Guyanese sprinter to be part of Elite Sport and Culture Week

Jul 20, 2018 Sports

Aliann Pompey

The Advertiser-Tribune – Olympic sprinter Aliann Pompey is to be among the 15-20 athletes and coaches, including Olympians and Paralympians, who will be in Tiffin Oct. 23-25 for Elite Sport and Culture Week hosted by Tiffin University, Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital and Terra State Community College.
As a young Guyanese girl growing up in New York City from age 14, Pompey had no idea her undiscovered talent would lead her to four consecutive summer Olympics, beginning in Sydney in 200 and ending in London in 2012.
She earned two medals in Commonwealth Games, gold in 2002 and silver in 2010, competing at world championships. Pompey’s accolades have mounted for Guyana’s most prolific female athlete.
Often, an athlete has a routine that is simple but critical to be mentally and physically ready to run a race for which he or she has spent the remainder of the year preparing. Each ritual is different for every athlete, and Pompey executes five steps when facing an evening race on the day of competition — wake up early, eat, stretch, hydrate and then go back to sleep.
After Pompey finished college and was ranked as 12th in the world, she began to attract the interest of two national Olympic teams, the United States and Guyana. The decision was an obvious one for Pompey, an idea she was sold on by a Guyanese coach.
The African nation of Guyana as well as her family and loved ones have expressed gratitude, support and love for Pompey. However, the nation was oblivious to the physical and mental battles Pompey fought every year, deciding to quit after each season yet returning year after year.
In 2012, Pompey qualified for the London Olympics and got through the first round, but not in her usual comfortable fashion. She had spent most of the season struggling, injuries were becoming more prevalent, recovery time was taking twice as long as she was used to; all of this took a toll on her body and mind.
Pompey took the final steps in her career while on her way to an English bar, leaving her belongings in the warm-up area of the track. With feelings of contentment and satisfaction, she knew she had done it all and there wasn’t anything else left for her to do as a track and field athlete.
Pompey remains heavily active and involved in the sport she loves. Three years ago, she had an idea to create an international track competition known as The Aliann Pompey Invitational; however, putting the plan into motion was harder than she thought. Underestimating the work needed to be done and the time to implement plans would’ve stalled anyone’s actions and risen doubt, but Pompey persevered to the end, just as she persevered in her athletic career. Perseverance, hard work and being honest with oneself are all traits Pompey has exhibited from a young age. Since its inception three years ago, The Aliann Pompey Invitational has featured world-class athletes and nurtured local talent who also have gone on to represent Guyana in major events. Success stories range from a world championships silver medallist and a Commonwealth champion at the junior level.
The Aliann Invitational, the only one of its kind, provides that opportunity for home-grown athletes and an experience for Guyanese fans right at their doorstep. The last meet to take place featured Olympic and world champion Kirani James of Grenada.
Consequently, the addition of the Aliann Pompey Invitational has helped change the dynamics and the face of the sport in Guyana and provide a backbone for further success. Pompey promises to be at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, whether in an official capacity or a spectator.

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