Athletes, officials hail team spirit

In all, the national team bagged 22 medals - seven gold, five silver and 10 bronze, to finish second on the medal standings behind perennial winners Jamaica who snapped up 86 medals - 39 gold, 28 silver and 19 bronze. Trinidad and Tobago’s tally was a marked improvement from their 2016 return, where they claimed 14 medals (three gold, two silver and nine bronze) to place fifth on the overall medal count. With the exception of girls heptathlon gold medallist Tyra Gittens, who returned to her home in the United States, the Trinidad and Tobago contingent (athletes and officials) returned home from Curacao yesterday afternoon.

In a welcome function at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport, one of the headline acts for Trinidad and Tobago, Khalifa St Fort, spoke in glowing terms of the camaraderie of the team, as well as the input of the technical staff.

The 19-year-old St Fort, who achieved the sprint double in the girls Under-20 100 and 200 metres (in 11.56 and 23.99 seconds respectively), said: “This is only my second CARIFTA but it has been one of the best experiences for me.

The vibe of the team was definitely different this year, it was a lot better.

We were there for one another, supported one another and encouraged one another to do better.” St Fort, who was battling a bout of flu, added: “We were there when the medals weren’t (gained) and we were there when no-one saw the hard work and determination that everyone made to contribute to TT ’s medal count.” Tyriq Horsford, who captured his third successive boys Under-18 javelin gold in a Games record of 76.50 metres, thanked the support staff for their efforts.

“This experience was an exciting one for me,” said Horsford. “I would like to thank the staff because without them, this would not have been possible. Also the team, and I was supposed to thank God first because without Him, He would not have allowed us to perform to the best of our abilities.” One of the dignitaries in attendance at yesterday’s function was Sports Minister Darryl Smith who expressed excitement about the team’s performance.

“I was getting WhatsApp messages from Trinidadians living (abroad). I have friends who coach in universities abroad asking about (the TT athletes) so I’m anticipating once you all have your grades in line that all, if not most of you all, at some point will be getting athletic scholarships to North America,” said the Sports Minister.

He continued: “The entire Cabinet wants to congratulate you, the staff and your parents for the work done. We’re hoping corporate Trinidad and Tobago supports you all as much as possible.” Smith also expressed his hope that Trinidad and Tobago will be given the nod to host the 2019 CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.

Also heaping praises on the squad was NAAA (National Association of Athletic Administrations) president Ephraim Serrette, who was in Curacao to witness the action.

“The attitude of this team was definitely different,” he said. “The decisions that we made last year I think speaks volumes for this year.” Focusing on the athletes, Serrette said: “You have to see yourselves as the future. When we talk 2020 Olympics, that’s your next target and you need to start putting in place your short-term and medium-term goals in order to be (in Tokyo, Japan).”