AS the country prepares to send one of their largest contingents to the World Athletics U-20 championships in Lima, Peru, Head Coach of the squad Julian Edmonds believes that Guyanese should throw their support behind the unit.

The coach shared his comments with Chronicle Sports, along with his expectations for the team, saying, “We have got Tianna Springer, who we all know is one of the favourites to make it to the finals, and once she performs to her best, she should be among the medals. We have got young Malachi Austin, who is also ranked high in the 400 meters; he’s a U-18 athlete just like Tianna, but they are holding their own in the U-20 category. He is someone we expect to go very far in the competition.

“We also have the mixed 4X100 team, which is currently ranked Number Two in the world. Athletes on these teams are fast and strong, and in better shape than they were at CARFITA. We also expect this relay team to go far in the competition.”

Coach Edmonds says that he loving the enthusiasm among the young athletes as they train for the event, adding that they are excited and raring to go. “This team is as talented a team as any we have ever assembled; we have 10 athletes qualifying for the relay team,” he said.

Edmonds, who will be assisted by Coach Quincy Clarke, admitted that the challenge for the athletes is the year-round cold weather in Peru, but insists that once they wear the right clothes and warm-up properly, they will have a chance at success.

“These athletes have been performing their craft for a while; they are the best at what they do, so every new meet is a challenge, and this will be no different,” he said.

The championship, which runs from August 27 to September 3, features the nation’s best athletes representing Guyana against the best track-and-field from approximately 200 countries around the globe.
The full team is made up of seasoned top athletes, Athaleyah Hinckson and Tianna Springer, along with Narissa McPherson and Nalicia Glen.

Also set to make their mark at the world junior games are Kaidon Persaud, Malachi Austin, Dh Neilson Gill, Enoch Munroe, Ezekiel Newton, and USA-based rising star Jackson Clark.
The team will be managed by Athletics Association President Sheryl Hermonstine, with support staff physiotherapist Aretha Legall.