'Little Kenyan' beaten by three Kenyans
- Cleveland Forde grabs fourth in Run Barbados 10K and first in U-20
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
December 2, 2002
Top local middle distance athlete Cleveland `Little Kenyan' Forde turned in an outstanding performance in Barbados yesterday by placing fourth in the open category of the Run Barbados 10Km Road Race and first in the under-20 category. The first three places in the open category were occupied by Kenyans.
The diminutive Forde was the first Caribbean athlete to cross the finish line in the open category and also the first in the under-20 category.
Forde returned 31 minutes 30 seconds while the winner clocked 28 minutes 44 seconds.
According to Forde, the race started at a terrific pace and while he was expecting a fast start, he did not expect it to start as fiery as it did.
Forde said the three Kenyans set the pace of the race and he decided to settle in the mid-division of the chasing pack for most of 5Km.
Forde said he stayed in the company of a Brazilian, a Venezuelan and a Barbadian athlete and, as they passed the half way mark, the Brazilian made a move and the other two followed.
Not wanting to be left behind, Forde said he too accelerated and re-joined the trio.
Soon after, Forde made a move, but was caught by the trio with approximately 1200 metres remaining to the finish line in the Garrison Savannah. The Guyanese changed into overdrive for a third time and left the others as though struggling.
According to Forde, there were over 100 starters with athletes coming from England, Canada, Venezuela, Brazil, Antigua and Trinidad and Tobago among other countries.
Forde who is expected back home today, would like to thank Director of Sports Neil Kumar and manager/ coach Leslie Blacks for making his trip to Barbados possible.
Forde said he was not invited personally for the event, but knew of it before hand and approached Kumar for assistance, and the latter readily agreed to assist.
Forde would also like to thank his manager Blacks and family, for all the support they have given him during his athletic career.
The Junior Carifta Games 5000-metre gold medalist would like to thank Black especially for accompanying him to Barbados and for making sure he sticks to a rigid training programme.
