LACOVIA High sprinter Rosean Smith showed resilience and determination at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) at the National Stadium on Wednesday, finishing fourth in the final of the Class One Boys’ 100m. However, behind his performance was a deeply personal battle, competing just weeks after the loss of his mother, Sophia Dixon, in February.

Smith, 19, was making his first-ever 100m final appearance at the championships, and he says the grief weighed heavily on him.

“I really came out here to do this for her but, eventually, I lost,” he said. “But, it is a learning experience because this is my first 100m final at Champs; I didn’t qualify last year so I am very grateful. But, I was disappointed as I wanted to PB [personal best] and do it for her.

“But it is what it is and I just have to prepare and come back another time.”

Reflecting on the unwavering support his mother provided, Smith spoke emotionally about her influence on his life and career.

“She was always there for me,” he said. “She always provided for me straight through, and she really loved me and believed in me more than anybody else. It is just really saddening that she died and honestly, I can’t do much but just come out here and try to believe, so I am okay with what I did.”

Dixon’s burial has not yet taken place. Despite not securing a medal in the final, Smith says that his journey to the final is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

“I came out here and saw that some of these young athletes ran great times throughout the season,” he said. “I didn’t come here with any fast time, I came here ranking in the 20s and I made the final. Going into the future, this is a learning experience for me and I believe that I will be prepared and do better.”