The Drive Phase

In the Play of the Day, Producer, Rosheika Grant returns for The Producer’s Corner to discuss “The State of Football: Club, Regional and International”.Guest: Machel Turner, Sport AdministratorFootball Analyst and Sport Coordinator at the University of Technology, JamaicaIn this episode, Machel, Dalton and Rosheika discuss “The State of Football: Club, Regional and International”. They share their views on the recently concluded seasons of top football leagues across the world and the international competitions that will be taking place this summer.  The trio also speaks about:Chelsea Football Club winning the UEFA Champion’s LeagueThe picks for top performers in the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1Favourites for Euro 2020Dark Horses for Euro 2020Copa America and their expectations The CONCACAF Gold Cup Jamaica’s chances of doing well in the Concacaf Gold CupThe Reggae Boyz’ and their push to be a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Connect with Machel: TwitterLinkedInConnect with Rosheika:TwitterLinkedInCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase

In this episode, Physiotherapist and Clinical Director at Physiotherapy & Optimal PerformanceServices (POPS) Marita Marshall, discusses Covid-19-  Physical Therapy and Return to Sport in the Caribbean. The Barbadian shares her thoughts on the role of physiotherapy in athlete development as we look to the safe return of sport in the region. Marita has served as Physiotherapist for Cricket West Indies women’s team and gives advice to athletes, coaches and officials on ways to ensure they can train and compete; as well as injury management and prevention advice as they return to the field of play. Marita also talks about:Some of the common injury she sees in professional sportPrecautions physiotherapists have to take now as you look to treat athletes and officialsThings athletes and coaches should be mindful of as they look to resume sportThe role of physiotherapy in the CaribbeanAdvice for youngster who wants to become a physiotherapistMarita also talks about her decision to become an entrepreneur and the impact of covid-19 on her business. She also explained how she has been able to navigate the issues and challenges associated with the pandemic to continue operating and providing service to clients.You can follow or contact Marita:FacebookInstagramCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In this episode, Olympic Discus throwers Fedrick Dares and Traves Smikle discuss their career as professional athletes. The Jamaicans share their plans for the 2021 season and how they overcome struggles to be at the top of the event. Traves and Fedrick talk about their brotherly bond outside of the ring but their fierce competition over the years. They also speak about:The role of coach Julian Robinson on their livesOvercoming injuries over the yearsThe impact of the annual High School Boys and Girls Athletics championship on their careerAdvice for young athlete who wants to become a professional athleteBoth Fedrick and Traves share their top three most memorable moments in their career so far as well as their worst moments as professional throwers.Check out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In the “Play of the Day”, Dalton speaks with Sports Producer and Commentator, Donald Oliver. In this episode, Donald discusses sport journalism and commentary in a changing world. He shares his inspiration for his documentary, “Alia: Darling of the Pool”, the production of the project and his aspiration to produce more documentaries locally. Donald also speaks about:How he got started in sport journalism The importance of sport commentary to broadcasting Challenges of modern sports journalism and commentating  How he rebounds from errors made during commentaryDonald discusses working on major projects including the London 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup and addressing the challenges to constantly improve their products. Other topics discussed are:Advice for young sport journalists Sport Commentators that inspires him (Peter Drury, Brian Rickman, Simon Crosskill and Lance Whittaker)Most memorable moments in sport commentary (from his commentary and other broadcasters)Expectations for the Tokyo 2020 Summer OlympicsIn our new feature, Donald’s knowledge about Manchester United Football Club is tested in 60 seconds. In the “Podcast Pick”, Sports Event Management: The Caribbean Experience by Leslie-Ann Jordan, David Truly and Ben Tyson is recommended by Dalton. Connect with Donald on:thedonaldoliver.comTwitterInstagramCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In the “Play of the Day”, Dalton speaks with World Championship and PanAmerican Triple Jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts. In this episode, Shanieka discusses the phases of her career. She explained why she chose to specialise in the triple jump instead of the long jump and the level of discipline that it takes to master her event.Shanieka also speaks about:Her decision to attend the Vere Technical High School despite being from St ThomasHer student-athlete experience abroad and the motivation to return to Jamaica to train post-collegeThe improvement in her career since returning to Jamaica and how she stayed motivated while adjusting to her return The 2019 RJRGLEANER Awards Sports Woman of the Year Nominee shared details about her fairytale season in 2019 and how it changed her life.Other topics discussed are:The dynamic and experience of her husband, Kerry Lee Ricketts being her coachThe importance of Jamaican field event competitors doing well to increase participation in events besides track The issues and opportunities that came with the pandemic for her preparation for Tokyo 2020Advice for young track and field athletesWhat she wants her legacy to be and her post-track and field aspirationsAiming for the national recordConnect with Shanieka:InstagramFacebookCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In this episode, Rosheika is joined by Jamaican distance flag-bearer Aisha Praught-Leer OLY, Media and Communication Specialist Marsha Boyce, Sports Journalist, Karen Madden and Logistics Manager, Dr Carol Long to discuss Issues and Opportunities for Women in Sport in the Caribbean. They share the challenges that female athletes face from adolescence to professional athletes including wage disparity, visibility and sport administration. They also speak about:The cultural shift that is necessary to sustaining participation in sports for girls after adolescenceSafeguarding children in sport by creating structures and environment that are safe for children to thrive and competeEmpowering women in sportsThe ladies also discussed the impact of the pandemic on female sports along with the disparity between the attention given to the restart of male sports and female sports. Other topics discussed are:The importance of diversity in decision making in sport administrationTargetting sponsorships for female sportsRegional female athletes and the rationale behind their lack of advocacy on issues affecting women in sport The importance of women in sports being visible to influence girls in sport The role of male leadership to women in sport thriving in the industry Connect with Rosheika:TwitterLinkedInCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase

In our International Women's Day Feature, FIFA Assistant Referee, Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing discusses her journey. She described her experience as an assistant referee at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France. She shares how she got started in refereeing and her decision to choose to become a professional referee over her football career. Stephanie also speaks about:Some challenges she has faced over the years in her careerHow she has overcame the obstacles that come with being an assistant refereeInteractions with her male peersThe value of International Women’s Day How she is able to keep motivatedThe 2019 recipient of the Chairman's award at the RJRGLEANER National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards also explains how she feels to have been shortlisted by FIFA for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and what lessons she will take from her 2019 experience in 2023. Other topics discussed are:The preparation and training that goes into be adequately prepared for the World Cup  How it feels to be recognised by local stakeholdersHighlights and low moments of her careerHer support systemAdvice for young women interested in officiatingHer goals for the futureConnect with Stephanie:LinkedInCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In this episode, Cricket West Indies player and Jamaica Scorpion captain Rovman Powell discusses his recent his cricketing journey including some of his personal highs and lows. He also shares how the pandemic has impacted sports in the region including the teams he has played with since 2020.  He speaks about the performance of the Jamaica Scorpions in the 2021 Super50 Cup.Rovman also speaks about:His personal contribution to the Jamaica Scorpions so far in the 2021 Super50 Cup The role that his sport scholarship at the University of the West Indies, Mona enabled him to achieve his career goalsHis choice for cricket as a professionThe role of his mother in his development and as a support system His close relationship with former Jamaican cricketer and coach, Robert Samuels  Rovman also speaks his relationship with Floyd Reifer. He also shares what he believes is crucial to improving the state of the Jamaica Tallawahs to ensure that they have a better season than they have had over the last few seasons.Other topics discussed are:Chris Gayle and Andre Russell and their decision to leave the Jamaica Tallawahs’ franchise Young Jamaican players he is looking forward to being a part of the Jamaican franchisesPlaying with his cricketing heroes such as Kumar Sangakkara and Dale SteynHighest and lowest moments in his professional careerHis long and short-term goals Connect with Rovman:           TwitterInstagramCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase

In the “Play of the Day”, Dalton speaks with president of the PanAm Sports Athlete Commission and Olympian Aliann Pompey.In this episode, Aliann discusses Athletes Rights and Voice in Sports. She explained why she started Aliann Pompey Invitational and the event's progress over the years. She shares how she adjusted to performing at the professional level and her experience at her first appearance at a Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Aliann also speaks about:Women being represented in sport administrationRule 40 and 50 of the Olympic CharterWorking with athletes rights’ groups formed to tackle specific groupsThe value of representationAdministrations’ efforts to address issues that Olympians faceAdvice for athletes in using their access to their advantage The 2002 Commonwealth Games 400m gold medalist also shared her lessons learned in her experience as a sport administration and the evolution of track and field into being more athlete-centred. Other topics discussed are:Her favourite Olympic performance (2008)Her decision to retire from competitive athleticsWhat has influenced her to become a sport administrator and advocate The importance of giving back as a retired athleteHer coaching careerConnect with Aliann:FacebookTwitterCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

Producer, Rosheika Grant returns for The Producer’s Corner to discuss “How lack of competition is affecting sport in the Caribbean”.In this episode, Dalton and Rosheika discuss How lack of competition is affecting sport in the Caribbean. They share their views on the various issues and challenges in the lack of competition across all sport locally and regionally. The duo also speaks about:Impact of state-enforced curfews and health protocols on the ability to train due to inadequate facilities and resourcesInability to travel and how it affects the opportunities to achieve qualification standardsRecommendations for sporting stakeholders to be given special provisions from regional Government How cricket may fare as the sport with youth not being able to exhibit their talentDalton and Rosheika also discussed the opportunities that the pandemic presents for the athletes and sporting associations.Other topics discussed are:The importance of sporting organisations using this period to discuss issues such as safeguarding children in sportThe welfare of athletes and coaches and the type of support system that they need The way forward for the National Premier LeagueConnect with Rosheika:TwitterLinkedInCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In this episode, Regional Development Manager - Caribbean and Americas, Commonwealth Games Federation, Ryan O. Brathwaite discusses Sport for Development in the Caribbean: The Way Forward. He speaks about the benefits of sport in society in relation to health and wellness, education and development overall. He shares how sport being used as a development tool can reduce Noncommunicable diseases.Ryan also speaks about:He shares the challenges to sport being viewed as a developmental tool in the Caribbean including lack of resources and inadequate expertise in sport administration across the region. The role of young people in sport administration and sport as a development tool regionally The importance of partnerships regionally to drive the development of sport regionally Ryan also shared his views on transition of  Barbadian athletes  from the junior level to professional levels. The key factors to building a lucrative sport industry regionally especially in the context of the pandemic. Other topics discussed are:The importance of leveraging relationships and highlighting the value of the Caribbean to the global sport industry stakeholdersHow to assist professional and amateur athletes to establish strong brandsSport as a tool to tackle tolerance and other social issues such as discrimination, racism and equality The “Podcast Pick” for this week’s episode is “Beyond a Boundary” by C.L.R James.Connect with Ryan: TwitterLinkedInCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In this episode, our guest, Sport Commentator, Donald Smith joins host Dalton Myers and producer, Rosheika Grant to discuss “The Year in Review of Sports in 2020”.In this episode, Machel, Dalton and Rosheika discuss their top moments in sports in 2020, the disappointments of the year regionally and internationally and also their expectations and hopes for 2021 in the sporting arena. They discuss the cancellation and postponements of major sporting events in Jamaica as well as regional and global events.  The trio also speaks about:The effect of the little to no competitive football  in Jamaica and the importance of football returning in early 2021 The value of the Velocity Fest Meets that were held and how the organisers’ approach should be adapted by other sporting stakeholdersThe disadvantage that local athletes may face when they return to international competitionsThe resilience of sport internationally in its return and the ingenious strategies to satisfy protocols such as the NBA Bubble The economic impact of cancellation of sports regionally and internationally on stakeholders such as athletes, sport administrators and sport commentators.The “Podcast Pick” for this week’s episode is “Perspectives on Caribbean Football” by Christopher A.D. Charles.Connect with Donald:TwitterConnect with Rosheika:TwitterLinkedInCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In this episode, Olympian Alia Atkinson discusses her historical journey in swimming. She speaks about her early interest in sport and her decision to focusing on swimming. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on her mentally and her initial goals for the year. She also shares how her philanthropic efforts which are closely tied to swimming.Alia also speaks about:How differently she approaches swimming comparing when she started versus now What it was like competing in the International Swimming League during the pandemic How she has dealt with disappointments over the yearsHer family’s support and her mother and aunt’s role in her careerAlia also discusses the swimmers that she is anticipating from Jamaica to follow in her footsteps. She gives her opinion on what needs to be done to support the development of swimming locally to facilitate more swimmer excelling internationally.She also talks:Being a mentor to younger swimmers from the region Members of his support system including family and friendsThe most memorable moments in her career, including her world record performances Her longstanding relationship with her coach, Chris AndersonHer plans for her post-competitive career including becoming an authorIncreasing the presence of women of colour in swimmingConnect with Alia:InstagramTwitterCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In this episode, the return of the Producer’s Corner sees Host, Dalton Myers and Producer, Rosheika Grant joined by Football Analyst, Machel Turner to discuss The State of Local and International Football . They share their views on the development of Jamaica’s young footballers as sport administrators deal with the pandemic and the postponement of football locally.  They also discuss the route to sustainability for local football clubs and the importance of developing structured youth teams to successfully growing the sport locally and regionally.The trio also speaks about:How critical it is for local football clubs to produce talent to export to other leagues is to changing the football landscape locallyThe importance of changing the culture and attitude towards local footballers playing in leagues across the world Improving the professionalism in the National Premier League and how that will attract sponsorsDalton, Rosheika and Machel also discussed various issues regarding the Premier League and international football. The other topics in the episode are:The five-substitution rule and the issues behind it not being implemented for the current seasonThe extended Winter schedule and the impact it will have on football teams and also international teamsThe concerns of coaches and football clubs about the impact  of international breaks amidst the pandemic and the shortened break in the summer The Reggae Boyz’ chances of qualifying for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, the depth of the Reggae Boyz team and the level of preparation needed to enhance their chances of qualification Machel’s pick for the 2021 UEFA Champions League winnerDalton, Rosheika and Machel’s top four finishers for the Premier LeagueThe “Podcast Pick” for this week’s episode is “Seoul to Beijing” by Don Anderson.Connect with Machel: TwitterLinkedInConnect with Rosheika:TwitterLinkedInCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase 

In this episode, Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO), Dr Sasha Sutherland discusses The Fight Against Doping in Sports. She shares her views on the growth of Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization since its establishment 15 years ago in terms of capacity building and its partnerships with Caribbean countries in the implementation of drug control programmes. She also addresses the challenges that the organisation has faced such as travelling across member counties and the strategies adapted to increase capacity within these countries.Dr Sutherland also speaks about:The role of Caribbean RADO in educating athletes and support personnel in countries especially those that lack legislation and or policies regarding anti-doping.The importance of consistent and clear messaging in educating athletes about the various steps in anti-doping and building awareness as a prevention tool for doping. Dr Sutherland also speaks about the revised World Anti-Doping Code and some of the major changes to the standards and violations that are of note including new standard on education, expanding of tampering violations to include fraudulent conduct and no longer including notice in regards prohibitive association rules. Other topics discussed are:The provision allowing athletes to request a public hearing in the new World Anti-Doping code Her views on the measures of the whereabouts violations and the importance of the current rules to keep the sport clean and to maintain the integrity of the sportStrategies that athletes and administrations can implement to stay within the boundaries of the whereabouts rulesThe Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act and the provisions that are concerning to other Anti-Doping organisations (Editor’s note, this Act  was signed into law by President Donald Trump after this episode was recorded)The road ahead in the region for the fight against doping in sportThe “Podcast Pick” for this week’s episode is “Commonwealth Caribbean Sports Law” by J. Tyrone Marcus and Jason Haynes. Connect with Sasha: LinkedInTwitterCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase

As we start a new season of The Drive Podcast, we have exciting new segments including “On the Sideline”, “Play of the Day” and “Podcast Pick”. In “On the sideline”, Dalton will be addressing topical issues in the sporting industry. In the “Play of the Day” he speaks with Olympian Yohan Blake.In this episode, our guest, Yohan Blake discusses Blake: The Past, Present and the Future. He speaks about the new club new club, TITANS International, that he is currently training with. He shares that Tokyo 2020 will be his final Summer Olympic Games. He noted that he is looking to transition into playing cricket and spoke about his introduction to the sport by his father. He discussed his early rise in track and field while he attended the St Jago High school and running at the Boys and Girls Championships.Yohan also speaks about:How he made a decision to become a part of the Racers Track Club and the role Usain Bolt played in him going to the clubHis sojourn into acting as he prepares for life post track and field How hard he trained to compete with and beat Usain Bolt in the 2012 seasonWinning the 2011 World Athletics Championships 100m final and the role that Usain played in helping him to prepare for major championships How he handles criticism from the general public and peers Yohan speaks about his relationship with Coach Glen Mills and his decision to leave the Racer’s Track Club due to him not believing he was receiving sufficient attention. He discusses how he handled the injuries between 2013 and 2015 and his decision to stick to the sport despite how difficult his recovery was. His relationship with his partner and the role she has played in supporting him and him having a balanced lifestyle.Other topics discussed are:The importance of having multiple sources of income as he dealt with the impact of the pandemic on potential earning opportunities An update on his health and injuries Advice for young and upcoming athletes.The work that is done through the YB Afraid FoundationHis plans for the future including motivational speaker His current relationship with Usain Bolt and the respect he has for the sprint legend Connect with Yohan:InstagramTwitterFacebookCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase

Creating a Safe Space: Safeguarding our Children in Sports WebinarIn this episode, The Drive Phase Media’s Webinar under the theme, “Creating a Safe Space: Safeguarding our Children in Sports” is presented. The webinar was designed to discuss ways stakeholders can contribute to child protection and safeguarding of youth in sports. It aimed to formulate solutions designed to encourage everyone to do their part to keep sport safe. The webinar’s objective is also to assist sport-based initiatives in developing practical tools focused on child protection and safeguarding practice and to foster the progression of policies, practices and procedures to keep sports fun and children safe. There were four international and regional panellists including:Diahann Gordon Harrison-Children’s Advocate of Jamaica Topic: Abuse in Sport: The Jamaican RealityKaren Madden, Sports Journalist- Jamaica Topic: Media's Responsibility: Whistleblowing in a Culture of Silence Kendia Brathwaite, Sports Scientist- Barbados Topic: Recruiting, Training and Communication Ju’Riese Colón, CEO- U.S. Center for SafeSport Topic: Minimising risk for children in sportsTwitterFacebookWebsiteCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase

In this episode, Commonwealth Games Federation CEO, David Grevemberg discusses Leadership, Culture and Sport - Changing the Game􏰄. He shares his view on the need for diversity/inclusion given the geographical and historical structure of the Commonwealth Games Federation and importance of sports in strengthening the entire Commonwealth.David also speaks about:How the CGF is striving to remain relevant as more competitions emerge in track and field worldHow the CGF plans to adapt to the changes in the track and field schedule as a result of the global pandemic What will make the Birmingham games a unique experience that is appealing to athletes The importance of Para athletes to the CGF and how they want to improve the recognition of their talents.Using sports and the brand of CGF and initiatives to fight for freedom, equality and diversity and to acknowledge the colonial history of the Commonwealth.David also speaks about reparative justice and the importance of protecting and empowering members of the Commonwealth. He added his views about athletes and sporting administrations addressing human rights issues such as racial equality. Other topics discussed are:Athletes being allowed to protest human right issues at the Commonwealth Games and why the CGF believed it was crucial to make a statement during the rise in prominence of the Black Lives Matter movement  Advocacy and activism among athletes and administrators providing them with the platform to facilitate this.The postponement of the Commonwealth Youth Games until 2023Bringing the Commonwealth Youth Games to the Caribbean and how it showcases their culture and historySafeguarding children in sports and the role of the CGF in training persons in sports about safeguarding childrenHow the CGF is empowering women in sports Connect with David:LinkedInCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social MediaYouTube: The Drive Phase MediaTwitter: @thedrivephasejaFacebook: The Drive PhaseInstagram: Thedrivephase

Guest: Elaine Thompson HerahDouble Olympic ChampionIn this episode, Elaine discusses Sprinting Into History. She speaks about her achievement in the 100m and 200m at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio and her mental readiness as she prepared for the Olympic Games after dealing with an injury. Elaine also speaks about:Her interest in track and field from a young age and her early life in Banana Ground, Manchester and how it impacted her lifeHer participation in the Boys and Girls Championships and how it helped to prepare her for her professional careerHow she started her professional career at the MVP Track and Field Club at the University of Technology, JamaicaHer experience at her first major championship in 2015 and representing Jamaica at the World Athletics Championships and running her personal best time of 21.66 in the 200m finals.Elaine shares what motivates her and wanting to be a mentor for younger athletes. She also speaks about how she stays focused as she deals with being a public figure and staying mentally strong as she deals with the impact of injuries. Other topics discussed are:Her performances at meets in this abbreviated season and how the downtime due to the pandemic has helped her to heal and recover from her injuriesHer belief that she can go faster Her experience as a newly-wed and her husband being her support system The postponement of Tokyo 2020 and how it has aided in her being better prepared to defend her sprint double Training with Stephen Francis for the past decade and her trust in him Her goals for the next five years including achieving a World Athletics Championships gold medal, running below 10.70 in the 100m and bettering her personal best in the 200mAdvice for young and upcoming athletes.Connect with Elaine:TwitterInstagramFacebookCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social Media:YouTube: The Drive Phase MediaFacebook: The Drive PhaseTwitter: @thedrivephasejaInstagram: Thedrivephase   

Guest: Warren WeirOlympic Bronze MedallistIn this episode, Warren discusses Weirz World: Athlete and entrepreneur. He speaks about his bronze medal placement in Jamaica’s historic 1-2-3 sweep in the 2012 Summer Games 200m final. He shares about his lessons learnt in his first professional season in 2011 and how it impacted his approach to the 2012 season.Warren also speaks about:How his life changed after being a part of the historic 200m 1-2-3 sweep.His silver medal in the 2013 World Championship in Moscow, Russia and proving that his 2012 season was not a fluke. The 2013 season on the track and field circuit and winning the 200m event in the Diamond League.His regret of not running to the line in the National Senior Trials in 2013 where he ran his 200m personal best of 19.79. Other topics discussed are:He speaks about how injuries have affected his career and how he manages to remain mentally strong no matter the adversity. Controversies over the years and what it is like being a public figure as a track and field athlete. His retirement in 2017 from track and field and his transition to the sport of Rugby and winning a bronze medal with Jamaica’s rugby team at the Rugby Sevens in Central American and Caribbean Games in Colombia.His sojourn into entrepreneurship with his multi-media company, Weirz World and using videography and photography to show behind the scenes of being a track and field. The qualities and skills that he has retained from his time as a Calabar High School student-athlete.Advice for young and upcoming athletes.Connect with Warren:TwitterInstagramYouTubeCheck out our website: www.thedrivephase.com You can listen to The Drive Phase on any podcast directory. Here are a few:Stitcher PodcastApple PodcastTuneInGoogle PodcastFeel free to follow us on Social Media:YouTube: The Drive Phase MediaFacebook: The Drive PhaseTwitter: @thedrivephasejaInstagram: Thedrivephase