It is evident when we take a look at our junior sporting talent in Guyana that many of our promising young stars shine brightly in more than one discipline, and the exceptionally special 15-year-old Kirsten Gomes is certainly another example of this. Her latest triumph came in the form of a Plate win at the Senior Caribbean Squash Championships in August hosted on home ground. The then 14-year-old competed against senior talent from around the Caribbean and proved grit, determination and talent can win out over experience when she battled for the consolation group crown.
The Queen’s College fourth former, who just turned 15, started the summer break in Trinidad representing Guyana at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships. She overcame long-time rival, and reigning champion Sumira Suleman, in an incredibly exciting match to claim the well-earned Girls under 15 Caribbean title. Since 2015, Gomes’s first international showing, Bajan Suleman has pipped her to the post in Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Guyana and Jamaica in consecutive CASA’s. However, gold belonged to Gomes this year and she won it in style.
As with many of the squash family, hockey is also a huge part of her life and with a full timetable, Gomes is heading back to Trinidad again this week to defend the Paragon’s Indoor Hockey Tournament title she and teammates of Bingo Spartans won last year in the U16 category. Kirsten highlights the difference between the two sports saying ‘although there is some pressure in hockey being part of a team we share the load, it is not as intense as an individual sport…..also, squash calls for a much higher level of fitness!’ President of the Guyana Hockey Association, Philip Fernandes’ consistent efforts to expand hockey by investing in juniors and running an excellent training programme keeps her interested and determined to one day to make the girls U21 national hockey team.
How does a youngster stay on top of her game in two sports and maintain credible academic scores?
In 2016 Gomes placed in the top 1% at the Grade 6 National Examinations earning her a spot in the top academic facility. She continues to do well in her studies, excelling in languages; Spanish in particular but also Portuguese. In addition, she takes an active part in her school sports activities. ‘It’s all about balance; balancing that and sports and having a social life with family and friends.’
Such a humble and grounded young lady, Kirsten gives much appreciation and credit to her coaches and all who have assisted her thus far. Most significant in her success is Coach Carl Ince, who encouraged a disciplined approach whenever she stayed over with her family at his highway farm. Half grimacing and half smiling she describes ‘nightly racket swings and daily training drills that had to be completed before swimming and family fun’. She is also grateful for the input of Garfield Wiltshire; Nyron Joseph; the backbone of Guyana Squash-David and Juanita Fernandes; and her parents for their unconditional love and financial investment. She also credits sports psychology mentoring for making her more confident and giving her true belief in herself. (Extracted and modified from the Guyana Squash Association)
