In an Instagram link up yesterday, Tina said her sister Tia is capable of upsetting the favourites in the women’s 100m.
“(I want her) to get to the final (and) after that any card can play,” Tina, the World Under-20 100m champion in 2021 and 2022, said.
Evidence of “any card can play” with Tia was seen at the recent national championships when she took second place behind World Championships 100m silver medallist Shericka Jackson, and ahead of two-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Tia also managed to lower her personal best from 11.12 seconds to an outstanding 10.86 during the meet.
Twin sister Tina, who is also a sub-11 runner with a personal best of 10.95, says, even though her sister is inexperienced at the senior level, she is capable of doing great things.
“ People will talk but it’s who leaves the blocks first and can execute a proper race,” she said.
In the past, it would usually be Tina blazing to victory but, at this year’s national trials, Tia was the one in the spotlight.
Tina, although failing to make the team to join her sister in Paris, is still in a celebratory mood as her sister is now ready to represent the island in her first Olympic Games.
“I feel really great, she has been working hard. She deserves everything,” Tina said.
In June, she rushed to embrace Tia after the final of the 100m at the national championships, and she said she would love to offer her support in person in Paris as well.
“It would mean a lot to know that, all the years I did well, she was always in the stands cheering me. I wish I could be there for her,” she said.
The 19-year-old said competing together at major senior games is something in the making, as Tia’s achievement has fuelled this drive.
“ Definitely, this is a big motivation for both of us,” Tina said. “ We have a long way to go, because we’re just starting.”
The Twin Turbos, as they are affectionately called, have already been making their name on the global stage together, as they were among the Jamaican quartet who broke the World Under-20 4x100m record in 2021, with a time of 42.94 seconds.
Tia will compete in her first Games today when she lines up for the heats of the women’s 100m, starting at 4:50 a.m.
