T&T Commonwealth 2018 Performance

It was really a mixed bag in terms of performance at these Commonwealth Games. The highlights have to be Gold Medal winning performances by Jereem "The Dream" Richards in the Men 200 Metres Championship race in dramatic fashion because Zarnel Hughes of England was disqualified. Michelle Lee Ahye in the Women 100 Metres Championship race as well as Dylan Carter winning Silver in the Men 50 Metres Butterfly Championship race as well as breaking the national record in the 100 Metres Freestyle Final. Special mention has to be made for Shakeil Waithe for placing 7th in the Men Javelin Final in his 1st Global games. 

They were the positives coming out of these Commonwealth Games but there were disappointments which arrive in The Men 400 Metres, where the country was expected that at least Machel Cedenio and Lalonde Gordon advance to the final, maybe an outside chance for Renny Quow who is on his way out . Instead all 3 entrants failed to qualify in the final which in turn impacted the 4x400 Men Relay Team which failed to mount the podium. There were further disappointments in the Women 4x100 Metres Relay Final where it was expected that T&T would medal with Michelle Lee Ahye anchoring but Michelle Lee Ahye was a no show, which resulted Trinidad & Tobago finishing 4th. While the women were disappointing, it was small in comparison to their male counterparts who failed to pass their baton around which resulted in them not qualifying for the final. They didn't fear any better in the individual 100 metres where Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender and Johnatan Farinha failed to qualify for the final. It is time for Bledman and Callender to retire. They are in their late 30's and both have never medal at a global games before. I question if their is sufficient preparation for Trinidad & Tobago Relay Teams. Ato Boldon, former Olympian and World Championship Medalist has criticized the preparation of the teams. Hope the parties involve get their act together. Let us hope that this Commonwealth Games laid the foundation for more finals and medals for athletes representing Trinidad & Tobago.