Archibald sets sights on 100m final in Tokyo Olympics

Emanuel Archibald will represent Guyana in one of the most anticipated events at the Olympic Games – the 100m sprint.
The 26-year-old, who had his heart set on competing the Long-jump event, booked his ticket to Tokyo through a Universality spot from World Athletics.
While a medal would be the cherry on top, Archibald has an attainable goal in mind.
“My goal is basically to make the finals, to take every round at a time. Right now, I’ve been getting season bests and PRs (Personal Records) which is very good,” the athlete related.
He added, “This game is big for me. As I said, it’s the second competition I’m going to this year, the first one I’ve medaled. So, getting a medal at this one would mean everything to me and the country as well.”
With his departure set for July 21st alongside Coach Julian Edmonds, Archibald will complete the remainder of his training on home soil. The athlete shared a bit of what he would work on for the next two weeks.
“Basically, I’ve been working from scratch. Like we’re starting back from the beginning and come back up in preparation. This is my last week doing that, and then next week we’re going into full preparation, which is full speed work throughout the entire week. And a lot of rest,”
Sharing a bit about his journey in track and field, Archibald, who hails from Linden, noted that in the beginning it was just ‘for fun’. However, he is now committed to making his peers and country proud.
“I’ve been doing it for fun, and 2018 was the year I realised I can compete with the rest of the world; and after then, I’ve been serious throughout. Making the 100m team was a surprise to me, because I always know I’m a better long jumper,” he reflected.

“So, making the hundred was a big surprise. This is the first time I’m getting to focus on one event going into competition, and should be my best at it.”
The track and field athlete further stated, “Over the past 5 years, the GOA and the Athletics Association have made sure I went to every Games. So, I would say I’m the lucky athlete, cause since I’ve started track and field, I’ve made every Games except the World Championships in 2017.
“This year I got my first medal, and I plan to continue doing this, getting more medals and making the country proud.”
On the topic of being the face of Malta Carib in Guyana, the athlete has nothing but gratitude for distributors Ansa McAl.
“With Malta Carib sponsoring me, it’s been a big thing. I’ve always wanted to be sponsored. Getting the contract from Ansa McAl, and Kelvin supporting me and management through this has been great,” Archibald expressed.