Adell Colthrust has big plans for 2018.
The Trinidad and Tobago junior sprinter is not only looking to repeat as CARIFTA champion but also has set his sights on a podium finish at this year’s IAAF World Under-20 Championships.
Colthrust was named the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) Junior Sportsman of the Year after a golden 2017, which saw him winning the Under-18 Boys 100 Metres at the CARIFTA Games in Curacao. He followed that up with an impressive victory in the marquee sprint at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas.
“I feel really proud of myself. This [award] is the stepping stone to something great. 2017 was a year that gave me more confidence and motivation to continue with my career.”
Colthrust’s personal best time of 10.55 seconds, set back in July, saw him become T&T’s first ever gold medallist at the Commonwealth Youth level. Despite the result, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the teenager, particularly earlier in the year. This, he says, made his CARIFTA Games performance all the more memorable.
“The highlight of the year for me, shockingly, would be the CARIFTA gold medal. People would think it would the Commonwealth gold, but for me, it was CARIFTA. I was going through some major issues before the Games, and that performance gave me the boost to continue for the rest of the year.”
He admits he had to fight some internal battle but he declares he is now ready to take on the world.
“My major challenge was myself, and my mind. I had to face it, but I got over that and right now I feel invincible!”
So invincible in fact, that his first goal is to step up to the Under-20 Boys’ division at CARIFTA and add the sprint double to his resume. After that, he says he intends to go after a similar feat at the World Juniors in Finland.
“I just need to stay focused, and train smart; just clear my mind of any negative thoughts.”
As he continues on his journey, Colthrust, who celebrates his 18th birthday on January 8th, has some simple advice for other young athletes
“Never give up. Hard work will eventually pay off. It did for me. Even one of my teammates [Avindale Smith], he actually beat me in the CARIFTA Trials, and he has come from a very long way himself. So, hard work does indeed pay off.”
Written by Marsha Boyce