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.

Jose: My Way or The Highway

As I look ahead to today's crucial second leg round of 16 UEFA Champions League game against Sevilla, I want to ask the question if progress is being made? Manchester United are just 4 points off their total points they accumulated last season, with 8 games remaining, added to that they have drawn 10 less games, which was a major complaint among fans, including myself. Jose has also improved the performances of few players like Jesse Lingard who is having his best season with 13 goals in 37 appearances, which is the most he scored in a season, beating easily the 7 goals he mustered in 42 games in 2015/16 season. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have improved significantly, especially Smalling who was depended on when other centre backs were out with injuries. Anthony Martial is another player who has improved from last season for Manchester United with 11 goals and 10 assists in 38 games from 8 goals and 8 assists in 42 games. I can't forget about the revelation that Scott McTominay has been, entering into the 1st team from the reserves. The proof is there to see that progress is being made.

I have seen many fans criticize the playing style of Manchester United. They have said Jose doesn't play attacking football, he is too defensive and must adapt to the identity of Manchester United, which is to play attacking,entertaining football that the fans want. Many have gone to the extreme that they want him him to be fired because of this. Now I am not of the view that he needs to be removed as manager because Manchester United are getting the results that are needed for him to remain as manager. When I see Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspurs play entertaining, exciting football, I questioned why can't Manchester United play like them, especially the runaway leaders Manchester City who seems to score without much effort. I believe many fans think like this but once the team keep getting positive results we have to support the manager because I can't see him changing. Jose has a balanced approach to football; such approach has made him very successful. I myself have gotten used to games like Liverpool, where after scoring 2 goals his team dropped back and try to contain the opposition until the final whistle. We must all adapt to him. The question is, whether you prefer results over performance. I know there are some fans believe in the latter, but for me I want to see Manchester United to win the Premier league, UEFA Champions League. I am of the firm belief that can be achieved under Jose Mourinho, he is still the Special One.

   

T&T IAAF World Championships Review

T&T IAAF World Championships 2017 Review

By Christopher Olliverre

Expectations were lukewarm for this Trinidad and Tobago team for the 2017 I.A.A.F. World Championships. There was optimism that Keshorn Walcott in Javelin, Jereem Richards in the 200 metres, the men 4x400 relay team would be on the podium.

Walcott had a solid season, not great. He threw nowhere near his career best of 90.16 metres but he still had a very solid season best throw of 86.61 metres. He had to throw close to 90 metres to even compete with the 2 germans Thomas Rohler, the Olympic Champion and Johannes Vetter but he could only manage a 7^th place in the final, where he was hampered by a hip injury. So considering he was not fully fit and it was the first time he qualified for a World Championships Final, it was a solid performance.

Jereem Richards had a season best of 19.97 seconds, which made him the second fastest over 200 metres for Trinidad and Tobago. He didn’t have the race that he wanted but to capture bronze in his first individual senior global final was really impressive.

I saved the best for last. Let me say that going into these championships I was hopeful of a medal. I was optimistic that they could get Bronze, behind Jamaica and USA. When Jamaica failed to qualify I was hopeful of Silver now. Fred Kerley, the USA anchor leg runner had a season best of 43.70 seconds, which made him the 7^th fastest all time. When you compare that with T&T anchor leg runner, Lalonde Gordon season best of 45.01 seconds, USA has to be the overwhelming favorite. Team T&T refused to follow the status quo and bow down to USA and created one of the biggest upsets when Lalonde Gordon ran the race of his life to capture GOLD and inflict on USA their first defeat in 6 World Championships.

Trinidad and Tobago are proud of this historic achievement by these young brave men, who besides the obstacles overcame and won. A lesson we call can follow. I just hope now that the powers that be inject much needed funding into athletics.

Manchester United season review 2016/2017

Manchester United hired Jose Mourinho as their new manager, he didn't wast anytime in making 4 signings, these included the best signing of the season on a free transfer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored an impressive 28 goals in all competitions, another impressive signing was Eric Bailly, a player not known by Manchester United fans but quickly fit in with his strength and agility, he is a good prospect for but in the future as well. Not all the signings performed well. Henrikh Mkhitaryan struggled at first to adapt to English football and at best was inconsistent. I saved the best for last, Paul Pogba returning to Manchester United in a small sum of 89 million pounds. He played without luck at times, should have scored more but mostly his high transfer free weighed heavily on his broad shoulders. Manchester United finished the English Premier League in 6th place, a shocking 24 points and 31 goals behind champions Chelsea. Manchester United recorded 15 draws this season, the most by any team. If  they won 60% of their drawn games, they would have been champions. Manchester United just didn't score enough goals this season, that has been the theme of the season. Some of it has been bad luck, Paul Pogba hit the post 9 times this season but other instances it's just great chances that have been missed. It is an headache but it's a good one to have because at least they are creating chances to score every game . Under Van Gaal that chances created were few in number throughout his managerial stay at Manchester United. Hopefully Mourinho rectify this through coaching and acquisition of players in the summer transfer market who have an eye towards goal.

It was not all doom and gloom on the domestic front as Manchester United won the Community Shield and The EFL Cup and may I add were unlucky to be knocked out by Chelsea as they were undone by poor refereeing. The Community Shield is not the most prestigious trophy to win as it is widely considered part of pre-season but it's still a trophy that is not handed out but earned.

Let me get to the best part of the season and that is winning the Europa League for the first time, always great to make history but even better when Manchester United booked their place in next season's UEFA Champions League group stages. I consider this season a success; to win 3 out of 5 trophies and seal a UEFA Champions League spot would be more than the optimistic fan would have hoped for. Many pundits refused to call Manchester United's season a success. Manchester United are expected to win the league every season so I do understand when some say it's not been a successful season for them but when you compare the last 3 seasons, this season has to go done as a success. All Manchester United fans can enjoy this off-season as we are back in the UEFA Champions League and have the money to spend on top quality players but please don't listen to all the rumors that will linked them to every player in the world.                                  

World Sport: West Indies v Pakistan Review

I consider myself an avid West Indies cricket fan but even I was not expecting much from this young West Indian team competing against this Experienced Pakistani team.. At best was hoping that they don’t embarrass themselves. I was truly impressed by the fight shown by the Jason Holder’s team. There were standouts like Shannon Gabriel, who I was concerned, would not be healthy for the entire series, not only did he remain fit for the entirety of the series but he put in a man of the match performance. On the downside, he needs to work on this discipline in regards bowling fewer no-balls, he’s over-stepping the front crease by a big margin and need to think about the match situation. It is inexcusable the attacking shot he attempted given West Indies was trying to save the test match. We shouldn’t blame Shannon too much because West Indies’ cricketers have a problem of assessing match situations, they could only play one way. Something himself and his team mates must work on. Same can’t be said for Roston Chase who was the stand out player for West Indies, he assessed the situation everything he came out to bat and his hunger for runs and application was a joy to watch.

That was the good, here’s the bad; Vishal Singh looks at sea at test cricket, especially facing the Pakistan seamers’. Jason Holder needs to contribute more as a bowler if he’s picked as a bowler, he got better in the last two test matches, need to continue to improve. I really like these two youngsters; Shimron Hetmyer and  Alzarri Joseph who has a lot of promise and the selectors and coaching staff must keep faith in them. Shai Hope may not be young as the gentlemen that I mentioned above but I see a batsman with a lot quality and ability, needs to push on. I have to say the biggest disappointment has to be Kraigg Brathwaite who failed to score at least a half-century, which is not good enough for your one of your top batsmen. His fellow opening batsman Kieran Powell can be forgiven given he last played a test match before this series, 6 years ago but he really need to convert 30’s and 40’s into big scores. Shane Dowrich is another player who performed below his standards. He really needs to improve his glove work as well as become more consistent with the bat.

Overall it was a great performance by the team to draw the series when it was predicted by all the experts that it would be a white wash. Let’s hope all facets of the game is improved especially the fielding. I am not going to say West Indies is turning the corner but if anything we are having a peek.

To play through pain or not to play through the pain?

The hot topic among Manchester United fans is currently should players play through minor pain? I am of the view that any player who aspire for greatness will and must deal with minor injuries throughout their career. All the great sportsmen learn to play with minor injuries, if they are not able to do that there is no way they can achieve longevity in whatever sport discipline they pursue. Let's look at the average person, if we want a long life there will be times that you wake up from your bed not 100 %. You have to persevere if you don't you won't be able to do anything because your little aches and pains will keep you back.


When Jose Mourinho criticized Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw for not being committed enough to play through injuries Manchester United fans began criticizing him for not only, that this should have stayed behind close doors but also some agreed if a player is not fit, they should not play. Ladies and Gentlemen this is Manchester United, the biggest club in the world. the expectation is to have the best, not mentally weak players who refuse to play because of minor injuries. I fully endorsed Jose letting the world know and more specifically the fans, that the whole culture at Manchester United has to change and it will take time. Yes some may argue if a player is not 100 % and when he plays he puts his team at an disadvantage, therefore  the right call was not made. Agreed but in that case it is up to the manager to decide. At the end of the day the manager want the desire and commitment that the player despite the pain barrier is willing to play through pain for the team. That's all Jose Mourinho wants from everyone of his Manchester United players. I hope all the players get in line.

T&T Rio 2016 Performance Review

Trinidad and Tobago had representation in track and field, swimming, sailing, boxing and cycling as well as first ever representation in rowing, gymnastics and judo. Much was expected in track and field. Keshorn Walcott, the defending Olympic champion was expected to challenge for gold once again, unfortunately he wasn’t at his best but he still earned a bronze medal, which shows the talent this young man from Toco has, that even after a poor performance, he was able to achieve 3^rd place. Cleopatra Borel despite obstacles she faced in preparation for this Olympics was able to achieve her highest placing of 7^th in her 4^th Olympic appearance, well done to her. Michelle Lee Ahye did exceeding well in making history on becoming the first woman to make it to finals of both 100 and 200 meters at an Olympic games, where she finished 6^th in both races, hopefully she continues to improve. The other women representing T&T were Kelly Ann Baptiste( 100m, 4x100m ), Semoy Hackett( 100m, 200m, 4x100m  ) and Reyare Thomas( 200m, 4x100m ). There was hope that Kelly Ann Baptiste, a 2 time I.A.A.F. World Athletics Championship Bronze medalist would at least make it to the semi-finals, she was no where close to her season best. The relay team made it to the final, and they were expected to medal, which would create history, as it would be the first time that a woman would medal for the at the Olympics. Unfortunately they finished 5^th, an underperforming Kelly Ann and a young rookie Khalifa St.Fort played a part. Surely Michelle Lee Ahye should have run the anchor leg instead of young Khalifa. Again we were left disappointed as all 3 men didn’t make it to the semi-final and the men who made it to the 4x100 relay final were disqualified. In the men 400 meters hurdles T&T were represented by former world champion Jehue Gordon. Expectations were low because he wasn’t fit for majority of the season, so it wasn’t a shock he failed to advance out of the 1^st round.  Expectations were also not that high for Sparkle McKnight and Janeil Bellille who made it only to the heats and semifinals respectively. In the 400 metres, out of the trio; Machel Cedenio, Deon Lendore and Lalonde Gordon only Cedenio was expected to make the final and he did so breaking the 24 year old national record. T&T were also expected to medal in the 4x400 meters but sadly they were disqualified just like the 4x100 meters men.

In Swimming the expectations were low also where we had 33 year old, 5 times Olympian and Bronze medalist, George Bovell and upcoming 21 year old swimmer Dylan Carter. Both Bovell and Carter failed to make it past the first round but Carter did achieve a new national record. Special acknowledgment goes out to first ever representation in the sports of Judo, Rowing and Gymnastics, Where Christopher George, Felice Aisha Chow and Marisa Dick made history. While Nigel Paul and Njisane Phillip didn’t compete in events that T&T had prior Olympic representation, but they need recognition as well. It is well documented Njisan’s health going into the games, yet he was still able to do a personal best but was not enough to advance pass the quarterfinals in the Men’s cycling sprint. Paul was KO with 16 seconds to go in the first round, still with only 14 bouts to his name and only 15 months as a boxer, it is a great accomplishment just appearing at Rio 2016. I must commend Andrew Lewis who after the fall he had, ironically in Brazil, experts thought he would never compete again in the sport of sailing but he was driven to compete at the Olympics and so he did in grueling 10 races.

It was really not the best Olympic Games for team T&T apart from Keshorn Walcott in the sport of Javellin but much was expected by the relay teams and they failed to deliver but for the rest of the team not much was expected, that’s the sad reality. It’s great news that the Minister of Sport, Darryl Smith will analyze all the athletes who receive funding from the Elite Athlete Fund. Should they continue to receive or are other athletes more deserving and how to improve performances at future global championships.