‘Malik wants to represent’

EROLL WALTERS, sports agent of 400-metre hurdles national champion Malik James-King, has denied claims his client was part of a group unwilling to run during Jamaica’s last-ditch attempt to qualify for the men’s 4x400m relays on Sunday.

The denial comes after public comments made by Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) vice president Ian Forbes.

James-King was expected to line up for team Jamaica Gold alongside national 400-metre champion Deandre Watkin, Sean Bailey, and Jevaughn Powell. However, all four members of the team withdrew from the event.

Forbes criticised the withdrawals, saying the decision had organisers scrambling to field a team on the night.

“We were most disappointed with respect to these late withdrawals,” Forbes said.

“It is my personal feeling that if one of the top three had come, we would have made the qualifying mark. It is very distressing when we thought we had persons ready and raring to run for their country.”

He added, “I find it a little off-putting that at least three of our top athletes did not participate, and the withdrawals, some of them were so very late, minutes before the start. I find it most distressing.”

However, Walters sought to clear the air on the situation surrounding his athlete, James-King.

He confirmed a letter has been sent to JAAA president Garth Gayle stating James-King will deny any claim which implies he sought to boycott the event.

FINAL DAY

James-King had signalled his availability to compete in the event on Saturday and had all intentions to compete in the event leading up to the final day of competition.

Walters said the reason behind the withdrawal was due to injury concerns during the athlete’s warm-up session.

According to Walters, this was confirmed by Noel Brown, a registered physiotherapist at Pro Physio, who was on hand.

According to Walters, veteran track and field coach Maurice Wilson was also present during the warm-up sessions where James-King experienced a hamstring and glute cramps.

The athlete could not be cleared in time to compete in the 4x400-metre race despite the best efforts of his camp.

“We attempted to alleviate the cramps for over an hour before calling in the physiotherapist,” said Walters.

Walters said claims implying his athlete had chosen to boycott the event could have a negative effect on James-King career.

He has petitioned the JAAA to suppress any such rumour which suggests James-King was unwilling to compete for Jamaica.

“These false rumours should be suppressed immediately, as they can cause serious reputational damage to Malik, portraying him as unpatriotic and unwilling to represent his country,” Walters said.

“Malik wants to represent and do well for Jamaica and Malik has dedicated himself to doing just that.”