Parents yet to speak to Bovell

NEWLY crowned FCB “Sportsman of the Year” swimmer George Bovell III is yet to seak with his parents following the announcement on Monday at Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain. Reason is the 20-year-old star who attends Auburn University is currently in Minnesota at a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship. Bovell III is the first-ever English-speaking Caribbean swimmer to earn an Olympic medal (bronze) at last year’s Athens Games. His parents said they tried to contact Bovell III personally, but were only able to get a message to him since coaches of the Auburn team have blocked out all outside contact so the swimmers can focus on their competition.

Mom Barbara said, by message relay, Bovell III said he was very proud and elated over winning the coveted award. Dad Bovell II said he was very proud of his son’s accomplishments and noted he was asked on Monday night, what it would take to emulate his son. He said, “I did not answer on Monday, but I can tell you one must have talent and technique. “And that is not all, you must have the ability to work hard day in-day out all year, then you must have a good coach, management and facilities. “Finally, you must have money,” Bovell II said. Another son, Nicholas, is also attending Auburn University but is red shirted and will only be able to represent the university from next season. And mom Barbara said: “Hopefully they will be on the same relay team.”