Trinidad and Tobago's Olympic history is rich with moments of triumph and perseverance. The journey began in 1946 when the twin-island nation formed a committee, eventually gaining full recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Since then, Trinidad and Tobago have competed in every Summer Olympic Games, making their mark on the global stage.
The first notable participation came in 1948 when Rodney Wilkes won the nation’s first Olympic medal, a silver in the men’s featherweight division in weightlifting at the London Olympics. Wilkes continued his success by securing a bronze medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Trinidad and Tobago's first gold medal came in 1976 when Haseley Crawford won the men’s 100m in track and field athletics at the Montreal Summer Olympic Games. This historic victory was a monumental achievement, putting Trinidad and Tobago on the map in the athletics world.
Ato Boldon stands out as one of Trinidad and Tobago's most decorated Olympians, having won four medals in his illustrious career. Boldon claimed bronze in both the 100m and 200m at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and followed up with a silver in the 100m and another bronze in the 200m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His achievements cemented his status as a track and field legend for the nation.
In more recent history, Keshorn Walcott brought home gold in javelin at the 2012 London Olympics, adding to the country's illustrious track and field legacy. Walcott continued to shine by winning a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and now, he aims for a third Olympic medal in Paris. Additionally, the nation received a gold medal in the 2008 men’s 4x100 relay after Jamaica was disqualified due to a doping violation by Nesta Carter.
As Trinidad and Tobago prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the nation has much to look forward to. Securing spots in the 4x100m and men's 4x400m relay teams at the World Athletics Relay Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, on May 5, 2024, highlights their continued strength in athletics.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee has announced a team of 17 athletes, including seven women and 10 men, who will compete in athletics, cycling, and swimming. Among the notable athletes is Michelle-Lee Ahye, a seasoned sprinter known for her speed and competitive spirit. Jereem Richards, another formidable contender over 200m and 400m, will join her on the track. In the pool, Dylan Carter is an accomplished swimmer with a history of strong performances. Keshorn Walcott, the Olympic gold and bronze medalist in javelin, is looking to add a third Olympic medal to his collection. Nicholas Paul, a world-class cyclist participating in his second Olympic Games, will be joined by fellow cyclist Kwesi Browne, adding depth to the team’s cycling prospects.
The team will be supported by a dedicated group of officials and coaches, including manager Dexter Voisin, Chef De Mission Lovie Santana-Duke, Chief Medical Officer Rudranath Ramsawak, and Olympic medalist Keston Bledman.
With a total of 19 Olympic medals—15 in track and field, three in weightlifting, and one in swimming—Trinidad and Tobago have a proud history of Olympic success. The 2024 Paris Games represent another opportunity for the nation to showcase its athletic prowess and continue its legacy of excellence on the world stage.
“I don’t feel like I’ve made it yet”- Olympic champion Julien Alfred hungry for more success
Julien Alfred’s 2024 season was one for the books and the St. Lucian superstar is eyeing even more success going forward.
The 23-year-old began her first full season as a professional athlete with a six-race win streak in the indoor 60m, culminating with her first major global title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland on March 2.
The 2023 Bowerman Award winner then embarked on a spectacular outdoor season which saw her become her country’s first ever Olympic medallist by winning 100m gold in Paris in a national record 10.72 in August before closing out her season by winning the 100m title at the Diamond League final in Brussels in 10.88 in September.
Alfred also won 200m silver at the Olympics in 22.08.
As a result of her exploits on the track, Alfred has been subject of an appropriate week of celebration by her home country St. Lucia since her return on September 24.
Alfred was greeted by a parade of fans upon her arrival to the island, September 27 was formally recognized by the St. Lucian Government as ‘Julien Alfred Day’ going forward, a mural celebrating her was painted at her alma mater Ciceron Primary School and she was named as a Tourism Ambassador for St. Lucia.
With all that being said, Alfred still feels like there is more work to do to solidify her legacy in the sport.
“I don’t feel like I’ve made it yet,” Alfred said on the latest episode of Out d Blocks on the SportsMax TV YouTube Channel.
“That alone keeps me pushing and going for more,” she added.
Most people with her accolades, even after just one year, would get comfortable and feel like they’ve already solidified themselves as a staple in their respective field but not Alfred.
“There are accolades that I still want in my life and my career. Yes, I accomplished an Olympic gold, World Indoors, Diamond League final winner but I don’t have accolades in the World Championships outdoors yet,” Alfred said.
“Even the 200m title at the Olympics. I feel like there’s still more I can chase and go after and just leave my legacy and pay tribute to all those who pour into me and give back to them in such a way,” she added.
After a grueling NCAA season, Alfred competed at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023. She got to the final of the 100m, finishing fifth in 10.93 before narrowly missing out on a medal in the 200m final, running 22.05 for fourth.
If her 2024 form is a precursor, Alfred could be in for a massive World Championships in Tokyo in 2025.
Cuba comes from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Trinidad and Tobago
Cuba came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw with Trinidad and Tobago in Group B CONCACAF Nations League action on Thursday at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
Sheldon Bateau opened the scoring in the 8’ to give Trinidad and Tobago the lead with a header at the far post. Triston Hodge delivered the cross from the left side of the pitch.
Dairon Reyes came close to equalizing for Cuba in the 12’ with an attempt from outside the box that hit the woodwork.
A long-range right-footed drive from Maykel Reyes tied the match for the hosts in the 64’.
The Soca Warriors reclaimed the lead in the 70’ through a powerful left-footed strike to the far post from Joevin Jones from the edge of the box.
With the goal Jones took his tally to four and is Trinidad and Tobago’s all-time top scorer in the CNL.
Aniel Casanova equalized from close range inside the penalty box in the 75’ to secure the point for Cuba.
Cuba and T&T are fourth and fifth in the group with three and two points, respectively, and will meet again on Monday, this time at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Trinidad & Tobago.
Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson to be honoured by University of Maryland
Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson, a 2015 graduate of the University of Maryland, will be honoured during the university’s football game against Northwestern on Friday night at SECU Stadium. LaFond-Gadson, who made history this summer by winning Dominica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be recognized on the field during the first quarter of the game.
LaFond-Gadson’s return to the University of Maryland is part of a broader celebration of her outstanding achievements. In addition to Friday’s honour, she will also serve as one of the grand marshals for the university’s Homecoming celebrations on October 18 and 19. Joining her as co-grand marshal is Alyssa Thomas, a 2014 graduate and basketball star who helped Team USA capture its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in women's basketball.
The honorary grand marshal role is a prestigious position reintroduced to homecoming for the first time in over a decade. LaFond-Gadson and Thomas will lead homecoming activities during the week of festivities, which culminates with Maryland’s football game against USC on October 19.
While LaFond-Gadson will be celebrated for her athletic prowess and for bringing pride to her home country of Dominica, Thomas will be further recognized with induction into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame that weekend.
Thea LaFond-Gadson’s incredible journey from collegiate athlete to Olympic champion exemplifies the values of hard work, determination, and resilience. Her return to the University of Maryland to be honored by her alma mater serves as an inspiration to current students, alumni, and the entire community.
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