Trinidad And Tobago

After Belfast lost the right to host the Commonwealth Youth Games, the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association, in August 2018, expressed its interest to the Commonwealth Games Federation and subsequently submitted an official bid.

The Games will be held from August 4 to 11.

The logo design, a fingerprint, has been launched. The fingerprint symbolizes the digital innovation age and the flexibility and ease of communication citizens of the Commonwealth show daily when using phones, computers and tablets to find and gather information with just a touch of a finger.

The Trinidad and Tobago bid presentation team to the CGF Executive Board meeting in Birmingham were TTCGA President Brian Lewis and secretary general, Annette Knott. The bid proposal Trinbago 2021 was conceptualised and written by Kwanieze John, Chanelle Young and Rheeza Grant. Cudjoe led the efforts to garner the support of Prime Minister Keith Rowley and her Cabinet colleagues.

 Diane Henderson, the first woman to hold the post of Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) and Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee President, Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Sport and Community Development, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, and Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Dame Louise Martin signed the Host Country Contract at the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva on August 26.

The first notable participation came in 1948 when Rodney Wilkes won the nation’s first Olympic medal, a silver in the men’s featherweight division in weightlifting at the London Olympics. Wilkes continued his success by securing a bronze medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Trinidad and Tobago's first gold medal came in 1976 when Haseley Crawford won the men’s 100m in track and field athletics at the Montreal Summer Olympic Games. This historic victory was a monumental achievement, putting Trinidad and Tobago on the map in the athletics world.

Ato Boldon stands out as one of Trinidad and Tobago's most decorated Olympians, having won four medals in his illustrious career. Boldon claimed bronze in both the 100m and 200m at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and followed up with a silver in the 100m and another bronze in the 200m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His achievements cemented his status as a track and field legend for the nation.

In more recent history, Keshorn Walcott brought home gold in javelin at the 2012 London Olympics, adding to the country's illustrious track and field legacy. Walcott continued to shine by winning a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and now, he aims for a third Olympic medal in Paris. Additionally, the nation received a gold medal in the 2008 men’s 4x100 relay after Jamaica was disqualified due to a doping violation by Nesta Carter.

As Trinidad and Tobago prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the nation has much to look forward to. Securing spots in the 4x100m and men's 4x400m relay teams at the World Athletics Relay Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, on May 5, 2024, highlights their continued strength in athletics.

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee has announced a team of 17 athletes, including seven women and 10 men, who will compete in athletics, cycling, and swimming. Among the notable athletes is Michelle-Lee Ahye, a seasoned sprinter known for her speed and competitive spirit. Jereem Richards, another formidable contender over 200m and 400m, will join her on the track. In the pool, Dylan Carter is an accomplished swimmer with a history of strong performances. Keshorn Walcott, the Olympic gold and bronze medalist in javelin, is looking to add a third Olympic medal to his collection. Nicholas Paul, a world-class cyclist participating in his second Olympic Games, will be joined by fellow cyclist Kwesi Browne, adding depth to the team’s cycling prospects.

The team will be supported by a dedicated group of officials and coaches, including manager Dexter Voisin, Chef De Mission Lovie Santana-Duke, Chief Medical Officer Rudranath Ramsawak, and Olympic medalist Keston Bledman.

With a total of 19 Olympic medals—15 in track and field, three in weightlifting, and one in swimming—Trinidad and Tobago have a proud history of Olympic success. The 2024 Paris Games represent another opportunity for the nation to showcase its athletic prowess and continue its legacy of excellence on the world stage.

Throughout his career, Horsford battled shoulder and elbow injuries, which ultimately prevented him from realizing his full potential on the track. Despite his immense talent and dedication, the relentless pain proved too much to overcome.

Horsford leaves behind a remarkable legacy, particularly in the realm of Carifta Games athletics. As a five-time gold medalist in the javelin event, he dominated the competition for years, capturing the hearts of fans across the region. His achievements at the Carifta Games, including multiple meet records, solidified his status as one of Trinidad and Tobago's greatest Carifta athletes of all time.

Coming from a family of athletes, with cousins excelling in long jump at both national and international levels, Horsford's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. His journey continued at Mississippi State University, where he aimed to further hone his skills and pursue his Olympic dreams.

In his retirement announcement, Horsford expressed gratitude to his coaches, mentors, and supporters who guided him along his journey. He encouraged aspiring athletes to cherish every moment in the sport and to relentlessly pursue their dreams.

Reflecting on Horsford's retirement, his longtime coach Wade Franklyn expressed sadness at seeing such a promising career cut short by injury. Franklyn had coached Horsford since he was just eight years old, recognizing his exceptional talent early on. Despite the setback, Franklyn remained hopeful that Horsford's legacy would inspire future generations of athletes.

The team of Dwight St Hilaire, Che Lara, Machel Cedenio and Richards clocked 3:01.29. It was Richards' second gold medal of the Games. He won the 200m title in a Games record  19.80s on Saturday.

Botswana won the silver running 3:01.85. The bronze medal went to Kenya who ran 3:02.41. Jamaica crossed the finish line in fourth place but was disqualified.

Jamaica’s women enjoyed better fortunes as the team of Shian Salmon, Junelle Bromfield, Roneisha McGregor and Natoya Goule ran bravely for the bronze medal in 3:26.93.

The gold medal was a battle between England and Canada with both teams battling to the line with the home team winning their first 4x400m Commonwealth title in 28 years.

Their winning time was 3:25.83 with Canada 0.01 seconds behind in 3:25.84.

Meanwhile, in the field, Grenada’s Anderson Peters was upset in the javelin.

Peters struggled early but produced his best throw of 88.64m, which temporarily gave him the lead. It would not last, however, as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem uncorked a career-best 91.18m, a new Games record to snatch victory.

Kenya’s Julius Yego, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2015 World Champion produced a season-best 85.70m for the bronze medal.

It all started with Vincentian Shane Cadogan winning heat 4 of the Men’s 50m Freestyle in a time of 24.71 seconds. He finished ahead of Nigeria’s Alassane Seydou Lancina (24.75) and Bangladesh’s Ariful Islam (24.81).

Trinidad’s Dylan Carter and Cayman’s Brett Fraser tied for second in heat 6 of the same event. Their times were faster than Cadogan’s, finishing in 22.46 seconds. Renzo Tjon-a-joe of Suriname was also in that heat. He finished 6th in a time of 22.56 seconds. Serbia’s Andrej Barna won the heat in 22.29 seconds.  

Meanwhile, Aleka Persaud finished second in heat 4 in the women’s equivalent. The Guyanese swam a time of 27.76 seconds. St.Vincent’s Mya de Freitas also swam in heat 4, finishing 4th in a time of 28.57 seconds. The heat was won by Papau New Guinea’s Judith Meauri in a time of 27.56 seconds. More Caribbean swimmers turned out in the following heat. St. Lucian Mikali Charlamagne (26.99) and Antigua’s Samantha Roberts (27.63) finished 2nd and 6th respectively. Cameroon’s Norah Milanesi finished 1st in a time of 26.41 seconds. Elinah Phillip from the British Virgin Islands swam well for second place in heat 6. She finished behind Ecuador’s Anicka Delgado (25.36) in a time of 25.74 seconds.

None of these competitors were able to advance to the semifinals of their event. The semifinals of the men’s and women’s 50m Freestyle will take place tomorrow.

Thomas, 14, currently holds four NGC/NAAATT National Junior Championship titles having swept the girls’ U-15 60-metre hurdles, 200m, 300m hurdles and 400m events at the annual meet in July. There, she also earned U-17 shot put silver.

The IG Fastlane Athletics Club sprinter/hurdler will continue her high school studies at SPIRE in grade ten and will focus on developing in the 200 and 400m sprints, as well as 100m and 400m hurdles.

Thomas was pleased to secure the scholarship at such a young age and is intent on making the most of her budding athletic career. She leaves Holy Faith Convent, Couva to head to Ohio.

“I attained this scholarship by displaying great potential on the track, and academically, which provided the opportunity for me to qualify and receive a full athletic scholarship.

“Getting a scholarship at this age was unexpected; however, receiving one would have been part of my goals as an athlete. Some of my main goals and aspirations I would like to achieve while there are improving and excel in both sprint and hurdle events,” she said.

Locally, she’s been coached by IG Fastlane’s Samuel Roach for the past seven years. Her hurdles coaches are Nataki Dasant, Heathcliffe Thorne, Aiesha Colthrust and Kern Alexis.

Thomas also earned girls’ U-17 4x100m relay bronze at the Carifta Games in Jamaica earlier this year. She was fifth in the 400m final.

Thomas also finished fourth in the women’s 400m event at the 2022 National Open Championships, clocking 57.89 seconds.

Despite her experience on the track, Thomas said she was still a bit nervy to start school in the US. However, the speedster wants to embrace the opportunity and face the challenges head on, in pursuit of a successful athletic career.

“I am bit anxious but mostly excited to study because of the new experiences. I think balancing school and sport would be quite similar to what I normally do just balancing a new environment would be a bit challenging in view of the fact that the climate is different to my home country.

“I plan on approaching everything with a positive attitude in that way it will be one step closer to achieving my goals,” she added.

Her personal bests are; 60m hurdles (9.53s), 100m (12.82s), 200m (25.90s), 100m hurdles (15.31s), 300m hurdles (44.89s), 400m (57.89s), 400m hurdles (1.05s), high jump (1.53m) and shot put (10.06m).

Looking ahead, Thomas said she would like to spend most of her time working on the 400m hurdles.

Bledman, Marc Burns, Emmanuel Callender, Richard “Torpedo” Thompson and Aaron Armstrong all made the trip to Lausanne for the Medal Reallocation Ceremony, hosted at the Olympic Museum.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach presented the gold medals to the T&T sprinters.

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Diane Henderson also attended the ceremony and presented flowers to the quintet. Second in the Beijing 2008 4x1 final, T&T were promoted to gold as a result of Jamaican Nesta Carter’s doping violation.

First Citizens Sports Foundation committee member Kwame Laurence and TTOC immediate past president Brian Lewis were at Piarco on Thursday to greet Bledman on his return home.

Also at Piarco were 2022 Caribbean Youth Table Tennis Championship boys’ under-19 singles bronze medallist Derron Douglas who was a youth nominee for the 2021 First Citizens Sports Foundation Awards.

Bledman last competed in 2021. He is now retired and has switched his focus to coaching. He lives in Florida with his wife Afiya Bledman (formerly Walker) and their daughters, Zion and Zendaya.

World Athletics banned Ahye, the 2018 Commonwealth Games 100m champion on January 25, 2020, after the athlete missed three doping tests between June 23, 2018, and April 19, 2019.

However, Williams feels that there are strong grounds to have the matter overturned and clear the way for Ahye to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in July.

“Having reviewed the judgment, we felt that there were grounds worthy of appeal, without going into the specifics. Additionally, the Tribunal judgment seemed quite biased as well,” he said in response to questions from Sportsmax.TV.

TTOC received the decision on January 13, 2020, and based on IAAF Anti-Doping Rules Article 13.7.1, TTOC has 30 days from the date in which it was notified of the decision (Jan, 13th) to file its Statement of Appeal (SOA).

According to Williams, the TTOC has met that deadline, however, an Appeal Brief (a more comprehensive document where the grounds, arguments, case law etc. have to be submitted) must be submitted within 15 days of the filing of the SOA.

“We are hoping for an expedited hearing, since if successful, the Athlete may be able to represent her country in Japan,” he said.

Williams said there was no official consultation with the National Association of Athletic Associations (NAAA) but indicated that they are in support of the action being taken by TTOC.

“The TTOC always seeks the best interest of its athletes and where we believe there is a chance that Michelle can be exonerated, we are prepared to assist in that regard,” Williams said.

“It is not an easy one since those rules are interpreted strictly. But such interpretation must also be fair and in keeping with the principles of natural justice. I am prepared to give it my best shot. It is not a “shot in the dark” since if viewed objectively the penalty imposed was a bit harsh, as there were mitigating circumstances that ought to have been taken into consideration.”

The 22-year-old Trinidadian, a redshirt junior at Texas A&M, easily won the high jump with a clearance at 1.84m. That clearance was 13cm better than the 1.71m cleared by Gittens’ A&M teammate Allyson Andres, who finished in second place. Parl Eelma, a Lamar sophomore cleared 1.66m for third.

Gittens told Sportsmax.TV afterwards that the effort was in line with what she has been working on in training. “In the high jump my coach wanted me to take three jumps and then call it a day and that’s what I did,” she said.

She was even more upbeat about the shot put because even though she was no match for Sam Houston freshman KeAyla Dove, who put a distance of 15.34m, Gittens still managed a season-best 13.58m for second place.

“In the shot put things are starting to click and I am very excited about SEC’s this week,” she said.

Among Gittens’ immediate targets this weekend is the Olympic qualifying standard of 6420 points. That’s only 146 points more than the personal best 6274 points she scored on April 10 in Texas.

The 22-year-old Trinidadian multi-event athlete harbours aspirations of competing at the Olympics this summer whether it is in the heptathlon or another discipline and during a season when she has set personal bests this year in the pentathlon (4,612 points), high jump (1.91m) and long jump (6.62m), Gittens believes her indoor form sets her up well to achieve just that.

“I will definitely try to get the Olympic standard for the heptathlon as soon as possible. At our outdoor regionals we do not have a heptathlon because it’s a week before nationals but my plans are to qualify at my first heptathlon,” she said.

As stated earlier, Gittens has had a good indoor season for far notwithstanding a disappointing sixth-place finish at the SEC Regionals just over a week ago, but with an indoor best in the pentathlon as well as the high and long jumps, she feels she is in a good position to achieve the 6400 points she needs to book her spot on Trinidad’s team to Tokyo in July.

“Indoors is normally a good indicator of how your heptathlon is going to go, and so my pentathlon has definitely shown that it is very possible that my first heptathlon will be around the qualifying standard.

I would hope I won’t have to leave it to the last meet, although I have nationals to qualify, I definitely believe I can get to qualification at my first heptathlon, which will probably be in April or March.”

However, Gittens is not hanging her hopes in the heptathlon alone. So, in the unlikely event that she falls short of the Olympic pentathlon standard, she knows other opportunities abound.

 “Obviously, my goal is to make it into the Olympics in the heptathlon but because of how this season has been going so far there is a big possibility of making it to the Olympics in the high jump and the long jump, and so that is the new goal that I am going for,” she said.

“I won’t be devastated if I don’t (qualify for the pentathlon) because I see there is a chance for me to do that then I am going to run with it. I am going to train hard for that, it’s very exciting,” she said with the caveat that she would only attempt all three events if the schedule allows for it.

“I am sure other ‘multis’ like Nafee (Harris) and Kathleen Johnson-Thompson has done that before but I have never competed at such a level as the Olympics so I don’t know the schedule, I don’t know if it’s just too much.

“I don’t know if its different (from SECs or Nationals) so I am going trust my coach’s judgement and if I do qualify and the schedule allows me at the Olympics then I will definitely try to compete in all three, if possible.”

However, Gittens' path has not been without its challenges. Following her successful collegiate career, which culminated in gold in the heptathlon despite an ankle injury, Gittens faced a setback in 2023 with a retroactive drug suspension due to an expired Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) certificate. This suspension not only affected her competitive results but also tested her resolve and commitment to the sport she loves.

In an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV, Gittens opened up about the hurdles she faced in recent years and her journey towards redemption as she prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

“It has been a process, I will tell you,” Gittens shared when asked about her preparation. “I feel like this year has been a year of rebuilding. I’m in a new body and a new mindset. I’ve never been in this mindset, never been in this body, so I am excited to see what my limits are. I think something big is going to happen this year.”

Transitioning from the demanding heptathlon to specializing in the long jump has required adjustments in Gittens' training regimen. "My training has been different because I am no longer doing the heptathlon," she explained. "I've been learning different techniques in the long jump and also on the track, finally learning how to sprint. I feel like I’ve fallen into a very professional body, not just college."

Gittens’ post-collegiate journey was not without bumps in the road. The year 2023 began well enough with the USA-based Trinidadian signing a professional contract with Puma but barely a month later, things took a downward turn.

World Athletics’ Athletics Integrity United (AIU) ruled that she was ineligible to compete for six months after a sample she provided in June 2022 was found to contain methylphenidate/ritalinic acid, a prohibited substance that is an ingredient of the medication she takes for ADHD. At the time the sample was taken, Gittens’ TUE had expired.

 However, the AIU said it accepted that she had not realized that her previous TUE had expired by the time that the first sample was taken at the national Trinidad and Tobago championships on June 26, 2022.

“She was not advised that the TTO Sample was positive for methylphenidate, or that her TUE had expired for this purpose, until November 2022, after the sample collected from her at the World Championships on July 23, 2022,” the AIU said adding that they also accepted that Gittens had no information at the time of her second World Athletics sample that her TUE application was incomplete.

“The AIU also accepts that the medication was used for legitimate medical reasons and the athlete did not intend to cheat. Accordingly, the AIU accepts that the violation was not ‘intentional’.”

It was a blot on her resume that she could have done without and one that was hard for her to take.

Reflecting on the challenges of her suspension and the mental toll it took, Gittens likened it to one of the toughest periods of her life. "It was probably the hardest thing I ever had to deal with," she admitted. "I always compare it to the year I lost my brother. This period of my life, these last two years, that was definitely second."

"After college, I was burnt out physically and mentally. I don’t know how I went on to Tokyo (Olympics) because my body was completely done. Tokyo was sheer will," Gittens continued. "But after that, I crashed. I didn’t have the motivation for track anymore because I gave it my all that year. It was challenging, but in that challenge, I found some serious guidance. I found my system for success and have been using it religiously to push myself to new heights."

As she soars towards those new heights, 2024 has largely been good to her so far. With leaps of 6.56, 6.68 and a windy 6.72m, Gittens’ progress has been trending along an upward trajectory as she nears competing at her national championships next month.

She attributed her renewed focus and resilience to adopting a growth mindset. "The growth mindset is just a theory that all things can be achieved with hard work and effort," she explained. "It’s about how you handle failure, how you view fear. Instead of seeing failure as the end, I view it as a new opportunity to try a new way. With a growth mindset, I believe that everything I put my mind to and apply effort towards, I can improve."

Looking ahead to the Olympic Games, Tyra Gittens is determined to exceed her expectations and make her mark in the world of track and field. With a newfound perspective and a relentless work ethic, she is poised to inspire both on and off the track as she chases Olympic glory.

Vincent's remarkable achievements included a commanding victory in the Boys U-17 triple jump, where he soared an impressive 13.50m The Concorde Athletic standout continued to dominate in the U-17 110m hurdles, clocking in at 14.43 seconds (wind-assisted). Vincent also secured his place in the U-17 long jump, sailing out to an impressive 6.74m.

Joining Vincent in this extraordinary accomplishment were Reuel McEwen, Kristiano Perez, and Dominic Maxwell, all of whom surpassed the Carifta standard in their respective events.

The weekend's competitions showcased more exceptional performances, with Daeshaun Cole dipping under the Carifta Games mark in the boys under-20 200m dash semifinal. Symphony Patrick, a standout in the girls U-20 category, not only claimed victory in the 100m final but also achieved the girls U-20 200m standard for the Carifta Games.

Alexxe Henry of Zenith Athletics emerged triumphant in the 100m final with a stellar time of 24.07 seconds, alongside other impressive athletes like Kadija Pickering, Keziah Peters, and Sierra Joseph, all meeting the standard of 24.69 seconds. Henry continued her success by clinching the girls U-20 200m final in the penultimate event on Sunday, clocking an impressive 24.0 seconds.

Kadeem Chinapoo showcased his prowess by meeting Carifta standards in both the boys' U-17 200m preliminaries and final, adding to his qualification in the 100m event on Saturday.

Here are the comprehensive results of the Trinidad and Tobago athletes who qualified for the 2024 Carifta Games:

Girls Under-20

100m Dash: Symphony Patrick (Concorde), Alexxe Henry (Zenith), Kadija Pickering (Abilene Wildcats).

200m Dash: Alexxe Henry (Zenith), Keziah Peters (Simplex), Symphony Patrick (Concorde), Kadija Pickering (Abilene Wildcats).

Triple Jump: Kernes Shelbourne (Oasics).

Girls Under-17

400m Dash: Kyah Hyson (FAD).

1500m Run: Aniqah Bailey (+one a Week).

100m Hurdles: Jenna Thomas (IG Fastlane), Tenique Vincent (Concorde).

400m Hurdles: Jenna Thomas (IG Fastlane), Durlaina Rouse (PFNJ), Zariah Pascall (D’Abadie).

Shot Put: Peyton Winter (BURN).

Discus Throw: Peyton Winter (BURN), Addalia Sylvester (MERC).

High Jump: Tenique Vincent (Concorde Athletic), La’Shiya Biggart (Zenith), La Queen Welch (QRC AC).

Boys Under-20

 100m Dash: Dylan Woodruffe (Cougars), Mikhail Byer (Simplex), Jamario Russell (Memphis Pioneers), Hakeem Chinapoo (Simplex), Che Wickham.

200m Dash: Daeshaun Cole (Abilene Wildcats), Jyrell Thomas (Cougars), Enoch Joseph (Mounting Eagles).

400m Dash: Kyrell Thomas (Cougars), Da Shaun Lezama (+one a Week), Keone John (Memphis Pioneers), Jaden Clement (MAP).

800m Run: Brion Scott (BURN), Khordae Lewis (+One a Week).

1500m Run: Tafari Waldron (Cougars), Omari Thompson (+one a Week), Jahfa Woodlet (Memphis Pioneers), Darius Harding (BURN).

5000m Run: Tafari Waldon (Cougars).

Triple Jump: Tyrique Vincent (Concorde), Reuel McEwen (Kaizen Panthers), Kristiano Perez (QRC AC), Dominic Maxwell (Toco Tafac).

Boys Under-17

 100m Dash: Kadeem Chinapoo (Simplex), Cameron Powel (Phoenix), Kaeden Herbert (Memphis), Shane Camejo (Stallion).

200m Dash: Kadeem Chinapoo (SImplex).

1500m Run: Isaiah Alder (Cougars), Jayden Alexander (Rjrt).

110m Hurdles: Tyrique Vincent (Concorde), Omari Brown (Neon Wolves).

Long Jump: Tyrique Vincent (Concorde), Omari Brown (Neon Wolves).

With approximately three dozen athletes meeting the Carifta Games qualifying standards, Trinidad and Tobago is set to make a resounding impact at the upcoming games from March 29 to April 1 in Grenada. These athletes have not only earned their place but have set the stage for an exhilarating and competitive representation on the regional stage.

The 2024 Carifta Games will be shown live on Sportsmax.

In October, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) disciplinary tribunal had ruled that Naser had not committed an anti-doping rule violation in relation to an alleged filing failure and missed tests. The tests were missed between March 12 and April 12, 2019.

In its appeal to the CAS, World Athletics requested that the AIU decision "be set aside and that it be replaced with a new decision in which the 2019 400m world champion is found to have committed an ADRV and sanctioned with a two-year period of ineligibility.

The athlete has retained the services of Dr Emir Crowne, Matthew Gayle and Kristie Irving of Trinidad-based New City Chambers, who confirmed that WADA had also appealed the ruling.

"I can confirm that WADA has launched a separate appeal against the decision of World Athletics' Disciplinary Tribunal in the Salwa Naser matter,” Dr Crowne told Sportsmax.TV.

“We will be asking that WADA's appeal be consolidated with World Athletics' appeal, and that the hearing be open to the public."

The Nigerian-born athlete who now competes for Bahrain ran the third fastest time in history while winning the 400m title in Doha. Only Marita Koch (47.60) and Jarmila Kratochvílová (47.99) have run faster than her 48.14. Naser also had a missed test against her name in January 2020, a strike that still stands.

Williams, the former ST Elizabeth Technical athlete, now competing for Texas, crossed the line first in a time of 51.24, comfortably ahead of Young who finished in 51.52 for Texas A&M.  Syaira Richardson, also of Texas A&M was third in 52.17.

In the women’s 100m, former Edwin Allen star Kevona Davis clocked 11.35 but had to settle for second place behind Texas teammate Kynnedy Flannel who took the top spot in 11.23.  Texas A&M’s Kaylah Robinson was third in 11.69.

At the same event, O’Brien Wasome, formerly of Jamaica College, took the top spot in the men’s triple jump.  Competing for Texas, Wasome recorded a distance of 15.83m, comfortably ahead of CJ Stevenson who was second with 15.19, and teammate Stacy Brown Jr who was third with 14.65m.

In the women’s high jump, the day belonged to Trinidad and Tobago jumper Tyra Gittens who leapt 1.90m to claim the top spot for Texas A&M.  Texas’ Marlene Guerrero was second with 1.73 and her teammate Trinity Tomlinson third with the same height.

Richards, 28, was Trinidad and Tobago’s only medalist at the 2022 World Indoor Championships in March when he clocked a smart 45.00 to win gold for the twin-island republic. However, speaking with Sportsmax.TV this week, he outlined his plans for his national championships.

“This weekend I’ll be competing in just the 200m and my expectation is I break the 20-second barrier once again,” said Richards, who last broke 20 seconds when he ran 19.99 in Doha in May 2018.

Outside his personal objectives, Richards said he believes TT will field a strong team for the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon in July.

“I’m excepting that team TTO will be strong in the respected events such as sprints relays and throws,” he said, explaining that he believes he, Dwight St Hilaire, Machel Cedenio and Asa Guevara will be part of the make-up of his country’s 4x400m relay team.

TTO will also likely have the in-form Keshorn Walcott, the 2012 Olympic champion, in the team for the 2022 global championships.

Richards’ goals for the season extend beyond the World Championships. In 2018, he won the 200m at the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast and he is aiming to travel to Birmingham, England to defend his title later this summer.

The Commonwealth Games are set to begin on July 28, just four days after the end of the World Championships but Richards believes the work he has done to prepare for the season will help him successfully navigate the hectic schedule.

“My plan is to trust in God, trust in the plan my coach has for me and just make sure that I’m healthy to get the job done,” he said.