Trinidadians confident of a high medal count

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.”