Episode Transcript
[00:00:02] Speaker A: Seon180. Coming up in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Part A: Kirani James
Be bold.
Take risks.
Lead by example.
Believe in your power.
Say what you feel. Mean what you say.
Join me at seon180 on this journey of discovery, discovery and advancement. Hello and welcome to Seon180. I'm your host, Leslie Ann Seon. This podcast is all about igniting conversations and empowering lives with real talk, real people and real change. With over 20 episodes across four seasons, we feature inspiring voices from the Caribbean and the diaspora, diving into topics like health, politics, the arts, leadership, finance, tourism, sports and much more topics that truly matter to our community.
I invite you to check out my website at thepodcastseon180.com or your favorite podcast platform to catch our latest episodes and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, advice and engaging discussions.
Today, I have the honor of chatting with two of Grenada's finest Olympians, Sir Kirani James and Lindon Victor. These Olympians and national heroes of Grenada and the Caribbean will share their journeys, perspectives on sports and what it truly takes to achieve greatness. But first, Sir Kirani James, a distinguished Grenadian sprinter specializing in the 400 meters, the youngest ever 400-meter world champion. Achieving this accomplishment at age 18, he gained international acclaim by winning the gold medal in the 400 meters at the 2012 London Olympics, Grenada's first ever Olympic medal. He continued his Olympic success with a silver medal in 2016 and a bronze in 2020, becoming the first male athlete to secure a complete set of Olympic medals in the 400 meters. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to athletics, the University of the West Indies Global Campus conferred upon him an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree on November 9, 2024. Further honoring his achievements and service to the nation, Sir Kirani James was recently awarded the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Nation as part of Grenada's 51st Independence Day celebrations on February 7, 2025.
Throughout his career, Sir Kirani James has exemplified excellence, resilience and longevity, serving as an inspiration to athletes and citizens alike. Kirani, welcome to seon180. Thank you so much for being with us today.
[00:03:14] Speaker B: Yes, thank you for having me.
[00:03:17] Speaker A: Awesome. Now I want to go straight into that gold medal in 2012, which was Grenada's first ever Olympic medal, and to ask you, how does it feel now, so many years later, to have contributed so significantly to Grenada and Caribbean sports history?
[00:03:38] Speaker B: Yeah, well, it is a tremendous feeling and because even looking back now at those moments, it shows that people still appreciate those moments. And, you know, it makes it even more special when, you know, years later, people could still recognize you for your accomplishments and something that you did. So, it's always still a little bit surreal to me because, you know, I just want to always go out and try to do my best. So, it is a strange feeling sometimes when you have to, you know, just, I guess, accept the praise and everything that comes with it. But at the end of the day, I think, you know, I think for everybody, when you are part of a country especially as unique as Grenada, I think everybody has a part to play in terms of making Grenada, you know, what it is and continuing to make it better. So that's just my path and it is through sports. So, I've accepted that, and I've always tried to represent Grenada in that way, in a positive light. So, it's still an ongoing journey for me to just continue to… Every time I go to compete, I always remember that I'm not just representing myself or doing it for myself, but also because there's a whole country behind me supporting me.
[00:05:11] Speaker A: That is so true. And I think this is why you have been so inspirational, not just with the successes, but certainly with your disposition, your humility. It's enchanting. It's heartwarming. And your patriotism rings very, very clearly, right throughout your career. So having competed in four Olympics, with medals in your first three, that's an extraordinary and special historic feat. It's achieved by no other 400-meter runner as far as I know, and so, we have a right to show off. We have a right to just feel really good about this and be able to boast about you, even though I know you're a modest person. But if we want to get into the essence of the 400-meter event itself, from 2012 to Paris in 2024, how has your approach to the 400 meters evolved over these years?
[00:06:17] Speaker B: Yeah, well, going through those years, I think it went from more just pure excitement to be in the moment to understanding the magnitude of you actually at an Olympic Games. And you're competing and you're representing your country and you're competing against athletes that are very talented and these things. So, it does give me a bit of perspective going over the years, because, yeah, like in 2012, you know, I always say, like, when you reach at that high level so early, the question is always, okay, what's next? Some people could use that, you know, moment to, you know, branch off or to do something else or things like that. And for me, it's always been about, okay, how can I continue to be at a consistent level and continue to do and use this ability and use these experiences and these opportunities to continue not just better myself, but I always say to represent Grenada and to just give a positive inspiration for. everybody, not just necessarily young and upcoming athletes, but just people in general.
So, yeah, it has changed a bit. And the journey has not been just smooth. There has been things along the way that happened that almost like you have to reinvent yourself every time. And because with my event, 400 is a very tough event, a very volatile event, I would say, you know. I think there was a statistic that from 2012 going into 2016 Olympics, I was the only person to make it back into the final. And then from 2016 to 2020, I was the only person to make it back into that final again. So, yeah, so it shows that it is a very tough event to be consistent and to keep a certain level because there is a lot of talented guys in my event. I think it's one of the deepest events in track and field. So, for me to have the opportunity to still compete at a high level and the discipline and motivation to still do it, I think that alone is a blessing in disguise for me because, yeah, it's just about using those moments to propel myself, propel the island, the country, everyone that's affiliated with me in, in that kind of way. So, I really take it serious. But yeah.
[00:09:05] Speaker A: It is a very exacting event in athletics. Certainly, in the Caribbean, we haven't had many runners excelling like you have and have done in the past with this event. So, your inspiration goes beyond the borders of Grenada, certainly into the Caribbean and beyond, because we don't have the resources like the big United States of America, for example. And so, this goes to your character and also, when you mentioned just now that it hasn't been an easy road, I know you had your diagnosis with Graves disease. You lost your coach and your mom. And these are very tough events in anyone's life, far less when you're a professional athlete, so to speak. So that says to me, Kirani, how has this personal life experience contributed to your growth and resilience in the 400 meters?
[00:10:03] Speaker B: It has contributed a lot. You know, if you had to ask me before all of this happened, I always look at myself as somebody that likes consistency, right. I like to know where I'm going to be every single day of the week so that I could plan and that I could have a peace of mind, to know, okay, we have this nice block of training, I'm not traveling, I'm not doing anything, you know, so, okay, now I could focus on what I have to do. So, when you have those moments, it's almost like you always have to readjust yourself. And what he has taught me over the years is that I have done a pretty good job of just keeping, readjusting myself and still having that motivation to continue to do well, right. Regardless of what, where that source of motivation comes from. I think it's important to find that source regardless and try to use it to your benefit. Whatever the situation is, you try to make the best of it. Right. You try to look at it from a different angle of perspective and you say, okay, how can I use this to go forward? How can I use this step back to propel me forward? So, over the years it has been tough, but I've found ways to always make that readjustment and to keep pushing forward.
[00:11:30] Speaker A: Yes. Was there anything your mom or your coach might have said or imparted to you that resonated so deeply that you're able to find the strength and courage from within and push forward despite the challenges?
[00:11:45] Speaker B: Yeah, I think there is a lot, especially with my mom. With my mother, just growing up, there was a lot that she sacrificed to see me where I am today.
[00:11:56] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:11:58] Speaker B: And I remember when I was still 17 and I was getting ready to go to university and I had two options. I had an option to go up to the university in January or stay until the August and then you leave that way. And she sat me down, she told me, “You’re not staying here until August. Like, you going.” Right. You know, most, most parents would think, okay, you have a 17-year-old, pretty much child going into, you know, an area all by themselves…
[00:12:30] Speaker A: Big wide world.
[00:12:31] Speaker B: Yeah. You want to keep them as long as you can.
[00:12:34] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:12:35] Speaker B: Yes. Yeah. So early on she understood the bigger picture even before a lot of people could see. She was like, you have an opportunity, you don't know what's going to happen, you know, come August. So you take it, you go, we're going to see how we're going to make it work. You might have to push a little bit, but you know, that's what you do. So, when you have people like that in your life, that kind of gives you that, that confidence, right? Or that assurance or reassurance to just keep pushing and to keep looking forward. I think when you have an experience where they're not around, you always remember that. Right? And you remember those words and it's like, okay, you have to still keep pushing forward. You have to still find ways to motivate yourself, find ways to, in a way, almost still represent them and have them live on through you. Right. And so, I've always kind of carried that way with me. And I remember even with the rest of my family, it's almost the same thing. It's a similar situation with my brother when she passed away in 2019. You know, I went home to Grenada to spend time with my siblings because that was the priority for me. It wasn't about competing or training or anything like that.
[00:14:00] Speaker A: Family.
[00:14:01] Speaker B: Yeah. And just one day, you know, we were home and spent maybe a couple months in Grenada. You know, one day my brother just turned to me and he said, he said, you know, we're going to be all right and you need to go back and do your thing and do what you’re used to doing. You have a World championship coming up. You need to go back and prepare. And so, when you have that reassurance and, you know, that kind of support, it just helps you. It's one of those intangibles that helps you push forward because you know that there's people that are going to support you and be behind you regardless of what the situation is.
[00:14:35] Speaker A: Yes. They're rooting for you. You know, one of the things I'm always curious about is just before you take the track, what does your coach say to you that just propels you to excellence every time you take that track. And I'm talking about whether you win the gold, the bronze, or come fourth.
[00:14:56] Speaker B: Yeah. Sometimes it’s different, sometimes based on the race strategy or what you're trying to achieve in that particular race. But it's always words of confidence. Right. Believe in your ability, follow the race plan. You know, just try to, you know, make sure that you focus on what you have to do. So usually, it's those kind of things. And like I said, when, you know, with my coach that passed away, Coach Glance, you know, he has been in those situations before, right? And one of the stories he always tell me was in 1976 when he was in the Olympic 100 meter finals. That was the year Hasely Crawford won, right.
[00:15:48] Speaker A: I remember that.
[00:15:49] Speaker B: Yeah. So he got caught in that Race, actually, right. And he said, you know, he ran in the semifinals, he ran well. And then all of a sudden, he said somebody in the media said something about, you know, him being, you know, he's carrying America on his back or something like that. And he said that that got to him where it put that extra pressure on him. Right. So just him sharing that experience with me kind of taught me and helped me go through that, where, at times you don't need to put all that pressure on yourself. Right. So, when you have people that around you that are, have been in situations that you're going to be in or you're in, then it's easy to have those conversations and to listen to those persons and really take heed to that advice because they've been there through experience. So, yeah, so I think the always, the overwhelming message is always just try to run your race, stay calm, don't worry about all these other externalities that's happening. Even though, yes, like we understand that you are representing more than yourself. You have a whole country behind you, right, but don't let that get to a point where it overwhelms you. I guess it's good to have it there as a reminder. But once you're in a situation where it overwhelms you, I think that's when you get into problems.
[00:17:14] Speaker A: That's correct. Because, you know, it's often said there's so much more to sports, especially psychology plays such an important role. The mind of the athlete is equally as important as his physical fitness. And we see that sometimes. I've actually witnessed athletes in various sports just seemingly out psyched by either their competitor or, you know, outside opinions and so on. So, I think you have it bang on.
One of the areas that I think has been a concern for me is our next generation of athletes, Grenada and the Caribbean, and what you believe we need to pay more attention to and the support that the next generation should receive from us—different to what you received, for example, because I will tell you, I was very struck by your thank you speech at the university's cocktail after the honorary degree was conferred. And I sense that, you know, we are still lacking the ability to provide support when it's most needed or perhaps the right support. And you have a platform now to really advocate for others to come up and do just like you or even better in Grenada and in the Caribbean. What do you think are the specific areas we should focus on for support?
[00:18:43] Speaker B: Well, I think the first area is structure, right. When I look at Grenada, we have the ability to have a proper structure where it doesn't overwhelm the whole system. Right. Whether that means, you know, you look at the structure as it starts from, you know, whether it's the Ministry of Sports down to the GOC to the GAA or various other sporting organizations, to clubs, to schools, to secondary schools, primary school. I think it should be a way where you could structure it, where everybody's on the same page as to what the goals are. Right.
The second thing I think is important, and it's more of a mindset than anything, is, you know, I have a saying that it goes, it says pretty much “Your expectations should match your investment.” Right. And a lot of times we have high expectation but not the same level of investment.
[00:19:54] Speaker A: Correct.
[00:19:55] Speaker B: And I think we have to realize what our capabilities are, and try to maximize those capabilities. You know, like you mentioned earlier, we don't. Women. I have resources like the United States or Great Britain or Germany or a lot of these bigger countries, but we do have things where we could work with.
[00:20:19] Speaker B: And the talent is there. There's no denying that. Like, the talent is there.
[00:20:22] Speaker A: Natural talent. Yep.
[00:20:24] Speaker B: Like, I see it, like, it's there. Right. But it's figuring out the right way to harness it and the right system to harness it. Right. So, whether that means, you know, where you have certain events that you could train people at home in Grenada. Right. Where they have the ability and the support to train in Grenada, if it makes sense, that's great. If that means, okay, they might have to go to a junior college system or NCAA system, right, that's great, too. So, it's all about using these different areas and figuring out that way, okay, what is going to work best for this specific athlete or this specific group of athletes, and how can we maximize it in that way. Right. So, I think it's very important that we have to have a proper plan, a proper structure to really go about doing that. Right. And a lot of times, you know, just speaking from experience or the experience of other athletes, it's just, sometimes it's just support, right? Just following up, just checking in at times, seeing how an athlete is doing whether they're home or abroad. Right. And just checking on them and seeing, okay, what do you need? Right. You have, you know, an injury going on, Okay, w have this outsource, you know, doctor, whether it's in the States or wherever, okay, go see them. Don't worry about anything, we'll take care of it. Or you have, you know, the same thing at home where you have doctors or physios at home. We'd be like, okay, we know that you have the talent, right? You're on pretty much a watch list. Okay, something's happening, we need to know, okay, you're going up, you're planning to go up to the States. Okay, what can we do to help make that process a lot easier? Those kind of things. So those kind of things help, right? And some people might say, okay, that's not the responsibility of whatever organization. But like I said, you know, the expectation has to match your investment, right?
[00:22:34] Speaker A: Absolutely.
[00:22:34] Speaker B: You don't have this high expectation and then you'd be like, oh well, that's not our responsibility. So, you have to make it responsibility if you want to have those high expectations.
[00:22:43] Speaker A: Correct. You know, because part of achieving that glory is 360 support. You know, it's not just, you know, resting with the athlete and, or the coach by themselves. It has to come from within. So, I understand what you're talking about. We need a professional sort of businesslike approach to sports with, with policies and structures in place that just supports the athlete right through. Not just when they achieve glory, you know, but in the tough times and in the ordinary times.
And that's something that I think we lack a lot here. So, it's good to hear you say that.
I think for our final question, I'd like to ask what message you would want to leave with our listeners and our viewers and most particularly our young athletes. Because I see your eyes light up when you talk about that there is talent out there. So, I know that you're seeing future Kiranis around. What message can you leave for them trying to pursue their own success and dreams of an Olympics someday?
[00:23:57] Speaker B: Yeah, well, the message I would leave for them is that, well, first of all, it is possible. I'm living proof that it is possible, regardless of your upbringing or your situation, that if everything comes together the way it should, right? Your talent, your coaching, your determination, your focus, opportunities, that it is possible for you to get to this level and achieve a lot in your personal life, in your professional life, and also from a national perspective. And I want to encourage them to just try to be yourself, right. Set your own goals. Don't let anybody else set goals for you, right? They may be able to help you reach and achieve your goals, but you should be able to set your goals and what you want to achieve. Out of sports, right? And I want to encourage everybody, whether it's parents, communities, even the athletes, that I think sports is an integral part of society. And yeah, maybe because I'm looking at it because of how much it's helped and improved my life, but I think sports overall is extremely important and it's something that we should embed in society from at all levels. Early ages, old ages, every level we should have sports involved because I think the tools and the things that you learn from sports or organized sports is traits that you carry with you for the rest of your life, right? Just teamwork, focus, prioritizing, time management, all of these things you learn through sports, constructive criticism, taking criticism, being coachable, all these things you learn through sports. And you know you're going to have to, whatever sector you go into life, you're going to have… these attributes are always going to be a plus, it's never going to be a minus. So, yeah, I just really want to encourage everyone that if you can just always be involved in your local sports in your local communities and try to always have that there, so that way, whether it's children or people of older ages, they have something that they can look forward to and have something to enjoy.
[00:26:40] Speaker A: And benefit from that, because these principles that you've enunciated, you know, are principles to apply to all aspects of life, throughout one's life. And that's the kind of message I think would resonate with our young folks and with our communities, in general. Sir Kirani, I'm so delighted to have had this opportunity to chat with you. I have to tell you my daughter knows more about all of your events and your record-breaking accomplishments than I do. She could probably lecture me on that. She's followed you so closely throughout your career, but truly it's been a privilege and an honour to see you grow and develop the way that you have. I think you're an astonishing inspiration to young men and young boys and to young athletes who are aspiring to achieve your type of success in Grenada and throughout the Caribbean. And I want you to continue on that path and to ask for God's blessings on your continued growth and success. A pleasure to have you on board. Seon180.
[00:27:50] Speaker B: Thank you for having me.
[00:27:52] Speaker A: Thanks, Kirani.
So, what you're going to do now, you're going to chill a little bit or…
[00:27:58] Speaker B: Yeah, chill a little bit.
I thinking right. No, I came up with some fish when I was in Grenada, so I’m thinking of making a broth.
[00:28:10] Speaker A: Nice.
[00:28:10] Speaker B: Sometime today. Trying to think if I need to, I might go to one of those Asian supermarkets to get like provisions or yam or something.
[00:28:19] Speaker A: I was just about to say the yam.
[00:28:21] Speaker B: Yeah. Because usually they don't have it in most other the stores, like if you go to like an Asian store, they might have it.
[00:28:29] Speaker A: Right, right.
[00:28:31] Speaker B: So, I think about if I need to make that drive because it’s about, maybe about a 15-minute drive. The one that I know. So, I'm thinking if I could sneak by and make a broth without some provision or something. I might have to adjust something else about. So that's what I'm thinking right now. But yeah, so I might just chill for a little bit and then decide what I want to do.
[00:28:55] Speaker A: Good, good. Still close to home in your heart. That's awesome.
[00:28:58] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[00:29:00] Speaker A: All right, take care and have a great weekend.
[00:29:02] Speaker B: All right, thank you. And you are too.
[00:29:04] Speaker A: Thank you very much.
Part B: Interview with Lindon Victor
Be bold.
Take risks.
Lead by example.
Believe in your power.
Say what you feel. Mean what you say.
Join me at seo180 on this journey of discovery and advancement. Hello again. And now I have with me Lindon Victor, a distinguished Grenadian decathlete who has represented his nation with exceptional prowess on the international stage. He is a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, a two-time Olympian, having competed in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Games. Victor achieved a significant milestone by securing a bronze medal in the decathlon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking Grenada's first Olympic medal in this event. In recognition of his contribution to sports, Victor was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire, OBE, in the 2024 New Year Honors. Beyond his athletic achievements, Victor is committed to empowering the youth of Grenada. In January of this year, he launched the Lindon Victor Foundation, aiming to support students by providing access to sports education and mentorship opportunities. Victor's journey from a young athlete in Grenada to an Olympic medalist exemplifies dedication and resilience, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide. Lindon, great to have you on Seon180.
[00:30:51] Speaker C: Oh, thank you. Thank you so much for having me. And thank you for that nice introduction.
[00:30:57] Speaker A: Yes, well, you deserve it. You worked for it. You earned it.
[00:31:00] Speaker C: I appreciate that. Thank you.
[00:31:02] Speaker A: Not at all. Now, Lindon, I have to tell you that the decathlon is such an extraordinary event in athletics. Ten disciplines. This requires a lot of an athlete. So, when you achieve this remarkable bronze at the Paris Olympics, could you share with us the story behind your journey to this accomplishment and especially the decathlon itself. What led you to that particular event?
[00:31:32] Speaker C: Well, I always like to start anything by just saying thank God for being multi-talented. You know, a lot of people can't do the decathlon, no matter how athletic they are. So, I feel like one God has blessed me with an amazing talent.
[00:31:48] Speaker A: Amen to that.
[00:31:50] Speaker C: I also believe that growing up in Grenada has fostered me to being a decathlete because, you know, in Grenada we do all the track and field events. We pretty much do a decathlon without even knowing it because the athletes, they would all run, they would jump, they would throw just to get points for their House and for the school or whatever. So, I was doing the decathlon for a long time without really knowing that I was doing the decathlon because I always wanted the biggest trophy, and the biggest trophy always went to the person with the most points -The Victor Ludorum.
[00:32:27] Speaker A: That's right.
[00:32:28] Speaker C: I would run, I would do all the field events and then on sports day, I would still try to see what I could run to get points. And after seeing my brother doing the heptathlon at the time, I was like, well, I already doing everything and they put everything in one event, so I'll do it. And that's kind of, that's kind of the genesis of how I started the decathlon.
[00:32:50] Speaker A: That's a remarkable story because you're absolutely right. At Intercool, you know, you would be sacrificing everything trying to get points either for your school or for your house. Right?
[00:33:00] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. So that's kind of how I got into it. I feel like every Grenadian athlete pretty much could do a decathlon if they needed to.
[00:33:11] Speaker A: I think so, because, and it's funny you mentioned that because I mean, we love athletics in the Caribbean. I think Maurice Smith from Jamaica was the first one to really score big in the decathlon event. We haven't had many since you, of course. So, what would you say to encourage athletes into looking at the decathlon?
[00:33:36] Speaker C: I, I think one, it's the opportunity to get a scholarship. The more versatile you are as an athlete, schools look for that because they too are looking for athletes that could score points in different areas, you know. I also think that it's an untapped area in the Caribbean because a lot of Caribbean athletes may not be able to make it as a sprinter or as a thrower but could do multiple different events. I think it's an untapped market per se, in the region where we can go a day and exploit the world in the multi events. But I also think it's the exposure to the pole vault is what my coach always says that the pole vault is the big fire breathing dragon that protects the decathlon.
[00:34:27] Speaker A: Why is that?
[00:34:28] Speaker C: Because we don't do it in the Caribbean. The pole vault is such a technical event that we really don't, like in Grenada, we don't do the pole vault. So that's the event that I had to come up here and learn. And you hear of instances where pole vault killing people, injuring people. The pole vault is the one event that you have to really be on point, like your steps have to be on point. If you out, you can die. If you're in, you can die. Like you could break something. So, it's such a technical event that I feel like a lot of countries shy away from it.
[00:35:06] Speaker A: That's interesting because you have to conquer fear as well with the pole vault because it's a tremendous height and then you're heading towards it with speed.
[00:35:16] Speaker C: And with a stick in your hand.
[00:35:18] Speaker A: And with a stick in your hand.
[00:35:20] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:35:20] Speaker C: So, it makes it really challenging in that way.
[00:35:23] Speaker A: Well, you see, this is why I'm saying to you that athletes like yourself are so inspiring for our young ones going up, boys and girls alike. Because here you are coming from a small island developing nation, so to speak, with very few resources, you know, excelling in a sport that is not even practiced in the country. So, there's a lot of inspiration behind that. But Lindon, more than that, I'm sure that your life experiences have contributed to your success as a world champion and as an Olympic champion. Can you tell us something about that? Tell us what shaped you and brought you to this place.
[00:36:08] Speaker C: I feel like a lot of it has to do with my upbringing. My family instilled a lot of hard work into me. I grew up in the garden with my father most of my life and you know, I did a lot of manual labor and sometimes I'd be like, I'm tired. My dad would say, black men can't afford to get tired.
[00:36:31] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:36:32] Speaker C: Or like, I'll say things like, I'm weak. And he would say like, that's seven days. Like, I'm a little boy growing up and these are the things that I hear from my dad. So, I feel like just, just things like that, just hearing things like that every day. You know, I go back when things in decathlon get tough, I go back and I say to myself, black men can't afford to get tired or like, you know, and also, I feel like growing up in the church, I feel like when things get tough, having faith is a big thing. Like, having a power that's bigger than yourself to talk to, to lean on. I feel like that's also important in being successful as an athlete.
[00:37:15] Speaker A: Spiritual strength.
[00:37:16] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. So, I think that's one of the things that I lean on, too, because, you know. We see the medals, but, like, there's a lot of things that go into the medal. There's a lot of times when you're hurt, you're injured, you're frustrated, you're stressed, you know, so, like, just having that spiritual strength to talk to God and to look to Him when things are not going right. I think that's important to anybody’ success, not just athletes, you know, like, even if you're a businessman.
[00:37:49] Speaker A: Yes. That's part of what has built up your resilience, obviously, definitely, in continuing to pursue these events. Now, I know that you haven't even left the sport yet, but you're continuing to inspire others. You've set up a foundation. And I wanted to hear a little bit from you about this foundation, its purpose and your vision for it.
[00:38:16] Speaker C: Yeah, it's something that I've always wanted to do since I started track. Well, even before I started track. When I was in Grenada, my dad worked for GRENLEC, and GRENLEC had a similar program in place where they had supported my sisters and I to go to high school. And I saw how much of a blessing that was to my family. They paid for our school and our books and stuff like that. And ironically, when I started high school and when I ended high school, that was the only five years they had it for. So, it was one of the strangest things. As soon as I entered high school, they started it. As soon as I left, the program was done.
So that seed was planted in my head since then and I was like, if I'm ever in a situation where I can do that for somebody else, I would definitely do it. I made that promise to myself since I was in GBSS and, you know, after winning the medal, I felt the time was right to be able I have a lot of influence and I know a lot of people who can help contribute to something like that and if I talk to the right people and there's a lot of people I want to be associated with an Olympic medalist, if I'm being honest.
[00:39:38] Speaker A: Yes, absolutely. Who doesn't want to rub shoulders?
[00:39:43] Speaker C: So, I think it was a perfect time to leverage my influence to be able to do that. And you know, also I understand that it's getting more expensive to go to school in Grenada and I saw that the government started with the BUS program, which I think was good. But I also feel like, you know, I am a Grenadian first and foremost and any way that I could help with that. We are actually even starting to partner with a university in England just to give scholarships to people that excel in the foundation to try to help them get a bachelor's degree.
[00:40:21] Speaker A: Right.
[00:40:22] Speaker C: Or so that, that's another thing that we're looking at because I believe that education is the key to success. I feel like education has made more millionaires than sports ever will. So, if I can help that one person, two people with that, you know, because it's expensive, man. A shirt is $50, a pants is $90. And the fact of the matter is a lot of people cannot afford that. And I also want to help build all-rounded world young people, if that makes any sense. Like, the kids, they would have to maintain a certain standard to be on the program, not just on in the classroom, but outside, like how you carry yourself. Yeah, all of these things matter. To be a part of the Lindon Victor Foundation, we're going to have agreements with them. You’re going to have to contribute to your community. You're going to have to carry yourself a certain way. Like, if you get involved in any trouble with the law, anything like that, you're going to be out of the program. So, just being able to foster young people and you know, just see how I can make my impact in Grenada.
[00:41:42] Speaker A: I think that is critical. I'm overjoyed to hear you saying that. It's not just about the sports or the education, but it's the all-roundedness of the individual that we need because, you know, if you do get the wonderful opportunities like yourself and Kirani and Anderson have all had, but you know, the most enchanting aspect of this is how well you represent Grenada and the Caribbean because you understand that you are out there in the International community and you're exemplifying an entire region.
[00:42:16] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:42:17] Speaker A: And saying, this is who we are. We might be small, we might even be poor, but we are rich in talent and character.
[00:42:24] Speaker C: Definitely.
[00:42:25] Speaker A: I think that's fantastic. And I want to stick a pin on that, listening to you advocate your purpose for the foundation and say to you, what other areas do you think we need to look at to support the younger generation, from a national level? Because I sometimes feel like our athletes and our sportsmen and women don't get either the right type of support or the consistent support that is necessary to take them to the next level. And sometimes that's discouraging. Like, you can have astonishing athletes with talent at the secondary level, and then somehow it just drops off. Why? We lose them.
[00:43:06] Speaker C: That has been an ongoing problem in Grenada. Like, I've known of guys who beat Kirani and myself, and, you know, for some reason they get discouraged. Like, the right support isn't in place, the right mentorship isn't in place. I think one, it starts with ignorance on the athlete’s part because they don't know what they don't know. They don't. It's not until I am at this level now that I really understand. So, I feel like, I used to think that the government gives scholarships to athletes. That's not the truth. And growing up, I never, I didn't get one single scholarship from Grenada, from the United States. I had to go out there and physically fight, message every university in the US, begging them, pleading with them, please give me an opportunity. Because I wasn't the big name. I wasn't the athlete that everybody would say he's going to win an Olympic medal. So, I had to go there and literally plead and beg and go on Facebook and find coaches, go on website and find coaches, and try. And I got one opportunity to come to the US, but when I was in Grenada, there was another kid that was better than me, and he didn't get that opportunity to come. And you never know, he might have been the one with the Olympic medal, with that one opportunity. So, I feel like, for me, I think it starts with educating these young athletes as to what it takes to get a scholarship, what it takes to, like, what subjects…because I was so ignorant, because I thought once I have a CARIFTA medal, schools were going to give me scholarships, and, and that's not even true.
[00:45:03] Speaker A: Right.
[00:45:04] Speaker C: So, there's a part of my foundation that's going to try to help bridge that gap as well.
This year we're doing an etiquette class, doing a media training class. Like, how do you speak to…Yes, I'm bringing in some of my friends from, like, the Fred Curley, the world champion, the Olympic champion. I'm bringing them into Grenada to try to help mentor them a little bit. So, it's definitely something that I noticed that's a problem. And you know, sometimes just having these athletes meet their mentors, meet the people that they look up to, that might spark something in them to want to get to the 2028 Olympics. Sometimes it's just one question they ask them, and they like, they give them the answer and they're like, oh, that's what it takes. So that's what it takes to get to this level. So, it's something that I have noticed that there's a lot of talent, but how do we bridge that talent not just from a financial aspect, but like just from a mental aspect. Like, what does it take to get there?
[00:46:12] Speaker A: That's right. Building that mental discipline and that commitment from an early age, and I think you're so right. It's essential to get the exposure to those who've done it, to those who've been there and succeeded at it. And in the Caribbean and in Grenada, where we tend not to get that kind of exposure, especially at that early age, it's always like this dream. And then not many people might encourage you because they think that is so farfetched. What are you thinking? You know what I mean? You're being overly ambitious, but it's right there for the taking.
[00:46:47] Speaker C: Yeah. My hope is that, you know, young Grenadians, seeing Kirani do it, Anderson do it, myself do it, like that might even motivate them even more to be like, well, this is possible because these guys grew up right here in Grenada, you know.
[00:47:01] Speaker A: Exactly.
[00:47:02] Speaker C: So, I'm hoping that that inspires somebody, the young people to be like, why not me? You know, why can't I do it?
[00:47:11] Speaker A: I think that once all of you take this platform of your success and sporting glory beyond your competitive years and use it as an opportunity to impart the lessons that you've learned to other young people, you'll be amazed at what can happen. Because 30, 40 years ago young folks didn't have that. Now we're looking at people live and in real time, achieving these astonishing, you know, successes, at the international level. Not Windward islands level or, you know, regional level. We're talking international level. So, this is great. But I want to ask you finally, what is your vision for the future of decathlon in the Caribbean? Are you seeing any young stars? Are you encouraging any young stars? And finally, what's your last message that you would like to impart to the audience?
[00:48:13] Speaker C: Well, my future, my vision for the future of decathlon in Grenada. First of all, like, I would love to see us having three guys in the decathlon at the Olympics like that. That, to me, I think is more than possible.
I'm not, I'm not going to say that. I feel, I'm not gonna say that the three guys are gonna win first, second and third. But like, just seeing three guys in the decathlon in the toughest event.
[00:48:41] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:48:41] Speaker C: In the Olympics from Grenada, I think, I think we can more than do that.
It's crazy that you say that because I've had a bunch of young Caribbean athletes reach out to me interested in doing the decathlon. I'm talking about guys from Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica.
[00:49:00] Speaker A: Yep.
[00:49:01] Speaker C: And they were like, Lindon, we only did the decathlon, we only got into the decathlon because of you. And sometimes you do things and you don't know the impact that you have. But yeah, just, just seeing that, because I really believe that we're so multi-talented and a lot of the people, the sprints are so inundated right now. Everybody thinks that they have to be a sprinter, but I feel like if you're an average sprinter or just better than average sprinter, you can do the decathlon, like, you know, you just need to just be prepared to train hard.
[00:49:34] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:49:35] Speaker C: Yeah, I think, I think that's what it comes down to. Just be prepared to don't get tired and don't be weak.
[00:49:42] Speaker A: That's the kind of story that I love to hear, that there are guys reaching out to you because they're inspired by what they see and they realize it's achievable.
So, it's a tremendous opportunity and a burden at the same time. Lindon. But I think that you guys have the character writer to embrace it and really use your to advocate for these events in which you are so successful and to encourage the young ones coming up. Any final words?
[00:50:14] Speaker C: Yeah. If there's any young person listening to this, not just young athlete, I think you can't escape the hard work, no matter how much you try it. Success always boils down to how hard you're willing to work and how much you're willing to sacrifice. I know that you hear that all the time, like how much you're willing to sacrifice. And you hear everybody saying that, but it's, it's really the truth. How disciplined are you and how much you're willing to sacrifice to get where you want to get, how many friends you will into to throw on the side, how many things…. I think it really, really everything that you decide to do, whether it be sports, business, agriculture, whatever it is, you're going to have to make sacrifices.
[00:51:10] Speaker A: Be prepared to work hard, be prepared to make sacrifices.
[00:51:14] Speaker C: You have to.
[00:51:15] Speaker A: The glory will come at the end of it. Thank you so much, Lindon. It's been an absolute honor and pleasure chatting with you. Of course, you know you have all of our best wishes, both here and beyond, to continue your successes. And thank you for starting that Foundation. It speaks to your character and I'm very proud of you and all that you've achieved.
[00:51:36] Speaker C: Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure.
[00:51:40] Speaker A: Thank you, Lindon. Thanks.
