Osceola sprinter Tynia Gaither had to wait an extra 24 hours for her flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica for the 40th annual CARIFTA games, and no it wasn’t bad weather. The senior just missed it, so instead of getting a cozy night sleep before she runs, it will be off the runaway, and straight to the track.
“I’ll be there at 8:30 in the morning and I run the prelims for the 100 at 11:30. It will be cutting it close but I feel like I will still be able to run well.”
Last year Gaither finished second in the 100, fifth in the 200, and her Bahamian relay team finished second. The event includes athlete 19 and under from 26 countries in the Caribbean. This year she will run the 100, 200, and 4x100. She says it’s a great honor to make the team again.
“Ever since I placed second in the 200 I was motivated to come back this year and win it and I know it’s possible. Also, making the team this year is really good for me because every time I run in international meets I drop my times tremendously and that is what I’m looking forward to doing.
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The international competition isn’t something most high school athlete is used to. According to Gaither many runners in the islands participate in the sport year round and there are more than just a couple standouts. It is that deep talent pool that keeps “Tiny” on top of her game.
“That pushes me to run faster. You know going over there to be able to run and then coming back and competing for a state championship, it’s going to help me set my mark, and let me know where I’m at for states.”
The Kowboy star will attend the University of Georgia next year like another famous Bahamian runner, Debbie Ferguson. Gaither says Ferguson is very motivational and tells her to, “keep doing what she is doing.” She realizes how special it is to run for the blue, gold, and black.”
“It’s very unique because not many people get a chance to say they run for where they are born in the islands. It makes me feel special and want to work harder to represent my country.”
Gaither will run the 100 prelims and finals Saturday, the 4x1 on Sunday, and the 200 prelims and finals on Monday. It is obvious her schedule is jam packed so does that mean no free time?
“After the games they throw a big party where all the athletes come together and have a good time. They usually take us shopping and sightseeing, but I won’t be there.”
Of course she won’t. Gaither will be on her way back to the states where she is defending her crown in the 100 and 200 meters.
