Nineteen-year old Machel Cedenio was delighted at his silver medal in yesterday’s 4 x 400 metres relay at the World Championships here in Beijing. “My first senior World Championships and I got a silver medal. That is really good. I want to thank God for bringing me here today with my teammates. We all have a good bond and we all have a team chemistry.
“I hope that people keep supporting us. We are out here to do our best for our country. We love all our fans.”
Cedenio, who also finished seventh in the men’s 400 metres, paid tribute to the parents who have supported all of the T&T athletes. “We thank all of you for your support because track and field has really improved in our country,” he added.
Cedenio, together with Renny Quow, Deon Lendore and Lalonde Gordon, finished second behind the United States in the event yesterday.
Lendore, who has been recovering from injury this season, also called for more support going forward. “I want to thank everyone. I am happy that people are able to hear what we are doing.”
There was a poignant moment during the celebrations when Lendore found time in the mixed zone to address youngsters from China who gathered to watch the returning athletes. Lendore took off, not only his number tags, but those of others and gave them to the children. Their joy was something to behold.
Yesterday’s silver medal also focused thoughts on the Rio Olympics. Gordon stated: “What happened here tonight will send a message that we are serious next year. We will take some rest, refocus and get ready for next year.”
Quow was also aiming at Rio. “The plan is to be ready from October to August. We are just going to work hard and do what we are accustomed doing. (AB)”