FORMER MUSCHETT High School and G.C. Foster College athlete, Kadrian Goldson, is on cloud nine after recently earning the Prime Minister’s Youth Award.

Goldson and Kemba Nelson received the award for males and females respectively.

Last year was as a successful one for the 26-year-old Goldson, who captured the gold medal in the 100 metres at the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China, clocking 10.04 seconds.

“Getting this award was really a great feeling. When I got the email confirming my selection, I was really nervous. To be selected for this award when there are so many individuals doing so well in sport in the country is really amazing and this has given me a lot of confidence and motivation going forward,” said Goldson.

Goldson spoke about his 2023 performances.

“I knew that it was going to be a special season for me after opening up with a personal best in the 60 metres early in the season and then to improve on that at the Gibson-McCook Relays,” he said.

“Getting the gold medal at the World University Games was very very special. After my first sub-10 seconds in the preliminary round where I did 9.94 seconds, I knew I was about to do something special. I was even more confident after an easy 10.04 seconds in the semifinal, before doing the same time in the final to win the event,” said Goldson.

The trip to Chengdu was not without its challenges though.

“The flight was extremely long and being by myself in China, it was kind of rough but I kept in touch with my coach, Maurice Wilson, who would keep on encouraging me throughout,” he said.

“Coach Wilson was really an inspiration for me as he really gave me the confidence I needed,” said Goldson, going on to single out roommate at G.C. Foster College, Zandrian Barnes, assistant coach Jermaine Hamilton, and his mom for their encouragement.

Goldson, who is now a professional athlete after graduating from G.C. Foster College with an Associate Degree in Sports Massage Therapy, is focusing on this year’s Olympic Games.

“I am looking forward to making the Olympic team as with my collegiate career over, I am really focused on this one,” said Goldson, who is now a member of the SprinTec track and field group.