MINISTER OF Sports, Stephen Lashley has lauded Barbadian athlete, Akela Jones, for qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics Games.
In a statement today, Lashley praised the young athlete for her performance in the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon when she earned 6 371 points in the grueling heptathlon event.
The Minister said such an achievement “did not come as a surprise”, as the 20-year-old Jones has been a consistent and standout performer throughout her athletic career.
“I would like to encourage her and assure her of the continued support of the Government and the people of Barbados. This is wonderful news and I really would like to ensure that she understands that Barbados stands behind her in her quest for gold at the Olympic Games,” he said.
Lashley said he had high hopes for the young athlete and believes she will bring even further glory to Barbados.
“She remains the best chance for Barbados bringing home a gold medal at the Olympic Games,” he said. (PR/EZS)
