Liberty track and field athletes Omari Lewis and Revell Webster compete at World Athletics Championships

From the tropics of Trinidad and Tobago to the majesty of Hungary, Liberty track and field athletes Omari Lewis and Revell Webster traveled to Budapest to compete in the World Athletics Championships on Aug. 25. The World Athletics Championships is the highest level of track and field competition, next only to the Olympics. The student-athletes have taken their talents across the globe, and Liberty has contributed to their success.

Lewis, in his junior year at Liberty, boasts an impressive NCAA record. He won the 2023 ASUN outdoor 100-meter and indoor 60-meter as well as accumulating three All-ASUN Honors. The 5-foot-8 sprinter hails from the small town of Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago. Webster, a sophomore, is currently in his first year at the Mountain. Only 18 years old, the San Juan native is looking to make a name for himself state-side. 

In late August, the two traveled to Budapest to take on the greatest athletes from around the globe for their home country. 

“It was good to experience track at the highest level,” Lewis said. “To be able to observe the pros and how things work at the highest level.” 

Running the 4×100 relay, Lewis took the first leg with a time of 11.00 seconds and Webster ran the third with a time of 9.40. Trinidad and Tobago placed sixth in their heat and 12th overall with a time of 38.89. The two Flames were able to experience defeat and learn from world class competition. 

“Worlds provided a lot of motivation and hunger for me to try and make it back there and even further for the upcoming Olympics,” Lewis said. “Worlds was a precursor to the things I’ll have to do to get to where I am trying to go … Being at Worlds showed us where we are at, where we should be and how far we need to carry it.” 

With aspirations to compete at the 2024 Olympics, Lewis and Webster are off to an excellent start. However, with under a year left until the 2024 Summer Olympics, the two will face many challenges to qualify and compete in Paris. 

Already achieving so much at their young ages, both runners give credit to their trainer in Trinidad as well as focusing on preparation — especially on the mental side. 

“It takes lot of mental preparation, being so young. Coming to somewhere so new and big without our families is a huge step,” Webster said. “Our coach is Ken Barton; he built the foundation for where we are today.” 

Since venturing to Liberty, both Lewis and Webster have been able to build and grow not only in their athletics but also in their faith. 

“It is definitely a game changer how they incorporate spiritual and biblical teachings into track,” Lewis said, regarding Liberty. “I never understood what it meant to run for Christ, but every aspect of what we do must glorify God.” 

Concerning their college season, both Lewis and Webster are eager to see what is in store after Worlds. 

“(Worlds) will take our game to another level,” Lewis said. “I think we will be able to be more focused … We should be able to handle college.” 

Lewis had a breakout year in the ASUN last season and looks to continue his domination into Conference USA. As for Webster, he will have a chance to get NCAA experience under his belt and use it in preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Their performance at Worlds may be merely a taste of what is to come from the young Trinidadians. 

Bessire is a sports reporter for Liberty Champion. Follow him on X