Carifta hurdles champion, Jehue Gordon, has not fully celebrated his two record-breaking gold medal performances, but he is already looking ahead to the future. "I intend to go back to the drawing board to focus and try to improve for T&T Track and Field Championships," said Gordon, following his return from the Cayman Islands yesterday. Gordon's record-breaking performances, as well as his run in the 4x400-metre relay, earned him the Austin Sealy award for the top athlete of the 39th Carifta Games.
It was his final appearance at the Games which ended at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town, Grand Cayman on Monday night.
Gordon lived up to expectations, bettering his own records in both the men's Under-20 110-metre hurdles (13.41) and the 400m hurdles (49.76). "I was impressed with my performance, with the time I ran," said T&T's junior Sportsman of the Year. "I was surprised that I won the award. There were other athletes with amazing throws and great performances, so I was surprised." Gordon missed out on the triple after T&T U-20 Men's 4x400m relay captured the bronze in a time of 3:11.79, behind Jamaica which crossed the line first in 3:10.63 and Bahamas (3:10.69), respectively.
Members of the T&T Carifta contingent pose with Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Gary Hunt, at the VIP lounge of Piarco Airport, yesterday. The team returned home from the Carifta Games with 40 medals.
T&T had an overall medal haul of 40 medals–12 gold, 16 silver and 12 bronze, the largest in its history. Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Gary Hunt, was among those who greeted the athletes on their return at the VIP Lounge at the Piarco International airport. The Minister congratulated the athletes and the National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAA). "You have represented T&T well. We are proud of you," said Hunt. "I must compliment the coaches, officials, parents and the NAAAs for their support and effort they put into these athletes." He promised government's continued support. Ephraim Serrette, president of the NAAA, also addressed the gathering and confirmed that the local athletes did as well as was expected.
"The athletes definitely gave value for money and this augurs well for other athletes to follow," said Serrette.?"The money that the Ministry put in is bearing fruit." Manager of the team Allan Baboolal thanked the Ministry for its contribution and paid homage to his staff. "We are pleased to bring home 40 medals. We had an excellent management team that worked before and during the competition." He also acknowledged sponsors National Gas Company and Guardian Holdings. Absent from the ceremony was Quincy Wilson, who won gold in the shot put event with a record throw of 18.67m. He and the other seven overseas-based athletes went back to the US. ?Men's U-20 400m silver medallist Deon Lendore, gave thanks on behalf of the athletes.