Gutsy Robinson striding to put Titchfield on top

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Titchfield High School was built in 1786, making it one of the oldest high schools in Jamaica. It is located on a historical landmark - the old military barracks of Fort Georges in Port Antonio, Portland.

The school might have just found its latest hero in 13-year-old Shavanes Robinson.

The teen completed a wonderful double at last week's 100th staging of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships at the National Stadium, when he won the boys 800m Class Three race in a time of 2:07.11, to go with his 1500m Class Three win, which he achieved in a record-breaking time of 4:25.67.

What makes Robinson's feat even more impressive is the fact that he was making his first appearance Champs.

"I feel extremely good because during my training I overheard that 'hard work, easy success'," said Robinson. "This is the biggest crowd I have performed in front of but I wasn't nervous because I have learnt to have confidence and I also have faith in God.

"Preparation was a lot of hard work, a lot of pain and injuries but I planned on taking both events as I want to put Titchfield on top again. Titchfield shall rise again, I even came prepared to die, at least I would die being a hero, anything to make sure my school rise again," he added.

Robinson had to overcome groin injuries, ankle injuries and even the occasional vomiting leading up to Champs. He now has his sights set on reaching the highest level.

"I want to go to the highest level and my plan for this year is to make the World Juniors team, as long as I am old enough to enter," said Robinson.

"The great Usain Bolt does sprinting and he is the fastest man in the world; there is no distance man coming from Jamaica so I plan to become the best distance man in the world," he added.

There was, however, a period during the 800m final that Robinson considered giving up.

Robinson said: "The last 300m of the race I was leading and then a group of boys passed me and I felt like giving up, but when I reached the stretch and I remembered that I want to take Titchfield to the top I ran my heart out and nearly fell at the finishing line."