‘We’ll just have to wait and see’

WHEN THE ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) gets under way on March 25, one athlete expected to draw significant attention is Wolmer’s Boys’ Class 1 sprinter Gary Card.

Card, the fastest male junior sprinter in the country last year in both the 100 and 200 metres with times of 10.07 seconds and 20.50, respectively, will start as the overwhelming favourite to win the sprint double at Champs.

Last year, in a tightly contested Class 1 200 final at Champs, he finished a close second in 21.23, just behind winner Amal Glasgow of Kingston College, who clocked 21.22. Glasgow’s teammate, Marcinho Rose, took third in 21.24.

At the recent Carifta Trials at G.C. Foster College, Card – who had been focusing on the 60m earlier in the season – made his first appearances in both the 100m and 200m. In the 100m, he dominated the boys’ under-20 event, winning in a convincing 10.21, making him the fastest junior sprinter in the event this season. In the 200 preliminaries, he ran 20.87, the second-fastest qualifying time behind Edwin Allen’s Antonio Powell, who clocked 20.84. However, Card did not show up for the final, which was won by St George’s College’s Tyreece Foreman in 20.97.

Looking ahead to Champs, Card is optimistic.

“I’m proud of my season opener in both events, especially my winning time in the 100, although I think the execution could have been better. I’ll have to analyse the race with my coach to see what needs to be fixed so I can go even faster,” said Card.

He also shared that his mindset this season was different.

“My approach this year is very different, and after running a few 60-metre races, I’m proud of my times. I’m getting older, stronger, and that has definitely made a big difference for me so far,” he said.

Card also noted that incorporating multiple 60-metre races into his training has been good preparation for both the 100m and 200m at Champs.

When asked about being considered the favourite for both events, he responded, “I’m proud to be recognised for something good. Now, it’s just about continuing to do what I’ve been doing.”

Finally, when asked about his target times for Champs, Card remained focused on self-improvement.

“I’m not putting any limits on times. Every time I compete, I just want to run a personal best, so we’ll just have to wait and see.”