Surprise awaits Bovell III today

GEORGE RICHARD LYCOTT BOVELL III will receive a pleasant surprise when he walks into the VIP room at the Piarco Inter-national Airport today. The swimming star will then get the good news that he has been honoured with  Trinidad and Tobago’s second highest national award —  the Chaconia Medal (Gold). Bovell III is being honoured for his achievement of earning a bronze medal in the 200 metres Individual Medley eventh at the recent Olympic Games in Athens, Greece which ended on Sunday.

He became the first English-speaking Caribbean swimmer to medal at the quadrennial sports extravaganza. And another Trinidadian, golfer Stephen Ames, is also the recipient of the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for his spectacular victory over a field which included world No 1 Tiger Woods in winning the Cialis Western Open last month. George III’s mother Barbara Bovell said yesterday: “I feel very excited.  It is a tremendous honour and George will be absolutely thrilled.” “It’s wonderful...fantastic!,” she said. And mom Bovell who competed in athletics for her native Barbados at the Munich Olympics in 1972 as Barbara Bishop said with great pride: “I do hope he will be here in time to receive his Chaconia Gold.”

She said Bovell III was due to arrive here aboard BW 901 at 4.30 pm today, but noted the award ceremony is timed to begin at 6 pm at president’s House in St Ann’s. Arrangements may have to be made to whisk Bovell III shortly after his arrival from Piarco to the capital in time to observe he protocoals associated with the annual gala which attracts the creme de la creme of society. Another proud mother, Marilyn Ames said: “The entire family is delighted and thrilled at Stephen’s award.” “I spoke to Stephen recently and he is also thrilled to be honoured by his country for his achievements.” But she lamented the fact he would not be here to receive his Chaconia Gold medal today.

“He will be here later in the year and hopes to receive it then from the President. Bovell III, a 21-year-old Auburn University student, finished third in the 200 metres IM final behind Americans Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. And yesterday his mom explained he was taking things one at a time, and although not having a fantastic meet...not feeling good in the water, “no way was he going to disappoint.” She said personally, Athens was spectacular with everything going very well throughout. “I hope you all saw the banner —  Go Georgie go! —  which almost did not make it into the swimming facility.” She said the banner which she instigated, was almost confiscated by stadium authorities because they feared a clash with official sponsors’ banners. “But after explaining to them, they were very tolerant and we were allowed to keep our banner,” she said.