Three-time Pan American Junior gold medallist Njisane Phillip admits that he is yet to fully absorb the magnitude of his accomplishments at the Pan Am Junior Cycling Championships held in Mexico, last week. Speaking at the Piarco International Airport where he and the rest of his history making team were the recipients of a grand welcome, Phillip said, "It didn't really hit me yet. I know that I wanted to do well but nothing could have prepared me for this feeling that I have right now."
He pointed out that he used his disappointing performance at last year's Championship in Ecuador as a major motivating factor. His inexperience saw him return with a silver medal in the Match Sprint and a bronze in the Keirin. Phillip added, "Last year I was not really prepared in terms of experience so I got squeezed out of the medals which I should have had." He pointed to local events such as the Easter Grand Prix in May and Beacon Cycling Festival in June as being vital in him getting ready for the Championships.
"This year I started my preparation a bit earlier. I focused on riding against experienced guys like Elisha Greene and Chris Sellier, trying to get a feel of how they as professionals raced. "Coming up against them in local competitions earlier this year and other guys when I went to the USA for training, really helped." Phillip, 18, who pedalled to gold medals in the Match Sprint, one kilometre Time Trial and the Keirin as well as helping T&T to win a bronze in the Team Sprint also, indicated that the support from his teammates was also a huge factor in his great performances.
"As a team we really supported each other over the last few days. Every morning, guys who didn't even have to race on some days, were getting up before 6 am to support those who did, at the track. That was a major boost and that team spirit was great for everyone's confidence." Other members of T&T's bronze medal winning team were Tireef Smart and Quincy Alexander. Alexander, 15, is T&T's youngest ever participant at the Pan Am Juniors and is also this country's youngest ever medalist at the Championships.
Another major accomplishment at the championship came from Varun Maharaj in the Points Race where he became the first national cyclist to complete the 72-lap event. Phillip, will next be in action against the world's best at the Junior World Championships scheduled for August 11 in Moscow, Russia.