The athletic section of the London Olympics is due to start tomorrow. What are T&T’s chances? Ato Jabari Boldon may have put on some weight, particularly around his waist, but he has not allowed this excess, or his increasingly grey look to stop him from talking a good talk. No wonder the NBC Network has engaged his services for yet another Olympics.
We chatted yesterday about T&T’s medal chances which Boldon described as good. “This team has a very good chance of winning some medals. It is one of the best balanced teams I have seen in a long time.” Boldon had an opportunity to meet with the T&T contingent during the pre-Olympic camp in Wales. He said he got a positive vibe from the group.
“Jehue Gordon has that look, I know it. He just seems to have that expression, that belief. He will surprise some people. He stood out. He has already decided in his mind the time he wants to achieve. He has gone so far as to write up times all over mirrors, walls in his room, his shoes. He is clearly showing that he is mentally focussed and understands what is needed both physically and mentally,” noted the four time Olympic medallist. Boldon expects the women’s 4x100 metres team to break into the medals.  “They should have secured a medal in the past. This is their chance. If the men’s 4x100 metres team don’t medal, they would be very disappointed as would all of us. They have a very good team,” he said. Boldon described Keston Bledman and Richard Thompson as competitive guys who will go out hard: “But it will not be easy with so much competition.”
He warned against writing off Kelly Ann Baptiste: “A lot of people are writing her off because of her last few races. But she has an achilles problem, so she had to nurse herself through the last couple of weeks, so if she is at her best, anything can happen.” Boldon, who is coaching both athletes and professional footballers in the NFL in Florida, said: “If I go to sleep today and wake up in two weeks time and someone told me T&T won three medals, I would not be surprised. That is how much I am expecting it to happen,” said Boldon. He suggested a good performance for T&T could signal a renewal of interest in the sports: “It would be a good way to encourage youngsters to come forward.” For his part, Boldon says he feels he can still run a 100 metres but instead of 9.86 (his pb), he feels he can do 10.50. Some six months prior to the last Games, Boldon predicted a 100 metres win for Usain Bolt and second for Richard Thompson. He was right. Three medals for T&T this time. Let’s hope that once more, he is on target.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt