Albert Reynolds saved the best for last and, in doing so, not only erased his own national record in the javelin but, more importantly, came away with a bronze medal on the final day of competition last Saturday at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.Reynolds recorded a distance of 82.19 metres (m) and at the time was in fourth place. He surpassed his previous best of 80.67 m which was set at the 2019 Independence Games here. The gold medal went to Anderson Peters from Grenada, who set a new Games record with a distance of 87.31 m. Second place went to Keshorn Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago with a toss of 83.55 m.
Chef de Mission, David “Shakes” Christopher, who witnessed his performance, said: “We are very proud and happy that on the final day of the Games, Albert picked up a bronze medal. It was the icing on the cake after Levern picked up a gold medal in high jump.”Christopher thanked not only Saint Lucian Coach Henry Bailey, but also praised Phillip James from Grenada and said: “For the past three years he really gave Albert the confidence to get him going.”
I asked Bailey about Reynolds’ mindset coming into the Games. He replied: “I think he was very upbeat. We spoke about trying to reach 84.00 m which was our initial goal in order to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.” Bailey is confident that if Reynolds has the opportunity to compete at two international meets, based on his performance at the Pan American Games he will surely reach his target.
On his arrival in Saint Lucia, the Babonneau resident and reigning Sportsman of the Year received a warm welcome at the VIP lounge of Hewanorra International Airport. That’s not all! On Tuesday he was a special guest at a reception to celebrate recent sports achievements, organised by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence at Vigie.
