AFTER what has been a huge season for Jersey athletics, a Caesarean quartet are planning on going out with a bang, competing in the prestigious Manchester International this weekend.
Steven Mackay, Tyler Johnson, Jamie Oldham and Taylor Renouf will be holding the Jersey flag high, as they are all set to compete at the international meet in the 4 x 100m relay.
Mackay and Johnson won’t be finished there, as they’ll be taking on the individual 100m events as well, making for an action-packed day.
“This will be the biggest event of our season, lining up against teams like England and Scotland on the international stage. This will be massive for us, and we’re really chuffed to mix it up with some of the home nations’ best,” said Johnson.
Mackay added: “Everyone’s really excited, this is an opportunity you just can’t say no to. I’ll admit, lining up against these international teams is daunting, but it’s so exciting.”
Competition will be of extremely high quality, as Jersey’s athletic aces will be competing with not just England’s best clubs, but some of the home nations’ finest athletes.
“This event is of international standard, so we’re going to be mixing it up with some of the best, which is really why we do it,” Johnson continued.
“Yes, we’re up against some high-level athletes, but in the 4 x 100m relay you just never know, in high pressure situations like that batons get dropped.”
It’s getting late on in the season, so fatigue is beginning to set in. However, the Caesareans are bringing their A-game, hoping to finish their season in style.
“We’ve got one more event to go, so we want to go out as a team and smash it, as it’s a great experience,” Mackay continued.
“Some of these guys are going to be making the Commonwealth Games finals, it’s very high calibre and we’re going to be giving our best.
“It’s all about just getting that baton round the track and making changeovers clean, you never know what can happen. Who would’ve thought, little Jersey up against these massive nations.”
Johnson echoed those sentiments, adding: “Our energy is running low, but hopefully the occasion, as well as seeing the international kits, will give us an extra boost on the day.”
This quartet’s upcoming endeavour is a trailblazing moment for Jersey athletics, as they’re the Island’s first team to compete in the illustrious event. Johnson was evidently proud of that, saying: “We’re all so proud to be Jersey’s first team, but this isn’t going to be a one-off, as the talent we have coming through is off the charts.
“The quality and numbers we have down at Spartans is class, and it really is going strength for strength.”
“Wearing the Jersey kit is always an honour, and we’re committed to representing the Island well.”
Mackay added: “This season has been huge, the club’s athletes have been making noise all year and we’ve proved we can compete at the highest levels.
“We’ve pushed to show the younger athletes what levels can be reached by local athletes, and we’re driven to keep pushing, as now it’s up to us to prove this is a yearly thing.
“Spartans have been such a huge help with everything, I honestly don’t know how I can ever repay their support.
“Down at the club, there’s just so much talent coming through, and funding and financial support is going to be crucial for us to reach even higher levels and put Jersey more on the map.”
Jersey’s four stars will be competing tomorrow, at Manchester’s Sport City. The individual 100m events are set to begin from 2.20pm, before the 4x100m relay are scheduled to commence at 4.45pm, so make sure to tune in to the livestream on watchathletics.com.
