One for the future - Double for Laura's Basic School's Samir McLarty

The recently concluded Institute of Sports Basic School Championships saw a number of outstanding performances, but the performance of one athlete in particular stood out.

Samir McLarty, a Class One athlete from Laura's Basic School in Duhaney Park, won two of his events at the meet held at the National Stadium from June 13-15.

Samir, who is four years old, won the obstacle race and the 30 metres race.

Leighton McLarty, the father of Samir, said that he was very proud of his son's achievement.

"I feel proud, very proud, but I expected it because he put in the work," he said.

He says that in addition to training at school, Samir also accompanies him when he goes to training in the evenings.

"Usually when I train in the evenings, he comes with me," he said.

Samir is a two-sports athlete as he also participates in football.

This, in part, may be due to his father being an avid football fan and player, as well having represented St Andrew Technical High School in the ISSA Manning Cup in the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Leighton says that while he prefers football over track and field, it will be entirely up to his son to make that decision when that time comes.

"Well, I prefer football over track and field, but it will be up to him to decide," he said.

Little Samir said that he was happy with his win and said he also wasn't surprised when he won.

Leighton says he envisions Samir going to either Calabar High School or the George's College in the future.

"I would want him to go to either Calabar or St George's to play football and do track and field," he said.

The meet was won by Torrington Early Childhood Institute with 122 points. Providence Heights 117.5, Citizen's Advice Bureau/RJR 115, Spanish Town Infant 93.5 and Laura's Basic 81.5 rounded out the top five.

- Bradley Jacks