The National Athletic Championships were as exciting as they were controversial, given some of the ups and downs witnessed over the two days. These championships helped to select the team for the IAAF World Athletic Championships in South Korea. The weekend was plagued by heated discussions. These included the track reconstruction, the seeding of athletes, cancellations of events, circumventing the rules that govern athletics, appointment of the chairman for the games, the selection of two coaches from the same athletic team to accompany our national team, two key officials on a 70 per cent liming patrol of the stadium area in violation of stadium rules and foreign athletes competing in national events as opposed to invitational. T&T has selected eight female athletes with no female officials. We have to understand that "the NAAA does not feel it necessary to explain to the citizens of T&T their selection criteria."
Defending champion Kelly-Ann Baptiste was exempt from the championships to continue her preparation abroad. Baptiste's 10.84 seconds for the 100 metres easily demonstrates that she is T&T's best bet at winning gold in the short sprints in Daegu. Young Lee-Ahye who is on the team to Daegu, Korea, has had an outstanding season and rose to the occasion, running close to her personal best of 11.15 seconds in the nationals. Sorrillo and Jehue Gordon were standouts in the men's 200m and 400m hurdles respectively while Darryl Brown has made a remarkable recovery from injuries. He has run well this season but did not display the kind of consistency needed to earn a place on the team. The most outstanding athlete in the meet was national record holder Richard Thompson who clocked 9.85 seconds in the 100 metres. After a demanding season, Kelly–Ann Baptiste could hardly be blamed for having skipped the championships. She has challenged the 2011 Diamond League champion Carmelita Jeter of the USA. She has beaten the Olympic champions Veronica Campbell Brown and Shelley Fraser Pryce of Jamaica at 100 metres during the 2011 Diamond league circuit in Europe. She is set to challenge for a medal in Deagu.
Overall, it was an emotionally charged two days. Despite all this, the athletes will prevail, especially when indications are that Thompson will most likely be in the greatest shape of his life. This team will once again display our country's athletic prowess on the world's biggest sporting stage of 2011. Being a member of the T&T team is the fulfillment of a dream. I personally experienced this emotion and status. It is the guiding ambition for many athletes. The attainment of this goal carries with it a great amount of prestige. Some feel nobility, others responsibilities that must be maintained. A great athletic history is not built overnight. It takes hard work, inflexible ambition and the determination of many people. As a member of an elite group of specialised athletic individuals, one inherits a magnificent custom, an institution whose reputation one is challenged to uphold.Our belief has been to be triumphant with honour. We persevere and excel, giving honour to our country. Such a practice is worthy of the best efforts of all concerned. Our teams have achieved their fair share of international success and recognition over time. Daegu, Korea should not be different. The task is not easy, yet not difficult to achieve. When you wear the red, black and white colors of the nation, we assume that you understand our tradition, that you are our ambassadors and that you will assume the responsibilities that come with them.
As a team member, you perform a leadership role. Do your best. The spotlights are on you. The world judges you by your performance, conduct and attitudes on and off the field. Because of this leadership role, citizens will be exalted by your faithful exemplification of the Olympic ideals. Live up to all of the training rules. Play the game honestly and well. Run your race to the finish. Keep your self- respect and your country and the world can be justly proud of you. Your younger brothers and sisters are waiting in the wings to follow in your footsteps as you have followed in the path of those pioneer athletes before you. Our country is striving for excellence and not compromise and mediocrity. The concepts of self-discipline and self-denial are tempered by your responsibility to recognise the rights of individuals within the objectives of the team. You have disciplined your minds and bodies for rigorous competition. "Just do it!" Good Luck!