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• Anthonique Strachan sets objectives for track season after overcoming injury

   As she readies herself for this weekend’s Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Bahamian sprinter Anthonique Strachan has set her sights high for the current track season. Despite still undergoing rehabilitation from a quad injury she suffered at the world championships in Oregon last summer, Strachan recently showcased her determination and resilience by running a personal best of 22.15 at the Diamond League meeting in Rabat.

  In an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV, Strachan shared her thoughts on her objectives for the season and how she has been managing her rehabilitation. "I would love to think that [the injury] is behind me, but I'm still rehabbing/pre-habbing the areas that were once a problem, especially my quad since it was a surprise to me," Strachan revealed while explaining that the timing of the injury was surprise that was unwelcome.

  "I wasn't frustrated when it happened because I was shocked that it happened since I felt nothing leading up to it happening. It upset me that my body waited there and then to break," she said. However, she quickly shifted her focus towards getting back to running before the 2022 season ended to prepare her mind for the challenges of 2023.

  Strachan acknowledged the physical and mental hurdles she faces as an athlete. "I wouldn't say that I overcame it because I experienced so much physical pain in this sport that I sometimes get into a mode of protection and fear. But I know that I can't sit in my own mental prison feeling alone and sorry for myself," she explained.

  Rehabilitation and maintaining her overall well-being have become crucial aspects of Strachan's routine. She emphasized her commitment to daily treatment and rehab exercises while also making changes to her nutrition. "I try to learn my body daily to know where it's at. Also trying desperately to correct my technique and daily posture," Strachan shared, adding with a hint of humor, "Even though I'm still terrible at that part since ice cream and sour candy is my weakness."

  Reflecting on her recent performance in Rabat, where she clocked an impressive lifetime best while finishing second to World Champion Shericka Jackson, Strachan expressed satisfaction but refrained from setting specific time goals for future races.

  "I'm not really telling myself what time to run because I don't want to be chasing a time. I'm just trying to do everything I do in training in an actual race, with the hope of a better outcome," she explained, saying that she is determined to surpass her previous achievements and push herself further: "Even though I'm not chasing times, I am constantly trying to beat the old me. Rabat has gone, and that was 22.1, so my next 200, whenever that is, I'm looking to beat up on Rabat Anthonique. Hopefully, it's easier."

  As the track season progresses, Strachan remains tight-lipped about her exact plans and performance expectations. "We'll have to see. I'm enjoying watching people assume and guess," she stated. However, she did disclose her general objectives, which include executing a good race, having fun, and building momentum moving forward.

  For Saturday’s Racers Grand Prix, Strachan has one clear objective. “To execute a good race, have fun and build momentum forward!”

   

   

   

   

• Ja's sprint legend Usain Bolt eager for World Athletics role to impact track and field

  Jamaica’s Sprint Legend Usain Bolt says he remains eager to play another impactful role in track and field’s growth and, as such, is awaiting a position from World Athletics to hit the ground running.

  The 36-year-old, who shot to fame by winning eight Olympic titles and 11 World Championships gold medals, while breaking records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, believes the track and field has experienced somewhat of a decline since his retirement in 2017, but stands ready to assist in the sport’s revival, if asked to do so.

  “I’m still waiting on a position from (World Athletics), I’ve reached out to them and let them know I would love to make a bigger impact in sports, as long as they want me to,” Bolt said in an interview with Reuters.

  “We’ve been in talks, but we’ll have to wait and see what comes around,” the global phenom and one of Jamaica’s most recognizable figures, added.

  Bolt is aware that his personality was a vital ingredient in the sport’s success during his era but pointed out to indications that athletes like US sprinter Noah Lyles, might be starting to fill the charisma gap.

  “It’s going to be a process. After me, it kind of went down because of who I was as a person and how big my personality was,” the iconic sprinter shared. 

  “But I think over time, it will be better. I think young athletes are coming up and I see a few personalities that are needed in sport; hopefully, in the upcoming years, it will change. Hopefully, I can play a part and help the sport to grow,” Bolt stated.

  While there was some disappointment about the crowd turnout at last year’s World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Bolt is of the view that next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France, could be a special moment for the sport.

  “Sometimes, it’s all about where it is. America is not the biggest track and field place,” Bolt said.

  “I think Paris will be big because it’s accessible and I know Paris always has a good team and good athletes over the years. So, I look forward to that,” he noted.

  After a decade of Bolt-inspired global dominance, Jamaica’s men have failed to win a single track gold medal at the last two World Championships.

  However, with rising young sprinters Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake both showing considerable promise of success, Bolt believes there is a good platform for that medal drought to be broken at this year’s championships in Budapest, Hungary.

  “Last year, Seville came fourth (in the 100m), so I was very impressed. Also now, there’s a young kid, Ackeem Blake, who is also stepping up. So, I think that’s a good start,” the 11-time world champion said.

  “Hopefully, these two will motivate other youngsters to want to step up and want to train harder and dedicate themselves,” he reasoned.

  On that note, Bolt said he would be keeping a close eye on compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the World Championships in August.

  Fraser-Pryce, also 36, who has led Jamaica’s dominance in the women’s sprints, will be seeking a record-extending sixth world 100m title in Hungary, 14 years after making her debut in the global showpiece of track and field.

  “I follow Shelly a lot because we came through the same era, so to see her continue sprinting and coming back from having a child, that’s impressive,” said Bolt.

• Bradford eyes strong finish from young Reggae Girlz at U-20 Champs, hopes to stay on with programme, but calls for better preparation ahead of future tournaments

  Despite a failed bid at an historic FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup qualification, Hugh Bradford is optimistic about staying on with the national programme, as he believes he has more to offer to Jamaica’s football development.

  However, at the same time, the American-based coach is also hopeful that things will be done differently to better nurture, and, by extension, prepare the country’s young talents to perform in a competitive environment.

  Bradford’s comments came, as he continues to assess the young Reggae Girlz performances in consecutive 0-4 losses to regional powerhouses Canada and United States, at the Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship in Dominican Republic.

  The Girlz are scheduled to close out their Group A campaign against Panama at Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo Domingo on Tuesday at 2:00 pm.

  “I hope to continue with the programme, but that will be up to the Jamaica Football Federation to decide. I also hope to see our country put things in place for our youngest players that will help to get them ready for this stage, both in Jamaica and abroad,” Bradford said.

  “There is no doubt that we have a lot of talent. However, as a country, for us to play against the best, we have to constantly make changes to how we treat our football development to keep up with the world, but more so in Concacaf,” he added.

  While disappointed that his young Reggae Girlz failed to keep the United States at bay on Sunday, Bradford lauded his team for putting in a much-improved performance, from a defensive perspective in particular, when compared to their opening defeat against Canada.

  As such, the tactician is eyeing a similar of even better all-round execution against fellow strugglers Panama, as both teams, who are without a point or a goal, seek to salvage some pride from their failed campaigns.

  “I am hoping the team will play another good game as they did against USA, we didn’t get on the scoresheet as we would have liked, but again, it all comes down to focus and how we prepare ourselves to take on the best,” the tactician noted.

   “As a team you have to be at your best for 90+ minutes, so their fitness level matters and that is an all-year thing. But I think the ladies should be able to put in a better showing against Panama and so we look forward to what should be another good game,” said Bradford.

  Both United States, the reigning seven-time champions, and Canada, on six points each, will lock horns in the Group A top-of-the-table clash, at 5:00 pm.

  The winner will take on Group B runners-up Costa Rica, while the loser will have to contend with Mexico in Friday’s semi-finals.

  The two finalists and third-place team will qualify for next year’s Under-20 World Cup.