Stewart pleased after overcoming knee injury

ACE NATIONAL field athlete Akeem Stewart is pleased to overcome a recent knee injury and reset the TT record, in the men’s shot put, at the Falcon Games, on Saturday.

The 26-year-old bettered his previous standard of 19.96 metres when he threw 20.12 metres at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet.

The Paralympic and World Para gold medallist said on Monday, “I felt a sense of relief because I now (came) off an injury.”

According to Stewart, “I had a knee injury, a minor problem on my right knee.”

He continued, “After coming off the (Hurricane Invitational) in Miami, I guess that (sort) of motivate me to excel. Competing home in front of my fellow Tobagonians (helped to) boost my confidence level a lot. So, it was a really good meet for me.”

Asked about the feedback he has received from his family and fans, Stewart replied, “Most of the times I compete I always do well. I always give a good account of myself. So, the support is always the same, that kind of energy, always the same, win lose or draw.”

Stewart is back in training before he heads off to the United States for the Arizona Desert Challenge, which will take place from May 22-26. He said, “My main focus this year is to train and get fit to compete in the IPC World Championship, to go out and defend my title.”

The World Para Athletics Championships will be staged in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 7-15.