Borel happy with Olympic preparations

National women’s shot put record holder Cleopatra Borel is gearing up for her third straight Olympic appearance. The two-time World Indoor and 2011 World outdoor finalist attained the “A” standard for the Olympics which is due to get underway in less than one month. The Mayaro-born thrower has gone over the 18.30m qualifying barrier no less than 12 occasions, her most recent, 18.69 at the Jamaican Invitational on May 5. Borel took her eighth national title at the Sagicor/NGC National Open Championships at Hasely Crawford Stadium last weekend. Speaking after her triumph she said although she is happy with her win, she is aiming to improve ahead of London. 

 

 

“Many good things came out of trials because I am feeling better than I have in a while. I just need to tweak a couple of things and make some a bit sharper.” Reflecting on her decade-long campaign in national colours, Borel said she is honoured to represent the country. “I feel blessed to be able to compete at a high level for all these years. I am not satisfied by any means but, I am hopeful and see lots of potential of where my training is taking me and I am happy about that.” She is expected to be named on this country’s London contingent and is relishing the thought of competing at her third Olympiad. “After Athens (Games in 2004) I thought that was it, but to achieve two more Olympics after that is just wonderful. I am savouring every moment and taking every advantage of it.”

 

 

The multiple Commonwealth and Pan American Games medallist believes that the familiarity with London will be favourable for the local athletes. “ “London is a lot easier for athletes from T&T as we are familiar with the culture and the language. It is just a little more homely to us and I think that will help our performances,” she said. The 2002 NCAA Indoor champion was happy with the performances of her colleagues at last weekend’s championships. “The other athletes did really well. There were lots of Championship records. It was exciting and the crowd had a good time. The NAAA did a good job. I was really pleased as the championships have come a long way from when I started competing.”