Keon Matthias Russell was born to compete.
His talent has seen him excelled in a number of sports including football, netball and in one of the newest sport in this country, handball, representing T&T in both the indoor and outdoor versions of the game.
"The experience is indescribable, but it is a part of my goals as a growing athlete. So whenever the opportunity arises I'll be glad to take it up," said the Las Lomas-native
He probably didn't have much of a choice in the matter as he was raised into a sporting family. The 27-year-old's sporting career likely started in his mother Anita Pitt-Russell's womb. The veteran netballer still actively competes in the sport.
So too his sisters Raquel, who is a former national netballer and a footballer, and Ayanna, a current national women's senior footballer and a former national netballer herself. His brother Immanuel is involved in beach soccer, football and netball as well.
Their late father George Richard Russell played a huge role in making the athlete who he is today. Even though he is gone, Russell said his late father keeps him wanting more.
"My deceased father keeps me motivated to compete and to be consistent at each of my endeavours. He always wanted me to be the best so everything I do, I give it my all in remembrance of him," explained Russell. "Also the support from my family and few friends also gives me the extra drive."
So it was no surprise his response to the question: "If you can go back in time to change anything, what would it be?"
He bluntly replied: "I will bring back my father. He has invested in me and I wish he was here to experience everything."
Russell's late father would have certainly been proud to see his son in action last month when helped Trinidad cop the title in the Men's Federation of Netball Associations' Goodwill Tournament. He was key in seeing his team past Tobago, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines in the round-robin competition.
No matter the sport, he is always all in.
Rusty as he is called and at times Salty, first memory of competing in sports was at the tender age of five when he was exposed to karate.
"My parents introduced me to the world of sports, they build my foundation," said Russell, who admitted his parents are the biggest influence in his sporting career.
Throughout his sporting life, the former student of Arouca Government Primary School, and the graduate of both El Dorado West Secondary and Brazil Secondary Schools have been recognised for his outstanding performances in various competitions.
And those recognitions continued later on in his colourful career with him being named the "Most Valuable Player" (MVP) and best defender in the Constituency Football League, MVP of the Netball vs Cancer one-day tournament held earlier this year and earned a number of caps for T&T at the Beach Handball Championships.
Russell's newest attraction, handball, began some two years ago.
"I started playing handball in August 2016," said the young man who loves hiking, camping and dancing. "In 2014, I had three major injuries during my professional football career. So I decided to take a break and try something new because of my other experiences in sports similar to handball."
And in that short time, he has been amazing for T&T with his most moment unfolding earlier this year.
"Captaining my team to victory and also scoring two goals in the final that caused us to be champions (Beach Handball Championships). Also qualifying for Pan American championships earlier this year," said Russell, who advised the up-and-coming athletes to work hard for what they want.
"Nothing great is easy and nothing easy is great. Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself. The best things take time, so work hard in silence and let your success speak volumes."
The ambitious, persistent and genuine young man, who loves curried food, doubles and Pelau "don't forget the potato salad" greatest advice to a young person looking to represent T&T in any sport is: "There are going to be a lot of criticism as an athlete trying to represent your country, and there are going to be a lack of support, but remember what are your goals and see these obstacles as stepping stones to build your future. Don't give up! Show up and be great."
Evolution Fitness has been the definition of support for Russell to which he had to say to them: "I will like to publicly thank Evolution Fitness for giving me the opportunity to work, attend training and be a professional/national athlete. At Evolution Fitness they support everyone with their goals."