Ex-sprinter Leacock runs for Miss World TT

FORMER national sprinter Trishelle Leacock, 24, is no stranger to competition. She's the youngest of three daughters in her household: hers isters Nicolette and Yolande were all national tennis players. Leacock's father George is former Tobago Festivals Commission chairman and owner of the popular Radio Tambrin station.

The ex-100m and 200m runner may have hing up her running spikes but her desire to come out on top remains.

She will open a new chapter in her life in September when she represents Scarborough, Tobago in this year’s TT Miss World competition. The winner will go onto represent the country in the 70th edition Miss World 2020 in December in Bangkok, Thailand.

She told Newsday her love for sports paved the way for an athletics scholarship at the University of Miami ,where she excelled on and off the track. After completing a BSc in communications with a major in advertising and a minor in aarketing, in 2018 she launched Reign, a clothing line featuring swimwear and urban wear.

She also freelances as a social media manager.
Leacock said participating in the Miss World TT competition will give her the opportunity to use her knowledge, experiences, skills and passions to positively affect TT and the world.
She said, "I see the competition as more than a crown. It isn't just about self-service for me but also about serving the needs of others, and I want to be able to take this platform and use it to enrich lives in the ways I know best.

"I’m also thrilled about the opportunity to launch my own non-profit organisation and I can’t wait to tackle everything I’ve set out to achieve throughout this competition." Leacock extended best wishes to her fellow contestants but remains confident.

"It is an honour to be participating amongst some of the most talented, smart and beautiful women in our country. I wholeheartedly support each and every one of the delegates in their unique contributions. Nevertheless, this is a competition and I am confident in my ability to inspire fellow citizens to connect with my vision and commitment, to create a successful outcome."

Leacock spoke fiercely about her Tobago roots and feel privileged to represent her home town.

“I grew up in the capital of Tobago and I come from a family that takes pride in our Tobagonian heritage, so I am deeply humbled and grateful for the opportunity to represent my birthplace and familial roots on this stage.“I believe that confidence comes when we can accept where we stand spiritually, physically, and mentally in all areas of our lives, and determine on our own where we need nurturing and improvement.”
She said this platform allows her to use her skills and expertise to create a non-profit organisation that can grow into something that will help underprivileged children and young adults gain access to the necessary tools to shape them into community leaders, entrepreneurs, and all-round achievers.
“While my main goal is to be crowned Miss World TT, I hope to develop a community-based initiative that has an impact that can be felt throughout TT. I want to know that I inspired Trinbagonians in some way, whether it be by my growth throughout the process or something I may have said or done along the way.”

Since the beginning of her Miss World TT journey, friends and family, former track and field teammates, coaches and friends have congratulated her. She hopes her participation can “bring new ideas, spark meaningful conversations and develop lasting relationships with my fellow competitors and supporters,” while bringing a “recognisable Tobago flavour to the TT leg of the competition and represent the sister isle well.”
Asked about the recent online smear campaign on Miss Marabella through a photoshopped Twitter post, Leacock said the situation was heartbreaking.

“However, with the allegations being proven false, we collectively stand in support of her and in maintaining a fair playing field for everyone in the competition.”