“I am a strong believer in the saying, ‘Forward ever, Backward never’.”

Jerod Elcock is firmly focused on the 2021 track and field season, particularly the July/August Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

“I have no plans to compete again in 2020,” the 21-year-old sprinter told the Express, “because I have already put this year behind me, and I am now focusing on what is to come.”

Elcock is a student-athlete at Butler Community College in Kansas, USA. He is currently at home in Trinidad and Tobago, but has had to endure serious training challenges in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There is no doubt that over the last three months the recent pandemic has tremendously affected my training. From the closure of gyms and stadiums, and from other facility restrictions.”

Last month, however, there was a positive change.

“On Monday June 22nd, recreational areas such as gyms and stadiums were opened to facilitate athletes like myself, which gave me access to continue my outdoor training. Before that, I remained active and kept fit at home in every possible way, following the rules of the government to stay indoors for myself and others’ safety.

“The ease,” Elcock continued, “has impacted positively on my training because I am now able to use outdoor facilities to enhance my training and for preparation for the upcoming season.”

Elcock performed leadoff leg duties for T&T in the 2019 Pan American Games men’s 4×100 metres relay in Lima, Peru, teaming up with Keston Bledman, Akanni Hislop and Kyle Greaux for silver in 38.46 seconds.

Also in 2019, in Queretaro, Mexico, Elcock secured North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-23 Championship 200m silver in 20.65 seconds, a new personal record (PR). The Abilene Wildcats sprinter also clocked a PR in the NACAC 100m final, his 10.17 run earning him fifth spot.

Elcock had been hoping to be back in T&T colours at the Tokyo Olympics, this year. Covid-19, however, had other plans, forcing postponement of the Games to 2021.

“I must say I am very disappointed that the 2020 season had to be cancelled, but I am also more concerned about my health and the safety of myself and others.”

Elcock said there’s a silver lining around the dark Covid-19 cloud.

“I see this year as a sign that has given me another opportunity to train harder and focus on weak areas that needed to be strengthened. I now have more time to work and start preparing, and therefore have a better chance of representing my country at my best at the 2021 Olympics.

“I have high standards for my upcoming season that I’m incredibly determined to accomplish. Running all the qualifying standards to all the national teams, especially Olympics, is one of them. There are others I wish to keep private between myself and God, for He is the only one that knows my desires. I pray that God keeps me healthy throughout the season and other seasons to come.”