AAG names nine athletes for CARIFTA Games

Apr 01, 2014 Sports

-2013 bronze medalist, Mitchell not included

By Edison Jefford
The Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) has named nine athletes for the upcoming CARIFTA Games in Martinique, April 19-21, with 2013 Under-18 Girls’ bronze medalist, Tirana Mitchell, being left out of the team after probably failing a fitness test.

Jason Yaw

The AAG did not give a reason for Mitchell’s omission, but Kaieteur Sport knows from reliable sources, as reported in our story on Saturday, March 29 ‘Final CARIFTA Games team to surface this weekend’, that Mitchell was being considered for the Games.
Mitchell along with Avon Samuels was reportedly asked to do medicals ahead of last weekend’s final selection. Mitchell won the U-18 Girls’ 100m at the AAG trials comfortably, but struggled for form in her strong event, the 200m, finishing fourth.
Samuels has been named on the team to compete in the U-18 Girls’ 200m and 400m after finishing second to sprint ace, Jevina Sampson in both events. Sampson has also been included in the team as expected.
Natricia Hooper has been named to compete in the U-18 Triple Jump, while Cassey George will run the U-18 Girls’ 1500m and Open 3000m. Samuels, Sampson, Hooper and George will run in the U-18 Girls’ 4x400m race as well.
In addition, AAG has included United States-based athletes, CARIFTA bronze and World Youth silver medallist, Kadecia Baird to compete in the 200m and 400m U-20 races while Brenessa Thompson, daughter of former sprint champion, Brenon Thompson, will compete in the 100 and 200m races in the same age category.
Along with the six females are three males. Last year’s bronze medalist, Jason Yaw returns to the fold, rounding

Jevina Sampson

off a list of four athletes from Running Braves Athletics Club on the team. Yaw will compete in the U-18 200m and 400m races.
Sprinter, Kevin Abbensetts was rewarded for his recent form and 10.4 seconds 100m race at the trials, which effectively obliterated his opponents. He will also run the 200m while Kade Pearce will compete in the triple and high jump events.
Running Brave Athletics Club Coach, Sham Johnny was named as Head Coach of the team with Mayfield Taylor-Trim was identified as Manager. Baird’s previous Coach, Shawn Dietz, and present Coach, Matthew Martin and Glenton Pantlitz were named as Assistant Coaches. In addition, Stabroek News’ Emmerson Campbell was named the media representative on the official list.