TT’s first Olympian ‘Georgie’ Lewis dies

He died at his home at Gordon Street, Arima, after ailing for a few months. His death has sent a shock wave throughout the sporting community.

At his Arima home yesterday, family members and other sporting enthusiasts called for the Arima Municipal Stadium to be renamed the George Lewis Stadium.

Lewis made a name for himself, having been the first Trinidad and Tobago athlete to have won a race at the 1948 Olympic Games at the popular Wembley Stadium in London.

As a result he advanced to the second round of the Olympics but failed to go further.

Memories of his victory in the 100 yards dash, however, still live on in the hearts and minds of Trinidadians of the era.

Born on May 9, 1916, “Georgie” as he was affectionately known throughout his entire life, was also a household in various other sporting disciplines including football, cricket and hockey.

He represented Arima Sporting Club as a goalkeeper and as a right winger for Police in football, and was noted for his agility in making quick singles in cricket in the 1940's and 50s.

Cecil Walker, a past president of the NAAA’s yesterday described Lewis also as an outstanding fieldsman.

But he said, however, inspite of his love for other sports, “Georgie” had a particular passion for track and field and especially running.

“He was the record holder for the 100, 220 and 440 yards sprints in the 40s and 50s and also smashed the Guyana national record in the 100 yards,” Walker said .

Walker will deliver the eulogy on Tuesday afternoon 1.30pm at the Santa Rosa Roman Catholic Church before his cremation at Allen’s Crematorium.

Lewis was also a dedicated member of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Force before migrating to the United States soon after his retirement.

On his return to TT he immediately re-entered the sporting arena where he willingly gave advice to many young athletes.

Up to last year Lewis, though ailing, still attended the National Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Walker joined community members in calling for the renaming of the Arima Municipal Stadium in his honour, as his life as a sportsman, teacher, educator and committed Trinbagonian was deserving of it.

“We have the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, the Larry Gomes in Malabar, the Hasely Crawford, Ato Boldon and Dwight Yorke in Tobago, then why can’t Arima have the Georgie Lewis in honour of a true sportsman and Arimian,” Walker asked.