Keshorn admits he’s still in shock

Olympic men’s javelin champion Keshorn Walcott is still in shock at his historic performance at the London Olympic Games on August 12. The 19-year-old Toco resident bettered the national record of 84.51 metres to stun the field and the world. Speaking at press conference with 18 of this country’s London Olympians at the Hyatt Regency yesterday, Walcott shared that the was still in awe with the achievement. “I have been trying to cope with people telling me what I did but it is still catching up with me. Just making the Olympics was one of my major goals then advancing to the finals but (winning) a medal was never there (on my list).” The Toco Secondary School graduate added that he was going to London for the experience. “I was not a favourite so coming out as the champion was a surprise for me and the country I am sure.” The four-time Carifta champion added that the support he has been given is overwhelming. 

 

 

“Coming home and seeing the support has been shocking and going around the country and seeing so many persons happy (about my achievement) has been wonderful,” said Walcott. Many of Walcott’s Olympic teammates were inspired by his accomplishment. Pistol shooter Roger Daniel boasted that he felt proud of Walcott. “I was travelling (when he won the gold). He made me feel proud to be wearing the red, white and black. It is tremendous. That was the high point of the Games for me.”

World Championships women’s 400m hurdles bronze medallist Josanne Lucas indicated that she too was proud. “He did wonderful,” said Lucas, who did not compete at the Games as she was injured prior to travelling to London. But her absence did not stop her from celebrating the feat, adding: “I was not there to see him personally but I put on my national uniform and sang along when the national anthem was played. It was a proud moment to live for.” Reserve on the men’s 4x400m relay, Machel Cedenio, expressed that it was a wonderful feeling seeing Walcott take the title. “I was at the stadium when he was throwing and supporting him at every round. When he won we all jumped up and celebrated.  We were proud to be a Trinbagonians,” said the quarter-miler. 

 

 

Also present were the men’s 4x100m bronze medal team of Richard Thompson, Keston Bledman, Marc Burns and Emmanuel Callender. Thompson said the team’s bronze medal run after taking silver in 2008 in Beijing shows the consistency of this country’s sprinters. “Over the years, we have formed a chemistry. I have to commend the guys because no one was not fully healthy as they experienced knicks and knacks (injuries) throughout the year. So for us to pull it together and win another medal is a huge accomplishment.” Also present were double bronze medallist quarter-miler Lalonde Gordon, swimmer George Bovell III, triple-jumper Ayanna Alexander, hurdler Jehue Gordon, sailor Andrew Lewis, sprinters Rondell Sorillo and Jamol James, cyclist Njisane Phillip and shot putter Cleopatra Borel.