February 7-13, 2015
Sports National
45
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Williams’s PB run breaks Bolt’s 2008 meet record TCI BORN Delano Williams is answering his critics on the track. And his first feat was a statement! He shaved more than a second off of his old mark in the 400M and in the process broke a seven-year-old record previously held by the current fastest man in the world Usain Bolt. At the Queens/Grace Jackson Track Meet last Saturday at the National Stadium in Jamaica, Williams stormed to 46.20s to win the Open 400M under the banner of his adopted track nation Great Britain. He eclipsed his previous record of 47.51s attained last February. Bolt, who has dominated in the shorter sprints, had held the meet record from 2008 when he won the event in 46.94s. LOTS TO PROVE The 21-year-old former Munro College student had a lot to prove in his opener; especially since he switched coaches in the latter part of last year. He opted to return to
boyhood coach and mentor Neil Harrison over renowned Racers Track Club coach Glen Mills. Williams is hoping that this start can progress to an outstanding season. Prior to the race he informed the Weekly News that he was “well prepared”. “It was something good to start off the season with. I’m more confident than last year and am looking forward for a better season than the previous one,” the national 100M and 200M records holder said after the race. CONGRATULATIONS Initially the former World Junior 200M gold medallist had no idea he broke the record, but the congratulations soon poured in from the ‘Beast’ Yohan Blake, Mills and a number of other big names. The Grand Turk born said that he and his coach are working hard “towards “getting back in the world ranks and running some fast times”.
Delano Williams is looking to make his mark on the world stage this year.
Otuonye wins bronze after a solid performance in long jump opener NATIONAL long jump record holder Ifeanyi Otuonye is excited about his 2015 long jump season after jumping 7.43M in his first attempt at the Nee Mexico Team Invitational in New Mexico last weekend.
His leap, which was not far away from his personal best (7.50M), brought him third place in the meet. The multiple records holder (relays, outdoor long jump, indoor 300M, indoor long jump and indoor triple jump), who broke Darian
Caicos Cup rugby moves to GT GRAND Turk will look to avenge their loss against Providenciales this weekend when the returning leg of the Caicos Cup is held in the capital island. Grand Turk males suffered a big loss to Provo in January, but will be confident that they can turn
the tides when the games continue under lights at the Parade Ground on Friday and on the beach by White Sands on Saturday. The Meridian Financial Group and Olympic Construction have been instrumental in making this inaugural event possible.
Forbes’s 2006 200M indoor record by converted time the week before at the DeLoss Dodds Invitational Meet, has had a dream start to his season and he is excited about the possibilities. “It was great long jump season opener…still going, thanks to God.” REALLY CONFIDENT The Kansas State University student said that he was more excited about his fouled jumps. “I feel really confident moving forward into the season for the long jump, the 7.43M I jumped was good, but I was more excited about the ones I fouled, they were really far. As soon as I actually get it right, great things will happen.” Another plus for Otuonye was that he used 16 steps instead of the regular 18 in his attempts (coach’s decision). A longer run off later in the season could get more distance.
Ifeanyi Otuonye jumps 7.43m (a third place finish) in his first attempt in his long jump opener.