Chasing Champs | Tyrice Taylor: Focussing on success

Hailing from the Enid Bennett High School in St. Catherine (formerly Bog Walk High), the smooth-running Tyrice Taylor was a picture of calm and composure, as he raced to victory in the 800m Class Two Boys final at last year’s edition of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships. Now a year older and more experienced, Taylor sits and speaks with us about the story behind the person.

Q: Why did you start doing track and field?

A: Because it’s the sport that I loved from basic school growing up.

Q: Why did you specialise in your event?

A: Because I saw that I was really stronger at this event

Q: What do you consider your greatest challenge?

A: I don’t feel that anything challenges me from I put in the hard work. I guess we all have challenges, but it’s who handles it the best. Things like training, school and other competitors I think.

Q: How do you overcome these challenges?

A: By just staying focus and train hard.

Q: What are the personal goals that you have set this season?

A: To just have a PB and keep focussed. My time will show at Champs. I won’t say right now (laughs)

Q: Which is your favourite subject and why?

A: My favourite subject is English because I learn to capitalise on words and how to speak more fluently.

Q: What are your plans after school?

A: To be a national athlete and to compete at my best.

Q: Do you have any other interest or hobbies?

A: Yeah, to be a soldier or doctor or anything that God has in plan for me. In my spare time, I chill and talk to my friends, play games and other stuff.

Q: Which athlete do you consider your greatest inspiration?

A: Now? In high school I’d actually say Christopher Taylor. Because watching him competing and achieving his goals is a big inspiration to do well.

Q: What qualities do you possess that best enables you to be successful?

A: Hard work and dedication

Q: Who has supported you during this time and what is their impact on you?

A: My coaches, my friends, my family and the teachers at school.

Q: How do you balance your athletic life and your academic studies?

A: I actually study at nights and I also study when I have free time in school.

Q: What advice do you have for other students who want to achieve your level of success?

A: Well I’d just say to just keep focus, keep training hard and keep striving for excellence.

Contributed by: Gregory Bryce