Smythe eyes World U20 win for Shanoya Douglas
Following Shanoya Douglas’ outstanding performances for Muschett High School at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) and Carifta Games in Grenada recently, her Coach Garth Smythe now sets his sights on her capturing the gold medal at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, this summer.
Douglas, 16, recently clocked a personal best time of 23.16 seconds to clinch the gold medal in the girls’ Under-20 200m event at Carifta.
Douglas secured the Class Two double in the 200m and 400m at Champs, and a personal best of 52.96s in the 400m semi-finals.
Smythe says Douglas was given some time off, and is now preparing for Lima.
“Our initial goal is to secure a spot in the final at the World Under-20 Championships,” Smythe said. “Once we’re in that final, our aim is victory, and if not, then to produce our best time.
“However, we are not underestimating anyone because everyone is putting in the work. When it’s time to compete, it is all about delivering.
“Shanoya is enthusiastic and ready to go. The Shanoya you see on the track is the same everyday, upbeat and positive. She doesn’t let anything get to her; she’s always prepared, no matter the circumstances.”
As part of Douglas’ preparations for the World Under-20 championships, she will compete at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this month, followed by the East Coast International Showcase in Landover, Maryland, on May 4.
“After returning from the Carifta Games, Shanoya has been focusing on recovery work,” Smythe said. “We will gradually ease back into our preparations for upcoming events, as she needed some well-deserved rest and we are now back on track. We have the Penn Relays in a couple of weeks and the East Coast Showcase championships in Maryland a week later, where she will be competing.”
