Olympic medallist, Erin Hartwell is confident that local cyclist, Njisane Phillip can qualify for the Olympic Games in London next year.
“I think Njisane’s performance at the Pan American Games in the Men’s 200 metre fly was phenomenal. Being able to break the Pan Am record with his 9.97 second ride was amazing for himself and home-country Trinidad and Tobago. This was one of the best rides I’ve ever seen, said Hartwell.
He continued, “This record breaking performance comes on the heels of another record breaking ride he did (9.91 sec in 200m time trial) at the Colorado Springs. He (Phillip) is peaking right now and his Olympic hopes are looking great. He is rightly setting the stage for himself for the London Games. Njisane must keep it up to ensure an Olympic spot.”
Hartwell wanted the Beacon Insurance rider to maintain his top form and continue to make the most of his qualifying rides for the Olympic Games.
“Njisane must continue to stay healthy and stay at his best. He has proven to the world that he is an outstanding and dominant athlete. These upcoming meets are crucial for him to get the required points for an Olympic spot. He really needs to know where he’s at and ride hard in the World Cups (Olympic qualifiers),” added Hartwell.
The multiple Olympic medallist reiterated the importance of Phillip staying positive and keeping a calm head as he approached the qualifiers.
“ Last year I had the privilege to see him train abroad an it seemed to me that Njisane was getting better and better every week. He knows how to win races and must use this type of competitive mentality going into these qualifiers. This is the mind-set he should be in for these qualification races,” said Hartwell.
However, the top US cycling coach admitted that sealing an Olympic place was not such an easy task. He explained that all riders would be coming out to represent their countries, and Phillip will face tough competition.
“He will have to race and he would have to race hard. There would be a lot of top competitors coming out obviously to win. Cyclists from Germany, Spain and Australia would be competing for the same thing Njisane wants to achieve. It’s going to be a very competitive road for him. These cyclists are world renowned and Njisane is making an ideal name for himself. These international riders I’m sure have heard of him, and will be looking out for him,” explained Harwell.
He concluded, “It’s going to be a long and hard process for Njisane. I personally think that once he continues his current form, he would surely turn some heads at the Olympics. Presently he’s injury free and hasn’t complained about anything. I hope that he continues his form. One thing I like about Njisane is his ‘Trini-swagger’ and how he finishes and conquers in style. I hope he especially keeps this up.”
Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH