Commentary - What’s next for Kirani?

by Michael Bascombe - Grenada

The future of world junior track star Kirani James and the next move in his aspiring track career have been the subject of much discussion over the past few months.

The debate is worthwhile since it has brought several issues to the fore. Among them are the challenges James could face if he is over-exposed at an early age. Another is his choice of when and where to attend college.

Kirani James is considered a huge asset to Grenada and the entire Caribbean. While I support every effort to get him the best education, I do not support the view that he should begin college at the age of 16. His youth coupled with the rigorous track programme in the United States college system (running every weekend which he has not done before) may be too much for him.

A good choice is to have James spend another year in Grenada developing both his physical and mental stamina. In addition, he has a good coach at home and has shown consistent improvement every year. One of our common mistakes is the tendency to change coaches too soon especially when our athletes are doing well under one coach.

This raises the question of where should Kirani James go? One possibility is Texas A&M University. The reason: One of our most celebrated track athlete and recently famed sportsman, Alleyne Francique is now a track coach at Texas A&M University. In his first year as part of Pat Henry’s coaching staff, Francique won both men’s and women’s team titles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. This option will allow James to benefit from a perennial track programme and the mentoring of someone with a shared national and cultural background. As such, James’ attendance at Texas A&M University is an option which could be considered in the future.

Another possible training centre being discussed is Jamaica. However, their programme may not help this young athlete since they are not producing good 400m runners. Clearly, their structure is not very promising in that event.

If moving abroad is a must, then a junior college in the USA might help as there won’t be too much pressure to race every week, and there’ll be less fear of burn out.

While we glow in the spotlight of Kirani James, let us consider what assistance we should provide to Rondell Bartholomew, another 400m competitor, who is equally talented. Bartholomew, James, Joel Redhead and Joel Phillip could be a formidable quartet for a future 4x400m relay team.

James’ coach, Albert Joseph, has done a tremendous job with him so far and efforts should be made to get him to the next level of coaching. A scholarship at St. George’s University would also help in his education.

This is the time for the coach, athlete, parents and sports officials to sit down and determine the right option for this young treasure from the Spice Isle.