Rowley, Kamla hail Keshorn

“On behalf of the people and Government of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish to congratulate Keshorn Walcott for winning the bronze medal in the Men’s Javelin event at Rio 2016,” said Rowley.

He said Walcott and the TT Team deserve our congratulations and ongoing support for doing their best at Rio, among a very strong field of international competitors “While the Team may have suffered mixed fortunes at the Rio Games, the nation can be justifiably proud of our athletes who were able to reach the finals in several events including the women’s shot put, the women’s 200 metre race, the women’s 4x100 metre relay, the men’s 4x100 metre relay.” Rowley also recalled that for the first time TT also competed in boxing, gymnastics and rowing, even as swimming, sailing and cycling also continue to give us hope for medalling in future Olympic Games. “This is not the end of our nation’s Olympic dream; it is only the beginning.

In four years’ time, we will shine at Tokyo 2020. We have to start our preparations early and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago stands firmly behind all our athletes. We thank you for your effort and look forward to even better results in Tokyo.” Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar in a statement hailed TT’s Olympians as worthy of emulation. “Keshorn is a role model for our youth and an inspiration for all who aspire to excellence in sport. But in a wider context he symbolises the value of discipline, training and determination as essential to attaining goals,” she said.

“Keshorn and all the athletes of our Trinidad and Tobago national team have been great ambassadors for our country on what is perhaps one of the most important international stages. We thank them for making their best efforts and for keeping the Trinidad and Tobago flag flying alongside the rest of the world. I urge all of us to follow their example of courage and their conviction and for demonstrating that nothing is impossible when one follows one’s dreams and have no fear of failure.”