Young Belizean athletes return with gold

They went; they ran; they conquered. This morning, young Belizean athletes returned home after competing in the Central American Junior Championships held in El Salvador. The Belizeans came back proudly boasting twelve gold, nine silver and seventeen bronze medals along with a new record for the region. The athletes say winning feels great, but having the country’s support for their efforts would feel even better.

Jaheed Smith, Gold Medallist, Track

“I broke the record and it wasn’t even my best run, I just felt good. Every time I get a gold medal place around my neck, it feels good. I feel that I’ve put in my training and I’ve accomplished something, so I always feel good.”

Clarencia Jones, Gold Medallist, Pole Vault

“It was two of us, and this girl from El Salvador was a little better than me. She knocked it down the first height and I cleared it, then the second time she knocked it down and I cleared it, she came out of the competition the second height. I cleared it to the fourth height and if I wanted I could have gone more, but I didn’t because I was afraid. I feel good because it’s the first year I’ve turned and athlete and first I broke a record for my age.”

Oprah Diego, Gold Medallist, Track

“I think Belizeans need to realise that we need support and we need to have this extra confidence. And I really think we need more support.”

Janelle Chanona

“I understand that there’s a facility in the works for you guy early next year.”

Nelson Hyde, President, Amateur Athletic Assoc.

“Yes. It’s due to be on target for next year. That’s why I’m saying that next year I’m looking to go challenge the Caribbean…after them we take on the world.”

In the coming weeks, the young men and women will be training hard for their next international competition to be held in Guatemala City.