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Determination and hard work has paid off for Jonathan Fagundes
Kaieteur News – Following a slow and disappointing start to his 2019 season, athlete Jonathan Fagundes recovered well to be crowned champion at the University of Guyana Rotaract Club 5km road race before closing off that season with second place in the annual Aquatic Stars 10km road race.
Jonathan Fagundes recognising his supporters on his way to breaking the 800m record in the Teachers race at the Schools National Championships in 2019.
Fagundes continued his fine from in 2020 with victory in the AAG’s 8km Cross Country race which was held in the National Park, but the season was cut short due to the current pandemic. However, the experienced Fagundes is eager to get back on track to add to his continuously bulging collection of prizes. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Fagundes, also a former cyclist, recalled how he managed to recover from a disappointing start in 2019 to finish the year on a high.
“My 2019 performance got off to a slow and disappointing start when I placed 5th in the 500metres race at the senior championships and 6th at the Independence Anniversary 10km race. I was shaken by my performances to the point where tears were flowing. I suffered a mental break down; I even wanted to call it quits, but my father being the great mentor that he is, along with my friends and coaches, not forgetting my spiritual advisors gave me fresh inspiration, causing me to go back to the drawing board.”
The motivation he received prompted a spirited return to the track for the multitalented athlete.
“In the latter part of the second quarter of 2019, I was bubbling with enthusiasm. The Police Sports Club had their time trials for the 5000m and 1500m. I placed third in both races amongst a field of fierce competitors. My performance at the trials assured me that I got what it takes to be in action with the top distance runners in Guyana, and even regionally. The Suriname leg of the South American 10k was approaching and I decided to travel to Suriname to test my mettle,” he stated.
With support from Ambassador Transportation Service, Prims Electrical Service, Shaikan Hotel, Rick’s and Sari, Tiny D’s Clothing and Restaurant, Keman, Key Shop, The Water Store, Hot and Spicy and Juice Power the trip was made possible.
“My venture to Suriname was fruitful, I was the third Guyanese to cross the line and third overall amongst a field with top regional and international distance athletes,” he informed. Following that event, Fagundes reaped more rewards when he took the runner-up spot in second leg of the South American 10k which was contested in Guyana, a feat that made him ecstatic.
On the heels of the South American Championships was the Schools National Championships where he shattered the 800m and 1500m Teachers Under-31 National records; the 800m race was done in a time of 1:59:00 and the 1500m event was completed in 4:15:00 which was his seasons’ best.
Meanwhile, Fagundes has extended congratulations to Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr. on his appointment and is looking forward to him working along with the Athletics Association of Guyana.
“I would like to see the young athletes being given an opportunity to voice their concerns about the challenges they face going forward. I am hoping that the AAG can implement the Masters’ programme so that the younger athletes can look up to the experienced athletes for motivation. The former athletes should be recognised for their achievements. I would like to encourage Youths to stay in school and to remind them that the sky is the limit.”
He has expressed gratitude to his 77 year-old father Morris Fagundes who is still running and his Mother, Mrs. Riosita Fagundes, Fiancée Malika Thomas, children Leonardo and Layla, the Guyana Police Force Sports Club as well as mentors, Christopher Chin and Amanda Ally.
Fagundes is a Physical Education Teacher attached to the Business School and is also a Personal Trainer. He can be contacted on 642 4714.
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