by Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

Left: Justin Barrows ... will compete in the open division. Right: Jasmine Barrows ... at 11, is by far the youngest of the squad. - file photos

Justin and Jasmine Barrows, the brother and sister pair on the 11-member junior squad to the May 1-4 International Tae kwon do Federation Pan-Am games in Brazil, will have the added pressure of living up to the reputation of their father, Arthur Barrows, a 20-year veteran of the Jamaican team.

Barrows, dubbed 'Mr Reliable' by his teammates for his consistency in team fighting events, Barrows remains a fixture on the national taekwondo team as well as the all-conquering combined martial arts team.

Justin and Jasmine have already started emulating their father by winning gold and silver medals, respectively, at last year's US Open in Orlando.

Apart from their father's legacy and US Open medals, the Barrows have consistently won medals on the local circuit. Justin, a 13-year-old Campion College student, will compete in the open division as juniors are not regulated by weight before turning 14.

Therefore, the stockily built junior will have power on his side but will have to get past the South Americans, who are known for their flexibility and speed.

Jasmine, at 11, is by far the youngest of the squad. Like her brother, Jasmine will be aiming to emulate the feat of Nicholas Dussard, who won double gold at the 2004 Pan-Am Games in Paraguay.

More aggressive and tactical than her brother, Jasmine's ability to take hits will be under scrutiny against the South Americans, who will be piling on the pressure on the youngster.