Track star Burns gets his degree

T&T’s sprinter Marc Burns, right, with his father Alec after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science (Physical Conditioning and Performance) at Auburn University in Alabama, USA on Sunday.T&T’s well-decorated sprinter Marc Burns graduated on Sunday with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Auburn University, Alabama in the United States.
“Super elated,” said Burns yesterday on his achievement. “Looking back at the journey, having that dream as a young child coming up competing in Carifta, CUT Games, all those things and have that dream of having free education, getting that scholarship and furthering my career. Looking back at it, I checked all those boxes.”
He was one of some 4,000 new Auburn graduates, who was part of spring commencement exercises over the weekend.
His parents Alec and Josephine Burns were present to witness their son open this next chapter in his life in a field which specialises in physical conditioning and performance.
“I was also so blessed to have both, my parents, here, I feel super elated,” said the two-time Olympic medallist, who shared that following the ceremony his parents told him: “Moments like these make parents teary-eyed, actually being alive and blessed to see those moments and have it to cherish forever”.
Burns most recently represented T&T at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia last month. However, it was an unfortunate end to the experience as the men’s 4x100 metres relay team was disqualified.
But that disappointment did not sideline him as he stayed focus on his academics.
“Me personally, I don’t compartmentalise my success,” said Burns when asked where does this achievement rates with his success on the track. “Over the years, I tried to deal with it (each challenge) as objectives that I need to complete and in going about it that way I am more focused at the job at hand. I just try to complete those objectives and in that way, I stay grounded and actually focused on what I need to do and not get sidetrack by outside noise so to speak.”
He is now aiming to fulfil his dream of earning a Master’s Degree Biomechanics, which is the study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.
“Getting my Master’s in Biomechanics is my next objective,” said Burns as he prepares for life after track but he is not yet hanging up his boots.
“Yes, I will still be competing. At this point in my career, I have to choose my battles wisely so to speak so everything is based on after every training cycle how I feel, how the body feels, how well am I recovering so now it’s just tentative but I am still competing.”
Source:  Guardian, May 9.

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