Athletes leave Cameron Blazers

Noted coach Bert Cameron has offered best wishes to his long-time charge Javere Bell and Bobby-Gaye Wilkins-Gooden after the pair's decision to part ways with his Cameron Blazers set-up ahead of the new season.

Bell, who travelled to Rio de Janeiro as a member of Jamaica's Olympic contingent, is believed to be headed to the Racers Track Club, with Wilkins-Gooden reportedly joining the Akan outfit.

Marvin Anderson, one of Cameron's close advisers, speaking on behalf of the veteran coach, confirmed the departures, while pointing out the club's focus going forward.

Founded in 2012 by Cameron, the 1983 world champion over 400m, the club has enjoyed moderate success, with last season bringing the latest high point at the World Under-20 Championships, where Jaheel Hyde retained his 400m hurdles title, with Tiffany James also claiming gold in the women's 400m.

Notwithstanding, there have been certain letdowns as well, a point that Anderson admitted is not lost on Cameron.

"Along the way, there have been some disappointments, and when that happens, people will have to evaluate the situation, and in doing so, he (Cameron) was informed that Javere Bell will be moving on," Anderson said. "Also, in July, Bobby-Gaye Wilkins-Gooden informed him that she would be moving on."

Wilkins-Gooden, a Pan American and NACAC medallist in the 400m and 4x400m, has been part of the Cameron Blazers Club for the better part of two years but has failed to make headway in her career.

Cameron has been guiding Bell, who won the national 400m title in 2013 and qualified for the semi-finals at the World Championships in Moscow a few weeks later, for the last five seasons.

STRONG RELATIONSHIP

"He (Cameron) has a strong personal relationship with (Javere) Bell in particular, and I know that he wishes him all the best and would want to see the very best from him wherever he decides to go or whatever decision he takes," added Anderson, who is also an official at the Cameron Blazers club.

"The focus this year is to keep a small group and focus on individuals, especially in the quarter-mile events. The determination is to focus all the energy towards getting everyone in the group to a world-beater level," Anderson said.

"Mr Cameron is happy with the present make-up of the group. There is a nice mix of youth and experience, and the efforts will be geared towards ensuring that the excitement of the youth is guided by the knowledge of those who are more experienced."

In addition to Hyde and James, the group also consists of the likes of Kaliese Spencer and Christine Day.