Champs better now than in my day – Wehby

GraceKennedy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Don Wehby has lauded the level of improvement seen in the athletes and coaches at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships (Champs).

He says it is at a higher level now than when he was competing.

Before he became a CEO, senator, and cabinet minister, Wehby represented St George's College as a sprint hurdler, specifically in the 110m and 400m disciplines.

"When I won the Class Three [110m] hurdles (in 1978), I won like in 14 seconds flat, and now 14 flat will not get you in the finals," Wehby told STAR Sports. "The level of competition has gotten so much more competitive over the years that it's unbelievable. I think it is due to the improved nature of our coaching, and more scientific in terms of the performance of the children."

It was not only success on the track that Wehby has praised Champs for, but also success in academics. He said that his work ethic in training played a role in his being well rounded as a person.

"I found that, when I was training at the hardest, that's when I performed best in the class and the saying goes that a fit body is a fit mind, especially in sixth form, because I was doing the 110m hurdles, I ended up doing the 400m hurdles," Wehby said. "I am convinced that the discipline that I developed in being a track and field athlete and competing under pressure helped me significantly in the classroom."

His love of track and field may not have been the deciding factor for GraceKennedy to be Champs' main sponsor 15 years ago, but he says that its strong reputation throughout the region is unmatched and he looks forward to continuing their partnership with ISSA, investing in the schools and the youth of Jamaica.