President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, is of the opinion that Guyana could field a men’s 4x100m relay team at the Olympic Games this summer.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport yesterday, Hutson said that the association is hoping to build a team around sprinters like Emanuel Archibald and Akeem Stewart.
“The Athletic Association of Guyana is impressed with some of the performances of the athletes that we have seen running the 100m,” said Hutson yesterday.
“I think it is a good opportunity this year if they can keep up their performances for us to venture into 4x100m territory for the Olympics,” he added.
Archibald, who is also looking to qualify for the men’s long jump, has recorded the fastest time for a local sprinter so far this season, clocking 10.21s in the blue riband event.
Hutson pointed out that there are a number of other athletes currently in training who, once they remain healthy, could come together for a competitive relay team.
“World Athletics is looking for the top 16 teams for the Olympics and when I look at performances from Archibald, Akeem Stewart, Nolex Holder, Jeremy Bascom, just to name a few of the athletes, I think that we can really and truly put together a good 4x100m team.”
Athletes based here will have a chance to compete this weekend in an effort to clinch individual Olympic berths when the association hosts its fourth development meet at the National Track and Field Centre.
The AAG head however disclosed that in order for a local team to be ranked among the top 16, it must compete in an international event. He mentioned that the South American Senior Championships scheduled for May 14-16 could provide the perfect opportunity for the team.
“We must have this team to go to the South American Senior Championships if we are to be serious about their participation at the Olympics. They must enter into international competition and be ranked there, they just can’t run as a team at home, there must be international competition.”
He added “We will continue to work with the GOA to provide avenues for them to compete in order to make a genuine bid to have them run in Tokyo.”
The Olympic Games are scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8 in Tokyo, Japan and the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5.
