‘Scratching the surface’
Hydel coach predicts much more to come from scintillating Baker
PHILADELPHIA, United States — Corey Bennett, coach of the exceptional junior sprinter Alliah Baker, says he is expecting great things from her after she irons out some technical kinks.
Baker, 18, concluded her high school career at Hydel High with remarkable achievements, leading her team to impressive gold medals in the Championships America 4x100m and 4x400m events at the Penn Relays in Pennsylvania on Friday.
She delivered a stunning final leg in the girls’ 4x400m relay, fending off a strong challenge from the anchor leg runner of Bullis School (Maryland) to secure victory for Hydel.
Having showcased immaculate form throughout the season, Baker clinched four gold medals at the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association Girls Athletics Championships in March, triumphing in the girls’ Class One sprint double events. She led her team to victory in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
“I think that she is just scratching the surface now because Alliah started off as a long jumper in Class Four and she has transitioned into what she is now,” said Bennett. “I think the best is yet to come from her because she still can’t start in the 100 metres and so she will learn going forward,” he said.
Regarding Baker’s future, Bennett highlighted the dilemma between attending college and turning professional, emphasising the importance of education.
“I believe she has both options, and we need to do what’s right for Alliah because school has to be involved, as the professional [path] doesn’t always work out,” he said.
Baker, with personal best times of 11.23 in the 100m, 23.89 in the 200m, and 52.97 in the 400m events, expressed her delight with this year’s performances, particularly her success at the Penn Relays.
“It has been a great year for me so far,” she said.
“I just want my teammates at Hydel to excel like myself and trust the process and our coaches while putting God first in everything they do.
“I know that I am going to be greater than I am right now because I am still learning how to run the sprints events, so I just have to keep working hard and everything else will take care of itself,” she said.
Looking ahead, Baker expressed her eagerness to secure a spot on Jamaica’s team for this year’s World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, in August.
“I am definitely looking forward to the National Junior Trial. I want to represent the country at the World Under-20 Championships this year.”
