First-time Olympian Elijah Joseph targets strong showing

MOUNTING Eagles sprinter Elijah Joseph considers himself a 200-metre specialist, but when the 2024 Paris Olympic Games get under way from July 26-August 11, he will have the sole goal of claiming a medal as a member of TT's men's 4x400m relay team.

On July 6, the 23-year-old Joseph was one of nine newcomers named to TT's modest 17-member team for the games, joining the quartet of Jaden Marchan, Shakeem Mc Kay, Renny Quow and 2022 400m World Indoor champion Jereem Richards as a reserve for the 4x400m team.

At the NGC/National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAATT) Junior and Senior Championships from June 28-30, Joseph showed off his versatility when he made it to the finals of both the 200m and 400m events. In the 400m final, there was no stopping the impressive Richards who clocked a season's best time of 44.72 seconds. Joseph copped fifth spot in 47.53 in the 400m distance, but he was able to notch a medal on the final day of the meet when he grabbed bronze in the 200m in 20.68.

Now, on the cusp of competing at the biggest meet of his young career, Joseph would love to grace the podium in France.

"I was talking to Jereem just recently and he was congratulating me on the accomplishment of making the team. He was telling me we have to bring back a medal for TT and that's mainly the goal right now," Joseph told the media, during the TT Olympic Committee's (TTOC) launch of the TT contingent's official Puma gear for the games on July 12.

In May, the quartet of Asa Guevara, Che Lara, McKay and Richards sealed TT's 4x400m spot for the Olympics with a sterling run at the World Athletics Relay Championships in Nassau, Bahamas.

"It's all about enjoying the moment. The main goal is really to bring back the gold medal for TT (in the 4x400m relays)."

Joseph said it's a wonderful feeling to get the opportunity to represent TT's Olympic team, and he wants to make the most of his first appearance with a national team.

"I just thank God for the opportunity and for bringing me through. The preparations have been great," Joseph said.

"I thank God for a healthy season. Day in, day out, I've been sacrificing and working hard. I've been trying to accomplish this goal and I've finally reached it."

Joseph was among nine national athletes who modelled the Olympic team's wear at Olympic House in PoS on July 12. Joseph and ace female sprinter Michelle-Lee Ahye were the only athletes present from TT's Olympic contingent. In an informal ceremony, a mixture of junior and senior athletes from sporting disciplines such as boxing, netball, volleyball and track and field showed off team TTO's slick Olympic apparel, which included the village, warm-up, performance, competition, style and podium wear.

The athletes who showcased TT's Olympic wear included 2024 Carifta gold medallist Dylan Woodruffe, men's volleyballer Akim Bushe and top women's boxer Tianna Guy.

The competitive wear is predominantly black, with a red, swirling design on the side of the uniform.

"The uniform feels great. This is my first time wearing it. This is my first national team for TT and I really appreciate this opportunity to just represent TT on the world stage," Joseph said.

TTOC general secretary Annette Knott urged the public to throw their support behind the 17-member team.

"The team is heading to the Olympic Games. It's not an easy feat. We take it for granted. What our athletes want is support," Knott said, during a vote of thanks.

"I think today starts our journey on being very positive."