Welcome home Keshorn!

Walcott should be praised not only for his steely performance at the Rio Olympics but also for the remarks he made in the VIP lounge at Piarco International Airport on Saturday. Noting that he was one of less than a handful of people who have won multiple Olympic medals on behalf of this country, he made it clear that he does not intend to rest on his laurels.

“No disrespect, but I don’t want to be in the company of anybody, I want to be in the company of myself,” Walcott, 23, said. “I am trying to achieve what I think I could achieve as a person. I was given a talent and I think I can achieve some great things not just for me but for my country. I am grateful to know that I am being labelled among some great names including Ato (Boldon) and Mr (Rodney) Wilkes. I am young so hopefully I can achieve much more not just in sport but outside.” Walcott’s high standards for himself and his determination to continue to work hard provide an excellent example for others to follow.

We commend him highly.

Not only did the athlete win a second medal, but his trip to the podium allowed history to be made by having two black persons medal in an event that has traditionally been dominated by white athletes.

As expected, there were the usual solemnities at Piarco on Saturday, with the Minister of Sport Darryl Smith and the President of the TT Olympic Committee Brian Lewis among the welcoming committee.

Details of how the State will honour the athlete were not initially reported.

Whatever rewards are bestowed, there needs to be an update on the State’s policy of support and reward in relation to high-profile athletes.

Since 2012 it was suggested that a complete set of guidelines be established so as to introduce consistency in who gets what and for what achievements.

Certainly, a useful way to reward Keshorn is to ensure training facilities remain at the requisite standard.

Also, the situation surrounding the collapse of the TT Grand Games – which the athlete publicly stated harmed his preparation for Rio – should not be allowed to happen again. And efforts to provide funding should remain as timely as they have been this time around.

There also needs to be continued outreach programmes to ensure Keshorn’s story reaches those most in a position to gain from it. Structured mentorship is key in passing the torch from one generation to the next whether on the track or off.

The confused situation in relation to Team TT’s chef de mission’s position also needs better clarification.

There have been criticisms due to the fact that Dr Ian Hypolite appeared to do double duty while at Rio. In addition to the chef de mission post, he was a regular commentator for a television station.

On a night when multiple relay teams were disqualified, Hypolite was in a studio, watching the action from afar.

The TTOC over the weekend defended Hypolite, saying his role was limited. The TTOC also said the chef the mission was not the official charged with lodging appeals.

It argued there was no bar to Hypolite performing dual functions.

Be that as it may, it is certainly possible to envision a case where things don’t work out as neatly as they did last month.

And while a chef de mission is not required to do everything, the official is certainly the team’s chief cheerleader. His presence is vital in bolstering all. Ask team Australia and team Canada, among several nations that relied heavily on their chefs de mission at Rio.

In the race to Tokyo 2020, the rules must be ironed out to avoid inefficiencies. Meanwhile, we join with the nation in saying congratulations Keshorn. Well done and welcome home.