FOUNDING MEMBER of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) Compton Gonsalves passed away at the age of 86 last Thursday.
Gonsalves was TT’s first cyclist to compete at the Olympic Games. He represented TT at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England.
Additionally, Gonsalves played an integral role in the formation of the TTCF.
The founder of Saddle Boys Club also ensured that local cycling was separated from being governed by the Amateur Athletics Association.
In 1946, the veteran rider claimed bronze in the 4000-metre Team Pursuit at the fifth Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.
One year later Gonsalves raced to victory in five events at the National Championships. He also established local records in the half-mile and 15-mile races. Shortly after Gonsalves decided to migrate to England.
He then returned to the local competitive circuit after a 10-month absence. At the 1948 Olympic Games, he finished 16th in the 100m Time Trial and was eliminated in the first round of the Sprint.
In 1949 Gonsalves teamed up with Ferdi de Gannes to remove cycling from the Amateur Athletic Association.
This exodus caused a legal struggle which eventually culminated in the founding of the TTCF in 1951.
His final major international race was at the 1951 World Championships prior to pursuing sports administration and eventually assuming the presidency of the TTCF.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt