Logwood district still celebrating Watson

THE DISTRICT of Logwood in Trelawny is celebrating Antonio Watson, World 400 metres champion from the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Residents of his district joined with others from Duncans and students from Petersfield High were involved in a motorcade which started at Water Square in Falmouth and ended at Duncan’s Primary. It is the school where Watson’s love for sports was nurtured by Carlton Reid.

“At school ‘Tony’ took part in all kinds of sports. He ran from 100 metres to 800 metres, threw [bowled] the cricket ball and played football,” Reid told a gathering of parents and students at Duncans All-Age and Primary School.

Watson, who became the first student to board at Petersfield High, was introduced to coach Michael Woolery by Reid.

Coach Woolery gave a history of Watson at Petersfield High.

“When he came to school, he wanted to run everything and play football. I had to sit him down and explain how athletics worked. We, at first, decided on running the 100 and 200. We eventually strengthened him and focussed on the 400 metres,” Woolery said.

Watson, before his Budapest triumph, won medals at Youth Olympics in 200 and 400 metres, forcing Woolery to fulfil a bet he had with the young man.

“If I win my race you are going to teach me to drive,” Woolery said Watson had professed.

“When I came back to Jamaica, the look in his eyes told me I had to give him the keys to the car,” Woolery said.

Watson’s grandfather Ruddy confessed that he did not watch the race in Budapest to the end.

“At the 200 metres, he was fifth. I said ‘him not going to win’, so I turned away from the TV, only to hear everybody cheering and dancing. I am so happy for him,” Ruddy told The Gleaner.

Tiango Buchanan is Watson’s mother.

“I am so proud of what he has achieved. I am always at his meets. I am in the crowd but not many people can recognise me as his mother. I say a little prayer and cheer along like everybody else,” Buchanan told The Gleaner.

Latoya Reid is acting principal at Petersfield. She remembers him as “determined, disciplined and dedicated. He was never in trouble and I am happy that he has succeeded so far. The sky is the limit,” said Reid.

Looking to the future with the Olympics in Paris 2024, Watson, a member of the Racers Track Club, did not want to make any predictions.

“ I know I am a target now. I will go into the race and run according to Coach Mills’ instructions. I am going to put in the hard work that will be required for me to succeed,” Watson said

As part of the memory of the homecoming, three billboards were unveiled. One at the entrance to Duncans, one at the Duncans Square, and another at Petersfield High.