Latest update May 22nd, 2026 12:38 AM
Drayton & Harlequin confident for T&T National Open Championship
Former Royal Youth Movement (RYM) athletes, Philip Drayton and Wayne Harlequin who presently
Philip Drayton
resides in twin island, Trinidad and Tobago will be looking to produce superb performances at the upcoming Trinidad and Tobago Sagicor National Gas Company National Open Championship on June 23rd and 24th at the Hasley Crawford Stadium.
The trials which is set to kick off in Port of Spain next weekend will see, Drayton, former National’s School Track and Field Championship athlete competing in the Men’s 400m as Harlequin competes in his pet event, the Men’s 800m.
Both athletes who are under the watchful eyes of a 1972 Olympian, Trevor James at the Quantum Athletics Track Academy/Club (QATA/C) it was revealed to this publication that they will be gunning for new personal best times in their event.
Drayton competing already for this athletic season registered a time of 49.02 seconds in the 400m at the National Athletics Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NAAATT) Developmental Meet last February at Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva. The performance produced was good enough for him to place second behind his team mate, Ryan Benjamin who had 48.37 seconds.
Indicating that he is presently recuperating from a minor injury sustained during training a month ago, Drayton said that he will be in full flight for the competition which is nine days away. “I have not done any speed work as yet because of the minor injury I endured a month ago but I will be in full flight for this competition. I am presently 90% on recovery.”
The athlete, who is currently pursuing his Olympic quest, disclosing during the interview that he’s focused and knows what it takes run certain timings, added that his expectation for the Championship will either be a late 47 seconds or an early 48 seconds.
Harlequin who will be pursing the same quest as his team mate, Drayton, informed Kaieteur Sport that he will be entering the games with a positive state of mind.
With this trials being the first competition for Harlequin for the season, the 800 meter athlete, who previously competed at the ALBA Games which was held in Venezuela last year, stated that he will be looking to better his PB of 1:50 seconds which was achieved at the ALBA Games. “I feel good going into this competition knowing that it is my first for the year.”
He continued, “This competition will allow me to gauge my performance and will also indicate to me where I am presently with my training and what I have to do for my future races to be on top of my game,” he said.
The Trinidad and Tobago National Open Championship which will be held over two days will commence at 3pm. Drayton’s 400m (preliminary) is slated for 10:50pm while Harlequin’s 800m preliminary as well is set for 5:50pm.
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