The evolution of Antonio Watson
Published:Sunday | August 20, 2023 | 12:10 AM
BUDAPEST, Hungary:
FROM THAT fateful final year at Petersfield High to his first World Athletics Championship team, quarter-miler Antonio Watson has evolved.
The 400-metre runner is proud of the growth he has made and the lessons he has learned ahead of his World Athletics Championship debut. He is planning on living the experience one round at a time.
Watson was down to compete early this morning in the first round of the 400 metres, among a trio of athletes who have all gone sub-45 seconds this season.
Not only was he excited about being on the stage but sharing a space with national champion, Sean Bailey, and Zandrion Barnes.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling because it is my first senior team and I am excited to go out there and perform,” Watson told The Sunday Gleaner.
“The 400m guys are really stepping up because normally you won’t have three 400m guys at the championships with sub-45.”
Watson’s matriculation to the ranks of a senior athlete competing against the elites hasn’t been simple. In 2021, Watson made a gesture resembling a person firing a gun at Edwin Allen’s Bryan Levell. There was much furore about it and Watson apologised.
He has learned from that experience and through his first two years at the senior level, he has seen the type of personal growth that point to a successful future.
“It’s been a rough, bittersweet journey. Obviously, my last year coming out of high school, I had a bit of a challenge, but that kept me motivated,” Watson said.
“It didn’t really bother me. You just have to learn from it and move on. Everything in life is a teaching moment. You just have to take it with open arms.”
What he has been grateful for is the counsel and wisdom of his coach, Glen Mills, who has guided him to this point.
“I just take it step by step, race by race. I just work day by day and see where it leads. I have one of the legendary coaches. All I have to do is listen to Coach Mills and do what he says.”