TT's 2022 Commonwealth Games medallists receive bonu$e$

THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), through its medal bonus programme, paid out US$21,500 to TT’s 12 Commonwealth Games medallists on Wednesday.

Triple-medallist at the Games, cyclist Nicholas Paul pedalled away with the lion’s share US$6,000 for his gold, silver and bronze displays in the men’s keirin, sprint and time trial events respectively.

Jereem “The Dream” Richards was the team’s second highest earner and he pocketed US$4,250 for retaining his Commonwealth men’s 200m crown and anchoring the 4x400m relay team of Dwight St Hillaire, Asa Guevara and Machel Cedenio to gold.

Altogether, the 4x400m relay squad, which included Kashief King and Che Lara, netted US$7,500; each receiving US$1,250.

The five-man 4x100m relay team of Jerod Elcock, Eric Harrison Jr, Kion Benjamin, Kyle Greaux and Akanni Hislop split their US$5,000 pot equally.

TTOC president Diane Henderson congratulated the athletes on their achievements and rewards.

“The TTOC is appreciative of all the hard work you have put in to achieving these goals and we thank you all for your contribution and passion,” she said during Wednesday’s virtual presentation.

Paul, who is currently at the World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland, was pleased with the TTOC athlete-appreciation programme.

“I like the initiative that you all are taking to support and (be) there for athletes all the time. On behalf of the athletes, I cannot say how much thanks and appreciation that I hold for you all,” Paul said.

US-based Richards was also grateful to be rewarded for his hard work. He said the TTOC ensured their athletes at the Commonwealth Games were well taken care of and welcomed the financial rewards for his dominant performances.

“TTOC has supported me since the 2016 Olympics and I’ve always felt love and full support which was very important coming into the Games. We felt at home in the village in Birmingham.

“Every need was met from the TTOC and that’s very important to help the athletes feel comfortable so when it’s time for us to perform we feel we have everything there at our disposal so that we can be successful.

“Thanks for the medal bonus. It’s very important because it’s helpful to the athlete and can go back into our training and so on,” he said.