Brandon Valentine-Parris is the first of his kind at Claflin University where he is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree while metamorphosing into a star athlete. No other sportsperson from this institution has qualified for the Olympic games. This outstanding Sports Management major hails from the beautiful isles of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With the country's best time, 46.11, he is on his way to making history in Rio and looks forward to putting his home country on the map. On Friday August 12th, 21 year old track-star, Valentine-Parris, will be competing for gold in the Men's 400m race.
How did you feel in the moment when you learnt that you had qualified for the Olympic games?
At the time I was told it didn't hit me right away. It wasn't until I got to my room that I realised I'd be living a dream that I've had for years!
I know that such a privilege comes with great sacrifice. What would you say has been the most difficult part of your journey as a professional athlete?
I'm not a pro as yet. I'm still at university at the moment but it is not easy at all where it comes to balancing everything and managing my time. The sport demands a lot of rigorous training sessions as well as a tremendous amount of discipline. I'm not always able to go out with friends and party as I'd like but because I love what I do I don't see these limitations as sacrifices. To be quite honest the most difficult part of being a track athlete is the training sessions.
Seeing that you mentioned your training sessions can you just take us through your typical day preparing for the games?
My training is rough. Leading up to my meets workouts get really specific and my coach and I spend a lot of time critiquing my runs to see what can be tweaked. The week before competitions I have only three hard days of training, mainly sharp work at race pace. While I'm at meets I tend to sleep a lot as I spend almost all my free time in bed. This is to stay off my feet. BUT being born in St. Vincent all I listen to all day is soca music. It gets me hype! I tend not to eat before I compete as well. I try not to think about who I'm running against. Instead I lean my focus towards my race plan and proper race execution.
What would you say you enjoy the most about this journey?
The simple joy of being able to do what I love, and meeting new faces with similar goals and aspirations. AND travelling is always fun!
Is that what you'd say keeps you motivated to perform at your best?
Not exactly. I really love the sport and I've set goals to become the best at my discipline. I'm competitive by nature so once I see competition I will work to make sure I'm better. My goal of going professional and becoming a world or Olympic champion is what keeps me pressing.
Over the years there have been greater strides to develop sports within the OECS. What changes/developments would you like to see where it comes to sports within the region?
There is always strength in numbers and cohesion almost always leads to productivity. However, I won't suggest any changes because I know the movement is still fairly young and I'm somewhat pleased with what's been taking place. I think it's been showing signs of being really successful.
Do you have any advice for young athletes who dream of becoming professionals or even an Olympian as yourself?
Without love for what you do success is slim. Success is not had to attain - it just requires hard work. Be patient because it's an unforgiving sport and it's often going to push you to your breaking point. BUT have faith and trust God that your time would come once you're honest and hardworking.
