Akanni Hislop will be back on the American collegiate circuit next year. The Tobago sprinter’s eligibility at Louisiana State University (LSU) was set to expire in 2020.

However, he will be back on the track in 2021, his collegiate career extended because of this year’s disruption at the hands of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Based on how the 2020 track season ended,” Hislop told the Express, “I was awarded another year to compete at LSU. I plan to give a strong performance on the track to close off my career at LSU on a high note with personal records, medals, and a team championship win.

“From LSU,” the 22-year-old continued, “moving on to the Olympics, I aim to represent Trinidad and Tobago on the track for my pet events and bring home medals.”

Hislop’s personal record (PR) in the 100 metres is 10.23 seconds, while his 200 PR is 20.39. As a teenager, he earned two 200-metre gold medals at the Carifta Games. The LSU athlete has also represented Trinidad and Tobago on the senior stage, teaming up with Jerod Elcock, Keston Bledman and Kyle Greaux for Pan American Games 4×100 silver in Lima, Peru, last year.

Hislop does not plan to compete again in 2020. He is at home in Tobago, enjoying the down-time before beginning serious preparations for 2021.

“I don’t necessarily look at an extra year to prepare for the Olympics as working in my favour, but I do think the opportunity to give my body the much-needed rest and the chance to reset before the 2021 season will do me well.”

Covid-19 restrictions between March and June prevented Hislop from doing any intense work.

“I have not been able to train as I usually would. I have gone on a few runs to keep myself in shape as much as possible so that when things return to normal I am a little prepared for when it is time to get back to work.

“The restrictions have eased a bit in Trinidad and Tobago,” Hislop continued. “The gyms and other sporting facilities are now open, so I plan to get as much work as possible done on the track and in the gym before it is time to get back to LSU. I have not begun a serious regimen yet, but I know I won’t have any issues with getting back to work once that is in place.”