media_artricles :: 2015

Optimistic Cedenio as Quow, Gordon joins in 400 semis

There is optimism that the men’s 400 metres could result in medals for T&T here at the Beijing World Championships.

Machel Cedenio, who entered these finals with the sixth fastest time of the year, finished second in his heat and overall 8th in qualification with a time of 44.54. Cedenio looked comfortable, never really extending himself.

Cedenio said he felt good. “I had a good run...my legs still a bit rusty, so it was good.”

Pressed on his late running style, he explained: “When I go out there, it is a mental thing. It is not a style to give others a lead, but it happens.”

Cedenio, 19, who is the world junior champion has a goal, which is clearly evident in his eyes and his easy motion. He described yesterday’s run as easy. “I was satisfied. I just have to make it through the rounds and I feel this race is about time. One of the heats was a 43, so right now, the 400 is a crazy event,” Cedenio noted. “We know the attention is on the 400 metres especially with a lot of the 100 metres guys injured. Attention is on us, but we just trying to stay focused and make it through to the finals and bring home a medal for our country.”

Cedenio was high in praise for his team. “I have a very good coach. I talk to him every day. My parents, Hayden and Dianne Cedenio are always there for me. Without them, I would not be here today and of course God.”

What would be the perfect race for him? Cedenio replied: “If I can get out hard and use my speed to come home, that would be the perfect race.”

Another man not to be forgotten is Olympic bronze medallist, LaLonde “Bad Mind” Gordon, who appears to be in the mood and the zone where he can be very dangerous with his long strides. “My legs were a little rusty but they wake up. I have not run in a week and a half, so today will help,” Gordon said, after cruising into the next stage.

Gordon is focussed on ensuring everything is in place for a good performance. ”I will get some rest and eat. Right now, it is about strategy. Getting through the rounds and making sure you have enough to get through. I need to just go out there tomorrow and run my semi finals like it is a final,” confessed Gordon.

He does not believe there is any more pressure than normal. “There is no pressure on us but we know we have to try to make the country proud. Once our head is right and everyone is healthy and fit, we should be able to medal.”

Renny Quow is a quiet individual but he runs with a purpose. In 2015, it appears we have witnessed a rebirth from Quow. “I ran nice and relax. I am tired now, but I will recover by tomorrow. The plan is just to make the finals. That is all, one day at a time,” Quow noted.

As to his improvement in 2015, where he became national 400 metres champion, a reflective Quow stated: ”I worked hard and I got back to where I needed to be, so it is working out pretty well.”

Quow’s time was equal to Cedenio’s and both were joint eight in qualification. Gordon’s time of 44.97 placed him 18th among the 24 qualifiers.

Top