Olympic qualifier Jehue Gordon was not among the starters in the men’s 400m hurdles at last weekend’s Sagicor/NGC National Open Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. The 20-year-old withdrew from the event on the advice of his doctor, after sustaining a slight tear to his quadriceps ahead of the meet. The Belmont Boys’ Secondary/QRC graduate said he was not happy with having to sit out of the race. “I was disappointed when I found out that I would not be entered to compete. I wanted to come out and show the fans the shape I am in and give a really good performance. However, my coach just wanted to ensure that all is well and everything happens at the right time as this year is an Olympic year and we did not want to take any risks.”
He added that his doctor (Dr Ian Hypolite) identified the injury early and within a week’s time he is expecting to be back on the track. The UWI Sports Management student is expected to compete in France on July 6. The Maraval resident said he is focused on London, “I don’t need additional pressure to deal with going into the Olympics. I don’t need anyone not registering me. I don’t need to worry about things that I should not be worrying about. Training is going extremely well and I need to keep my head clear so I could go out there and execute the race to the best of my ability.” The five-time Carifta champion said he is mindful of the expectation the country has placed on him going into London, “I am using the pressure positively knowing that the nation is behind me 100 per cent and it is not just me alone competing. It is really hard going out to a meet by yourself but I think about back home and realise that they want me to do well and be the best. It is just good to show the people that they can look up to someone and give them something they can be proud about.”
Gordon said his recent performances on the Diamond League circuit in Rome made him more confident as he prepared for his Olympic debut. “In my last four races I placed second in three of them and that has boosted my confidence showing I can go out there and compete against the best in the world. No name has been written on those medals (in London) as yet. What is going to make the difference is who wants to win the most on the day.” Prior to his fourth place finish in Rome, Gordon revealed that he fell sick but still put his all. “I was sick but no one knew that. I always go out there and represent to the best and give it my all. Some people don’t know what it takes to be an athlete. We strive for distinction and want to be the best and break records.”
-Clayton Clarke
Source: www.guardian.co.tt