It's happened!!

It was just a matter of time before the world was going to have to take notice of another Barbadian athlete and yesterday ( August 20) it happened.

OUR own Ryan.M.Brathwaite,aka French won the Men's 110m hurdles final at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin,Germany in a new national record of 13.14secs.

It was the culmination of a long and relatively successful year for Ryan both on the collegiate and European outdoor circuit.

Sharing in the joy in Berlin was head coach of the Barbados team Alwyn Babb. When asked how he felt in seeing a dream come true,I was told "I was so nervous I alsmost didn't watch the semifinals.This is now the third we have and I want one more!"

Later when we had another conversation it was apparent that this win was just another event in the life of an outstanding coach.

"How do you really feel?"

" You know me.I aint feel na way. I am glad for him.haha."

CONGRATULATIONS to Babb and Ryan.M aka Frenchydan. As our former president would always say "BUP BUP!!"

Inspirational

When the 2009 World Championships begins next Friday in Berlin,Germany, Ramon Gittens will be there representing Barbados in the 100m and the 200m.

At the age of fifteen while a student of the Lester Vaughan School in the same parish, he had his first foray into track and field. Physical Education teacher Alwyn Babb saw him "just running 'round" and encouraged him to try out for the school team in the sprints which started his life of track and field.

When I asked him how he felt about making his first global meet as a senior, he answered ,"Well I am very excited about attending a global meet as a senior. I just want to be as successful as possible whether it is making the finals or obtaining a personal best ( PB)."

Ramon believes that being an international student in the United States of America " can be very hard" but realizes that this gives these students " an idea of what life is about." Some hardships include staying up late with assignments,travelling to track meets during classtime and putting in extra school work.

He is of the belief that there is nothing wrong with collegiate athletes becoming professional " as long as they get their college degree." To him education is "very important" in this world and track is a funny sport with injuries always around the corner.

The little boy from Walkes Spring by way of the Lester Vaughan School and now St.Augustine University believes he has trained hard,is dedicated to his craft and looks forward to some great performances in Berlin,Germany.

Three Berlin bound

When the Barbados team to the 2009 World Championships arrive in Berlin Germany next week( 11 August) two of the three athletes will be members of the RST&FC.

Ace hurdler Ryan.M.Brathwaite and super sprinter Ramon Gittens are the representatives from the club. Not to be left out is the head coach of the team who is also the head coach of the club Alwyn Babb.

Starting tomorrow I am hoping to have a series ( 3) "interviews" with these athletes and the head coach about any expectations they may have coming out of this meet.

The line is nearer

And now the end is near and so I face the final metre. Ramon with his arms pumping and a determined look on his face.

Here he is again

Focusing on the finish line.

Ramon

World Championship bound Ramon Gittens is ahead of the field at this track meet.

Season ends

After a long hard season,hurdle princess Kenrisha Brathwaite can finally take some much needed rest.

At the just concluded PanAm Junior Championships in Trinidad and Tobago, she was fifth in the 100m hurdles recording a personal best ( PB) of 14.13 secs ( 84cm) which is the women's height in this event.

Good job !