Douglas a shoo-in for Eugene double - Smythe

Coach of Shanoya Douglas, Garth Smythe, is confident that his charge is ready to go all the way and become a double champion at this summer's World Under-20 Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, after her easy victories at the recent JAAA Puma National Senior and Junior Championships in the 100 and 200 metres.

Many fans thought Douglas, who is a cut above her peers, would have competed with the seniors, but that did not happen.

"I wanted her to run the 100 metres with the juniors and the 200 metres with the seniors, but I was told that could not happen as she could not split and had to run in one age group," explained Smythe.

Douglas could have won the senior 200 metres at Trials, with her best time of 22.11 seconds much quicker than Alanna Reid’s personal best and winning time of 22.29.

Though she seems well ahead of her peers and ready to take on the challenge of either university or the professional ranks, Smythe is being more patient.

"I think it is all about growth and maturity, and I do not think she is ready for the professional league as yet. It is all about waiting for the right time. I have seen where several of our top juniors have gone straight into the professional league and have been struggling, and we want to make sure Shanoya does not fall into this bracket," said Smythe.