Baird wins javelin event
-But way off Olympic Qualifying mark
Tokyo Olympic hopeful, Leslain Baird continued to get his feet wet yesterday when the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) staged its third ‘Development Meet’ at the Enmore Community Centre Ground.
The 2018 South American Games silver medalist, who started his 2020 campaign last Sunday in Linden, threw 64.90m yesterday to win the men’s javelin event.
Yesterday, Baird was way off his national record (78.65 meters) set in his final attempt at the South American Games in Bolivia two years ago. However, he is enjoying a successful return to the competitive trenches following injuries last year.
Baird, who is using the local circuit to work on various approaches and throwing techniques, told this publication that he will be looking to clinch an Olympic berth as early as March when he competes in his first international
meet of the season in Jamaica.
The 32 year-old will have to once again throw an all time best if he is to punch a ticket to the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo, Japan.
For the javelin, the qualifying mark stands at 85.00m. As his season progresses, Baird will be looking to perfect his craft.
Meanwhile, the third and final ‘Development Meet’ planned by the association saw in excess of 150 athletes competing.
They competed in events like the 60m, the 150m, the 300m, the 600m and the 2000m.
The throws and jumps were also be included.
South American U-23 Games hopeful, Tonya Rawlins along with CARIFTA Games hopefuls, Brianna Charles Anisa Gibbons, Princess Browne and Olympic Games prospect, Davin Fraser were also among the athletes that excelled at the meet.