UWI,NGC honour Crawford – TT’s first gold medallist

The exhibition included: a public viewing of the Olympic gold medal along with various memorabilia and a meet and great autograph session with the man himself.

The event attracted numerous sports enthusiasts, a few of the UWI’s staff members, students and members of the public who were genuinely interested and in the gust of honour. In a line which eventually formed a semi-circle in the decorated room, Crawford sat patiently behind a desk signing each autograph with a modest smile.

At the exhibition, Crawford expressed his hopes for TT in the upcoming World Championships in London.

He believes TT has at least three or four good chances although, according to the former Olympian, “It is difficult but, if we want to get a medal we have to earn it.” In 1976, Crawford joined an elite group of athletes when he won the 100-metres dash at the Montreal Olympics.

He not only won gold but, at that time, he became the fastest man in the world becoming TT ’s most celebrated athlete.

Although Crawford achieved much during his time as an athelete,he remains humble and straight-forward and is still quite aware of how difficult it is to medal at any sporting event.

When asked about how he felt the moment he realised he had won TT ’s first gold medal he said, “Winning a gold medal in any event is a great achievement, because it is difficult.” When it comes to track and field, one may imply that it has not been an easy run thus far for our athletes on the world stage. However,the fact remains – the potential for greatness is there.

The IAAF World Championships ends on August 13 and there is no doubt that TT will be looking to do its absolute best at the event. It will be difficult but in the words of the legend himself,” We must earn it.”