Alves grabs silver in Costa Rica

T&T’s flatlander Keegan Alves captured a silver medal at the 2012 Festival International Sport Extreme (FISE) in Autodromo, La Guacima, Costa Rica on Friday. Alves and BMX pioneer Trevlon Hall left here last Wednesday and began a four-day journey in the preliminary round in the BMX flatland amateur division along with nine other competitors. The former Mucurapo Junior Secondary student placed second behind Jorge Vasquez of Panama while Harry Sanchez of Costa Rica captured the bronze. After claiming second place, Alves advanced into the BMX flatlands Pro division where he placed eight among the top FISE flatlanders. Asked about his first experience on the big stage, Alves described it as a bit sketchy although confirming that it wasn’t nerves that was responsible for his performance. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I felt comfortable and gave my best.” Alves is now preparing to defend his title for the upcoming Monster Exams in March. 

 

Alves got involved in the sport about four years ago. “I have been riding for four years now. I started at 15, a couple of friends use to joy ride and from there it all began.” Internationally acclaimed Hall, founder of the T&T BMX Freestyle Association, said he was proud of Alves and sees him as a younger version of himself. “I first saw Keegan around three years ago in Arouca with another guy training  and just from the effort I knew he will be a world class flatlander.” Hall also thanked Sports Minister Anil Roberts for guiding him throughout his career and helping him promote BMX in T&T.  Hall is hoping to take FISE to the sister isle of Tobago for next year’s 2013 edition.