‘Athletes need these high-level meets’

WHILE THE inclusion of Olympic 100-metre silver medallist Kishane Thompson and reigning Olympic 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell of the United States made the headlines at yesterday’s Racers Grand Prix launch, veteran track coach Glen Mills says the June 7 event at the National Stadium holds an even more significant place for Jamaica’s athletes.

“The Racers Grand Prix is extremely important for the purpose that it serves,” said Mills in an interview with The Gleaner at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel launch yesterday.

“It is providing an avenue for our local athletes who are interested in the professional ranks for them to compete within a world-class atmosphere and organisation.”

Mills said the annual track meet has received an overwhelming amount of support from both locally and internationally based athletes who are hoping to showcase their talent in the ‘sprint capital’ of the world.

He said the high level of competition also ensures athletes are able to develop their skills against some of the best the world has to offer.

“There is definitely hunger for that level of participation,” said Mills, speaking after the announcement that 400-metre star Christopher Taylor would be returning to the track for the first time, bearing in mind his two-year suspension for ‘evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection’ ends May 15.

“We really pride ourselves on what we’re doing as an important aspect of developing track and field for the local athletes.

“Just based on the support that we have gotten from the athletes and the numbers we’ve seen, we may have to host some ‘B’ races to make sure they are not left disappointed.”

Mills also said the Racers Grand Prix stands as one of the best opportunities for athletes who are not able to afford to consistently travel overseas for competitions.

He explained that several athletes are often priced out of events because of the cost of travel and accommodation that comes with the running on the international circuit.

Mills has called for more events like the Racers Grand Prix in the Caribbean to ensure athletes are given their fair shot at competition on the world stage.

“If we could have more of these meets that are close by, either here in Jamaica or in the Caribbean – and now I’m speaking as a coach – it would be really important,” he said.

“Athletes need these high-level meets to compete in. In a world where going to Europe is thousands of dollars for just airfare alone – not to mention accommodation – these meet promotors are less likely to bring these level of athletes because there are always going for the stars.”

The Racer Grand Prix has earned the endorsement of Minister of Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, who was in attendance at the press launch.

Grange praised the track meet for its role in the development of Jamaica’s athletics and believes it builds on Jamaica’s reputation as a sporting destination.

“We always want to support events that promote Jamaica, and events that promote Jamaican talent,” she told The Gleaner.

“We are seen as the sprint capital of the world and our athletes have achieved greatness. So we feel that we have a responsibility to give that support in order to promote Jamaica as a destination; promote Jamaica as a brand; promote our athletes and to create an environment that will make people want to come and embrace us.”

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

Racers Grand Prix line-up

Jamaicans: Kishane Thompson, Antonio Watson, Tia Clayton, Wayne Pinnock, Rusheen McDonald, Tina Clayton, Oblique Seville, Christopher Taylor, Alana Reid, Shashalee Forbes, Bryan Levell, Gary Card, Charokee Young

Internationals: Masai Russell (US), Tobi Amusan (Nigeria), Zharnel Hughes (Great Britain), Aleia Hobbs (US), Trey Cunningham (US), Sada Williams (Barbados),

Jacious Sears (US), Favour Ofili (Nigeria), Christopher Bailey (US), Courtney Lindsey (US), Quanera Hayes (US), Kendal Ellis (US), Cordell Tinch (US), Mikiah Brisco US), Jeremiah Davis (US), Jarrion Lawson (US)