Devante Laurence will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 2022 UCI Junior Track World Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel, from August 23 to 27.
There were numerous challenges that came with the Covid-19 pandemic, including many missed training sessions on the cycling track, in the gym and on the road because of the lockdowns. But Devante shrugged them off and kept working hard, keeping his eye on the prize - World Juniors 2022.
There was heartbreak along the way. Selected on his first ever national team for the 2021 Pan American Junior Championships, joy turned to sorrow with cancellation of that event. But Devante soldiered on. Under the guidance of his coach, Fitzroy Daniel, the Arima Wheelers cyclist kept working hard.
The World Juniors dream all but disappeared when Devante suffered a Grade 2 muscle tear weeks before the trials. But this 17-year-old warrior on wheels was not about to throw in the towel. He had been working towards this goal for three years, and had to find a way to give it a shot. Devante worked extremely hard in rehab, and on his return to the track amazingly clocked a personal best at the trials to earn a spot on the World Juniors team. To God be the glory!
Devante was notified of his selection on Friday, July 29th. Time is short. The race is on to raise TT$59,000.00 (US$8,676.00) to cover his expenses - travelling, accommodation, equipment, etc.
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