Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 25, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists
The Games of the XXXI Olympiad held in Rio de Janeiro are over; the torch is out and will be lit again in 2020 in Tokyo. From the Olympics emerged the three outstanding athletes; Usain Bolt in track and field, Simone Biles in Gymnastics, and Michael Phelps in swimming. However, this is not about the number of medals won by the athletes at Rio; it is about why Guyana has not been as successful as its sister Caricom nations at the Olympics.
The world watched as Bolt flashed across the finish line in Rio to claim his third consecutive Olympic 100 metres title. The Jamaican sprint phenom cemented his place as an Olympic legend and as the greatest sprinter of all time. He not only created history when he successfully defended his 100M crown and became the first man ever to win three consecutive 100M Olympic gold medals in 2008, 2012 and in 2016. He also achieved similar success in the 200M and 4x100M relay to complete the ‘treble treble’, ‘triple-treble’ or ‘triple-triple’ – whichever suits you.
Many locals are wondering whether Guyana will ever bask at the pinnacle of Olympic glory as Jamaica and other Caribbean countries have done. Guyana has participated in seventeen Olympiads – the first five as a colony and the other twelve since independence – and in 1980 won a Bronze in boxing, in Moscow. However, where Olympic brilliance is concerned, no country is ever fully satisfied until it claims the ultimate prize of capturing gold.
The significance of acquiring a gold medal goes beyond the mere sport. It could serve as a powerful confidence booster for the national psyche. Winning gold symbolizes global supremacy, the result of taking on the best in the world in sports and winning. It transmits an inspiring message to the nation that the sky is the limit where possibilities are concerned. It could spur the nation to go after even loftier goals.
Winning a medal at the Olympics more than likely starts with a dream, but must be backed up with unwavering determination and dedication. The place to begin is by mapping out a clear strategy outlining how the feat will be achieved. Strategy is everything. It shows the way. Its effective implementation will require a national commitment by the government, the private sector and other stakeholders to provide the necessary resources, financial and otherwise. Too often in Guyana, the potential of youths in sport remains unrealized because beyond discussion, little progress is hardly ever made.
It therefore is in Guyana’s interest to start planning for 2020 Olympics and beyond by putting in place an effective structure through which significant investment can be sourced and channeled to support the development of athletes. Over the years, there have been the recurring complaints by respected local sports administrators about inadequate financing from the government for the development of athletes and in attracting sponsorship and other forms of financial support for them.
Our athletes will never make it to the Olympic podium if they continue to grapple with such constraints. The way forward is to establish a comprehensive National Athletics Development Programme, jointly supported by Government, the private sector and with contributions from ordinary citizens.
Producing winning performances at the Olympics and other major international track and field competitions would require substantial investment in the development of our athletes: for example, providing assistance with their medical bills, training expenses, payment of coaches, living expenses so that they can devote their full time and attention to their respective pursuits, and be able to participate in various competitions which take place around the world annually.
The Olympic Games have proven to be a celebration of competition, goodwill, pride, excellence, friendship and respect. The past two weeks in Rio have brought many feel-good moments, even though our athletes returned without a medal. But, even before they left, we knew there was little chance of them getting on the podium.
Nevertheless we must appreciate their effort and recognize that they gave of their best in a fiercely competitive environment. Given the low level the nation occupies in track and field, even at the regional level, much more needs to be done with the physical facilities and the preparation of the athletes. The natural talent has always been there, but our athletes deserve our full support.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
Apr 18, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been named Wisden’s leading Twenty20 Cricketer for 2023, as she topped all and sundry, including her male counterparts. Alan Gardner looks...Kaieteur News – Compliments of the Ministry of Education, our secondary school children are being treated to a stage... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]