GUYANA’S athletics team will begin their campaign of continued dominance in the track and field events when they take on hosts French Guiana and Suriname as the 43rd Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) continues today in the only French-ruled country on the South American continent. The locals over the years have been dominating the event with several convincing victories in both the male and female departments and yesterday coach Lyndon Wilson stated that their mission is to live up to that reputation.
Speaking with Chronicle Sport after a light workout, Wilson explained that people in all three of the competing countries are expecting his squad to do well and as coach his job is to make sure the athletes remain focused – something he feels is happening and lauded them (athletes) for the enthusiasm shown.
“Generally, I think I have a team who all are eager to excel but they are people like Bayley (Kevin), Shannah (Thornhill), Tiffany (Carto), young Graham (Ianna), the jumpers, who should handle themselves and the two sprinters.
“It’s their first time but they have stated that they are looking to do their best and also we expect Michael Bowman, the season campaigners in throws like Crandon (Ryan) to also do well, so in all I think we have a pretty strong team,” said Wilson.
But several of Guyana’s top athletes have opted out of competing at the IGG because of wanting to compete at a high standard like the sensational Chavez Ageday who ran in the finals of the South American Games in Columbia last week and is set to take part at the Junior Carifta games.
Junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year Javina Straker also chose to compete at the Junior Carifta Games where she is expected to defend her 1500m gold that she won last year in St Lucia. Nevertheless, Wilson is adamant that those brought into the team were just as good and will also give a good account of themselves.
“I still think our chances are good, yes indeed, we have a few people who were key for the team but those who fitted in, they want to show that they are not just fitting in but are also here to compete, and that is what we want to see, and again I think we will take this,”. Wilson pointed out.
Commenting on the team’s attitude, the returning winning IGG athletics coach said that he was pleased with the character shown and said that after yesterday’s work-out, an improvement is evident.
“I think maybe some of them get a little complacent maybe because of the long travel. But they have committed that come competition time, they will step up. I’ve seen also how they have adjusted during training and the level of discipline just elevated. We only have about 24 hours but I know that these athletes will switch and do their best” said Wilson.
It is said that for Guyana to stand a chance of reclaiming the overall IGG title from Suriname, track and field must win outright in both the male and female championships, but Wilson noted that they “just let them know that we have to win and maintain that winning streak. But we are working on some mental strategy. Some people are used to being with their parents and we need to let them know that we need them to stay focused and keep in the true spirit of the competition”.
He added “We, in the coaching staff, need to let them know that it’s not much different from running on the grass; just a few basic things they need to change and they will get it right, but they are all excited to compete.”
The first leg of the IGG opened yesterday in French Guiana and saw Guyana competing in swimming and male football.
Guyana begin IGG athletics campaign with a reputation to upkeep
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