Keshorn Walcott, Trinidad and Tobago’s lone medallist at the just-concluded Olympic Games, has come in for high praise from Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Darryl Smith.
After the T&T women finished fifth in the 4x100 metres final and both men’s relay squads were eliminated, Walcott was the country’s last hope for a medal on Saturday night at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The London 2012 gold medallist’s best throw on the night, going a distance of 88.68m, secured the bronze medal.
“The young hero from Toco has once again brought joyous acclaim to his country by capturing a bronze medal on the penultimate day of Olympic competition,” said a release quoting Minister Smith. “Keshorn has been training quietly at home at the Hasley Crawford Stadium, with his coach Lopez Mastrapa. His focus, dedication and discipline in the lead-up to Rio ensured he arrived in Rio, ready to compete and challenge for a medal. Indeed, it is heartening to know that one of our elite athletes can train in Trinidad and Tobago and be celebrated among the world’s best.”
Smith was also high in praise for Keshorn’s coach, Ismael Lopez Mastrapa. “Mastrapa came to us from Cuba over eight years ago and has been working out of the Elite Performance Unit of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago. We note proudly that he is also the coach of our shot put finalist and 7th place finisher, Cleopatra Borel.”