T&T’s lone men’s representative in the sport of Javelin at the upcoming London 2012 Summer Olympics, and world’s top junior, Keshorn Walcott, was yesterday presented with two top quality spears, by the Minister of Sport Anil Roberts, at the Ministry of Sport Headquarters, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain. Walcott received the equipment on behalf of all national track and field athletes, who will be able to put them to use during competition. The javelins are manufactured by leading track and field brand Gill Athletics and are IAAF certified. The Ministry of Sport made the purchases at a cost of US$3,000 or roughly TT$9,000 per spear.
The average cost of a javelin is TT$1,500, according to Creed, significantly less than the US$1,500. He added, however, that the quality of the equipment speaks for itself. It is made of carbon fiber and alluinnium and is reportedly capable of throwing over 90m. Minister Roberts described the spears as “the best in the world” and an investment for the future, as it is intended for the development of the sport in T&T. Its purpose initially, according to Creed, is to assist Walcott in achieving the Olympic “A” standard. Walcott, a four-time Carifta gold medallist with a personal best throw of 80.11m, will put the javelin to the test when he challenges the National Track and Field Championships, being held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, this weekend.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt