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How would you deal with a life altering moment that threatened the financial, emotional and psychological stability of your family? Jehue Gordon had such an experience but was able to overcome that hurdle while trying to build his athletics career. Many close to him, have commented on his ability to always find balance and focus on his goals. Throughout secondary school, while actively training, he won the “Athlete with the best academic results” consecutively from Form 1 to Form 5. Years later, he graduated from The UWI, St Augustine with a First Class Honours degree in Sports Management. Here’s how this World Junior and Senior 400m Hurdles Champion and a National Senior Champion did it:

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I grew up in a humble home in the hills of Morne Coco Road, Maraval with both my parents and a younger brother. I would not say that my upbringing was tough but I certainly did not grow up with a gold spoon in my mouth. Like most boys in my community, I loved sport and many forms of physical activity. My dad was an avid cricket supporter so at age 6, I began playing cricket. However, I stopped some years later because I realised it was more his dream than mine.

In my younger years, I enjoyed cricket, football and track and field. However over time, I began to give track and field my full attention because I did not like depending on others (as in the case of group sports) for my success.  In track and field, I was solely responsible for my success or failure and I preferred it that way. During this period, athletics was no longer a pastime; it was my focus and my career.

Like most teenagers, I succumbed to peer pressure. I remember getting involved with friends, who weren’t positive influences on my life. On one occasion, my running club threatened to kick me out if I continued on that path. That wasn’t an option for me so I quickly got my act together.

I wouldn’t have reached this far without a close-knit support system. My family and friends were always there for me since day one: their support never wavered. My mom, especially, has always been my backbone. I remember in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympics and the 2013 World Championships, my parents always ensured that I ate properly and on time. As an athlete and more so, as their child, I am grateful for their efforts.

Throughout my journey, I experienced challenges: the most memorable being a terrible landslide that destroyed my family home. Mud and boulders capsized life as I knew it. This hazard completely devastated my family, both mentally, emotional and financially. Things took a terrible left turn at that point but through hard work and commitment to my craft, I was able to assist my parents significantly to rebuild our home.

Despite the magnitude of that life altering moment, my biggest challenge to date, both mentally and physically, has been my struggle to fully recover from lower abdominal surgery. It has been frustrating, but I have been progressing and hope to return fully in the very near future.

I have realised that life will never be a smooth ride. There may be challenges, hurdles and even closed doors but when one door closed, another always opened. When one hurdle appeared in my path, I was able to find the strength to rise above it. For this reason, I am grateful for all the opportunities.

Throughout my young career, I’ve had an amazing support team, namely Edwin Skinner (former Olympic medallist and successful businessman), Roland Bynoe (Legal Advisor) and Dr. Ian Hypolite (Coach). They have been present to help guide and protect some of the choices I made and continue to be a shining light in my life. I appreciate them, not only for the technical competence they bring but the advice they have given throughout.

Based on my experiences, I believe that it is important to have mentors and guides who are not only extremely good at what they do but can also be real and relatable. Many young people today are so impressionable so adults and those who decide to mentor, must influence them in the right way. Social media tends to glorify material things and “certain” lifestyles, which the youth may wish to gravitate towards. My hope is for our black males in particular to have access to role models that can help groom them into the best versions of themselves. There are so many people doing such great things out there but they don’t get recognition. This limits their reach to help others in need or for others to reach out to them.

To the young man who may be confused and still searching for a career path, I would tell him to be patient; there’s no rush. It’s okay to take your time or even ask for help to figure out what really makes you happy and drives you. You must love what you do: it must not feel like a task or chore.

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Over the course of his career, Jehue has received the Chaconia Gold Medal, the First Citizens Sports Foundation award, the National Administration of Athletics Association award and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee Sportsman of the Year award. He recently successfully launched two branded colognes: Ambition and Bold.