Anguilla’s upcoming athlete, Zharnel Hughes, the island’s first sprinter to win a gold medal in a track event at the Carifta Games, has been given a rousing reception for his outstanding performance. He was accorded kudos and a standing ovation when he appeared at the Athletes Dinner Reception held by the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School on June 15 to honour a number of the school’s outstanding athletes.
The 2013 Carifta Games were held in Nassau, Bahamas, from March 29 to April 1. Zharnel took first place in the Under 20 100m dash when he sped from behind to win the race in 10:44 seconds, relegating the heavily-favoured Jazeel Murphy, of Jamaica, into second place. Zharnel’s time ranks him the 13th fastest male junior in the world, according to All Athletes. Com.
Zharnel, who was a speaker at the Comprehensive School’s athletes recognition ceremony, gave the following insight into his involvement in athletics from his early years to the present:
“I stand before you to briefly share my accomplishments in track and field so far. During my early years, I was exposed to track and field events as part of the activities to celebrate the annual Commonwealth Day at my alma mater – the Stoney Ground Primary School, now known as the Orealia Kelly Primary School.
“I was encouraged by Teacher Colin Johnson and Teacher Ruth Meade to attend track and field practice sessions after school both at the Ronald Webster Park and the Stoney Ground Primary School playing field. I made my debut as an athlete at the Inter-Primary School Sports Day 2005. That said year, Alexis Ryan asked me to try out for the Leeward Islands Youth Championship to see if I would qualify as a member of Anguilla’s national track team. I confronted my mother [Zarnalyn Ebanks] with this request and, being the protective type, she was reluctant, but my wishes were finally granted. That meet was held in Anguilla.
“Having become a member of Anguilla’s national track team, I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience by travelling and participating in meets held in Santo Domingo, Nevis and Tortola, representing my homeland.
“In 2007, I became a member of Purple House and took part each year in the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School’s annual Inter-house Sports Day. I also gained the opportunity to travel to St. Maarten yearly during the Trinity Term. I took part in the 100m, 200m and relay races with fellow athletes from the royal house – Purple House. I grew with the support of teachers, peers and family who encouraged me to give of my best as all times. They saw the potential in me and, with words of encouragement, I was able to enhance my skills.
“Upon graduating from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School in July 2012, I was blessed with a scholarship to attend the High-performance Training Centre in Jamaica. My coaches are Mr. Glen Mills and Mr. Patrick Dawson, and I train with fellow athletes Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, former Olympians.
“My daily routine in Jamaica involves training on the track both mornings and afternoons. The morning routine schedule runs from 5.00 a.m. to approximately 7.00 a.m. At times, I would gym for an extra hour or two immediately after training. The afternoon schedule runs from 3:30 to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Some days I lay on the track feeling like giving up and coming back home but, as I watch Bolt and Blake persevering to finish the programme that motivates me to do the same. They are my idols and have contributed to my growth over the short period of time I have been training in Jamaica. My personal coach, Patrick Dawson, also plays a vital role in my development and would often say: If you want good, your nose would have to run.
“So my nose did run. My recent achievements include winning gold at Carifta Games 2013, held in Nassau, Bahamas; gold at BVI Invitational Meet on 1st June, 2013; and gold at the Inter-scholastic Invitational Meet in Puerto Rico on 8th June, 2013. Thanks to Almighty God.”
