AT the end of 2014 when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held a one-day retreat at the Splashmin’s Fun Park, one man stood up, introduced himself as Linden Phillips and went on to boldly state that he has one athlete under his charge, Keisha Phillips.“I’m telling you, she will be one of the best athletes this country will see.”

Fast-forward to 2015 when people got up and took notice.
In three outings this year, on local soil, Keisha Phillips has been unbeaten in the sprints in the U-17 division.
Development Meets 1 & 2 – she won the 80m and 150m sprints last Sunday; commanding wins in the 100m in 12.2 seconds, victory in the 200m in 25.1 seconds and the 400m 1:00.00.
She’s only 13; 14 in May; with her focus firmly on the CARIFTA Games Trials set for this weekend at the GDF ground, Camp Ayanganna.
In an interview at the Chronicle, in Bel Air Park, Mr Phillips said he trains her five days per week on the Buxton ground, from 05:00hrs to 07:00hrs.
It involves a lot of extra running, speed work and strength training; albeit improvised. He said he uses tyre tubes as resistance bands, a discarded car battery to develop upper body muscles, and a gas cylinder when performing squats.
“This girl is a special for me – her determination. This is what she showed me, what she wanted. It’s not that she would be reluctant,” said Phillips of his niece.
In just over a week, he hopes to have her improve on her times, in all three events; if possible.
In the 100m, which he was told she was not suited for; he wants her to stop the clock at 11.58 seconds; the 200m at 24.7 seconds and he’s hoping to shave two seconds off her 400m time of 1:00.00.
“I’m optimistic she would make the qualifying times, but I’m wrestling with which event I want to drop. I want to drop the 400m, but she’s still good at all of them, but I still want her to run the 100m. We’re working on that.”
Phillips has no formal training as a coach; he trains the Bladen Hall Secondary student based on his experience and knowledge of the sport. In 1985 he too was a track athlete for Guymine Constabulary; before migrating to Suriname.
He came home in 2011 to ‘nurture’ Keisha’s talent.

(By Leeron Brumell)