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• SKNAA boss Delaney aims to revitalize St Kitts and Nevis Athletics with help from Kim Collins

  Newly re-elected President of the St Kitts and Nevis Athletics Association (SKNAA), Delwayne Delaney, has ambitious plans to boost the country's athletics program, with the pivotal involvement of 2003 World 100m Champion, Kim Collins. Delaney, who secured his second term as president on September 7, revealed that the legendary Collins will play a central role in enhancing the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in the twin-island nation.

  “Just probably a week from now, we will be making an announcement as it relates to Mr Collins,” Delaney told Sportsmax.TV during an interview on Wednesday. “He is our world champion, he is still a household name within track and field,” he said. “He is still recognized on the global market, and even if persons haven’t heard about St Kitts and Nevis, they mention Kim Collins and they say, ‘Ah, yes, I know.’ So, we definitely have to be tapping into his expertise where he can lend his support in moving the product forward.”

  Delaney, himself a former sprinter and 2011 Pan American Games silver medalist in the 4x100m relay, emphasized that Collins’ global recognition and vast experience would be crucial in helping to modernize the country’s athletics landscape. The president believes that involving Collins in their strategy will not only inspire younger athletes but also provide invaluable insights into competing at the highest level.

  

  Delaney (c) and some members of his new executive elected on Saturday, September 7.

  The broader vision for athletics in St Kitts and Nevis involves a comprehensive development plan that will encompass athlete training, coaching education, and the upskilling of officials. Delaney noted that the nation has long had the talent to compete internationally, but strategic development and adaptation to the modern demands of track and field are necessary to reach new heights.

  “We think that we have a good product here in St Kitts and Nevis. We have always had a good product here and I think honing into those athletes and those nuances that we have will definitely benefit the sport and ultimately, the athletes who are the main stakeholders in all of this,” Delaney explained.

  “We look forward to a very productive tenure moving forward. We have a very good crop of athletes, we just need to further develop them.

  The SKNAA president also took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the nation’s rising stars, including Carifta medalist De’Cheynelle Thomas, Akanye Samuels, Chesson Liburd, T’anna Liburd, Jaylen Bennett, Naquille Harris, and Zahra Allers-Liburd. He expressed optimism that with the proper guidance, these athletes could help St Kitts and Nevis become a “real force” in athletics.

  

   Track and field now is not the same as when I used to compete back in the mid-2000s. The standards and qualification processes for major meets have changed, so we need to get our athletes and coaches up to par to remain competitive,” Delaney explained.

  Delaney emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for athletes and coaches to thrive, noting that partnerships with both the public and private sectors will be crucial in achieving these goals. He also highlighted the strong relationship St Kitts and Nevis shares with regional training programs, particularly those in Jamaica.

  “We will explore collaboration with the private sector, public sector—that being government—and even our regional partners. We have had a very good relationship with the clubs and camps in Jamaica, having trained there quite extensively with Mr (Glen) Mills and forging relationships with the MVP Camp, my former teammate Michael Frater, and others. With a strategic approach, we can gain much,” Delaney said.

• Pulisic hopes Pochettino can improve USA mentality and culture

  Christian Pulisic hopes the arrival of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino will improve the United States' mentality and culture, following their 1-1 draw with New Zealand.

  The Stars and Stripes were denied a first victory in four matches after Ben Waine's fortuitous equaliser in the 89th minute cancelled out Pulisic's opener in Cincinnati.

  Pochettino was officially announced earlier in the day as the successor to Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed following the United States' poor Copa America campaign.

  The former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss will pick up the baton from interim coach Mikey Varas, and Pulisic hopes the Argentine's arrival will spark the nation back into life.

  "Hopefully, a culture that is willing to fight, that is willing to take risks, you know, win," the Stars and Stripes skipper said when asked what he wants Pochettino to bring to the role.

  "There are a lot of things that need to change, just the mentality and the culture of the group. I think we have the quality, but hopefully that's the first thing he's going to want to change."

  Pochettino will also be tasked with improving the United States' results, having now won just one of their last seven matches. And Pulisic issued a rallying cry to his team-mates.

  "Obviously, [these are] difficult results for us, and it's not a great feeling," he added.

  "But I think moving forward, it's time to turn a page, and we really have to pick up a level - I mean everyone that's a part of this. It feels pretty low right now, but I know there are better times ahead."

• Fraser-Pryce to receive Keys to the City of Kingston

  Multiple-time Olympic and World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is to be presented with the Keys to the City of Kingston by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).

  The resolution to confer the honour on the sprint sensation was passed during today's meeting of the Council held in the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber, 24 Church Street, downtown Kingston.

  Fraser-Pryce is widely revered as one of Jamaica's greatest athletes, with more than 22 years of stellar performance in the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100 metre track events, and is the recipient of countless medals.

  Moving the resolution, Councillor for the Hagley Park Division, Waynette Strachan, said the world-class athlete has made all of Jamaica proud and has transcended the boundaries of sport to become an icon, a symbol of hope, and an ambassador for Jamaica's rich and vibrant culture.

  “To give Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the Keys to Kingston is to acknowledge not only her incredible achievements as an athlete but her profound influence as a role model, mentor, and beacon of hope for all Jamaicans.

  “In giving Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the Keys to the City, we are not just honouring her past accomplishments; we're celebrating the promise of all that is yet to come. Her journey is far from over, and I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire, uplift, and break barriers for many years to come,” she said.

  Born and raised in Waterhouse, Fraser-Pryce is a treasured citizen of Kingston and outstanding Jamaican.

  She continues to give back to the community of her birth and notable charities through her Pocket Rocket Foundation.

  Councillor for the Waterhouse Division, Bryon Lee Clarke, said Fraser-Pryce continues to be a beacon of hope for many Jamaicans, and “this gesture is more than deserving.”.

  Councillor for the Stony Hill Division, Tosha Schwapp, described Fraser-Pryce as a “Jamaican gem and icon who is beloved for her tenacity.”.

  Other Councillors who made contributions were Dennis Gordon, Eugene Kelly, Andrew Harris, and Jermaine Hyatt.

  The presentation of the Keys to the City of Kingston is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the KSAMC.

  It is being conferred on Fraser-Pryce in recognition of her sterling and iconic career in athletics over the years, which has positively influenced adoring fans in Jamaica and around the world, including many who continue to enjoy her enduring legacy.

  A road in the community of Waterhouse will also be named in her honour.