A NUMBER of the overseas athletes who participated at the recently concluded Aliann Pompey (AP) Invitational noted how pleased they were with their performance on the synthetic track of at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora. USA’s Philippe DeRousier, who has been competing since early 2000, says Guyana’s only synthetic track facility holds a lot of potential for the future hosting of more international meets.
“The track is very nice, this could turn out to be a really world class meet, once (Guyana) lays the infrastructure. I’m very impressed with the track I think it has a little push in it, and I’m glad I came.” DeRousier commented.
DeRousier won the Digicel’s men’s 100m final in a time of 10.25 seconds. One of our Trinidadian neighbours, Kyle Greaux, was so impressed he’s really looking forward to returning.
“The track is fast! I’m definitely looking forward to coming back. I love it in Guyana, the weather is good, the facility is good. It’s an open track and the atmosphere is nice.” said Greaux, who finished second behind DeRousier in the men’s 100m final.
It wasn’t even just the track. The athletes also had nothing but love for the Guyanese people and atmosphere especially those who supported the meet.
“Incredible atmosphere! These beautiful people!” DeRousier exclaimed.
A smiling Tawana Meadows from United States had nothing but love for the crowd, which she even gave a little credit for helping her win when she clocked an Olympic qualifying 11.32 seconds in her heats of the Fly-Jamaica women’s 100m.
“It was a great track, great track. I loved the crowd, the crowd was amazing. They cheered me on for the last 20m and that helped me kind of push through; the crowd always helps me.” expressed Meadows.
Meadows went on to finish third in the final with a time of 11.37s, a race that was won by Guyana’s Brenessa Thompson in a national record of 11.14s.