New Hurdle For Gordon As He Announces Candidacy For NAAA Election

National record-holder and former 400m hurdles World Champion Jehue Gordon has thrown his hat into the administrative ring as he has announced his candidacy for the position of director on the National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA) board, in the upcoming elections. Once successfully voted in, this could mean that the talented, soon-to-be thirty-year-old could be hanging up his spikes early but it can also mean that he will become the youngest director ever in NAAA's history. T&T Sport Diary briefly caught up with former world star in attempt to seek what prompted this very bold, but refreshing move. "I've decided to get into administration because I believe the knowledge and experience gained as an athlete can assist the board to have a different outlook on being more athlete centered." The Young Prince, as he is commonly known, believes that he is the change he'll want to see at the board level. "The decisions made at a board level can make or break an athlete's aspirations or even career. I believe the best way to see change is to be at the table that can affect it. As the saying goes. "be the change you want to see."

In the event that you’re unfamiliar, Gordon became somewhat of a national treasure after his performance at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin. The former Belmont Boys/QRC athlete had stunned fans around the world when at just seventeen years old, he placed 4th in the men’s 400m hurdle final. In a very tight finish against a star-studded field, Gordon missed the podium by just .03 seconds as he ran 48.26, breaking the national record in the process. On this day, he was immediately tipped for future greatness by several track gurus and The Young Prince has always left that performance on the back of having nothing to lose at the time. At the junior level, Gordon also excelled and won several gold medals at international and regional competitions such as the Carifta Games, Commonwealth Games, CAC, and the most prestigious, the World Junior Championship. Despite his many successes, the UWI graduate was almost equally faced with challenges, with injuries being a major hurdle in his career.

Now what does this new development mean for Gordon's career as he is considered young by many, especially in sports terminology? "My career isn't young, I'm just young. I've been performing at a high level since 2009. The miles add up eventually. It's not the 'I'm picking administrative over my career but it's my way of not being a part of the problem and aiming to be a part of the solution." Gordon did not participate in this year's Olympic Games as he took time off from the sport to care for his ailing mom who unfortunately passed away in July. This loss also prompted the former Queen's Royal College graduate to venture on this path. My 'Ahh' moment really was the fact that I speak with a lot of athletes and they all have the same complaints. As a senior athlete I though to myself "why not now? and if not me then who?" This year after my mom passed in July, (it) pushed me to make the move."

Gordon will join the President (ag) George Comissiong’s slate which functions on the slogan “Youth meets experience. Passing the baton.” This slate includes Paul Voisin and Durly Lucas and the first and second Vice Presidents, respectfully. The General Secretary post will be contested by Dexter Voisin while Michelle Stoute and Marlene Roopchansingh Williams will contest the posts of Assistant General Secretary and treasurer, in that order. The board of directors’ contest will be especially excited as it filled with youth, almost all of which are former stand out athletes. Jehue Gordon, Cuquie Melville, Jamal James, Zwede Hewitt and Allan Baboolal are Comissiong's five picks. The elections are set to take place on November 27th, 2021.