Athletes content with performances at Youth and Juniors Championships

The National Youth and Juniors Track and Field Championships, which were concluded on Sunday last, were not short of any excitement, as Guyana’s younger crop of athletes pulled out all the stops in a quest for gold and bragging rights.
For many of those athletes, much more is at stake, as they look to qualify for the South American Under 23 Championships and the Junior Pan American Games. Several outstanding performers took time to review their performances over the weekend, with a particular trio being especially contented with what they’ve been able to pull off.

For 18-19 200M sprint Champion Revon Williams, it’s now time for him to get some rest in the off season, but the 19-year-old is pleased with his exploits on the track.
“Well, for the 200, it was a tight run. I didn’t get no start, but still I tried to maintain the turn; so I did well, and I’m thankful for myself,” Williams said.
He continued, “I set myself four goals, but right about now I’m supposed to be on off season. I’m taking my final run today, and just go and rest.”
Keliza Smith had a busy weekend, winning the Girls’ 18-19 100M and 200M events and placing second in the long jump event. While the 18-year-old admitted that she wasn’t too focused on the jump, she was surprised and ‘grateful’ for her personal best time on the track.

The sprinter shared this about her races, “First, I have to say thank God for health and strength; and secondly, it was kind of challenging because of Briana Charles, one of my clubmates; she was right behind me.
“The race was perfect. I was looking forward to running a PB, which I did, and thank God for that. The 100M was perfect, but I wasn’t expecting to run 11.60s, which I did, but I’m proud of myself.”
Asked what she hopes to do at the upcoming international meets, Smith answered, “Just continue training hard, go over there and do my best.”
Also bagging a sprint double was Hopetown Flames’ Ezekiel Newton. Competing in the 14-17 category, Newton is hoping for the best, going forward.

“It was good. When I start, I didn’t get a good start, but the finish was good. The 200 was more distance, so it required more energy,” the 16-year-old said.
He added with a smile, “Got to say thanks to Coach and my parents, who motivate me and encourage me. Well, I would like to improve the timings that I run, and just hope for the best,” Newton shared, as he looked forward to the upcoming events in October and November.
The Youth and Junior Championships were hosted at the Leonora Track and Field Facility last weekend.