LOCAL sports retailers expect a boost in javelin sales following the record-breaking performance of gold medallist Keshorn Walcott last Saturday at the London Olympics.

Rajendra Bajnath, owner of Bajnath Sports Centre, Montrose, Chaguanas, told the Express yesterday that he expected an "upsurge" in javelin sales following Walcott's accomplishment.

"It has always been an active sport. (Now) it will get a necessary boost," he said.

He noted that more people were talking about javelins during the Olympics and just before the finals one or two were sold. Throughout the year, they sell at random times, he said.

He said his company used to sell lot of javelins to schools through the Government, but they have not in recent times, adding that the Government may have another supplier.

Kenny De Silva, manager of Kenny's Sports Centre at the corner of Queen and Chacon Streets in Port of Spain, said yesterday it was "too early to tell" what impact Walcott's victory would have on javelin sales.

"Of course he (Keshorn Walcott) will inspire a lot of young people to go into track and field, but we are yet to see who will take up the javelin," he added.

He noted that sales of equipment have been good, and should be boosted as athletes continue doing well, but the current Olympic achievements have not affected sales yet.

De Silva said this country's Olympic athletes have been getting better and better as a result of programmes by different bodies and schools. Kenny's supplies javelins to both primary and secondary schools.

A manager at Sports and Games, High Street, San Fernando, reported that a couple of customers have come in and were curious about how javelins look. He predicted that there would be some purchases due to Walcott's accomplishment.

Prices of javelins do vary at different stores. At Sports and Games, customers can purchase one from $295 - $595, at Kenny's Sports Centre, a javelin for beginners can be bought for $300-$350 and at Bajnath Sports Centre one can get a "good brand" javelin for between $895 - $1,295.

Toco-born Walcott won this country's second Olympic gold medal after 36 years with his javelin throw of 84.58m. The first gold medal winner was Hasely Crawford in the 100-metre dash in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada.

Walcott has been showered with gifts from the Government for his feat, including a $2.5 million home in Federation Park, $1 million in cash, 20,000 square feet of land in Toco and a University of Trinidad and Tobago scholarship.