His steely eyes brim with determination as they focus on thefinish line. He rises and commands his legs to take him towards the goal. His armssway and the muscles in his legs pulsate under the skin and he is at the finishin 10.9 seconds. That is Andy Fernandes’ timing.
This 19-year-old youth from Calangute who displays boldnesson the field, is shy off the running track. When asked when his running careerbegan, he studies the floor before replying that he took part in his firstnationals when he was in class 7, in the under 14 category. Andy’s father, Bob,chips in, “Andy always displayed an inclination to run ever since he was small.He participated and won in many competitions at school and inter-school levels.The most memorable moment was when he won at the West Zone.” The certificatesthat he fans out are a testament to this. Andy’s many victories includerepresenting Goa in the National Junior Athletics Championships in 2009,participated in the 54th National School Athletics Championship in 2009 and the53rd National School Games in 2007-08.
Andy’s day begins at 6.30 in the morning when he comes toCampal Grounds to train. After training for four hours, an exhausted Andy goeshome only to come back at 3.30 in the evening to train more. He currentlytrains under Coach Devi Gaonkar with whom he has been for six months now. “Heis good, he is improving and shows good performance. Most importantly, he hasthe support of his family and that plays a major role in a player’s success,”says Devi who was a state professional athlete. Bob is as determined as Andy tosee his son excel. He talk to the coach regularly about Andy’s performance andhas not left a single stone unturned in ensuring that Andy gets the best sportsequipment “ outfits and shoes. He laments that athletes are neglected and notprovided with adequate resources by the state government. Andy is currently notsponsored. “I want him to make a name for himself and then let him besponsored,” says Bob.
Besides aspiring to be the greatest sprinter, Andy alsotakes Karate lessons and his seriousness in this sport was evident when he camesecond in Kumite in the Asian Open Karate Championship in 2010 that was held inTamil Nadu. In addition to his already exhausting running schedule, Andy trainsfor karate thrice a week. Andy also likes playing football.
With a dedicated father like Bob spurring him on, there isno doubt that Andy will make it to the finish line of victory.
