Team TTO | Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee | teamtto.org

sep.20.2000

sep.27.2000

oct.02.2000

jun.18.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

Leading Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Ato Boldon is hoping for a baby boy soon, to complement his daughter Bri and he is expecting that by the end of the year, he could become a father again.

"Certainly , I would like to have my first child with Cassandra for the latest to be around the end of this year or maybe by March next year, I know what family means and I am looking forward to that, in a short time, I may have a better idea of some kind of date, but a child is what we (Cassandra , his wife and him) both want at the moment,"Boldon told the Sunday Express.

"The time is right for a child , there are a lot of things going on in my life which are negative and I need the positive aspect of a child, and the knowledge that admits all the rumours and talks, that I am about being honest, fair, loyal and loving to my country and family and will not do anything to harm that,"

"I have a preference of course and I want a boy now because I have a daughter already and this would be the perfect complement, there are a lot of things that I want to do with a son, I have to admit that after the Olympics , I thought by now, I would have been well on my way to having a child, but it is my fault , I have been out of the country so many times,"he added.

26 year old Boldon says he will stop at two children though," I really don't want any more than two children, that is enough, I feel that is the right mix and that is a good total , two, it is what I consider manageable,"

"I know that Cassandra wants about three or four children , so it is something that I will have to work out with her and see how it works, because she likes a large family,"

"Being a father changes your life and changes your perspective on life and also of course your finances, you have to be able to adapt to a lot of changing situations, but it is something , I am looking forward to even more,"

"My first child with Cassandra will be something very special, I can not wait, I know we both want a child, because there is a lot of love in the Boldon household," "Both my parents have taught me the right way to get things done and I am aiming to reciprocate this in my action with all my children,"

"Despite whatever , fame, fortune , success , there is nothing more important than having a family and sharing your love with them,"

Sprinting is considered one of the most self-centred sports in the world and Ato admits,"As a sprinter you are very self centred , and always concerned with all the glory , or all the scorn, but now you have to change your thinking, which is good." "I know that a young child and a boy at that, because that is what I want will be able to learn a lot about his parents from us, we intend to bring him up as best as possible and he must know about Trinidad and Tobago,"he noted.

jun.20.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

Trinidad and Tobago's leading athlete, sprinter Ato Boldon, is not only known for his blistering speed, but also he is well known because of the active role his father Guy has played in his career, both on and off the track. Ato is certain that a father's love cannot be touched or surpassed and as he looks ahead to fathering a son in the near future, he gave the Sunday Express a look at Guy Boldon from a son's perspective.

"My Father and I have not always got along, especially when I was a teenager, it was very difficult because we were both very strong willed and stubborn and wanted our own way, it was rather difficult", says Four time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon of his relationship with his dad, Guy in the early years.

28 year old Boldon admits though," That I would rather have a father who cares so much and is at times over-bearing than one who does not care what you are doing or where you are going."

"My Father more than anyone was very instrumental in my career, he was totally responsible for me being involved in athletics, he has by his work behind and in front of the scenes, given my career the strength it needed to move where it has financially and also given me a piece of mind," he added.

Ato says that," My father is not an easy man to get along with, but at this time we are probably getting along better than we ever did in my life. We are both very opinionated, but now I think he recognizes that I am no longer 18 and that I am a man and will make my own decisions, and even though he may still disagree with some of them, we manage to work it out."

But Ato is quick to add on Father's Day," That there are things that my father does for me still, that I would not be able to handle like him, and in the way he does,"

"A lot of people say that my Father is arrogant, but people say the same things about me, and that will be so once you are in public life, but I rather have my family around me rather than anyone else,"

"Because if you take the good with the bad, the good is always better as your Father is always seeking your interest and what is best for his son or daughter, even if at times he may do or say things which could have been done differently," he remarked.

Ato who left Trinidad and his father's home when he was fourteen years and moved to the United States with his mother (Hope) and brother (Okeera), dismisses distance as any hindrance to his relationship with his father," I speak to my father at least three times a week, he normally comes to Los Angeles at least once a year and I come to Trinidad and Tobago, at least five times a year, so distance was and is still no problem, in fact because of my schedule, I probably see my father as much as my wife (Cassandra)."

There is a lot of pride in Ato's voice when he adds," My Father is the most honest person on my team, he would not sugar coat anything, just like me, if I have run a bad race, he will call me on the phone and tell me, what went wrong. I want to hear the truth and I appreciate the way he speaks."

Ato who is a father himself to 9 year old daughter Bri disclosed that he has learnt a lot of lessons from his dad, Guy," I have learned that you need to give your children more rein, in my case, my father held the reins very tight, just as in horseracing, and if my brother and I were not intelligent enough we could have rebelled from this love, some people call it tough love, but we understood his intentions, if not always the means."

"In my case, I have been a lot more free with Bri, but She is still very disciplined and matured and I have been able to get the same results, my father got with us,"

Ato stated that he was considered to be a "nerd" in school (Fatima College) and were it not for his father, who knows how he would have turned out," I was a whimp in school, I was a little nerd, but my Father was the one who went out and bought me stuff that changed my life and got me more athletic, he encouraged me from small to pick up sport and nurtured my juices, I have a lot to love and thank my father for."

"He is a strong competitor and does not like to lose, just like me, we have some similarly and anyone seeing us can know we are Father and son, when he defends me, it is done with a Father's passion and with a wish for me to be the best I can,"

"During the time this year when there were poor times, he kept on behind me to do better and to give more, and that the rewards will come, he never lost faith like so many others,"

"In a time of crisis, I know that I can turn to my father, because he will always be there for me.....the road ahead in sport is full of twists and turns, one day you may be up, the next day you may down, but you have to live through both days and look forward to making the remainder better," said Ato Boldon.

"A Father's love is something you cannot ever replace, My Father, my brother and I share a special relationship, which gives me the desire, will and ability to live each day knowing there are people out there who love you,"

"I would not give up my father or my mother for the World, they are both great parents in their own different way, each brings their special attributes to my life, I thank them both for where I am today, "he concluded

jun.25.2001

PARTICIPANTS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OLYMPIC DAY RUN

jun.26.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

Fatherhood becomes Hasely Crawford. This is a man who has attained the highest honour in track and field athletics on the international stage, a "Gold" medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in the men's 100 metres final.

Hasely, as he likes to be called, has progressed from the fastest man on earth in 1976, to a philosophical but realist father of two young children who worship him. His son 6 years old Harlan (named after and English seaside town) and 3-year-old daughter Halle (named after Actress Halle Berry) have his full attention at all times and together with his attractive wife Paula (a school teacher) they are determined to ensure their childrens future is secure.

"My family comes first, sometimes I am not interested in talking about track and field, and my aim is to ensure that my family is secure. When I look at Harlan and Halle, I see hope and I see life," a relaxed Crawford told the Trinidad Style Magazine at his Federation Park home.

Fifty years old Crawford admits that he started parenthood at a late stage, but confesses his father Lionel and mother gave him the base to grow into this role.

"Being a parent, a father or a mother is never easy, it is a huge responsibility, and it is something that you only get better with practice, I love my children and my wife, and we are not afraid to show each other affection," says Hasely as Harlan leans on his legs and watches admirably into his father tough but kind eyes. It is only than, that I understand, that I am interrupting a father/son afternoon training session. Even though Harlan is only six, he is now under the watchful eyes of his father, so too Halle not to be forgotten.

"Every afternoon, we go through the regiment of running and Harlan has got it almost perfect, except for maybe his legs, his back lift may be a bit to high. But he is getting there. Of course Halle wants to run, once she sees her brother running, but she will be a good runner as well, I just have a feeling."

It is a feeling that this top Executive (Head of Communities Relations at the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago) will not allow however to diminish his goals of a proper education for his children.

"A parents role is to ensure that you do as much for your children as possible, so that they can have the best life possible, and that they can have a chance to appreciate all that there is in life. I want to give them that opportunity as well."

Hasely was only fifteen years when his father Lionel, a Health Inspector with the Ministry of Agriculture died and he has one regret to this day. "That he did not witness me winning the Gold Medal in Montreal. That still hurts because he was the type of father that if he were alive, you could bet anything, everyone out there would have known that Lionel Crawford was around. He used to walk around very upright and proud."

"In fact, his nickname was "the kid", because everywhere he went, I was there with him, we were very close. It is just like my relationship with my son, till today he sleeps with me, even if we put him in his own bed he comes across by me," noted Crawford.

Hasely also reflected on the relationship between his parents, "My father and my mother never had a fight, he never raised his hands to her and for that I can say, I believe in that same sort of relationship. To me dialogue is important. People can disagree but they must talk it out, it is the only way."

Hasely is at six foot three inches, still quite an intimidating sight, and when he barks at the nine dogs, which patrol his home, there is an errie sense of command, but his wife Paula dismisses a lot of this as show.

"Hasely is tough, but gentle, he sometimes likes to keep to himself and people may mistake that, but my husband really cares for his family," said his wife Paula. Hasely listening with a glint in his eye responds, "Halle is more like her mother, there is no doubt, she is very close to her, but she is warming up to me, and in time Paula will have to watch out," he says with a large smile.

It is a smile that comes easily to this man of the World, this man who has given Trinidad and Tobago visibility, but who has also endured his own personal pain. His elder sister Lynette died from cancer, and he had had to endure the pain of people not understanding that he is a human being.

Hasely related an incident where one day his daughter was pretty sick and he rushed to the pharmacy to buy some medication, when a father with two children stopped him and asked for him to meet and talk with his children. When Hasely explained the situation, that he was in a hurry to reach home to attend to his daughter and he would not have time this day, the man proceeded to abuse him verbally, "Because someone may be considered to be famous, does not mean they are not human, and they do not have a life. We have problems like everyone else, and people should understand that. I love this country, I really do, but my family is the most important thing..........on my job, I am on call every day, but I will do my best to maintain my quality time with my children."

Hasely admits that he almost cried when he hit his son for the only time last year, "That blow, still lives with me, it was not so much the physical lash with a belt, but more what it did to our relationship for a while. Harlan appeared to walk around with this for 3 weeks on his mind, I have told Paula it will not happen again. I now leave it up to her. I just allowed his school work to affect me that day," confessed Hasely.

Harlan attends Newtown Boys in Port of Spain, the Alma matter of sprint sensation Ato Boldon, who has won four Olympic Medals himself (1 silver and 3 bronze).

"I have to give Ato Boldon a lot of credit for what he has done on his own, but I really wished that we had some sort of system in place for there to be continued success." Hasely also remarked, "That thanks to Ato, people now recognize how difficult it is to win a Gold Medal at the Olympics, because he has tried so hard and been so close, it has made my achievement more significant. But inwardly it pains to know that since 1976, we cannot make any serious long term impression in athletics. Both Ato and Daryl Brown did not come through any system, but instead were just very special."

"On the topic of athletes, in my view there are too many drugs in the sports and this has caused me to lose interest in the sport at the higher level, but instead look to the youths."

jun.27.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

"As a father, I think we have got to steer our children in the right direction, give them the best choices, and let them understand that life is not only about nice clothes, sex and partying."

"In my time, when Zeno Constance was my Coach, he was a disciplinarian, and he would hit me a clout on my head if I messed up.Nowadays you cannot do that, " said Hasely who is a part time coach at the University of West Indies on Mondays and Thursdays and also assists the Burnley team under the direction of his close friend Joan Thomas.

Hasely is a San Fernando child by birth, having grown up on Sutton Street with his five other brothers and five sisters. When asked where he fitted in, this larger than life but modest hero stated," Number seven, lucky seven and I have been blessed all my life, by having love all around me, we were not a rich family, but I had rich friends,and we were so close as a family that we all took strength from each other"

"So every afternoon after we played together and my friends went home and went out for dinner and cinema and I stayed home because we were poor, I knew then that I wanted to find a way to overcome this poverty and this is where running came in."

Hasely also recalled that famous day in July 1976, when he scorched the earth and brought joy, ecstasy and jubilation to this twin island republic, this year marks the twenty fifth anniversary of that event .

"Many people don't know this, but it was O J Simpson that called the race and my name was never called until the end, when it was it was obvious that I was going to win. It was all about those big name countries and O J Simpson was only calling"Borzov, Borzov and Quarrie, Quarrie and in the final metres it was Crawford, Hasely Crawford of Trinidad and Tobago. They did expect me to win that race and I felt as well, were it not for the injury in the 200metres I would have won that race also,"

Hasely Crawford says that coaches in Trinidad and Tobago have to learn to take advice. It is this sort of behaviour that keeps Hasely outside of the business of coaching in Trinidad and Tobago.

"I am very particular in giving advice, I really do not want to be accused of stepping on anyone shoes,"

He is determined that as part of the National Gas Company family, it is necessary to educate teenagers on the whole question of parenthood. In particular he believes that young teenage boys need to understand what being a father means," We have to teach these youngsters that being a father is not about having a child here and there and then going your way, there is more to fatherhood than that," Hasely warned.

Perhaps it is interesting that during the course of this interview, Harlan has remained within close proximity to his father at all times, causing Hasely to remember that he needs to find his 1976 Olympic Gold Medal, Olympic shoes, Olympic jersey, Olympic short pants, because Harlan has asked him to visit his school later this week to meet his friends.

Even as you exit his home at Federation Park, where he has been residing for the last four years and you look at the sloppy work done by the contractors, Hasely admits, it is home now and he will stand by it. There are tiles of different shapes and sizes in his dining room; the wood that was used clearly was not of a high standard with a lot of termite holes still visible.

But Hasely Crawford is not a complainer; he is a private man, strong in his conviction that in the end, all will be solved with fairness and objectivity.

Just a word of caution to all readers, if you see Hasely running the savannah on evenings or mornings, please don't ask him for a race.

"Yes, it may seem incredible but up till now, if I am in the savannah and someone sees me walking or running, they will come up to me and challenge me to a race."

As I leave, he is about to engage his children in the rudiments of running, and there is a broad grin on his face as he watches them go through their paces. His wife Paula is at his side very much involved.

ago.16.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

Read below, a tidbit of what was said on Sports Unlimited on Saturday 12th August, 2001.

Another Major Athletic Championships is almost completed and we again have been depending on Ato Boldon to bring home the silks and glory to this country. It is distasteful and sad to read that the National Amateur Athletic Association continues to ask for funding for athletes and yet we witness no improvement.

For the last ten years, we have had one athlete that can win a medal of any colour at a Senior Championships, in the next few years we may have two or three with the advent of Darryl Brown and maybe even Marc Burns and Jacky Harper.

But the facts are that none of these athletes were as a result of any constructive work done by the NAAA, who instead of caring for our athletes are continually in the news because there is some plan takeover bid, this is not a bank, nor a major co-operation where stocks are up and shares are high. Instead in this callaloo of an organization we have an assortment of individuals that are just that and not a team.

We are just playing a guessing game while not only the rest of the world, but indeed the Caribbean continue to leap over our starving bones.

Jamaica was visible in so many track events; the Bahamas was also in evidence and both performed creditably for this region. It is a shame that the NAAA (and there can be many meanings to this triple A abbreviation) continue not to make use of the talents that abound in this country from those veterans whose knowledge and expertise are what is required, The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee although doing yeoman service in their fields, can do more, they must find a way to shake up the NAAA, because simply no one else seems interested to do this.

We don't mind if they all want to resign and do the decent thing. So NAAA, Go with Speed and Go quickly before you kill the sport of athletics even further.

Webmaster's Note:
Ato once gain pulled through for his country men and with the teamwork of Darren Browne, Marc Burns and Jacey Harper, T&T was able to achive a Bronse medal in the 4x100 men's Relay held on Sunday 12th August, 2001.

sep.01.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

Despite Ato Boldon's third place medal as part of the Trinidad and Tobago 4 x 100 metres relay team in the recent World Championships, there are still a lot of questions to be answered.

Trinidad and Tobago's premier athlete Ato Boldon's fourth place in the recent World Championships 100 metres final and his decision not to run in the 200 metres has caused a major stir among many of his loyal Trinidad and Tobago faithful.

There are many who believe that he needs to leave the stable of teammate and World and Olympic 100 metres Champion Maurice Greene, and also some who believe that he has become soft since his marriage to the beautiful Cassandra two years ago.

Cassandra Boldon speaking to this reporter quietly refutes that claim," Ato is still in my opinion a great athlete and one race does not make an athlete ...just because Ato did not get a medal will in anyway make his achievements now and in the future any less,"

"It is a fact that Ato and I have been together since 1995 and we have got closer over the years and when Ato was doing well, no one ever mentioned that marriage was a problem, but in a way, this shows just how much Ato means to Trinidad and Tobago. But I know he will back and win and make everyone happy," she added.

"I think marriage in fact has made Ato a better all-round athlete, he can refocus all his attention on matters on the field and no that a loved one will take care of all his other needs, what has been good has been the support he has received from the West Indians in Canada,"he noted.

Cassandra admits though," I felt for him, I really did, I could see my husband sitting there, just doing a lot of thinking about what is happening with him. I wanted him to win as well,"

"I think he has to reassess this stage of his career and where he wants to go from here, he is young enough to do that and also if you know Ato, you know he is competitive. He is going to have to make some adjustments,"

"But he knows he has a lot of people supporting him and talking to him," she stated. Cassandra also reveal that there were long discussions on Ato's participation in the 100 metres," There were those of us, that felt that he should run the 200 metres not the 100 metres because of the virus he had, plus his back problems, but he felt he had already won the 200 metres gold and was trying for 100 metres success,"

Cassandra, relaxed but obviously concerned about her husband says,"Ato is a fighter, I see that all the time (she laughs), in a good way, he is intelligent and his thought processes are always working. He will find a way back very easily,"

"I believe that he has a 100 metres championship in him, even before the Olympics in 2004, he has the Goodwill Games, World Championships and other events.

" On the pressing topic of Ato's relationship with Maurice Greene, Cassandra calmly stated," That has to be answered both ways, as we also have to ask what does knowing Ato bring to the table for Maurice, in the end though I believe everyone has benefited and still benefit in one way or the other,"

"They are different persons, but yet still they are close friends and there is a lot of respect and understanding, but saying that I want my husband to beat Maurice when they compete and I want him to win the 100 metres,"she remarked.

"One thing Ato knows is that he has a lot of love on his side, and that will not stop, because I am very committed to him and he knows , that I know he felt he has disappointed a lot of people in Trinidad and Tobago, and he will be out to correct this," "But people need to understand that Ato gave of his best on the day and actually ran a time of 9.98,"

"Whatever he decides, I am with him and will be there, he knows that, I hope he can more support in Trinidad and Tobago as well,"she concluded.

sep.02.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

As Ato Boldon headed into the Goodwill Games following a 2nd (100 metres) and 4th place (200 metres)finish in Brussels on Friday at the Golden League meet.

27-year-old Trinidad and Tobago leading athlete Ato Boldon will be back and he will be better for his defeat in the World Championships 100 metres in Edmonton, Canada, says his Mum, Hope Boldon who spoke with this reporter.

"In life things happen for a reason at all times and Ato is a religious person just like myself, and I feel that what he experienced was a -Come to Jesus moment-, a sharp slap on your face and it makes you stand up and think of what you are doing and where you are going," Hope Boldon stated.

"It makes you understand that there is pain in the world and the pain that you receive, as Ato received after the 100 metres can allow you to be reflective and analytical, and I know my son has done that," he added.

"When lost that race, I saw a side of him that is like me, it told me was really having a serious moment of contemplating where does he go next, so that he can be more successful in the 100 metres...he pulled himself away and likes to be by himself at this time," Hope Boldon noted.

"Ato is a complex person, he is a thinker, and he knows that he wants to do better in the 100 metres, but he also knows that there were reasons why he did not do as well as he and all of us wanted. But we as his family are all here to give him support, we know he had a number of issues."

"As well if you listen to Ato and know him as you do, he knows there is another career and life after track for Ato Boldon. To me in that you can see that Maurice Greene is run no matter what and at all costs, while Ato's approach is more of - live to run again at another time-,"

Hope believes that there are a lot of things that Ato has to reconsider including where he wants to be in the next few years," He knows that he needs to move on and he can do it, he has the ability,"

"But at the same time, it must be known that Ato is aware that while wining is important, her is not about winning no matter what, because knows that there is a life after drugs and track is not that important, all this talk of drugs would not happen to Ato,"

"He is a clean loser, he will win clean and lose clean,"

Hope Boldon though is convinced that Ato's legacy to date of Four Olympic Medals and three World Championships medals has spilt a lot of people in the region especially in Trinidad and Tobago," What Ato has done continuous for around the last ten years, is bring a lot of success and medals to Trinidad and Tobago, and we were not accustomed to this continuous success year after year, we had only experience it in spurts before,"

"It has therefore spoilt everyone and they have begun to accept it and almost cannot accept that he does not win a medal, but we need to be understanding, Ato is a human being and there will be days when he does not achieve what we expect, but the strength of our support for him, is in how much we keep faith in him during the difficult times,"

"My son has a lot of qualities which suggest he will grow and learn from the events of Edmonton and whatever decision he makes, he will have our fullest support," Hope Boldon revealed.

ATO - I am only HUMAN
oct.09.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

Trinidad and Tobago's ace sprinter Ato Boldon after testing positive for the banned substance, ephedrine, says he made a mistake and he's only human.

In a release yesterday , the IAAF said Boldon tested positive to the banned substance, ephedrine, at a meeting in April during the Mt Sac Relays in the United States.

Istvan Gyulai, general secretary of athletics' world governing body, confirmed Boldon's positive test at a media conference in Melbourne.

Boldon, 27, will not be suspended as the offence only carries the penalty of a public warning.

"What happened was that I had just returned from the South African meet where I contracted a cold and so I purchased a cough syrup, Nyquil, over the counter," Boldon told this reporter yesterday.

"I did not think at the time that I was going to be competing so I never thought there would be any problem at the time with taking the cough medicine," he added.

Boldon admits he was notified by the National Amateur Athletic Association first about the outcome of the random test. As usual and in keeping with the rules of the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), "they first made contact with my association, the National Amateur Athletics Association (NAAA) about the results from sample A. When they told me I was shocked, but I understood how it happened and told them so."

A letter was sent to the NAAA from the IAAF, outlining what was found in Ato's system and also showing what he declared before racing that afternoon on April (27th). "Yes before every race, you have to declare any medication, you may be on and actually it clearly states on that letter and the attached form, that I declared the drug called Flumatine, which is a prescription drug, which shows I was sick at the time,."

While there is no automatic ban for taking such a drug, it is not a steroid, and Ato admits, "I have learnt my lesson when it comes to even cough medicine, I have seen other people being caught like this and wondered how it happened."

"Also this in a way, shows all those in the world, who believe that I was being protected by certain people in the drug testing cases that I am being tested like everyone else. In fact that week I got tested almost three times, and it was only on the last occasion, they found the cough medicine because at that stage I was competing and this is one of many drugs not allowed when competing," Boldon said.

"So it may seem strange, but I am relieved, that now that those who also speak about me and drugs now know that I am not safe from any infractions of the law when it comes to drugs and that anything that I do, is given as much notice and action as anyone else. There is no preferential treatment," he noted.

Boldon understands however, "that there will be people who will read one thing or another into this and I cannot help that, except to say to those who believe in me, that my motto is: win or lose clean and fair and no drugs." "Let's face the facts. What I am doing now is taking accountability for my actions.

" I am not ducking the issue. I took an over the counter medication, it was too close to an event, and it was positive. It is like when people have allergies and they take tablets that contain the same ephedrine," Boldon added. "At the end of the day, when the test results are released from Sample B, I want the public, especially those in my country of Trinidad and Tobago, to know that I will never do anything to shorten my life and therefore drugs have no part in my career," Boldon stressed.

Boldon was also confident of the support of his coach John Smith and Manager Emmanuel Hudson. "I kept this very close to me, until the second sample was revealed, and I only told John Smith and Emmanuel Hudson about it, because I did not want to upset the other members of the team's minds especially as they have the US trials coming up shortly."

Boldon wants to send a message as he prepares for 2002: "I want everyone to know that Ato Boldon will never do anything to bring shame on Trinidad and Tobago, my family and ultimately myself.

"In the final analysis the truth will set you free and that is what I have done."

"I have received a lot of support from the few people that knew. They all understand it was a mistake and it cost me. But I have to learn from it and go on and try to win Trinidad and Tobago some medals later this year," he warned his competition.

The second sample was concluded on Tuesday, June 19 and results should have been released on Wednesday of that week, but it was not as there was some contention surrounding it. It was finally released yesterday.

As to his sponsorships and endorsements and his career following this news, a strong-willed Boldon vowed to fight on. "My sponsorship deals are all okay, my sponsors understand that Ato does not and will not tolerate the taking of steroids (drugs) and that I am beginning today and everyday since I found out, am ensuring that I continue to follow the strict rules of the IAAF, as I have done in the past, even when it involves a cold medicine."

"I have given my reasons for the positive test to the powers-that-be and they have accepted it, but I have noted the warning and assure everyone that this will not happen to me again, because I am drug free."

"One thing about John Smith is that, he believes in the natural way of running. I just do not want this to affect me, as I am now beginning to regain my best form, the four-time Olympic mdedallist said.

"A fact is a fact, but Ato Boldon is not running away. In fact I am here to stay and win gold medals, so everyone better be aware of that," he ended.

oct.09.2001

by Andre E. Baptiste

Trinidad and Tobago's ace sprinter Ato Boldon after testing positive for the banned substance, ephedrine, says he made a mistake and he's only human.

In a release yesterday , the IAAF said Boldon tested positive to the banned substance, ephedrine, at a meeting in April during the Mt Sac Relays in the United States.

Istvan Gyulai, general secretary of athletics' world governing body, confirmed Boldon's positive test at a media conference in Melbourne.

Boldon, 27, will not be suspended as the offence only carries the penalty of a public warning.

"What happened was that I had just returned from the South African meet where I contracted a cold and so I purchased a cough syrup, Nyquil, over the counter," Boldon told this reporter yesterday.

"I did not think at the time that I was going to be competing so I never thought there would be any problem at the time with taking the cough medicine," he added.

Boldon admits he was notified by the National Amateur Athletic Association first about the outcome of the random test. As usual and in keeping with the rules of the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), "they first made contact with my association, the National Amateur Athletics Association (NAAA) about the results from sample A. When they told me I was shocked, but I understood how it happened and told them so."

A letter was sent to the NAAA from the IAAF, outlining what was found in Ato's system and also showing what he declared before racing that afternoon on April (27th). "Yes before every race, you have to declare any medication, you may be on and actually it clearly states on that letter and the attached form, that I declared the drug called Flumatine, which is a prescription drug, which shows I was sick at the time,."

While there is no automatic ban for taking such a drug, it is not a steroid, and Ato admits, "I have learnt my lesson when it comes to even cough medicine, I have seen other people being caught like this and wondered how it happened."

"Also this in a way, shows all those in the world, who believe that I was being protected by certain people in the drug testing cases that I am being tested like everyone else. In fact that week I got tested almost three times, and it was only on the last occasion, they found the cough medicine because at that stage I was competing and this is one of many drugs not allowed when competing," Boldon said.

"So it may seem strange, but I am relieved, that now that those who also speak about me and drugs now know that I am not safe from any infractions of the law when it comes to drugs and that anything that I do, is given as much notice and action as anyone else. There is no preferential treatment," he noted.

Boldon understands however, "that there will be people who will read one thing or another into this and I cannot help that, except to say to those who believe in me, that my motto is: win or lose clean and fair and no drugs." "Let's face the facts. What I am doing now is taking accountability for my actions.

" I am not ducking the issue. I took an over the counter medication, it was too close to an event, and it was positive. It is like when people have allergies and they take tablets that contain the same ephedrine," Boldon added. "At the end of the day, when the test results are released from Sample B, I want the public, especially those in my country of Trinidad and Tobago, to know that I will never do anything to shorten my life and therefore drugs have no part in my career," Boldon stressed.

Boldon was also confident of the support of his coach John Smith and Manager Emmanuel Hudson. "I kept this very close to me, until the second sample was revealed, and I only told John Smith and Emmanuel Hudson about it, because I did not want to upset the other members of the team's minds especially as they have the US trials coming up shortly."

Boldon wants to send a message as he prepares for 2002: "I want everyone to know that Ato Boldon will never do anything to bring shame on Trinidad and Tobago, my family and ultimately myself.

"In the final analysis the truth will set you free and that is what I have done."

"I have received a lot of support from the few people that knew. They all understand it was a mistake and it cost me. But I have to learn from it and go on and try to win Trinidad and Tobago some medals later this year," he warned his competition.

The second sample was concluded on Tuesday, June 19 and results should have been released on Wednesday of that week, but it was not as there was some contention surrounding it. It was finally released yesterday.

As to his sponsorships and endorsements and his career following this news, a strong-willed Boldon vowed to fight on. "My sponsorship deals are all okay, my sponsors understand that Ato does not and will not tolerate the taking of steroids (drugs) and that I am beginning today and everyday since I found out, am ensuring that I continue to follow the strict rules of the IAAF, as I have done in the past, even when it involves a cold medicine."

"I have given my reasons for the positive test to the powers-that-be and they have accepted it, but I have noted the warning and assure everyone that this will not happen to me again, because I am drug free."

"One thing about John Smith is that, he believes in the natural way of running. I just do not want this to affect me, as I am now beginning to regain my best form, the four-time Olympic mdedallist said.

"A fact is a fact, but Ato Boldon is not running away. In fact I am here to stay and win gold medals, so everyone better be aware of that," he ended.

oct.15.2001

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