Toco ready to see hometown hero Walcott

Walcott, who was born and raised in Toco, became a household name in Trinidad and Tobago when he won gold in the men’s javelin at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Walcott became the second person from TT to win a gold medal for this country at the Olympic Games after Hasely Crawford won the men’s 100-metre event at the 1976 Montreal Games. Walcott will compete in group B of the qualification round tonight hoping for a place in the finals on Saturday from 7.55 pm.

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith revealed he messaged Walcott recently and said the community of Toco/Sangre Grande is excited to see Walcott in action. Smith said, “I told him all the best. I was actually in his town, I was in Toco/Sangre Grande (yesterday) opening the North Eastern Indoor Facility.

All the people there, all his village people, family and friends were there all supportive, excited and anxious to see him tomorrow (today).

Not just in the Toco/Sangre Grande area but of course TT and the Caribbean and we really want to see him do well.” Smith added, “We know he has been preparing, all the homework has been done and now is just for him to be calm and collective and enjoy the moment and do his best.” Smith said Walcott is the defending champion and it may be a challenge for him as he is now known by his competitors. “They always say it is hard to defend in any sport, the first one is always easier than the second one because everybody is gunning for you know. They know your technique, they have studied you, you are the benchmark worldwide for javelin.” Smith said he is happy the country has broken national records at the Olympics and that the country is being represented by its largest ever contingent with 32 athletes.

However, Smith said the country must ensure it maintains a high standard at the Games. “Although we want quantity we also want quality. We have to look at that at the end of the Olympics.

We will do a report and we will have a post-mortem of all the sports and see where we could improve.” Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Terry Rondon also wished Walcott the best.

Rondon stated, “We want to wish him all the best, we know his ability to get that job done and I assure you that he will be bringing back gold again to TT . Together with the people of Toco our prayers are with him and we wish him all the best. Toco is ready to celebrate once again.” Rondon explained that Walcott’s gold medal performance four years ago has inspired youngsters in Toco. “I saw an increase in athletic performance especially at Toco Compostite School where he went to school. Since renaming that school the Keshorn Walcott Secondary School I have seen an increase in performances. Toco has been excelling so much and I am so proud of the young people