Athletic success can be one of the most fragile things in sports since the potential for injury is always just one play away.
Yet while many careers have been sidetracked or lost in such premature fashion, some sports stars have used injury as a catalyst for bigger and better things.
Enter the local javelin great, Leslain Baird.
His story of overcoming a near-career-ending injury two years ago and historically stepping on the podium earlier this month at the Pan American Games in Chile is inspiring.
“Coming from a serious injury to winning a bronze medal at Pan Am is not just special for me; it’s special for everyone behind me,” said Baird yesterday, who now has his sights set on next year’s Paris Olympics. “This means a lot for us. You know, it’s just trusting the process and God’s plan, and I’m really thankful for this.”
In an early-season meet at the National Track and Field Centre in 2021, the national javelin record holder suffered a meniscus tear and a partial ACL tear in his left knee. In the aftermath of the injury, there was speculation at the time that the 36-year-old’s career would come to an abrupt and unceremonious end.
However, the grit and determination of the Senior Petty Officer in the Guyana Defence Force would not allow him to be a mere spectator on the sidelines.
After surgery, he remained steadfast about continuing his decorated career and aggressively went through a long but rewarding rehab process. Baird recovered well, rekindled his fire and spirit for competing, and stated that he had aspirations of a podium finish at this year’s Pan American Games.
Fast forward to a chilly night in the Chilean capital last Saturday. Baird became the first Guyanese athlete to earn a javelin medal in the history of the Games. After a mammoth throw of 78.23 metres on his fourth attempt, Baird secured a historic bronze medal for the Golden Arrowhead.
His resurgence has him feeling quite optimistic about his future in the sport. It is not easy to come back from an injury that could have derailed a career to now become a medalist at such a prestigious event.
Still going strong today, Baird overcame a serious injury, took his talents to new heights, and ultimately made the country proud.
Looking ahead, the soft-spoken sportsman stated that he has the potential to be one of Guyana’s representatives at next year’s Olympic Games and will pull out the stops to qualify for the pinnacle of athletics.
In conclusion, Baird thanked his family and friends for their unwavering support. He also expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his coaches, fellow athletes, the current executive of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), its former president, Aubrey Hutson, the Guyana Defence Force, the government of Guyana, and the Guyana Olympic Association. (Emmerson Campbell)
