Nottwil 2017: Tevaughn Thomas wants to repeat Usain Bolt feat

“I think the Junior Worlds will be an inspiring competition. The friendship among the youths of the world can only be good for greater understanding of each other."

Jamaican sprinter Tevaughn Thomas is excited about competing at Nottwil 2017, from 3-6 August, which he believes is a unique opportunity to win the world junior title and emulate what his hero Usain Bolt achieved 15 years ago.

The 18-year-old will run the men’s 100m and 200m T42-T47 – Junior (U20) next week on the Swiss track.

“Usain Bolt is a role model of commitment, dedication, perseverance and good interpersonal skills,” said Thomas. “I would like to win the world title like he did in order to become an inspiration for other youth athletes who strive to do their best in sports.”

Thomas made his international debut two years ago, when he competed at the Parapan American Games in Toronto, Canada. Earlier in 2017 he delivered his best performance so far by taking silver in the men’s 100m T46 at the Youth Parapans in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Now, he wants to take another leap forward at his maiden Junior Worlds.

“I aim to do my very best, represent my country with pride and dignity and achieve a medal,” he said. But Thomas believes Nottwil 2017 will be important, not just on the sporting level, but also beyond the competitive field.

“I think the Junior Worlds will be an inspiring competition. The friendship among the youths of the world can only be good for greater understanding of each other. Nottwil 2017 will bring us athletes closer together.”

Tevaughn is still fresh from participating in the London 2017 World Championships, where he ended tenth in the men’s 100m T47.

“London 2017 was enjoyable but I missed the medal presentations and playing of the national anthems in the stadium. That is an important part of the spirit of an event,” he said.

“I still had a good performance but would prefer to have done a personal best in the 100m, which would have made me competitive for the final.”

More information can be found on Nottwil 2017’s website.