Who remembers George Walcott? He came fourth in the 100 meters runoff for the Gibson Relays at Calabar just making the team back in 1980. He used to dominate Extension Champs for Calabar extension but when the program of extension for high schools was collapsed the schools merged George found himself with stiff competition to even make the team. Despite the odds, George did not give up. He turned up every day and trained hard. David Palmer, easily the fastest schoolboy up to that point in Champs history was out injured from Carifta Trials. I believe injury took out Colin Francis as well and George found himself in with a chance as one of two to represent Calabar. The great Richard Bionic Wilson was controversially adjudged as picking in the semi-finals after sitting in the blocks by a KC past student strangely officiating at Champs that year. George made it into the final in fourth place barely nudging out the fifth place runner and stealing the last spot. On the day of the finals, George turned up for the confident with a spring in his step. As he passed Herb McKenley, our legendary coach, George stopped and promised him a gold medal. George led the race from start to finish in what, to me, was the greatest upset victory at Boys Champs ever! I can still see him running through the tape with his fist held high celebrating his victory without even breaking a stride. Georges victory taught us all to never give up and to always give our utmost for the highest! Cbar!
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 01:22:15 +0000
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