Jehue Gordon's former coach Albert King has cautioned the government against overworking the newly crowned 400m hurdles world champion with public relations duties following his latest win in Moscow.
King, who introduced Gordon to hurdling as a Form One student at Belmont Boys Intermediate, pointed out that such chores had a negative impact on Keshorn Walcott, whom he felt had been overwhelmed following his win in the javelin at the London Olympics last year.
“I am honestly hoping that Jehue’s parents will prevent him from the sort of stupidness that went on with Keshorn Walcott,” he said. “Because of political stupidness, they had Keshorn moving around the country up and down almost everyday and he was overworked. I believe that was one of the things that has him underperforming.”
King, a Level Four middle and long distance specialist who also coaches at Airborn Sonics, said that Gordon’s talent had been apparent from an early age.
“He came in Form One as an 800m primary school champ but when I saw him running over benches, I encouraged him to pursue hurdles,” he said, adding. “He was also good in cricket. If he had decided to follow it he could have been the equivalent of Dwayne Bravo right now.”
Gordon spent five years at Belmont before moving to QRC for Form Six and is currently attending the University of the West Indies in St Augustine. King said they had maintained their relationship throughout and still kept in regular contact.
“He still discusses things with me,” he said. “He talks with athletes at the club and gives them mentorship. He's a very focused young man and whatever he chooses to do, I know he will be successful because of his mental attitude.”
King also hoped Gordon's win would encourage the government to invest more into track and field's development.
“In my opinion, we have some real quality athletes but no national develop programme. Everything that occurs is because of individual coaches.”