Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 16/Aug 16:37

US legend Tyson Gay impressed with Trinidad and Tobago sprint talent

Over 100 athletes from clubs and communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago took part in a two-day elite track development camp which sprinted off at Skinner Park, San Fernando on August 15. Under the expert guidance of three-time American world champion Tyson Gay, TT’s 2017 World Champs 4x400m relay gold medallist Machel Cedenio and Pure Athletics assistant coach Evans Gregory, the young athletes experienced a day of intense drills, training and motivational sessions. Joining them were current and former Trinidad and Tobago sprinters such as Kyle Greaux, Che Lara and Kirdell McIntosh, among others. “It’s been great,” Gay said after leading a segment with a young group. “These kids seem to be more advanced for their age than I expected them to be. Very respectful. I can tell they have a good upbringing, they listen very well and not joking and playing around. They’re taking all of the information that we give them. "We might do more drills and put them together in some race. We want to see if they take what we’re teaching them and see what comes out of it.” [caption id="attachment_1103014" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Former US track star Tyson Gay, left, at an elite track camp at Skinner Park, San Fernando on August 15. - Lincoln Holder[/caption] Gay, 42, is the joint second fastest man over 100m. In 2009, he sprinted to victory in a blistering 9.69s at the Shanghai Grand Prix in China in September 2009. His time is only bettered by current world record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica, who clocked 9.58s to win gold at the World Championships in August 2009 in Germany. Gay shares the second spot with Jamaican Yohan Blake, who clocked 9.69s in August 2012, in Switzerland. Day two of the elite track camp on August 16 will see the participants engage in lighter activity with exhibition races to showcase what was learnt. [caption id="attachment_1103015" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Host and national 400m runner Machel Cedenio at a warm-up session on day one of an elite track camp at Skinner Park, San Fernando on August 15. - Lincoln Holder[/caption] The camp was organised by the Machel Cedenio Sporting Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Community Development and San Fernando City Corporation, Day two will see organisers transform Skinner Park into a vibrant arena of sport. From 10am-5pm, the refurbished south venue will be modified to a family-friendly environment for activities, games and an exhibition football match between southern giants Presentation College San Fernando and St Benedict’s College. This event is open to the public and free. Gay stressed the importance of children putting away their technological devices and coming outside for recreation. “I feel like with technology now, it’s harder to get kids out in the hot sun. Kids spend too much time inside now. We have to think of strategies to get the kids to come out, compete and want to get better. “But I’m glad they all came out and showed up. There’s kids of all ages here, and that’s what it’s all about. These kids want to reach their full potential, and like you and I, they also have goals they want to achieve,” he added. The camp aims to foster a culture of excellence and dedication and seeks to inspire the next generation of track champions. On July 3, sport minister Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis met with Cedenio to discuss the foundation’s plans and the ministry’s support. Cedenio said, “The ministry’s support of the camp was critical in helping to provide these up-and-coming athletes with a chance to fulfil their dream of becoming the next track and field star to represent team TTO, and also providing the necessary resources and mentorship to help these youngsters to achieve their goals.” In a statement on August 15, Cudjoe-Lewis said her ministry’s support for these types of events is critical in fulfilling its mandate to reach young athletes and instil in them a love not just for track and field, but sport in general. She added, “We also continue in our commitment to support sporting organisations and athletes both in and out of season so that they consistently have the necessary tools and support to achieve their best on the global stage.” Camp participants will learn strategies to maintain mental resilience and focus, receive guidance on proper diet and hydration for peak performance, and tips on strength and conditioning and the importance of competing with honesty and adhering to anti-doping rules. The post US legend Tyson Gay impressed with Trinidad and Tobago sprint talent appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.