Xavique Cyrus

I’ve been involved in coaching since 2012, serving as an assistant track coach in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). During that time, I earned my IAAF certification in 2012 and my USATF certification in 2023. Currently, I’m working towards obtaining my Level 2 USATF certification to further enhance my coaching qualifications. Throughout my coaching journey, I have had the opportunity to work with athletes ranging in age from 8 to 18 years old. This experience has allowed me to develop a well-rounded approach to training, focusing on building athletes’ skills, discipline, and mental toughness at various developmental stages.

I competed in track and field and had the opportunity to represent my school and country in various competitions. I was fortunate enough to travel to countries like Barbados and Grenada to compete, which helped me gain valuable experience and broaden my understanding of the sport on an international level. This experience has not only shaped my perspective as an athlete but also has been a key influence in my development as a coach.

I wanted to give you an idea of what a typical training session looks like, though it often varies depending on the athlete's level of fitness. I always begin with a 10-15 minute warm-up, which includes dynamic drills and stretching. This helps prepare the athletes physically and mentally for the session ahead. From there, I tailor the program based on the athlete and their specific needs. For example, sprinters would focus on speed-oriented workouts, while mid-distance runners would concentrate on endurance and pacing. An example of a speed workout for sprinters would be 4x30m sprints with 3 minutes of rest between each repetition, or 4x150m sprints with walk-back rest periods. Of course, the focus and intensity of these workouts also depend on the time of the season, as I adjust the training based on whether we’re in the early, middle, or peak phase of the competitive calendar.