Commonwealth gold

WE TAKE this opportunity to congratulate our nationals who have excelled at the Commonwealth Games.

Michelle-Lee Ahye made history with her victory in the Women’s 100m. Her stunning performance at the Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia, on Monday was the first time a woman from this country has ever won a gold medal at the Games.

While the medal was undoubtedly a special birthday gift to herself, Ahye has really gifted the nation. Her performance was a reminder of the potential within each and every one of us to push ourselves to achieve greatness.

Ahye’s historic achievement came a few days after our swimmer Dylan Carter also made history by winning our first medal at the Games. His second-place finish in the Men’s 50m butterfly final was all the more remarkable given the fact that it was his first meet since turning pro. The 22-year old gave little indication of any inexperience, having the fastest reaction out the blocks and touching the wall in 23.67 seconds. And there is possibly more excellence to come.

Sparkle McKnight has booked a place in today’s final of the women’s 400m hurdles after finishing second in the first of two preliminary-round heats. McKnight crossed the finish line in 55.15, behind Scotland’s Eilidh Doyle (54.80) while Canada’s Sage Watson (55.43) was third.

Semoy Hackett will also be facing the starter today, in the Women’s 100m final, having placed third in her semi-final yesterday with a time of 22.97 seconds. She qualified as one of two fastest loser.

Male athletes will also be put to the test in today’s men’s 200-metre final. Running in lane 6 of the third men’s semi-final yesterday, Jareem Richards placed first with a time of 20.41 seconds to qualify. Also qualifying yesterday was 29-year old Kyle Greaux. Both will be seeking to follow in the footsteps of Ahye to the podium. But they will have little time to rest as they will also tomorrow be part of our men’s relay team in a campaign for another gold.

We also take the opportunity to hail all the many sportswomen and men who have been quietly turning in good performances, representing the country in the face of considerable challenges out of the sheer patriotism that only they can truly understand. It is a shame that the Games are happening at a time when games of a different nature are playing out at the ministry responsible for supporting and nurturing our athletes. It is hoped that the new Sport Minister, Shamfa Cudjoe, will hit the ground running and will swiftly address any outstanding issues left by her predecessor.

All efforts must be made to ensure this country’s goal of achieving 20 gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics is in no way imperilled by the machinations of officials who are supposed to be supporting sport and not hindering its development.