BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A failure to acclimatise has been the main reason given for a below par performance by athletes from St. Kitts and Nevis at the recently held CAC Games in Mexico.
Speaking with SKNVibes, the Public Relations Officer of the St. Kitts Amateur Athletic Association, Evris Huggins, stated that the performances were not up to expectation despite the “bitter sweet moment”.
“Overall, the performances were not what we expected despite the bitter sweet moment we had at CAC Seniors.
“We expected our relay team to at least reach the medal podium having won a bronze medal at the previous World Championship and a former medallist at the CAC Championships, as well as having the exposure that they have had and having the chemistry that they have had, we expected a lot better.
“We thought we would have medalled in the 100 metres but we are rather satisfied that we accomplished something when Antoine won the 200 metres and also captured the decade old national record.”
Huggins gave the reasons for the below par performance.
“Early indications suggested that the team did not acclimatise properly. It was no secret that they were struggling to adjust to the high altitude. It was almost 2 000 feet above sea level and both Antoine and Jason suffered cramps in the 4x100m. Antoine Adams, 30 metres before the finish line, showed signs of fatigue, literally grabbing onto his hamstring and had to get medical assistance immediately after.
“So the adjustment to the climate with the hectic travel, those could have been some factors and would have affected.”
He also made mention of the Federation’s newest acquisition in Omhunique Brown.
“We were also very excited about Omhunique Brown competing for the first time for St. Kitts and Nevis. She basically lived up to the hype that was surrounding her. She did very well in the first round; she placed third in the 100 and 200 metres.
“She fell just short of national junior record in the 100 metre. And we do believe when she goes off to Pan Am Juniors later in August, she will have another shot at breaking that.”
