ST.LUCIAN ATHLETES PREPARE FOR TRACK AND FIELD AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
St Lucias three Olympic Track and field Athletes have had a quiet week of rest and diligent preparation as the Athletics competition approaches starting Saturday 16th August 2008
Under the watchful eyes of Chief de Mission Alfred Emmanuel and Athletics coach Henry Bailey, the three athletes, Levern Spencer (High Jump), Erma gene Evans (Javelin) and Dominique Johnson (Pole Vault) have continued their mental and physical preparation to insure their maximum performance on their appointed days
Reports from China are the athletes in wonderful spirits and enjoying the experience
Erma Gene starts on Monday 18th at 9 PM St Lucia time but the schedule of competitors has not yet been released. Erma gene does have major competition as her best of 57.22 meters for 2008 ranks her the 70th in the world for 2008. The top distance for 2008 has been 69.15 meters from Barbora Sporakova from the Czech Republic. These Olympics have brought forth phenomenal performances thus far and this may be Erma Genes time. Her first hurdle will be to qualify for the Finals and that alone will be a fantastic achievement
On Wednesday at 8:40AM Dominique starts his medal quest while Levern initiates her campaign that evening at 9:50 PM.
The Pole Vault champion for 2008 has been Brad Walker of the USA with a height of 6.04 meters. Johnsons qualifying height of 5.55 meters places him 50th in the world so, he too, will be challenged to final. Dominic has already expressed quiet confidence about his performance and his greatest asset may his vast experience this being his third Olympics
Levern carries St Lucias best hope to final and even medal. To even be seriously considered at this level is a major achievement. There are six jumpers who have crossed the 2 meter height for 2008 lead by Blanca Vlasic of Croatia with 2.06 meters. Given the results for 2008 thus far, the finals in Beijing is expected to be an exquisitely challenging affair and finals aspirants will need to jump 1.93 and above. Leverns medal hopes lie with her reaching the finals with already achieved results (circa 1.94) and then for the finals, having the best of days against her competitors to realize the Olympic dream. Difficult? Yes, but doable.
So remember
Monday 18th 9 PM------------------Erma Gene
Wednesday 20th 8:40 AM--------- Dominique
Wednesday 20th PM------------------Levern