2 weeks ago
4
They call him Flash—not just because he’s fast, but because there’s something heroic in the way he runs: bold, determined, and impossible to ignore.
From the moment he took his first steps, even before he learned to crawl, Gabriel Caesar was always in motion. He would dash through clinic doors, keeping staff and his mother, Tessa Drayton, breathless in pursuit. His love for running came naturally, but a near-death experience made it clear his energy needed direction.
One morning, after a routine clinic visit, Gabriel slipped from his mother’s hands and ran through a tunnel toward a busy main road in Mt Hope. Thankfully, a nearby vendor acted quickly and saved him just in time. That moment changed everything.
Determined to channel his speed into something meaningful, Gabriel was enrolled in the Abilene Wildcats Athletic Club at just five years old. What began as playful competition soon transformed into purpose. As he grew older, so did his ambition—to earn a scholarship, secure opportunities, and one day represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage.
“I started taking running seriously when my mummy told me it could help me get a scholarship,” Gabriel said.
“My coach also talks to me and other athletes about working hard, so we can one day compete for Trinidad, and that also inspires me.”
It was during training one afternoon that an older athlete called him Flash—a nickname sparked by his speed, boundless energy, fierce spirit, and a heart to match.
“The nickname ‘Flash’ means I am fast,” he said with a smile. “I feel happy and proud when people call me that, because Flash is a superhero with super speed.”
Like the superhero, Gabriel has faced moments of exhaustion, but his focus never wavers. His passion fuels his persistence.
“When training feels hard or exhausting, I think about the scholarship I want to earn and my dream of becoming a pilot,” he said.
At just ten years old, Gabriel has already made his mark on the track. This year, he earned a bronze medal in the 300m at the District-level National Primary Schools Track and Field meet and was a finalist in the National Primary Schools 3K road race in Tobago.
He also delivered a stand-out performance at the NAAA 2025 Juvenile Championships, where he competed in the 400m and 800m—achieving personal bests in both, and helped lead the youngest team in the 1,000m open relay to a hard-fought third-place tie, a race defined by grit, teamwork, and heart. Additionally, he secured third place in the Nestlé for Kids’ Boys 1K, once again setting a personal best.
Today, Gabriel trains under new coaching management at Red Line Athletic Club, preparing both physically and mentally in the off-season with drills, endurance training, and strength-building routines. Off the track, he’s equally dedicated—a Standard Five pupil at Arima West Government Primary School, preparing for the 2026 SEA exam with dreams of attending Hillview College.
“My dream is to get a scholarship to Europe, study aviation, and run for Trinidad,” he said. “I plan to work hard at both my running and my school work to make that dream come true.”
Gabriel Caesar isn’t just chasing medals; he’s building a legacy with every stride, taking one fearless step at a time.
English (US) ·