Source: www.trinidadexpress.com by Kwame Laurence
Of the three Trinidad and Tobago sprinters expected to face the starter in the men's 100 metres dash at the 2008 Olympic Games here in Beijing, China, two have dived under ten seconds this season.
The third, Darrel Brown, has a 2008 best of 10.02 seconds - produced in May at the Doha Super Grand Prix, in Qatar. And while that clocking puts the 23-year-old sprinter in 19th spot on this year's IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) performance list, he is optimistic of occupying one of the eight lanes in Saturday's Beijing 2008 century final.
Shortly after checking into the Olympic Village, yesterday, Brown listed his Beijing goals.
"To reach the final," he told the Express, "that's the main goal; try to medal; and in the 4x1, to try to go for the gold."
Brown's compatriots, Richard Thompson (9.93) and Marc Burns (9.97), are sixth and tenth, respectively, on the 2008 IAAF performance list.
Brown believes all three T&T sprinters are capable of getting among the medals in the 100m. Add a top-three finish in the 4x100m relay, and the Jamaica-based track star's Beijing 2008 precious metal wish list reads:
"Two for me, two for Richard, two for Marc."
ago.11.2008
Trinidadians have high hopes for medals and Olympic glory firmly. And they have placed these hopes high on the shoulders of local athletes competing in the games in Beijing, China.
Several persons enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon on the Brian Lara Promenade, Port-of-Spain, yesterday said they were confident that the local athletes will bring home gold from each event they participate in.
“It is our turn, we deserve it. Our athletes have trained hard and although we could live with silver or bronze, we are fighting for gold,” Nigel Cordner, of Diego Martin, said.
Included in the TT team are swimmer, George Bovell III and a 30-member team consisting of track and field athletes, three swimmers, a shooter and a table tennis player.
Sharon Clarke said two gold medals will suffice with one coming from the sport of swimming. “I have some faith in them (local athletes) if we keep praying for their success. I just wish for the best,” she said.
“With sports anything could happen,” said her companion, who gave his name as, Ismail, “You could be the best athlete or competing against the best athlete but anything could happen.”
Dionne Sinnerine believes in Bovell though, expressing confidence that the swimmer’s chances at gold were very good. Bovell will make his first appearance on the Beijing stage tomorrow during the 50m and 100m freestyle preliminaries.
“Our boys may not stand a chance against Jamaica in track and field although we may have some hope in the four by 100 metres event. I wish all the athletes the best of luck.”
Her daughter, Denise expressed similar sentiments. “They will do their best. I wish them the best of luck as well.”
ago.12.2008
During the Beijing Olympic Games, the IOC is launching a new programme for athletes. It will provide guidance and tools to help them to manage training, competition and the challenges and opportunities of day-to-day life. The programme has been designed with the advice of elite athletes, coaches and experts from around the world.
It focuses on three fields:
- Education
- Life skills
- Career management
Education: about the “second challenge”
The Education part of the programme stresses the importance combining sport with studies in order to be prepared for the “second challenge”, meaning the transition after one’s sports career to another kind of activity, a change of focus from sports performance to a more standard job. “Successful job integration unquestionably starts with education,” says IOC member Sergey Bubka, Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, the future participants of the project.
Life Skills: “overall success in life”
The life-skill training includes information, practical tools and guides on subjects such as health, nutrition, finance, media training, time management, public speaking and goal setting. ”Athletes should be able to develop their athletic skills, and at the same time, develop their social and professional skills,” says Bubka.
Career management: or how to find or develop a job
The third element is concentrating on career management training, in collaboration with Adecco, the IOC and various National Olympic Committees. It should allow the athletes to acquire support and advice, including information on drafting a curriculum vitae, job hunting and job interview techniques. This programme may also help with job placement and career development.
Questionnaire
The launch during the Beijing Games allows the IOC to make athletes aware of this programme. It also wants to encourage them to participate. Olympians and experienced athletes - on elite level - are asked to fill in the attached questionnaire. The analysis of all the answers will allow the IOC to assess the main expectations of the athletes for this project. “The Athletes’ Programme depends very much on your involvement, so get active, share your needs with us: give us your best!“ concludes IOC President Jacques Rogge
ago.14.2008
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) is reminding the local business community,media houses and advertising agencies that the unauthorized (expressed or implied) use of the Olympic rings,symbols ,letters and images is prohibited.
The TTOC's endeavours to foster greater awareness about the matter included written communication and meetings with local advertising agencies and media houses.
The National Olympic Committee is therefore confident and satisfied that no one can legitimately claim to be unaware of the legal prohibitions.
The Olympic Games are the exclusive property of the IOC which owns all rights and data relating to the organisation,broadcasting,recording,representation,reproduction,access and dissemination in any form and by any means or mechanism whatsoever.
The IOC shall determine the conditions of access to and the conditions of any use of data relating to the Olympic Games .
The Olympic symbol,flag,motto,identifications (including but not limited to Olympic Games and Games of the Olympiad) designations,emblems,flames and torches are referred to as Olympic properties.All rights to any and all Olympic properties and the use of these rights belong exclusively to the IOC.
In accord with the Olympic Charter the IOC can take all appropriate steps to obtain the legal protection for itself ,on both a national and international basis,of the rights over the Olympic Games and over any Olympic property.
In this regard each National Olympic Committee is responsible to the IOC for the protection ,in its country ,of the Olympic properties of the IOC .