Dage Minors Eyes Podium In Grand Prix
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Dage Minors is eyeing a podium finish in the men’s 1,500 metres in the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix at the Flora Duffy Stadium tomorrow [April 28].
Minors produced a superb display at the meet two years ago, finishing third in the 1,500 in 3min 46.82sec.
The 28-year-old is one of two local stars competing, along with triple jumper Jah-Nhai Perinchief, and said he hopes to deliver another thrilling display in front of a packed house.
“I hope to be competitive throughout the race, put myself in a strong position, and execute my plan,” Minors told Bernews. “Another podium finish will be nice.”
The Bermudian has the third fastest personal best [3:41.24] in the field, which includes the defending champion, Rob Heppenstaff, of Canada, [3:35.17], and American Jaxson Hoey [3:39.40].
With a partisan crowd cheering him on, Minors is convinced he can challenge the favourites and is determined to soak up the special atmosphere.
“You don’t often get opportunities to race in a strong field in front of your home crowd,” he said.
“Jah-Nhai and I are the top local guys competing, and we know the crowd will be firmly behind us.
“That expectation comes with added stresses and pressures, but I’ll take it in my stride. You have to take a step back and enjoy the moment.”
Minors has spent the past few months immersing himself in his sport while training at the Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales under childhood running idol James Thie.
“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling healthy, and hopefully this meet can give me a kickstart for the rest of the season,” said Minors, who returns to the Welsh capital next Friday to continue his push to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.
Perinchief is expected to challenge for honours in the triple jump and has the second-best PB [17.03] in the six-man field behind favourite Kaiwan Culmer, of the Bahamas, [16.60].
