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Marin James has joined the coaching staff at Elite Performance Track Club, headed by his former boss at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), Reynaldo Walcott.

James, who started his journey at STETHS in 2012 and took over the head coach position in 2020 when Walcott left for Kingston, where Elite Performance is based, is happy about the reunion.

"For me, it is a special feeling, moving from the high-school system to the professional level as the opportunity came, and I grabbed it with both hands.

"It was a hard decision to make, as it means a different environment. And moving away from family members was difficult. But this is something I have always dreamt about. I am ready for the challenges ahead," said the 38-year-old James.

James, however, sees this move as a continuation for him.

"When the club started first at St Elizabeth Technical High School, I was a part of it, assisting Walcott. So this has made things much easier for me, as several of those athletes I worked with are still in the club," he said.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Christine Day, Kaliese Spencer, Nigel Ellis and Andrew Fisher were some of the athletes at Elite Performance when it started.

"I will be working mostly with the younger members of the club, which include a few members who were part of the St Elizabeth Technical team last year at Champs. So this will make my job much easier," said James, whose focus will be working with the sprinters.

The former Lacovia High student stated it was heart-wrenching to tell the principal of STETHS, Keith Wellington, about his decision when they met.

"It was a difficult decision for me, as it was not something I was happy about as STETHS has been a part of me. I am going to really miss the school but, in life, it is all about changes, and the principal understood and gave me his blessing.

"I would like to use this opportunity to express gratitude to the STETHS family, who, over the years, has given me great support. And I still hold the members dear to my heart," he said.

James, who is in his third week, stated that he has already bonded with the various aspects of Elite Performance.

"This is a new environment for me but I have adapted well so far, as working along with coach Walcott over the years is nothing new, as he has guided me in my coaching career and teaming up with him once again has made the transition very easy for me," he said.