THE famed AP Invitational athletics meet named after Olympian and former national 400m record holder Aliann Pompey is set to return to the National Track and Field Centre in Guyana on June 22.
The event, which had its genesis on the eve of the Rio summer Olympics in neighbouring Brazil, returns in much the same way as its inaugural hosting on the eve of the Paris Olympic Games set for France from July 26th to August 11th
The Aliann Pompey Invitational was hosted for a number of years before its five-year hiatus owing to the pandemic, followed by the resurfacing of the country’s lone track which serves as the premier venue for the event.
The AP invitational founder Aliann Pompey, said, “We’re thrilled to have the event back on the international calendar. This year’s theme of legacy.”
She also noted that, “Our athletes have made significant strides since the inception of the event and will feature prominently in the competition fields. Our young athletes were tested at ‘CARIFTA’ and were extremely successful, with (Malachi) Austin, (Tiana) Springer and (Athaleyha) Hinckson bringing home gold in exciting fashion.”
Pompey says that the success of Guyana’s athletes in the USA system has also been noteworthy, “Our athletes in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) system and JUCO (National Junior College Athletic Association) are being awarded All-American status for finishing in the top eight at the championships. And our senior athletes are competing at the highest level of the Continental Tour, with Aliyah Abrams taking the charge.”
She says that this year’s return holds special significance once again, “The date of the event was brought forward so that it fits in the Olympic qualifying window, meaning if someone makes the standard it counts.
“For me right now, one of the most exciting things we’re finalising is the field for the men’s 4×100 relay.
The potential for history to be made again on Guyana’s soil in this way would be incredible and we’ll need all your in-person support,” she added.
Pompey, who specialised in the 400 metres when she competed, represented Guyana at the Summer Olympics and World Championships on several occasions, during 2000-2012
Her crowning achievement was winning the gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and a silver again in 2010.
She is presently PANAM Sports athlete’s commission President and Head Coach of St. John’s University in New York City and International Olympic Committee’s Athlete Liaison.
