The Grand Slam Track inaugural is kicking off in Jamaica in just a few hours. And it’s a true-blue, star-studded show. From veterans like Dalilah Muhammad and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to new age stars, there’s a place for everyone to shine. But a 20-year-old Jamaican is coming to Kingston for more than just the win. Or the $100,000 check. He has a special motto, which is extremely close to his heart. He wants to honor his deceased brothers. Well, here’s why Clarke’s story will truly tug at your heartstrings.
As the young Jamaican Roshawn Clarke stomps down the newly built track at the National Stadium this weekend, he’ll take the memories of his late brothers along. Yes, the boy has run 2 races so far this season, and interestingly, he won both. First, a 200m race at the GC Foster Classic. Followed by a 400m hit at the Velocity Fest, where he joined the 44-second club with his elite performance. But now, with these having sharpened his form, Roshawn Clarke is ready to show up at the Grand Slam Track.
But his motto? Win or lose, he’s doing it as a tribute to his late brothers. As per a YouTube video added by Grand Slam track on April 3, Roshawn Clarke confessed that he once had four brothers, but after two unfortunately passed away, it’s just him and his two brothers. Next, he goes on to explain the manner of their demise. He says, “Right here, okay, I always remember this spot,” as the location in the video changes to his house.
“I was living right up there, so this is the spot where I tell you I have to walk past every day to go to school and come back from school.” After 2:00 in the morning, one of his late brother’s friends called him out in the yard. Per Clarke, “they call him out to set him up, actually.” And next? There were a lot of shots while Clarke himself was just a 7-year-old.
But well, the Grand Slam Track signee Clarke truly feels that his late brothers have deeply impacted his athletic journey. He confessed on the talk show, “So like every year, it’s his birthday, so we always remember, yeah.” That’s because one of his late brothers, particularly, was a very big motivation for Clarke. He said, “I mean, he was a fighter, you know, so he was an athlete who also played football, but he was also a mechanic. He’s good at basically everything. He can do everything.”
Thus, Clarke always saw his late brother as, “So yeah, he was very young yeah and he was one of my biggest motivations that happened and I have to continue what I started and memorize what he said to me all the time and kind of hold it close to your heart as you’re going through your journey; you’re running in Kingston.” For Clarke, it’s doubly special. First, it’s his home ground in Jamaica. And second, because he will get to honor his brothers after months of waiting. But there are other things about the Grand Slam track that he likes.
Roshawn Clarke and the Grand Slam Track at home
Well, for most Jamaicans competing at the Grand Slam Track inaugural, the fact that they get to start at home with their families cheering from the crowd is a sure advantage. And that’s something that Roshawn Clarke agrees with. He said in the interview, “It’s always good to compete in Kingston. The Kingston crowd is crazy; everybody knows, especially after a new event, Grand Slam, it’s going to be hot fire. We’re excited. I’m excited. I’m ready.”
It’s not just this. But Roshawn Clarke also added a lighthearted message. When asked, Are you winning? He gave a very confident reply, saying, “Of course, there are two races, you know: 400m hurdles first and then the 400m and the new track. I’m excited for that. The colors are beautiful. I want to win on that first, the first senior to win on that track, yeah, so I’m looking forward to it.” So, yes, are you excited to see Roshawn Clarke? Let us know below!
The post Heartbroken Over Brothers’ Passing, 20-Year-Old Track and Field Star Opens Up on Competing on Home Turf at Grand Slam Track appeared first on EssentiallySports.
