DAEGU – Albert Joseph, the coach who discovered Kirani James, said yesterday he was not surprised by the teenager’s success at the World Championships.
The 18-year-old blazed his way to the 400 metres title in a time of 44.60 seconds, upsetting defending champion LaShawn Merritt to claim Grenada’s first ever World Championship medal.
“I was not in any doubt. I was sure we would have gotten at least a medal,” said Albert Joseph, who coached James through his early years at high school level and who is serving as team leader of the Grenada contingent.
“But I thought we would have gotten two medals after watching the way Rondell (Bartholomew) ran in the first round. I thought he would have been on the podium too.”
The 21-year-old Bartholomew, also Grenadian, is one of the fastest in the world this year with a best time of 44.65 seconds but finished down the field in sixth.
James took centre stage, however, timing his run to perfection to haul in Merritt in the stretch and edge the American at the tape.
“The semis ran and I watched Merritt go down the straight and he didn’t look comfortable. He ran 300 metres hard and he looked like he was labouring a bit,” Joseph said.
“So for the finals once Kirani is close to him going down the straights – Kirani’s strongest part of the race is that last 100 metres – I knew that once there were together or he was a little in front, Kirani was going to pass him.”
With the victory, James was crowned the third youngest ever World champion and became only the ninth athlete to win a World Junior, World Youth and World Championship gold.
As expected, comparisons are already being made with sprint superstar Usain Bolt but Joseph said the exciting Grenadian would carve out his own niche.
“Every step of the way, he has been doing similar things as to what Bolt did,” Joseph pointed out.
“I wouldn’t say he’s the next Bolt but he has made a name for himself.” (CMC )
