The seven-member track and field outfit currently in Bogota, Colombia will get into the blocks today at the South American Athletics U20 Championships and they are all primed for the podium.
So said Johnny Gravesande, the super confident coach on the sojourn.
Gravesande was in high praise of the chances of his charges when he spoke to the media yesterday.
“I expect all the athletes to medal, as the coach of the team I am confident that they can all medal. The competition will be high but we just have to go out there and execute and make Guyana proud.”
The outfit is spearheaded by this year’s CARIFTA Games 400m gold medalist, Tianna Springer.
Gravesande continued, “ I expect this team to do quite well because quite a few of them came from the CARIFTA Games and were medalists or finalists, so I expect them to medal here at the South American Championships.”
He continued, “Everyone is healthy and I expect the best out of them to make Guyana proud. I know that they will do their best and I hope to hear our anthem played several times out here.”
The team comprises Springer, Ezekiel Newton, Wesley Noble Jr, Kareese Lloyd, Jaheel Corvette, Erin Leitch and Isiah Trim. The unit is accompanied by Kenisha Headley (Manager), Greavesande (Coach), and Akeem Stewart (Massage Therapist). The 10-person contingent is scheduled to return on May 22 from the biennial event.
Notes: The team’s sojourn was supported by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and by extension the Ministry of Sport. Prior to departure, the contingent met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.
The courtesy call was in keeping with the new mandate of the NSC and the Ministry to meet with teams representing the Golden Arrowhead prior to departure and upon their return.
