Fraser-Pryce still very much part of Champs

WHILE HYDEL High School believed themselves to be in somewhat of a rebuild and would not challenge for the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships this year, you would not be able to tell from their performances throughout the five days of the competition.

This may have had something to do with sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who gave a spirited and uplifting pep talk to Hydel’s student-athletes.

The Digicel ambassador charged the then-reigning girls’ champions to embody a winning mindset.

The motivational message was delivered days before the start of the just-concluded Champs.

“Celebrate your moment for what it is. Last year, you won, and you feel good about the accomplishment but there’s more to achieve. So, now that you have tasted victory, aim to taste some more,” Fraser-Pryce charged.

The seasoned sprinter cautioned the eager athletes to note that every season is different, so they must put in the work, and then get on to the track or field and remind themselves, ‘I want to win again!’

“It means you must do more. What you have done is shown people that you’re here and you can do it.”

The school visit was part of a series of pre-Champs pep talks with student-athletes that were staged by Digicel, the official telecommunications Champs partner.

Fraser-Pryce also reminded the youngsters that their sacrifices will finally yield rewards at the highly anticipated competition: “Next week is where the early mornings or late evenings matter. It’s the time for any of you who came fourth last year to improve. For those of you who came third or missed the finals by a second, next week is where it matters.”

Adding that the athletes ought to believe in their abilities, Fraser-Pryce continued, “Every line that I have stepped to, I already believed I deserved to be there because I worked for it and that’s how I approach things. That’s the mindset you should have when you go out there. What matters is what you do on the track or field.”

The Digicel brand ambassador also presented 18-year-old Hydel athlete, Abigail Campbell, with a laptop courtesy of Digicel, to complete her School Based Assessments. Campbell, who would go on to mine gold in the 400 metres, acknowledged that the donation will go a far way.

“Thank you, a lot. I really appreciate this laptop to help me complete my studies and on behalf of my team, we’re going to do our best,” Campbell had said.

Meanwhile, Digicel Business brand manager, Chevon Lewis, who was present at the session, reinforced the importance of supporting the nation’s young sporting talents.

“Today’s session was a testament to our dedication in providing support wherever and whenever we can. The Digicel team believes in affirming ambition, and we are happy to be providing support to ensure the success of this year’s Boys and Girls’ Champs,” said Lewis.