A TEARFUL Andrew Lewis returned home yesterday following his qualification for the London Olympics from July 27 to August 12.
The 22-year-old sailor attained one of 12 qualification spots available, in the laser class, following the May 4-10 Audi Laser World Championships in Boltenhagen, Germany.
At the VIP Lounge of the Piarco International Airport, Lewis, who had to be supported by his father David, said, “eight years ago, I had this dream that I would be an Olympian, that I would take myself and make my dreams a reality.”
“In 2008, I did not qualify for China,” he continued, referring to the previous Olympics in Beijing. “But, I got myself back up and I fought my way, all the way through the qualifying (competition).”
Lewis also spoke of his last day in Germany, when he relied on his inner strength to earn an Olympic berth.
“I went into the final day third,” Lewis said, “at the fourth and final race, I had a false start. Seeing my dreams slipping away, my coach (Fernando Allegre) told me I have to beat the (rivals) from El Salvador and Puerto Rico and that’s it.
“When I crossed the finish line, it was a feeling of ‘it’s about to happen’,” Lewis added.
The well-spoken Lewis extended his gratitude to the persons who made his Olympic dream a reality, saying “without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Among the persons receiving plaudits from Lewis were his parents David and Caroline, Ken Butcher, his manager Kairon Serrette and psychologist Liza Mohan-Watts.
“I would like to go forth from here and take sailing in Trinidad and Tobago to a whole new level,” Lewis commented. “Most of my competitors have to drive two hours to train.
“We live in a ‘gold mine’ here where you can get any kind of conditions. You can sail on the Foreshore or you can sail on the east coast.
“I think I have the support of the nation now and the team to do it,” he ended. Also speaking at the function were Sports Minister Anil Roberts, as well as Lewis’ father and manager, Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association president Reginald Williams and TT High Commissioner to England Garvin Nicholas.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt