White grateful for 2023 on the back of 2022 struggles
Published:Sunday | April 2, 2023 | 10:44 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
AFTER A 2022 campaign where he experienced both joy and pain, this year, Kingston College’s Tahj Marques White can enjoy success to his heart’s content.
White became a sprint double champion, securing the 200m Class Two title in a new personal best time of 21.44 seconds, adding that success to the 400m title he won on Thursday night.
Last year, White had both success and heartache in the same year, earning silver in the Class Two final but, along the way, dealt with injuries which took their toll physically and mentally.
It was the struggles of last season that were at the forefront of White’s mind and have made him all the more grateful for the support from his teammates and his family.
“This championship has been very successful for me and very emotional knowing that I have been through a lot of injuries,” White said.
“The people know what I am talking about, so I am very grateful for what I have achieved in these championships.”
White’s saving grace has been his faith, which he noted after his 400m success on Thursday night, and his teammates’ support, especially team captain Bouwahjgie Nkrumie.
“I have been through a lot of negativity but I just want to thank God because He is the only one that made this possible,” White said.
CALM AND COLLECTED
The way that White executed his race, striding towards a comfortable victory, would seem that he was calm and collected. However, he said with fatigue came nervousness.
“I was very nervous going into these finals because I was very tired and I wouldn’t consider myself a sprinter,” White said.
White ends the championships, not only able to enjoy his individual success, but also his team’s overall achievements in winning their 34th title.
“It feels very great knowing that I had the whole bag of injuries and I am just so grateful for it.”