Watson delivers on time
WITH A global medal already in his coffers, Antonio Watson was fully aware of the value of excelling on the world stage as he journeyed for competition at the Youth Olympic Games on the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) platform ‘Generation Next’.
On Jamaica’s final day competing in track and field athletics, Tuesday, October 16, Watson was draped in the national flag, a vivid recognition of his silver medal-winning exploits in the boys’ 200 metres.
Though it was not the medal of colour he desired, Watson expressed satisfaction for yet another big-time accomplishment.
“It’s always a great privilege winning on the world level, so I feel very proud of myself. It’s a great experience. I couldn’t have asked for more. The conditions changed to suit the Caribbean athletes, so I can’t complain about it,” remarked Watson, who turned 17 years old in September.
About half anhour prior, he had scorched 21.08 seconds to claim third in Stage Two, Heat Two, the event with the fastest qualifiers. However, according to competition rules, a combination of times over both stages are used to determine medallists, and thus Watson, who had won his Stage One heat in 21.33 seconds, in very cold conditions – below 15 degrees Celsius – emerged with silver.
Qatar’s Mohamed Abdelaziz, the fastest qualifier with a personal best 21.10, won Stage Two in 20.68 for a combined time of 41.78 seconds and the gold. Watson’s combined time was 42.21 while Brazil’s Lucas Conceicao, fourth with 21.68 in Stage One, ran a personal best 20.99 for a combined 42.67 and the bronze medal.
“(I’m) a bit disappointed knowing I’m the World Youth champion. I wanted to come out here and go home with a gold medal, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. God knows best,” Watson said. “I’m feeling proud that I came out with a medal.”
The Petersfield High School sprinter, with career best times of 10.66 over 100 metres, 20.56 in the 200m, and 46.45 at 400m, had earned that golden feeling a year earlier when he took the 400 metres title at the last World Youth Championship (Under-18) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Back-to-back accomplishments at world level is further testament that when it comes to Antonio Watson’s track and field career, everything is carefully planned and prioritised. Much of it is directed by his coach, Machell Woolery, who was instrumental in luring the Trelawny native from somewhat distant Duncan’s Primary across parishes St James and Hanover to the Westmoreland institution.