By Iva Wharton
This year seems to be a good year for distance athlete Alika Morgan. Her latest conquest was last Sunday’s 5k Granny Lucess in Trinidad.
Morgan, in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport on her return from the twin island republic, said that this was not the first time she was competing in the Granny Lucess.
In her inaugural attempt she finished third in the 15k.
This year Morgan said she could not compete in both races because they were run simultaneously and as such she opted for the shorter run.
“I chose the shorter distance because I am waiting to compete in the CARICOM 10k.” The Caricom 10k is scheduled for next month.
Morgan said that while it was good that she was getting the practice, she does not intend to overwork her body.
She said she will be competing in one other competition before the CARICOM 10k and that is a meet organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport which should be held sometime this month.
Morgan said that 2012 has so far been injury free for her and she intends to keep it that way.
The 10k champion clocked 19:05s ahead of Trinidadians Ray Gagtlador and Natoya Cudjoe who finished second and third respectively.
“Actually I was trying to run 18 something but it did not happen. I did not push to get the time I wanted.”
According to Morgan the lack of competition was the major factor in her not feeling the need to push for a lower time but she said she will try to do better next time.
Asked if she was satisfied with where she is today in her athletic career, the talented Morgan said yes.
“Last year I suffered a lot of injuries, but since the year started I have been injury free up to now.”
Morgan said she is also looking forward to the South American 10k which she won just once compared to her three wins in the CARICOM 10k. She said, however, that she hopes to change that this year and win her second South American 10K while adding that competing in the CARICOM 10k was dependent on her ability to secure sponsorship.
Morgan said that she is grateful for the sponsorship she received from the GT&T and Guyenterprise and the assistance of her coach Leslie Black and his wife Avril.
