Olympics: James wants to inspire young athletes at home

London - World and Olympics 400 metres champion Kirani James says one of his goals is to help stop talented young athletes in Grenada from falling out of grace with the sport.

The country’s most successful athlete says he has witnessed far too many young athletes in his homeland more talented than him fall by the wayside, CMC reports.

Addressing a news conference in London after comfortably winning the 400 metres to secure Grenada’s first Olympic medal, James says he wants his success to inspire the country’s youth.

“I have seen a lot more guys a lot more talented than me but they didn’t have the determination and confidence to move forward,” James told journalists here.

“So one of my jobs is to not let that happen again in my country. To keep on inspiring the kids to be whatever they want to be. The best that they can be.”

The 19-year-old surged to victory Monday in 43.94 seconds to capture as well the first Olympic gold medal for the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) sub-region.

The Olympic title is the latest addition to his collection of major meets which also includes world senior, junior and youth.

“There was one guy, who was faster than me, but he fell along the way,” said James.

“It’s sad to see now because he was way more talented than me.”

James, who first dominated regional meets, including Carifta (Caribbean Free Trade Association) and CAC (Central American and Caribbean) Games, said he is now in a position where he can create a positive path for these youngsters.

He said there are several things that can be done to let it work, among them, he noted, “is to get their confidence up and tell them to believe they can compete”.

–IANS/CMC

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