ROAD TO CHAMPS
White physically, mentally renewed for 2023
Published:Sunday | March 19, 2023 | 1:40 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
KINGSTON COLLEGE’S Tahj-Marques White had a 2022 season which was both rewarding and frustrating, physically and mentally.
As he prepares to compete in the 200-400-metre Class II double at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs), White is not only hungrier to deliver, but is more cognisant of how important having a strong support system is for his mental health.
White earned silver behind his teammate Marcinho Rose in last year’s 400m Class II final but has since put together good performances.
His 48.69 second clocking in January is still the fastest Class II time this season, and he also has the third fastest time in the 200m (21.63).
White did not come from last year’s final unscathed, though. An injury-plagued season took its toll physically and mentally.
“I have gone through a lot, coming in second, going through injuries, a lot of injuries, even running at Champs last season, running on one foot sometimes,” White told The Sunday Gleaner.
“It has made me more hungry to do better. Although you do have some athletes that give up a lot because they have faced a lot of injuries, but I tried my best to stay focused, keep my head in it, and pray to God, and just trust in God.”
His faith has not been the only source of strength in his recovery, but also the counsel from his team captain, World Under-20 100-metre championship silver medallist Bouwahjgie Nkrumie.
Amid White’s struggles, not only did he help lighten his mood, but helped him to communicate more about his frustrations, which, for White, has been invaluable to his recovery.
“When I was depressed last year, he helped me to laugh. He is a very motivating person, a good person to laugh and talk with and have a good conversation with,” White said.
“I didn’t know I needed it because I am one of those people who normally stays by themselves. I didn’t know I needed it until he talked to me and I realised it cheered me up. When I’m down, I’m normally in a shell but he taught me to talk more and communicate more to people, to tell my feelings. So he has helped me a lot to recover mentally and physically.”
Communicating your issues is something White feels student-athletes must do for their mental health.
“You need to talk those issues out. You shouldn’t let it bubble inside of you. I don’t think you should do that because it is not healthy. Not saying you should vent to everybody but talking to your parents, [someone you trust] so they can give you a word of motivation, helps,” White said.
With a renewed spirit and seeing his strength training pay off, White is hoping to stand on the top of the podium at Champs.
“I try to do the strength work because the 200-metre and 400-metre double, I believe, is the hardest double to do. So I do more strength work so that I can manage it,” White said.
“The competition out there is pretty hot. I just have to run at Champs and see where I am placed.”