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Ongoing process
NACAC GOLD: Kyle Greaux, en route to men's 200 metres gold at the 2018 North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Senior Track and Field Championships in Toronto, Canada. --Photo: KERMIT TAYLOR (Bahamas Athletics)

Ongoing process

World-ranked Greaux waiting on Government funding

Go Back : Express : Kwame Laurence : 08.09.2020

Kyle Greaux wants to do his country proud at next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The Sangre Grande athlete is certainly equipped to challenge for honours in the men's 200 metres, his performance at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar confirming his status as one of the best half-lap sprinters on the planet.

Greaux reached the 200 final in Doha, a knee injury forcing him to settle for eighth spot. On the most recent world rankings list, he is eighth in his pet event, one spot ahead of another Trinidad and Tobago half-lap sprinter, Jereem Richards. American Noah Lyles is ranked first in the men's 200.

At 177, Greaux is the highest ranked T&T athlete on the overall men's global list. Quartermiler Machel Cedenio is next best at 185, while Richards is 209th, and 2012 Olympic javelin champion Keshorn Walcott, 443rd. Long jumper Andwuelle Wright rounds out the T&T top-five at 778. Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis is at the top of the world rankings, with Lyles second and Norwegian 400m hurdler Karsten Warholm third.

The Covid-19 pandemic has prevented Greaux from competing in 2020. The 32-year-old sprinter, however, remains focused, and continues to prepare for his second Olympic Games.

"As far as my readiness for the upcoming 2021 season goes," Greaux told the Express, "the current Covid-19 situation hasn't created any doubts. Sure, there are some setbacks and challenges, but as a global community we all must weather the storm and withstand adversity.

"If I was to put a percentage to my level of certainty of an upcoming 'regular' 2021 season and ultimately an Olympic Games, I'd probably say 70 percent. My expectation for 2021 is that I shall be the best version of myself possible. I shall work hard but more importantly, smart, incorporating all the necessary components to be fully prepared and reborn a new me with a greater purpose."

As a professional athlete, Greaux earns a living from competing. With no available income in 2020, he is financially challenged. As the highest ranked T&T track and field athlete in the world, however, Greaux is certainly a candidate for Government funding.

"I've been seeking a response from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs regarding my application for the Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP). It's been almost one year, but that is an ongoing process."

Covid-19 restrictions have cut off access to gyms and other training facilities. Greaux, though, is undaunted by the mounting challenges.

"Unfortunately, my routine had to change, which led me to invest in some of the essential equipment that I would use in the gym. I now work out at home, so I must say the closure of gyms hasn't really affected my current strength training programme."

Greaux said he avoids going into public spaces.

"Currently, it's the off-season so I've got three weeks of active recovery--jogging three days per week. This rest time came during the dramatic increase in Covid-19 cases, so I haven't been outside the comfort and safety of my home much.

"The requirement to wear masks in public is mandatory and benefits us all. So I don't see it as a setback. However, it's impossible to wear a mask and run at any speed above jogging pace. I do, however, take the necessary precautions and follow the guidelines."

Greaux said the absence of track and field competition in T&T this year was a setback for home-based athletes.

"It has concerned me that our local athletes were unable to compete while athletes in other regions were. Competition plays a vital role in building strength and progressing as an athlete."

Greaux, however, is determined to keep improving in spite of the many challenges.

"Each day, my goal is to complete various tasks I was mindful of in the past but didn't complete. It's an ongoing process, and I'm getting better.

"In what has been an unplanned down year," the 2018 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games 200m bronze medallist continued, "I've been reading more and helping my parents with projects at home, mainly renovations. And since I make nowhere near Usain Bolt's type of money, I'm the unskilled labourer, but still do my best where I can. I really miss sprinting."

During these unprecedented times of Covid-19, the psychological well-being of athletes is as important as their physical well-being.

"There's a quote by Henry Ford: 'Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.' For me," Greaux ended, "keeping yourself in the game mentally is a matter of perspective."