Greater things to come: Coach Smythe hails Douglas after Carifta masterclass

“SHANOYA is executing what she has been doing in training, and I expect greater things from her,” said coach Garth Smythe, in an exclusive interview with The Gleaner on Thursday following Shanoya Douglas’ outstanding performances at the recent Carifta Games in St George’s, Grenada.

Douglas was the star of the meet after winning gold in the Under-20 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m relay. Douglas who successfully defended both individual titles, clocked 11.13 seconds in the 100m and a personal best 22.11 over the 200m, which shattered the previous meet record of 22.77 held by Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas in 2013. It was also a new national Under-20 mark after erasing her previous best of 22.36 at the ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. She is also the joint third-fastest ever at this level, tying with American Allyson Felix.

Smythe, who was in Grenada to watch Douglas in action, was not surprised by the fast times produced by his charge.

“I am extremely happy for Shanoya and was not surprised by both performances as she did what she has been doing in training,” said Smythe.

“She is not yet finished and I expect much more from her in August at the World Under-20 Championships, as this is her next target,” he shared.

Smythe said a slow start in the 100m prevented her from doing something special.

“She could have done something very special in the 100m but a little stumble at the start jeopardised this. However, she was able to keep her composure in mid-race and the rest is history,” said Smythe, who noted that the national junior record of 10.92 held by Alana Reid, would have been under threat with a better start.

Now the silver medallist in the 200m from the last World Under-20 Championships (she was upgraded from bronze after gold medallist Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands received a two-year ban for testing positive for a prohibited drug) Smythe was unsure when asked if his athlete will be going for the sprint double in Eugene.

“At this moment we are not sure, as we will use the coming weeks to decide on that. Right now it is about the Penn Relays, where she will compete for Holland High school then the Puma East Coast Meet in Maryland the following week, before taking some time to rest and rejuvenate,” he said.

It will be the first time for Holland at the Penn Relays. Their female team will contest the 4x100m relay.

After a fantastic season so far there has been some speculation about Douglas’ next move. There have been suggestions that she will turn professional or attend college overseas, but Smythe shut down both options.

“To those who are giving advice, where were they four years ago when Shanoya could not get a spike or track shoe to run in? Shanoya is in 12th grade at Holland High School and, as far as I am concerned, she will return to Holland as a student in Grade 13, as it is about doing what is best for Shanoya,” said Smythe, who stated she will compete for Holland one more year at the ISSA/GrraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

Joining Douglas at the Maryland meet from Holland will be the coach’s son, Johan Ramaldo, and Mickelia Henlon in the girls’ 100m and long jump.