Keeping young female track and field athletes in the sport is an ongoing challenge here in Trinidad and Tobago. Some are lost in transition from the junior to senior ranks.

The 2019 World University Games women’s shot put silver medallist, Portious Warren said there is a shortage of examples of female athletes who have successfully bridged the gap.

“They need role models. They’re growing up seeing athletes reach the junior level, and then they’re done with track and field. They need more athletes transitioning into the senior level.”

Warren said a lack of financial support is another key factor preventing female athletes from flourishing beyond their teens.

“We have a lot of talent, but the infrastructure to create a pathway from the junior to senior level is not there.

“At the junior level, you have the Carifta team, and sometimes you get a stipend to attend training sessions. When you go to the senior level, you’re all on your own. And there a lot of females who grew up in households when they reach a certain age they don’t have that support at home.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” the Toco field athlete continued. “A lot of coaches are too egotistical. You’re seeing you could lend a helping hand with somebody, but they say ‘no, I want to focus on mine’. When you can lend a helping hand, just lend it. It’s going to take an athlete a long way.”

Warren was speaking during the latest episode of the new online series, “Athlete Talks”. Her University of Alabama teammate, Mauricia Prieto was also a guest on the show, which was hosted by another Alabama standout, Jereem “The Dream” Richards and retired national athlete Zwede Hewitt.

Maintaining focus

Prieto said that young female athletes need to maintain focus.

“That’s around the age where you start looking for boyfriends or girlfriends. For girls especially, that could hamper you the most. You could end up pregnant, and that could ruin your whole career which you were building as a junior. You have to have limits, be persistent and try to block out all distractions not pertaining to your goals and bettering yourself as an individual.”

Both Prieto and Warren are focused on self-development. Prieto is planning to go into the hair industry, while Warren has already established an online business. “If you go on YouTube, just type in IslandCupid. I give business tips, I give motivational talks on Mondays, I sell eyelashes, and I just started to expand into clothes.

“I also have the @islandcupid page on Instagram,” Warren continued, “and the website, www.shopislandcupid.com. The slogan is ‘It’s Not just a Brand it’s an Experience’.”

The latest “Athlete Talks” show was highly entertaining. Warren provided the laughs, the talented thrower speaking in Nigerian, British, Jamaican and Barbadian accents.

The next episode of “Athlete Talks”, featuring men’s long jump national record holder Andwuelle Wright and his coach Wendell Williams, is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday), from 8pm, at www.zoom.us (ID: 865 3804 6629). Jamaal James and Jehue Gordon will co-host the show.