A Conversation with Sanjay Ayre: Olympic and World Champion in the 4x400m for Jamaica

Track and Field Black History

English - July 05, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB - ★★★★★ - 8 ratings
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Many people tend to forget about the 400m during the early 2000s between when Michael Johnson retired and when Jeremy Wariner came on the scene. But Sanjay Ayre of Jamaica was an integral part of the event during that time period.

Ayre made his first Olympic team in 2000, at just 19 years old and went on to win a silver medal as part of the 4x400m relay, and was later part of a consistent Jamaican contingent that won relay medals in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

In our conversation, we dive into his upbringing in Jamaica, migrating to New York city on his own, the landscape of the 400m when he competed as well as the opportunity for Jamaican athletes in the 400m today. We also discuss some events he's looking forward to at these upcoming world championships in Oregon and the success he has had as a coach, in his businesses and in various community programs.