WOW! Young Eleuthera athletes treated to hometown hero Chris “Fireman” Brown as their Guest Coach.

Chris engaging the student athletes, as their coaches look on.

(Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas) – A  group of young athletes who assembled for their regular practice in Rock Sound on Saturday, April 12th,  , in preparation for the relay pre-event at the 2014 World Relays in New Providence in May, had an opportunity of a lifetime presented to them, in the form of a Guest Coach.

For over two hours, they had close and personal, face-to-face technical advice being given to them by one of the best quarter mile runners in the world, Olympic Gold medalist for the Bahamas, Chris “Fireman” Brown (Chris “Bay” Brown at home). A proud Eleutheran, Chris, gave priceless demonstrations, recommended actions and verbal motivation,  under a hot midday sun, as the group went through a series of training modules.

Local coaches from South, Central and North Eleuthera were there to assist the athletes on Saturday and they had no problem stepping aside when necessary to allow Brown access to each of the young Eleutherans. Brown was invited by head coach Mr. Kennard Mackey to participate in the day’s sessions.

All the athletes were lauded by their coaches for being “coachable”, specifically for the manner in which they took criticism and the endeavours they made to correct any problems identified to them.

When they step into Nassau in May, there is little doubt at this point that regardless the outcome they will be giving their all to represent Eleuthera, as they endeavour to one day represent The Bahamas.

The athletes at practice were:
Wendiesha Symonette (PHAHS), Trenique Hall (PHAHS), Astranique Gardiner (CEHS), Safyha Bryan (CEHS), Chantelle Calixte (CEHS), Nijah Bastian (CEHS)
Christia Riley (HIAAS), Aaron Cox (NEHS), Juan (Cassius) Ambrister (PHAHS), Dylan Cash (HIAAS).

Coaches present included:

Mr. Kennard Mackey, who is being trusted to sparehead the training of this group of athletes. He expressed gratitude to senior coaches on the island, Mr. Butler and Mr. Crean for expressing their confidence in him.
Mr. Seron Cox of Harbour Island All Age
Mrs. Thompson of Emma Cooper in Central Eleuthera
Mr. Sherwin Major of Central Eleuthera High
Mr. Ramnarine of Central Eleuthera High

At the top left: Guest coach, Olympic Gold and Silver medalist Chris Brown, demonstrates a handoff with coach Kennard Mackey. The two are friends and grew up on the the same track.