Stoute’s say on local athletes

Sat, August 11, 2012 - 3:14 PM

THE Barbados team is heading home from the 30th Olympiad in London empty-handed.

The six-member team, hurdler Ryan Brathwaite apart, did not even come close to making the finals in their events and were non-factors, a disappointment for Barbados, especially as Grenada, a Caribbean neighbour, smaller in size, returned home with a gold medal earned by impressive teenager Kirani James in the men’s 400 metres.

President of the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) Steve Stoute attended his 12th summer Olympiad and shared his views on the team’s performance via telephone link-up with NATION senior journalist Mike King.

Stoute said he believes there is some light at the end of the tunnel, but admitted it will be a long, hard road with top-class competition and coaching required to take this country closer to the next level.

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Posted by c holder 9 months, 1 week ago: Well, we have become a nation of mediocrity where many of our youth lack ambition and discipline and parents, teachers and coaches are not supported when they try to instill these values. Many seniors in the secondary schools do not even participate in PE and this is allowed. Check it out.
Conversely, we have talented youngsters who shine at the school and club level but there is no transition to the higher level because there is no serious, structured program for them. It takes real money to support the correct nutrition, training AND consistent exposure to international competition which is needed. Our various governments have failed to make that investment.
So what do you expect when you presume to send people to the Olympic games where they are completely outclassed ?
Failure and embarrassment.
Stop this joyride for our public officials every four years and get serious about the future of our young, gifted athletes.