‘Stay focused, son’ - Antonio Watson’s grandparents say sprinter has strong church background

Stunned by the backlash to which their boy, Antonio Watson, was subjected following his 'gun finger' celebration at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships last weekend, the teenager's guardians say he has never been one to embrace violence.

"He also has strong church background - that's how we grew him - and if you notice, in everything, that he doesn't leave out God," his grandmother, Marlene Bowen, told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The Petersfield High School athlete has been facing heavy criticism for his 'gun finger' gesture to celebrate his victory in the 200 metres last Saturday.

Watson pointed his fingers in a gun-like manner across at Edwin Allen High School's Bryan Levell, whom he had to chase down and pass to win the race. Watson then pretended to fire a shot at Levell as he crossed the line in 20.74 seconds.

The teen's grandparents, with whom he grew up in Duncan's Trelawny, said 'Troy', as they call him, has never embraced violence. They said that the criticisms are overblown.

"From Antonio was a young lad growing up, he was quiet but jovial, and get along with people well. We never have a problem with him. He has always been a good guy," Bowen said.

Watson has apologised for the gesture.

"I have taken full responsibility for such actions, as it is in no way a reflection of the ethos of my school, the principles of my coach or the position of ISSA ,or any of the sponsors.

"Upon reflection, I recognise that my gestures could have been misleading and I have no desire to negatively influence others. In fact, going forward, I aspire to demonstrate positive behaviours and attitudes that will inspire countless young Jamaicans to strive for excellence and make our country a true beacon of what is good in this world," the sprinter said.

His grandfather, Barrisford Bowen, remembers having to beat Watson only once as a child.

"When he was nine years old is the only time. I beat him and explain to him the reason why I had to beat him. I told him if him need someone to talk to, and tell him good things, just find me. From day one until today, I just want to see the best of him. I don't leave him out at no time, and him don't leave me," he said.

The elder Bowen said he felt his grandson meant no harm with his celebration.

"A youth, and him a express himself by the things that surround us in our culture. He is just celebrating and don't mean no harm to anyone.

"He did the right thing to apologise and move on. I talk to him already and I know him a listen to me," he said, adding that he told the sprinter to "make certain this nuh happen again, and move on because we see the potential".

Mr Bowen is convinced that Watson will become a world beater. The 19-year-old won a gold medal in the 400 metres at the 2017 World Youth Championships in Athletics, held in Nairobi, Kenya. A year later, he won silver in the 200 metres at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"Him a go far," he predicted. "If you see how him operate, most of the things is just like Bolt. ... Him tell me two athletes he looks up to -- Usain Bolt and Wade van Niekerk from South Africa."

His grandmother said that it is important that Watson does not allow the criticisms to break his spirit.

"We just have to talk to him and encourage him to do the right thing, because youth will always be youth. We have to stand with him because he didn't do anything for anyone to kill him. He did not use a gun at the stadium, he only burst a blank with his fingers. If you notice, after the race him go and hug the guy, so there is no hard feelings against the guy. That's just a way of expressing himself," she said.

Watson's father, Mourice, is hoping that the ill-advised manner in which his son celebrated his victory will not leave a lasting impression on his career.

"I know that he was trying to do something to make people happy and it went against him. Him young and thought it was all right. It's just a misinterpretation. I hope it won't have any bad impression on his career 'cause we know that's his life since he started high school. Before that he used to do football, but now he lives for tracks," Mourice said.

Watson's mother, Tianja Buchanan, described him as a "humble youth that don't really talk much".

"The negative things won't stop him. It's just one of those days, and he will get pass it. I talk to him and he said he was OK, so once he is OK, I am OK. All we have to do is encourage and support him," Buchanan said.