Since winning the silver medal over the 100-meter distance at the 2007 International Association of Athletic Federations World Championships, it has been a roller coaster ride for Bahamian National and Junior record holder Derrick Atkins Jr.
Going through a difficult period during 2008, Atkins says he did not accomplish what he had set out to do which was to win an Olympic medal.
Now under new coaching, Atkins believes that Loren Seagraves can take him to the top of the podium at the 2009 IAAF World Championships to claim the gold medal in the 100m.
Atkins not only sees himself in the center of the podium, but also wants The Bahamas to expect great things from him.
With the issue of the Olympic medallist not receiving what they thought they deserved, Atkins admitted that it is only so much that Government can do.
“Corporate Bahamas does not give athletes the full attention and support they need in order to get to the next level, so it’s not the Government who should be getting bashed,” said Atkins.
Atkins suggested that the Olympic medallist should have received more than they did from corporate Bahamas. He said when the “Golden Girls” won a medal they “received the world from private businesses.”
“This is the second time in Bahamian history that the men have won medals at the Olympics, and to only receive the little they got for their efforts, they had a right to be upset. Personally I would be upset if I was in their position because they really worked hard to finally bring home those medals,” said Atkins.
Atkins also made the plea for the country to stop basing success on the colour of the medal but to be grateful to have won a medal at the Olympic games because some countries go for years before they win a medal.
With the change in leadership in The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, with Kurt Hollingsworth taking over from Mike Sands, Atkins believes the Federation can do better in their management skills in relation to the athletes.
He said in recent years it seemed as though athletes had to fight the BAAA to get something done in a timely manner even when taking the proper procedures.
Although the Bahamas has never graced the finals of the men’s 4x100 meters at the Olympic or World Championships, Atkins believes the country can attain that goal once all parties comes together to achieve the end result.
“The BAAA cannot expect athletes to come to Nationals to qualify a relay team when athletes have on their agenda to qualify for the individual event. They must put in place a system where relay teams can qualify prior to Nationals and at the same tie we as athletes must put our egos aside and do what is best for the country,” said Atkins.
Looking back at the Olympic trials and previous Nationals, Atkins said the BAAA could do better when managing track and field competitions in terms of equipment.
“When we come home to qualify, the wind gauge is not working, or is turned the wrong way, no display boards to show results and most of all fire works going off right before the race causing athletes to get cold while waiting for the starter are just some of the things that need improvement,” said Atkins.
With new Bahamian sprinters gracing the world stage, Atkins said they must not get ahead of themselves, but take in everything one day at a time.
He said noted that like in his case the sport of track and field can paying for a college education and he wanted to remind young Bahamian athletes that education is the key to success and should be first priority.
As a new father, Atkins said he might find that all of the travel that comes with his career may becomes hard for him as he begins to miss precious time with his new daughter. He said he always looks forward to the off-season to unwind and spend time with family and friends.
