St Catherine’s Barker targets Champs medal
St Catherine High School’s Ian Barker is targeting a medal in the Class Two boys’ 400 metres at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) after his sixth-place finish in the event a year ago.
At the Youngster Goldsmith Classics, he won his 400 metres heat in a season-best 49.93 seconds to finish second overall, behind Calabar’s Nickecoy
Bramwell, who posted
46.95 seconds.
“Last year, my event was very competitive at Champs, and to finish sixth was indeed a good feeling for me. However, I want to improve this year on my time and also be amongst the medals at Champs,” said Barker.
His quest to medal was stalled earlier in the season, as his preparation was affected by a hamstring injury.
“I was doing extremely well in training, but a hamstring injury set me back. After getting treatment from the physiotherapist, things are coming on well. Definitely, this season, I will go much faster as long as my mind is there and trusting in God; he will help pull me through,” he continued.
Barker stated that he is motivated to do well by the people around him, who he intends to satisfy with his performances.
“Being encouraged by my family, friends, teachers, manager, and coaching staff has helped push me, as I do not want to disappoint them. I am definitely targeting 47 seconds in my event, which will be good enough for at least a medal.
“My next competition will be the Central Athletics Championships, and I am looking forward to this as I will be doing the 200 metres and 400 metres, along with the 4x100 and 4x400 metres relays, and by that time, I expect to do great to give myself a big boost going into Champs next month,” he stated.