Jehue Gordon emerged as Memphis Pioneers Athletic Club’s Male Athlete of the Year 2013, while Dawnell Collymore took the Female Athlete of the Year title.
Gordon, the top national athlete who won gold for T&T in the 400-metre hurdle event at the IAAF World Championships, Moscow, Russia, back in August, before repeating his fashionable win at the Diamond League in Brussels, Belgium—a month later—took the spotlight at the International School of Port-of-Spain in Westmoorings on Saturday.
Gordon is ranked second in the world in the 400 metres hurdle.
But while officials at Memphis Pioneers had no challenge choosing which athlete would receive this honour, they knew his award had to be extra-ordinary.
They reflected on the style of his wins and went back to his ‘golden dip’ at the World Championships.
Visual artist Sundiata (Winston Ian Stewart) was then commissioned to capture the moment on canvas. When the work was revealed the auditorium at the International School was energised with cheers.
In fact, Dr Ian Hypolite Gordon’s coach admitted that he was “totally envious” when he saw the final product.
Interviewed, Gordon said, “My club paved the way for where I am right now. They have shaped me into an all rounded person and I’m just grateful to give back to the club, in the sense that I have localised the whole setting. I came back home. I remain grounded in my roots—Memphis Pioneers. I’m just happy to come out here and represent them and be awarded tonight.”
He added, “The past three months have been really hectic. I’ve been involved in school; exams especially over the past two weeks at UWI. Exams have been intense so far. Right now it just relaxation time, a little bit. My final exam is next week Tuesday (tomorrow). My last exam is marketing management. After that I will be able to focus a lot more on track and field.”
The Awards
Athlete of the Year–Male
Jehue Gordon
Athlete of the Year—Female
Dawnell Collymore
Athlete of the Year—Boys Under 9
Keone John
Athlete of the Year—Girls Under 9
Naomi Pierce
Athlete of the Year—Girls Under 11
Bilquis Abdal-Jarim
Athlete of the Year—Boys Under 11
Jamali Lynch
Athlete of the Year—Girls Under 13
Jeneil Morris
Athlete of the Year—Boys Under 13
Shaquan Baptiste
Athlete of the Year—Girls Under 15
Shania Mc Carter
Athlete of the Year—Boys Under 15
Clement Campbell
Athlete of the Year—Girls Under 18
Jeminise Parris
Athlete of the Year—Boys Under 18
Kadeem Campbell
Athlete of the Year—Boys Under 20
Reubin Walters