Toco grateful to home boy Keshorn

When Newsday drove through Walcott’s home town yesterday afternoon, there were no visible signs of celebrations from the week-end for the athlete even though just two days prior (Saturday), he had won this country’s only medal (bronze) at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jayden Dillon, 13,was critical of Walcott’s performance, echoing the sentiments of many who were expecting him to secure another gold in javelin following his success at the 2012 Olympics in London.

“I think he should have done better and I am very disappointed that he did not win another gold medal,” Dillon said.

However, everyone else Newsday spoke with expressed their joy in Walcott’s success including Stewart.

“His mother sacrificed a lot for her son to reach this far and for people to take this all over social media is such a shame. The weight of the country was on his shoulder and he did exceedingly well...

he did his best and we as a people should appreciate his effort,” Stewart lamented. She said what the country needs to do is invest more in sporting activities for the athletes of Trinidad and Tobago. “He is young and he will have another chance to try again for the gold but for now I am proud to be a part of his accomplishment just by being in the same community that he is from, I feel very proud,” Stewart said. Another resident, Ornilla Lincoln told Newsday, “I am very grateful to know he won a medal at the Rio Olympics. We have other athletes who tried and did not come through for us, he was the only one to bring home a medal, and the country should be proud of his effort.” Meanwhile 14-year-old Nicholas Joseph said he was proud of Walcott’s achievement.

“I know he did his best at the Olympic games and he has some time now to practice harder before the next Olympics, I think once he trains harder we will get the gold medal next time, “Joseph said. Walcott secured bronze with a throw of 85.38 metres.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Terry Rondon, said the cooperation is planning to hold a victory parade through Toco upon Walcott’s return to the country. Walcott is expected back in TT during the first week of September 2016.