Gilipps adjusting well at Jago
Jamaica College (JC) and Kingston College (KC) are not the only institutions that recruited athletes this year. Spanish Town-based St Jago High School also have a new Class One sprinter, Andrew Gilipps, who used to attend Ocho Rios High School. Coaches say he is one of the promising athletes on their team.
At the Grace/Puma/Digicel/Youngster Goldsmith Classics held at the National Stadium last Saturday, Gilipps finished ninth with a personal best of 10.78 seconds in 100m. JC’s Michali Everett got the fastest time with a 10.49 run.
“I felt heavy because I did gym on Thursday,” Gilipps told STAR Sports. “To be honest, I was expecting a lower time but otherwise I felt satisfied with the time.”
His coach told him he knew he was heavy and all that is needed is more work.
Gilipps says he is now grounded in his new school.
NEW WORKOUTS
“My training programme here is way different and way better. I get equipment, I get new workouts that I’ve never done before. All of that enhances my speed and makes me stronger,” he said. Having accommodation at a 10 minutes walk from school is also a good point since it helps him balance academics and track and field.
However, Gilipps won’t be able to run at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships this year because of the governing body’s transfer rule which requires one year of inactivity after joining a new school.
“This year, I’ll be getting used to the programme and by next year I will be way better than I am now,” he said. “I have to improve on my drive phase, I come out too early. I need to hold it down longer and then lift.”
Gilipps’ main goal this season is to be part of the team going to the Carifta Games in Bermuda in April. It would be his first time taking part in that competition. After high school, the 17-year-old says he wants to further his architecting skills, for which he has a passion.
“I would love to study and train at Florida State University like Jhevaughn Matherson, a former KC athlete, or with Racers Track Club in Jamaica.”