Ayodele Taffe is on the comeback trail, and keen to fulfil his potential on the track.

In 2013, Taffe was among the fastest junior sprinters on the planet.

Nineteen at the time, his 10.30 seconds personal best put him in the same conversation as Canadian Andre De Grasse, American Trayvon Bromell and Anguillan-born Briton Zharnel Hughes.

De Grasse, Bromell and Hughes have gone on to make an impact on the senior level. Taffe, however, regressed.

“Injuries were just a bite of the cherry,” the 25-year-old sprinter told the Express.

“I had problems within my personal life that happened, financial problems, etcetera. Things took a toll both mentally and physically for me.”

For two years, in 2017 and 2018, Taffe was missing in action. But in 2019, he was back on track, claiming men’s 100 metres gold for St Augustine Campus at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Games, in Jamaica.

He also anchored St Augustine to victory in the 4x100m relay.

“I’ve worked really hard to be at the place where I am right now,” said Taffe. “I started UWI in 2018. Jamaal James approached me as the UWI track team coach, and I decided to give track another shot. I’m thankful Jamaal saw that I still had the drive and talent to compete again. I told myself that I ran fast locally before, and I can do it again.”

Taffe, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Sport Kinetics, believes he is on course to becoming a world-beater.

“With the dedication and work I’ve been putting in, fast times will come.

“Comeback plans,” Taffe continued, “have been great thus far. I’m back under the stewardship of Charles Joseph at Abilene Wildcats. I’m also working with Antonia Burton of the Sports Company’s Elite Development and Performance Unit (EDPU) and Dr Jason Pilgrim of the Sports Medic TT. I have a great team around me and I’m confident great things will happen.”

Taffe is also grateful to UWI Director of Sport Grace Jackson, his parents Leon and Sherma Gordon and two of his teammates at Abilene, Jonathan and Nathan Farinha.

“A special mention to the Farinha twins,” said Taffe. “They’ve done a lot for me and I will forever be grateful.”

Taffe had been hoping for a great 2020 comeback story. Covid-19, however, had other ideas, forcing postponement of the Tokyo Olympics to 2021.

“I always try to look at things from a positive standpoint, and the extra year of work is welcomed. My progression this year with regards to times in training was significant, and with the continued work I’m about to put in on and off the track, the sky is the limit for me.

“The ultimate goal is qualifying for the Olympics in the 100 and 200, and representing my country to the best of my ability. I think every athlete dreams of holding the title of Olympian, so my qualification for the Olympics is of utmost importance to me. I try not to put unwanted pressure on myself, but I’ve been working hard and I’ll continue to work hard to make this happen.”

Covid-19 restrictions between March and June proved to be a temporary setback for Taffe.

“They affected me negatively with regards to my progression in training and competition. Financially a lot of sacrifices were made and now I’m in a bit of debt, but I have faith in God that my situation will soon improve.

“To the fans of track and field and the general public, I’ll be having a couple fund-raisers between now and leading up to Olympic qualifying next year. If anyone wants to support me in any way possible, it would be appreciated. I can be reached at +1868-779-8125 or taffeayodele@gmail.com. “