National Sports Commission backs Austin’s LSU dream
Malachi Austin, who will soon be off to the United States to take up a scholarship with South Eastern Conference (SEC) powerhouse Louisiana State University (LSU), has been a recent recipient of support from the National Sports Commission (NSC), after same had been requested.
Set to join the powerhouse on the American Collegiate Track and Field Circuit this January, Austin is both the current CARIFTA 400M U20 Champion and Guyana’s National 400M champion, while he has also bagged a silver in the 400M event and a record-breaking gold medal in the 4x400M event at the Youth Commonwealth Games in 2023.
As such, Austin’s exploits caught the eye of the premier collegiate track and field programmes in the United States, which is the alma mater of Women’s 100M World Champion Sha’Carri Richardson.
Austin recently made a request for assistance, resulting in the NSC stepping up to the plate and providing the necessary assistance.
During a simple presentation, Director of Sports (DoS), Steve Ninvalle, implored Austin to remain focused on his athletic and academic objectives, noting that several athletes have, in the past, departed local shores on scholarships but have unfortunately fallen by the proverbial wayside.
Malachi Austin has obtained a scholarship at Louisiana State University in the USA
Ninvalle told the 17-year- old, “I would go (on) to charge you to stay focused on your objectives, and not to be distracted by the proverbial noise that comes with the territory. The country is exceptionally proud of your achievements, and we at the NSC, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and by extension the Government of Guyana, will continue to support your efforts. You are an ambassador of this nation.”
Austin, 17, has expressed gratitude to the NSC for the prompt action and assistance received.
He has already established himself internationally, with medals on the Regional and Internation circuits, and is
widely considered to be among the best young 400-meter prospects globally. His accomplishments having cemented his status as a rising star, Austin will now move on to improving his abilities at LSU, where he would also compete against some of the world’s top collegiate athletes.
