at Leonora and conducted a coaching clinic at the National Resource Centre.
Anthony welcomed Castlin to Guyana, praised and quizzed her during a 10-minute chat then hailed her as a role model for young athletes.
During her visit to Leonora, Castlin encouraged the gathering of about 30 students to pursue a career in track and field and also educated them about the benefits of incorporating exercise into their everyday lifestyle.
She also told Minster Anthony that the facility is “definitely a place where international athletes can come to train and compete.”
Note:Anthony told Stabroek Sport yesterday that the facility will become operable from the first quarter of 2015 once the club house is opened. “Once that is completed we will be ready to go” said Anthony.
According to her itinerary for today, Castlin is expected to be on a local television programme, visit schools in the North Georgetown District and share information on proper technique, physical fitness, diet and training regimens with 30 athletic specialists from 13:30hrs to 15:30hrs at the Resource Centre.
Tomorrow, Castlin will be at the GDF ground from 13:30hrs where the general public is invited.
Castlin’s sojourn is funded by an American Embassy travel grant.
