The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

KRYSTEL Black is hoping that she will be one of the next Bahamian female sprinting superstars.

The 2010 graduate of Nassau Christian Academy has been holding her own as a member of the Lions’ track and field team at Florida Memorial University in the NAIA Conference.

Home for the Christmas holiday, Black said she’s looking forward to returning to the campus in Miami Gardens, Florida, where she intends to make her presence felt in her senior year.

“My track career has been going good,” said Black as she prepared for a workout at the original Thomas A Robinson track stadium on Monday. “I had a pretty good year last year. I made the nationals for the 100 and 200 metres, but I didn’t get to compete because of some issues with our school.

“But next year, I’m working on getting back at the nationals in the two events as well as for the 4 x 100 relay. I’m looking to run some personal best times in all of my events.”

Her goal is run at least 11.7 seconds in the century and 23s in the half lap race.

Although she has never made a national team, Black said she is confident that she still has the opportunity to compete for the Bahamas. Her goal right now is to run in the new Thomas A Robinson Stadium next year for the Bahamas at the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s inaugural World Relays.

“The relays are definitely my target,” she said. “So I’m working very hard on achieving that goal. I am home now for the holiday, but I’m making sure that I am still in shape. My coach, Mr Bodie is making sure of that.”

Black was referring to Dexter Bodie, the head coach of the Road Runners Track Club. Black has been under Bodie’s wings since she started competing in track and field. And even though she has been off to school since she graduated from NCA, she has not forgotten her roots.

Bodie, who featured Black along with a number of other athletes during the Road Runners 4th annual Presentation and Awards Banquet, said he’s proud of his protégé’s accomplishment, not just on the track, but in the classroom as well.

“Krystel Black has excelled, making the Dean’s List and the Principal’s List. Academically, she has maintained a 3.8 and above grade point average. She’s doing very well,” said Bodie, noting that he was proud to use her as an inspiration to the younger athletes in the Road Runners Track Club.

Black was selected as the open female athlete of the year.

Having watched her progress over the years, Bodie said he’s confident that Black will eventually get her break and make one of the national teams to represent the Bahamas. He feels that opportunity could come as early as next year at the World Relays.

“She’s an outstanding female college athlete. She’s a gift and I expect her to be right here next year trying to make the Bahamas team for the World Relays,” he said. “I look forward to seeing her make that step forward.”

No matter what happens on the track next year, Black said her ultimate goal is to walk away from Florida Memorial University with her degree when she graduates in May.