Sprinter Kelly Ann Baptiste was honoured by the National Association of Athletics Administrators at an Appreciation Function on Wednesday night at the Jade Room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain.
Baptiste had an outstanding season, winning gold at the ISTAF Meet in Berlin and AREVA Meet in Paris. She also claimed silver and bronze at Diamond League Meets.
The former LSU sprinter has emerged as Trinidad and Tobago’s best chance for a gold medal at the Olympic Games in London next year. Baptiste credited her support unit for the enormous success she has enjoyed this year.
“I could not have done it without the people I had around me,” said after accepting her award. She continued, “It is like they share your joy and sorrow. Just being on that journey with these people enables me to make more memories that I will carry when I am finished with track and field.”
The World Championship bronze medallist revealed that she is looking forward to running at the Olympic Games next year and is relishing the opportunity to compete against the best sprinters in the world.
“The more top runners in the event, the more excited I get. I know the Jamaicans will perform and I know that (Carmelita) Jeter will be coming to win as well. The focus will not be on them for me, because there are those who will rise to the occasion come next year,” Baptiste divulged.
Oozing with confidence, Baptiste predicted that the women’s 4x100m relay team will be ready to take the world by storm at the Olympics. Trinidad and Tobago will be depending on Semoy Hackette, Michelle Lee Ahye and Kai Selvon to emulate Baptiste’s form if they are to medal.
“I feel as if Semoy who will be finishing school in the United States will be definitely ready. Michelle Lee is only 19-years-old but ran an excellent race in the women’s 4x100 metres relay at the World Championships as well as qualify for the ‘semis’ in the women’s 100 metres. Kai who went on to break my World junior 200 metres record will perform well next year,” Baptiste divulged.
She also predicted success for 400 metres hurdler Jehue Gordon as well as Ayanna Hutchinson who is in the twilight of her career.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt