…Baird sustains injury

JUNE 29 of this year still remains the deadline for the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics, as the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) continues to try its best to allow athletes a chance to make the cut for the games.

On Sunday, the Association hosted its second track and field meet of the year at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, and again, under the pandemic’s parameters, there had to be a select amount of events contested.

Emanuel Archibald once again was impressive with his performances but narrowly missed the qualification time and distance for his events.

In the Men’s 100m, he clocked a blistering time of 10.24s and, unfortunately, missed the qualifying standard of 10.05s. When the Men’s Long Jump was contested, Archibald’s win was easily assured with an attempt of 8.07, just short of the qualifying standard of 8.22m.

Three weeks ago, Archibald made his first attempt of the year after the Association was finally given the chance to host a competition after the hiatus. Then, he clocked an impressive 10.21s in the Men’s 100m and leaped to 8.10m, just shy of the National Record he set at 8.12m.

Archibald’s approach has been quite positive with four months remaining before the qualifying process ends. For him to achieve these feats, it means that new National Records will be set in both the Men’s 100m and Long Jump, since the qualifying standards exceed the best the nation has produced. Adam Harris holds the Country’s 100m record with a time of 10.12s.

That also applies to another of Guyana’s potential Olympic participant, Leslain Baird, who currently holds the National Javelin record of 78.65m. The qualifying standard for the Olympic Men’s Javelin throw is 85m.

However, On Sunday, while attempting his second of three attempts, he sustained a leg injury which caused him to be transported to the hospital for further analysis. His first attempt missed his personal record by close to 4m.

Meanwhile, the AAG can marvel at hosting yet another successful track meet under the COVID-19 guidelines and they will continue to produce opportunities for their athletes in this pressing time.