Spencer is good as gold at Pan American Games

High jumper Levern Spencer shut out the cold and captured gold on Thursday, in the ladies’ high jump competition at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Spencer cleared 1.87 metres (m) to finish ahead of Priscilla Frederick of Antigua and Barbuda on countback. Spencer had a clean slate up until the 1.90 mark.

Frederick had an opportunity to de-throne the defending champ but failed on her final attempt at 1.90m. Saint Lucians everywhere must have been holding their breath awaiting the outcome of this exciting competition. Jamaica’s Kimberly Williams placed third with Jeanelle Scheper finishing fourth. Both ladies cleared 1.84m. 

A few days before the competition, Spencer, along with teammates Sandisha Antoine, Scheper, Jean Luc Zephir and Albert Reynolds, was concerned about not having the proper attire for the weather, which was unusually cold for this time of year in Lima.

In an exclusive interview following the medal presentation, where she was congratulated by IOC Member and Past President of St Lucia Olympic Committee Inc., Richard Peterkin, Spencer said: “It’s a great feeling to defend my Pan American title. That was one of my main goals coming into the Pan Am Games. I knew there would be some great competition out there.”

How did Spencer combat the cold weather on her way to victory? She told me: “A lot of people are complaining out there. The weather is not the best but I came out with the mindset of staying positive and tried getting all the negativity out of my mind, so I came prepared knowing that it’s cold. I tried to stay warm between every jump and I think that really helped in the competition. I am just thankful to God that I was able to win another gold medal for Saint Lucia.”

When asked what expectations she had when it came to clearing a certain height to be in contention for a medal, Spencer replied: “I really wanted to try for a season best or at least jump 1.90 or over. That didn’t happen, but a win is a win and I am happy for the gold.”

On Frederick’s final jump that decided who got gold or silver, one would have thought Spencer would zero in on her opponent’s final attempt. No way! In fact, she did not even look towards the bar. Spencer was more interested in protecting herself from the cold and had a blanket draped around her. Even after Frederick missed her final attempt, Spencer, who looked extremely confident throughout the competition, showed little emotion.

Chef de Mission, David “Shakes” Christopher, who greeted the gold medalist with the Saint Lucian flag, congratulated Spencer and Scheper. Addressing the Saint Lucian media in his usual flair he said: “All in all I am really proud of these young ladies. They represented us [St Lucia] with vigour and valour.”

What’s next for Saint Lucian athletes? Zephir was back in the pool yesterday after competing in the 100 metre freestyle on Thursday. He finished fifth in his heat in a time of 51.77. Antoine competed in triple jump yesterday. while Albert Reynolds throws the javelin today (Saturday) at 4:45 pm (Saint Lucian time).    

When it comes to sailing, both Stephanie Devaux-Lovell and Luc Chevrier are competing in Paragus where condtions have not been favourable. Results have been difficult to come by but, to the best of our knowledge, as of Thursday Chevrier was in contention for a medal. Here’s hoping!