TRINIDAD and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott credits Cuban coach Ismael Lopez Mastrapa and Canadian-based chiropractor Alban Merepeza for keeping him in good form ahead of the 2022 World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Walcott, a two-time Olympic men's javelin medallist, heaped praises on the pair for their immense contributions to his season thus far.

Following a restrained seventh-place finish at the Olympic Games last year, owing to a pesky ankle injury, Walcott continued trusting in Merepeza and is now back to full fitness.

He's proven it on the field as well, having medalled in five of six international meets and then retaining his national crown six days ago. For 2022, Walcott's best distance is 89.07m, attained in a bronze medal throw at the FBK Games in the Netherlands, in early June.

"I try to see Alban every five weeks. He is one of the main factors for me being healthy this year. We've had to work closely together to ensure everything was done right.

"One of the main things for me this year is that I'm having fun. It's been a minute since I've really enjoyed throwing because of the (prior) set of injuries and different problems. So it's good to just be able to do what you want to do and have fun while doing it.

"I think most people that I interact with now they tell me they see me in better spirits and that's a good thing," Walcott said.

He also highlighted Mastrapa's continuous efforts in helping him further develop his craft. The pair has been working together officially since 2011 and Walcott affirmed the duo share a strong bond.

"I could describe the relationship between my coach and me as father/son or a big brother type relationship. It's a key relationship in my life, on and off the field. We care about each other so it's not just about athlete and coach.

"I'm happy to see him smile after competitions this year so I'm good. The people around you are important, not just in sports. All I can do now is just train and look forward to the games," he added.

Walcott said he's currently in good shape and will focus mainly on maintenance and "being ready" ahead of the upcoming meets.

The World Championships run from July 15-24 in Eugene, Oregan, USA and the Commonwealth Games begin from July 28 to August 8 in Birmingham, UK.

Walcott continues to train Monday to Saturday at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo before he flies out to the US ahead of the world champs.

"As long as things go well for the rest of the year, we will have a couple more competitions until mid-September.

"After Commonwealth Games, I think there's a break because of European Championships and then we will have a possible Diamond League," he closed.