Bahamian sprinter Wanya McCoy remains optimistic about his goals for the outdoor season, despite an untimely injury that cut short his promising indoor campaign.
McCoy, a senior at the University of Florida, was in the form of his life at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Indoor Track and Field Championships in late February when disaster struck. Rounding the first bend of the men’s 200-metre final, he felt a sharp pain in his left quadriceps—"like I got shot twice in my quad muscle," he recalled.
The diagnosis was a grade two strain with minor tears, sidelining him for at least six weeks.
"It was really disappointing missing NCAAs because I had never missed it before. Having to sit at home and watch, I won’t lie, it was bugging,” McCoy told The Nassau Guardian.
"But outdoors, I just have to be prepared to give it my all. The goal is to win nationals and qualify for the worlds. I believe I have what it takes to run very fast this year. Once I’m healthy, I believe I could accomplish some great things," he added.
Before the injury, McCoy was making waves. He clocked a personal best of 20.25 seconds in the 200m heats at SECs—the third-fastest time in the NCAA this season. Known as ‘The Real McCoy’ back home, he was poised to challenge for a medal at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Indoor Championships earlier this month. He also had his sights set on the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, which gets underway on Friday.
Instead of competing on the world stage, McCoy finds himself in Gainesville, Florida, rehabbing and reflecting.
"I felt great before the race. I got out crazy when the gun went off and was really excited. I felt like I was on a 19-second pace. When I felt the pain, it was extremely painful. It’s disappointing, but I’m getting over it. I have to focus on the rest of the season," he noted.
The 21-year-old remains upbeat about his recovery. Two weeks into a six-week program, he is already counting down the days until he can get back on the track.
While McCoy’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Japan, in September, he is well aware that the road back won’t be easy. However, if his early-season performances are anything to go by, then he should continue to excite, once healthy.
"The plan is to graduate in August, win nationals, and qualify for the world outdoors. I feel like I’m still on target to do that," McCoy declared.
Though he will miss watching the action unfold in Nanjing firsthand, McCoy is rooting for his Bahamian teammates.
"It’s a good team, and I wish them the best. Anthaya [Charlton] is jumping crazy this year, and I hope that she wins. Devynne [Charlton] will be ready—there’s no doubt about that. Denisha [Cartwright], Camille [Rutherford], and Wendell [Miller] should all perform well. I’m looking forward to strong performances from all of them," McCoy said.