Bertrand, Walcott crowned AOY at T&T’s athletics awards

TACARIGUA, Trinidad:

Just days after being honoured nationally, track and field luminaries Leah Bertrand and Keshorn Walcott swept the top awards at the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAATT) awards ceremony on Saturday.

Held at the National Racquet Centre, the event celebrated a spectacular 2025 season, headlined by the duo's continued acclaim.

Bertrand sprinted to the Senior Female Athlete of the Year (AOY) title, while javelin king Keshorn Walcott launched himself to the Senior Male AOY honour.

This double triumph comes less than a week after both athletes claimed the TT Olympic Committee's Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year awards on December 29th.

FITTING TRIBUTE

The accolades are a fitting tribute to a landmark year. Walcott stormed back to the pinnacle of global athletics in September, capturing World Championship gold in Japan with a mighty throw of 88.16 metres.

Bertrand, also a World Championships competitor, shattered personal barriers, setting new national standards in the 100m (10.92 seconds) and 200m (22.54).

The awards evening further recognised their specific disciplines, with Walcott named Most Outstanding Male Field Athlete and Bertrand taking the Women's Track Athlete of the Year prize.

They were joined by an elite group of 2025 standouts. World Championships 400m silver medallist Jereem Richards was crowned Most Outstanding Male Track Athlete, while Tyra Gittens-Spotsville earned the title of Most Outstanding Female Field Athlete.

PROMISING FUTURE

The ceremony also shone a spotlight on the nation's promising future. Christopher Sammy, a double-gold medallist in the under-17 1500m and 3000m at the Carifta Games, was named Youth Male AOY.

His middle-distance counterpart, Oshea Cummings, who took Carifta 1500m gold and 3000m bronze, claimed the Youth Female AOY award.

Janae De Gannes successfully defended her Junior Female AOY title, a feat matched by Jaden Marchan, who won the junior male honour. Both secured individual medals at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay. - CMC