Ryan Brathwaite is not the only one with hurdles to clear.
Government is facing a seven-figure obstacle in bringing big-name stars to the National Stadium.
Don’t expect to see a new track at the Waterford venue anytime soon, as Minister of Sports Stephen Lashley estimates it will take around $2 million to replace the old one due to the poor substructure lying underneath the surface.
Lashley revealed the figure during an interview with WEEKENDSPORT in light of comments made by Brathwaite, who threatened not to compete at June’s National Championships unless the track was repaired.
“We know it needs replacing, as it is a top priority of the Government, but we don’t have the funding,” Lashley said.
“But it’s not only the track but also the substructure [because] the concrete base on which the track is laying on is placed improperly.
“[And] they’re certain bends that also need to meet international standards,” he added.
The reigning world champ in the 110m hurdles, Brathwaite publicly declared his stance in the media two weeks ago, claiming the 12-year-old track is too hard and has holes along the backstretch and just in front the starting blocks.
And that stance could see Brathwaite losing his world title long before he steps into a starting block.
The World Championships are slated this year for Daegu, South Korea, but athletes are required to compete at the National Championships if they are to represent Barbados.
“The [National Sports Council] NSC will ensure that repair will happen in the areas that need work but repairing and replacing are two different things,” said Lashley.
“However, the replacement of the track has to come at a time when it doesn’t interfere with major championships like this sports term and Inter-School Sports.
“I can’t give a timeline, but in the interim we are seeking to source funding.”
What is certain is that the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) won’t be one of those sources.
Financial situation
Secretary-general Erskine Simmons said the BOA is not in a position to finance the relaying of the track, as it has to fork out over $500 000 just to finance trips to this year’s Commonwealth Games and Pan Am Games.
“No one has approached us in the first place, but even if they did, in the present economic financial situation that we find ourselves in it’s not feasible,” Simmons reasoned.
“Yes, we receive funds from the lottery but one must bear in mind that we have 32 constituents we have to deal with and every effort is being made to assist them.”
Lashley hinted that the multi-sports facility at the University of the West Indies’ Lazaretto site might serve as a backup plan, stating Government has been working closely with UWI to get their track laid as quickly as possible.
However, certain civil works have delayed the process, with surrounding signal towers hindering development plans.
“As soon as we have the funding I can assure everyone that work will be done at the [National] Stadium,” Lashley said.
