Point Fortin sprinter En Route to World Juniors in Kenya

18-year old Simplex sprinter Leah Bertrand has made the qualifying standard and then some for the upcoming IAAF World U-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya. Running last Sunday at the NAAA Olympic Trials at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the ASJA Girls’ College student won the women’s 100m final all while racing to a personal best time of 11.52 seconds. This time secured Bertrand’s spot on the plane as the qualification standard of 11.85 seconds was comfortably met.

Leah Bertrand races to the finish line at the NAAA Olympic Trials. Photo: T&T Sport Diary.

Her reason behind her success this season despite several sports being sidelined was that the club created internal competitions to stay sharp. “Even under the conditions I was still able to train consistently. I had a good off season and Coach (Gunness) Persad kept us sharp by running races within the club even though we weren't getting any formal competitions” Bertrand told T&T Sport Diary.

Bertrand admitted that she was surprised by the time on the clock but was very happy about the result. “I felt good. I didn't think it was a fast run initially because I didn't start well but when I saw my time I was happy about it.”

Competing in her pet event, the 100m, she is aiming at a top three finish. The games are carded for August 17-22nd.

All the best!