Relieved.
That was the feeling of champion cyclist, Jamual John after he returned to Guyanese soil following a truncated stint in the USA.
John, who has since completed his mandatory quarantine after repatriating on June 17, was for the most part on lockdown in New York City after departing Guyana in February.
Prior to departure, the 23 year-old national cyclist stated that plying his trade for Team Foundation would have been “his first big break” and his intention was to climb the podium steps on as many occasions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic soon swept the globe and put paid to his efforts of impressing his new club.
To safeguard the health of athletes and others involved, most major sporting events at international, regional and national levels have been cancelled or postponed from marathons to football tournaments, cycling, athletics championships to basketball games, handball to ice hockey, rugby, cricket, weightlifting to wrestling and more.
“Disappointment, obviously, because I trained to ride and compete but then the other side of the coin is relief,” he told this newspaper.
The national road race champion is nevertheless thankful that he was recognized enough to secure a contract from a renowned club like Team Foundation after a banner season last year.
“This was the year. The work, the sacrifice, the determination, but I understand. The dream is not cancelled, it is just postponed.”
He told Stabroek Sport recently that is grateful to be back in the 592 with his family and friends and eagerly awaits the restart of the local cycling season.
“I am healthy, I am happy and I am home,” a relieved John concluded.
