ene.03.2009

Rhonda Krystal Rambally .Source:www.guardian.co.tt

Technical difficulties at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) yesterday prevented double Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson and female sprinter Monique Cabral from receiving a series of MRI tests. According to Thompson's father Ruthven, who revealed that the tests would be done today at the MRI Centre, Woodbrook. The elder Thompson said his son was in an upbeat mood, despite the setback.

“I am not sure what the technical difficulties were, but the Ministry Health has agreed to take care of all expenses for the scan,” he said. He said his son was a lot more comfortable yesterday. “Most of the pain has stopped although he complained of some headache, but we are hoping that following the results of the MRI, he would be able to come home either tomorrow or Monday,” Thompson said. He said Richard was a strong young man who would not be deterred from starting his preparations for the 2009 season.

He said Richard was thankful for the support which the national community had shown. “Both Minister Narace and (Minister of Sport) Hunt visited him again today and we are very thankful for all the calls and expressions of goodwill,” he said. The 23-year-old Thompson suffered injuries early New Year’s morning when his Nissan Cefiro collided with a Toyota Rav 4 at the corner of Marli and Picton Streets, Port-of-Spain. He was warded at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital and on Thursday, had several tests done, including a CT scan.

In a televised news report, Thompson’s uncle and manager, Ronald Clarke, denied reports that he was partying heavily and was intoxicated. He said Thompson was at his grandmother’s home until 2 am with family members before the accident. “Some may want to believe that he was under the influence of alcohol and that is certainly not the case,” Clarke said. “Richard had been training since he was down here and he is not really a drinker.” Earlier yesterday, Clarke and Thompson’s mother, Judy, had confirmed that he was expected to undergo tests at Mt Hope to determine the extent of his injuries.

Around noon yesterday, Mrs Thompson said: “He is sitting up and talking...he is supposed to go for an MRI sometime today.” She added that her son suffered head injuries - a cut to his forehead, two bumps to his head and minor injuries to his left knee. Mrs Thompson said: “His neck is hurting a bit as a result of whiplash,” and added that the injury to his left knee “was not too serious.” When asked about his return to university, she said “hopefully he will be fit enough to go back.”

Thompson is expected to return to the Louisiana State University next week. Another occupant in Thompson’s car, Monique Cabral, was also hospitalised. Mrs Thompson said Cabral suffered injuries to her lower back and legs and up to late yesterday evening “was doing much better.”
Clarke also said: “Only when the doctors examine the test results will they be able to determine if and when Richard will be able to leave the hospital.” Efforts to reach Health Minister Jerry Narace and communications specialist at the NCRHA Kevin Garcia on their mobiles were futile.