Sham Johnny and Raymond Daw, coaches of the CARIFTA Games bound athletes have high expectations for their charges this weekend in Jamaica.
“We expect them to give exceptional performances and return with medals” said Johnny of the 13-member outfit after they wrapped up a sweat soaked training session yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre.
The cream of the nation’s track and field teen athletes are set to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the 49th edition of the Games from April 16-18 in the ‘Land of Wood and Water’
“The team seems quite comfortable and prepared and in good spirits” Johnny pointed out, adding “We expect them to give exceptional performances and give good accounts of themselves, we are expecting medals.
Johnny’s sentiment was echoed by Daw, head coach of the East Coast based Ruralites Club who trains gold medalist at the last CARIFTA Games, javelin ruler, Anisha Gibbons.
Johnny singled out middle distance maestro, Attoya Harvey, CARIFTA bronze medalist Adriel Austin, the nation’s current fastest female, Keliza Smith, star long jumper, Wesley Tyndall, Gibbons and Javon Roberts as some athletes to keep an eye on for the podium steps. He also stated that he would not be surprised if the others finish in the top three.
“It is a very talented team of junior athletes that will represent Guyana and we expect them to return with hardware” cosigned Team Manager, Nadine Trotz recently.
The athletes selected are as follows:
U-17 Girls
Narissa McPherson (800m), Attoya Harvey (800m, 1500m, 3000m)
U-17 Boys
Javon Roberts (800m)
U-20 Girls
Keliza Smith (100m, 200m), Karese Lloyd (100m, 200m), Hannah Reid (400m), Adriel Austin (800m), Anisha Gibbons (javelin)
U-20 Boys
Shamar Horatio (100m, 200m), Ezekiel Newton (100m, 200m), Wesley Tyndall (long jump), Gabriel Lim (javelin and discus), Trevon Hamer (triple jump)
Notes: When the last CARIFTA Games were staged in 2019 in the Cayman Islands, Guyana’s record 21-athlete contingent finished with nine medals, four gold, two silver and three bronze.
