Few junior athletes have had the pleasure to represent T&T in the way in which Gavyn Nero has over the last few years. However, the ten-time Carifta gold medallist will take to the track in what will be his final appearance for T&T as a junior at the Pan American Junior Track and Field Championships, which starts today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucarapo. The national 800m and 1500m champion was optimistic about his chances when he spoke to the Guardian yesterday. "I feel well prepared ahead of tomorrow's race. I know that a lot is expected of me, so I know its about going out there and doing my best for T&T," said a confident Nero.
Having taken a bronze medal in the men's 800m at the recently concluded CAC Games in Cuba in a new personal best time of one minute 45.51 seconds, Nero is one of T&T's strongest medal contenders and is confident that he will live up to expectation.
"At this point I feel confident that I could get a gold medal in both my events. That would be the ultimate way to end my junior career," said Nero. While not revealing his race plan, he added: "I know that a lot of the boys I will be coming up against have a lot of experience. Some of them are freshmen in college and have done well at the NCAA Championships. However, I have learnt how to plan my race well and it worked at the CAC Games and I will be looking to do something similar tomorrow." Also taking to the field for T&T on day one of the Championships will be Kendis Bullard, who will partner Nero in the boy's 1500m.
Quartermiler specialist Jevon Matthew and Deon Lendore will also take to the field in the 400m semifinal with Sparkle McKnight and Marissa Gale compete in the girl's 400m. The Under-20 double sprint champion at last month's National Championships Shermund Allsop along with Kyron Joseph will contest the boy's 100m dash with Gabriella Cumberbatch, the reigning 100 and 200m Under-18 sprint champion and Kai Selvon, contest the female version of the event.
T&T's field contingent will be led by Quincy Wilson, who will compete in both the boys' discus along with Richard Collingwood.
With female shotputters Hilenn James and Akeela Bravo also taking to the field with triple jumper Elton Walcott and javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott expected to be in action. Hundreds of athletes from USA, Canada, South America and the Caribbean will be on show this weekend including a number of rising stars.