Joseph, Maharaj top Silver Bullet awards

SHERDON PIERRE

Jameel Joseph and Christiemarie Maharaj were awarded the most outstanding male and female athletes for 2017 when Silver Bullet Athletic Club held its 14th annual Christmas function and awards last week at the Malabar Community Centre, Arima.

The club, which was formed in 2003, saw vast improvements in the performances of their athletes compared to the last few years. At the event, head coach Kenrick Williams, said, “It is with great pleasure to be coaching these very fine talented young athletes. This is a celebration of the success of athletes over the last year and recognising the contributions made by some of the outstanding athletes, officials and administrators over the years. Only an authentic love for track and field can influence the continuity and commitment to these athletes.”

Maharaj, 13, who joined the Arima-based club three years ago, claimed the most outstanding female 13-15 athlete at the National Primary School Championship Games early in the year. Now a form one student at Bon Air High school, she captured the gold medal in the 800m and bronze in the 400m at the National Juvenile Championship. Her versatility continues to be a plus for her and Silver Bullet.

“I don’t have a preferred event as yet, but I can compete in any event from 400m to longer distances,” she said.

In his first year at the club, Joseph was crowned national champion in the decathlon after winning the majority of the 10 disciplines in the decathlon. He also added to the recorded books the fastest ever 100m time by a TT athlete in that event with 11.14 seconds. The 22 year old said, “Winning my first national championship in decathlon and claiming this club award ended my season on a high note. It gives me the motivation needed to work harder going into the 2018 season. I am excited to achieve more like this on the international circuit in the future.”

Other notable awards:

Most Outstanding Boy Under 10: Boy- Akul Simon
Most Outstanding Girl Under 10: Kioni Devenish
Most Outstanding Boy Under Under 12: Keyron Wellington
Most Outstanding Girl Under 12: Andrea LaGuerre
Most Outstanding Boy Under Under 14: Jemell Boatswain
Most Outstanding Boy Under 16: Kareem Ramjohn
Most Outstanding Girl Under 16: Danielle Bailey
Most Outstanding Boy Under 18: Nkosi Olatunji
Most Outstanding Girl Under 18: Azacia Le Platte
Most Outstanding Boy Under 20: Kyron Valentine