Positive spin

Once classed as one of the leading all-rounders in world cricket for the West Indies women’s team, Shaquana Quintyne is determined to turn one of the biggest setbacks of her career into one of her greatest testimonies.

The 25-year-old recently became a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine as she has a passion and desire to help others.

“For me this is being in the moment, knowing that the only time I have is now and for me, it is all about staying in the present which allows me to uncover happiness. To be honest I am in a better space.

“My experience learnt that hard knocks cannot overcome happiness unless I allow them to and as I said I am in a better space physically, emotionally,” Quintyne told Barbados TODAY.

March 19 would make it exactly four years that Quintyne injured her right knee while in a training camp with the West Indies women’s team at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. At present she is still waiting to hear from CWI pertaining to her injury issues.

“I have good days, bad days, but I welcome them. I’m working towards the quality of life I desire, that is what I am working on. Just trying to exercise daily and to keep my body in shape,” she added.

The former leg-spin bowler has a career-best of five for 16 runs against England in a One Day International and also had the distinction of being the second-best all-rounder in T20 cricket at one point, Quintyne is not ruling out the possibility of someday playing for the West Indies again.

“To be honest, I love cricket. I am not an expert, I am not a doctor, but the reports speak for themselves. If I should return to cricket, I believe first and foremost I need my knee to be fixed.

“I know I have the willpower and what it takes to get back there. I’m also now a personal trainer and for me, it is a journey. I know the process already but I definitely believe it is a surgical problem I have going on. So, once that is fixed, anything is possible. I believe in miracles,” she explained.

Until that day comes when she can return to the cricket field, Quintyne, one of the most outstanding athletes to have attended the Graydon Sealy Secondary School, just wants to give back.

Being a qualified personal trainer along with being a member of the National Sports Council board, for Quintyne, is a step in the right direction.

“I always say to mix experience with youth I think is a good mix. I have the experience to share with the National Sports Council board, to help develop women’s cricket. Not only women’s cricket but to see more women performing, excelling in sports, for me that is my goal.

“I want to give back and I would like to develop women in sports. For me, it is all a learning process and I welcome these types of opportunities. Being in the situation I am in has shown me so much. It has unlocked contentment within my soul. It has made me really happy and I recognise the satisfaction that people also get from exercising.

“I decided, you know what I have been through and I would not like anyone to go through what I have been through. So, I decided to get into the personal training business and here I am today,” Quintyne said.

She added: “Being on the National Sports Council board has been going good thus far. In life, everything is a journey and they say you live and learn. For me, it is all about being a sponge and growing every day. Also, having experiences and exposure to be around people who would have done so much for Barbados, I welcome it and I know things in Barbados will get better.”

As someone who overcame great obstacles over the past few years, Quintyne, a former Barbados captain, said without her family, friends and well-wishers she would not have made it this far.

“I had a lot on my chest and just having that one-to-one conversation with the person that I trust helped me tremendously. I want to give credit to my family. Without these people, without their support, I don’t know where I would be today.

“But you always need someone in your corner and for young athletes, young women in sports, in general, sportsmen, sportswomen, we always need someone we can trust and continue to have those conversations.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the doctors, nurses, the physios who have been on this journey with me. Their support and strength have been invaluable and without them, I would not have made it. So, I know this journey also has not ended and I know they will be there for me. I just want to say thank you,” she said.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb