Marisa does not feel anyone is fighting for her! The full email to the TTGF last November

“I wanted to let you know that Marisa (Dick) is now aware that she was not chosen to go to the test event in Rio,” stated a letter from Hannifer Dick’s email account on 9 November 2015. “It was posted onto the TTOC website which Thema (Williams) has shared…

“I have tried to tell her that there is hope but at this point she does not feel like anyone is fighting for her.”

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick.
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick.

The preceding email—excerpts of which were used by TV6 on Monday April 25—was sent from the email address of Hannifer Dick, the mother of Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick, on 9 November 2015, which was three weeks after Thema Williams qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Test event at the Glasgow 2015 World Championship.

Dick and Williams and their respective parents both signed pre-World Championship contracts, which stated that the gymnast who performed best in Glasgow would take Trinidad and Tobago’s sole berth in Rio.

Williams went on to place 59th while Dick finished 77th.

However, Dick’s email suggested that she—in tandem with second vice president Ricardo Lue Shue and Canadian choreographer Anita Pelletier—discussed setting a new qualification criteria after Williams had already earned the spot.

Pelletier noted that the trio’s machinations were meant to be private but had been leaked by “Team Thema.”

The TTGF delayed naming Williams as its appointed gymnast for three weeks, while it apparently considered setting a new yardstick. But Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis advised the gymnastics body that it was bound to give the spot to Williams.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago international gymnast Thema Williams. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago international gymnast Thema Williams.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Hannifer appeared upset by the decision.

“I do not understand why this decision was made without putting into effect the two competition still to take place,” stated the email, in bold letters. “(…) I am not entirely sure what else she can do and I am not sure how to keep her positive and motivated.

“The reasoning for not telling her right away was because we wanted her to train as if there was still a chance but after reading all that has been said she does not know what to think.

“It is a hard thing to see your child cry when she knows how hard she has worked to accomplish all that she has and to have it be so unfair to her.”

Hannifer also claimed that her daughter met the criteria for the Rio Olympic Test event while performing with an injury—believed to be a dislocated rib—in Glasgow.

Ironically, Williams was ruled out of Rio Test event due to a sore ankle, although TTGF president David Marquez made the decision without a medical report and, according to Williams’ coach John Geddert, a Brazilian doctor subsequently ruled that she was able to compete.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation officials (from right) Ricardo Lue Shue, Elicia Peters-Charles and David Marquez pose with Sport Minister Darryl Smith (second from right). (Courtesy Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation officials (from right) Ricardo Lue Shue, Elicia Peters-Charles and David Marquez pose with Sport Minister Darryl Smith (second from right).
(Courtesy Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs)

(Letter from email address of Hannifer Dick, which appeared to be sent to TTGF second vice president Ricardo Lue Shue)

At 11 pm, on 9 November 2015: I wanted to let you know that Marisa is now aware that she was not chosen to go to the test event in Rio. It was posted onto the TTOC website which Thema has shared.

Marisa is heart broken because nowhere there does it mention that she has represented Trinidad and Tobago for the last four years and has done so with the utmost respect for everyone involved.

I have tried to tell her that there is hope but at this point she does not feel like anyone is fighting for her.

Thema’s mother Helen is mentioned several times and this has all played out in the media. We have not spoken to anyone in the media nor has anyone from the media there tried to contact us.

I do not understand why this decision was made without putting into effect the two competition still to take place.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick performs at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. Dick was born in Canada to a Trinidadian mother, Hannifer. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick performs at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.
Dick was born in Canada to a Trinidadian mother, Hannifer.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Both Thema and Marisa competed in three competitions and the first being in Puerto Rico wherein Marisa did the job that was required of her. The second being Pan Am qualifications. Marisa showed that she was a true competitor and qualified a spot for Trinidad and Tobago to send a gymnast to the Pan Am Games.

Marisa tore her Achilles tendon which required surgery. She then spent the next year working hard and fighting to get back to the top of her game while still being respectful to everyone and being a good role model to everyone she has come into contact with.

Marisa has accomplished so much for Trinidad and Tobago by bringing home their first ever international medals, qualifying to the all around at the Pan Am Games and improving on her position by 6 positions.

She did this after a horrible injury and much hard work. That is dedication and a love of the sports. In the four years who has done more.

I am not entirely sure what else she can do and I am not sure how to keep her positive and motivated. The reasoning for not telling her right away was because we wanted her to train as if there was still a chance but after reading all that has been said she does not know what to think.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick competes at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. Dick placed 14th with a total of 51.25. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick competes at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.
Dick placed 14th with a total of 51.25.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

It is a hard thing to see your child cry when she knows how hard she has worked to accomplish all that she has and to have it be so unfair to her. Her words to me was “how come no one sees how much I have done?”

I have always told Marisa to believe in her self and just do what she has trained. She did just that at Worlds. We all know how injured she was and still went out and competed as the true champion she is.

We went into Worlds with two goals and those being: (1) to be able to qualify a position to the Test Event in Rio (which she did); and (2) to debut a new skill which she has spent hours upon hours learning. This is another first.

At this point, I am not sure how to help her believe. We knew that if Marisa had placed higher that we would have to prove that she deserved the position.

I never expected to have fairness taken away, I just assumed that what was right would be just that.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnasts Thema Williams (right) and Marisa Dick have fun sightseeing in Rio, after the Olympic Test event on 17 April 2016. (Courtesy Hannifer Dick)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnasts Thema Williams (right) and Marisa Dick have fun sightseeing in Rio, after the Olympic Test event on 17 April 2016.
(Courtesy Hannifer Dick)

(Letter from email address of Anita Pelletier to Hannifer Dick, which is copied to Marisa Dick’s coach, Ovidiu Serban, and TTGF second vice-president Ricardo Lue Shue)

At 11.49 pm on 9 November 2015: I would like to hear back from the federation tomorrow telling us the plan for addressing this situation publicly. This is no longer private due to team Thema.

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303 comments

  1. uhhhhhhh! your mother said it right is right so follow that! GO THEM A!

  2. I am supporting her! I make absolutely no apologies for saying that to ANYONE! AND, I’m quite certain that being the Sportswoman Thema is, if asked, she likewise will support Marisa. As I said before, ALL of our frustrations should be generated to the TTGF NOT Marisa. This is a learning curve for Trinidad which should never be allowed to repeat itself!

    • She KNEW of all the underhand moves on HER behalf,so she should have declined,to profit from that only proves she IS HER MOTHER’S DAUGHTER!

    • Have you ever cheated on your income tax returns? Lol! I guess not! Smiling!

    • Stanley clearly you haven’t been reading the emails sent by Hannifer to the board..Marisa knew of the underhand moves as stated by Glenn ……but then again you are on every article posting support for Marisa so you probably related ……

    • SO WHAT IF WE ARE? ARE YOU RELATED TO THEMA? What sin have I committed? That’s my RIGHT to support!And SO is YOURS not to support. The last time I checked, It’s MY constitutional right to do so! Goodbye!!

    • Stanley Ryan you are a clear example of what is wrong with T&T. White colour crime is no big thing only gun and gang related crime right?

    • When one deals with intelligence, one must deal with it intelligently. I will no longer dignify stupid responses with a response!

    • Intelligence never claims to be…it just is……. vanity and a self deluded ego born of insecurity however are usually immediately recognized….

    • Stanley,by your question,l SEE YOU. Birds of a ferther flock—. And the short answer is NO! I pay the LEGAL minimum l can,l don’t cheat!!

    • I trust that you are feeling proud of yourself? YOU just could NOT have a DECENT CONVERSATION WITHOUT BEING DISRESPECTFUL! I am NOT surprised! Take a bow Glen Burkett, A standing ovation and A round of applause. YOU DESERVE IT ALL! I know now that you are QUITE INTELLIGENT more so YOU having OPENED YOUR MOUTH!

    • Kimz Raeann Even if I was family, I wouldn’t support that underhand nonsense. “Hannifa gyul, alyuh kinda pushing it, y’know” would be more my response. Stanley’s support is due to Stanley’s own arrogance and shamelessness.

    • Apparently you are NOW looking for friends and support. BE CREATIVE, MOVE ON! That’s old news. There are much more important things that should engage your attention at this time. LIKE DISAPPEAR!

    • Topic was the underhand action of the people concerned! Look where it reach! Sorry you felt the need to reafirm your manhood,but we don’t care one way or the other! They are still nasty biased corrupt people!!

    • Glen, let us agree to disagree. I respect your rights to have and share your opinion and you are quite correct. They do appear to be biased and corrupt.I agree that the decisions taken leaves much to be desired beginning with Marisa’s coach. Nevertheless, I also have a right to an opinion whether it’s respected or not and I take great care not to condescend to the comments. Our focus should be to right the wrong and express our complete dissatisfaction that has brought us to this place, AND, not to be disrespectful to others for expressing a view dissimilar to theirs. I have carefully read the opinions and have come to the conclusion that opposites collide. As a result, I will not offer any further comment on this matter! I still wish the young lady Marisa Dick the very best. She will need much more though. Smile.All the best!

  3. I guess it must be easier for Thema’s mother to see her daughter crying!! Steups. #IDoNotSupportMarisa

  4. I feel so so sorry for these two young ladies. It takes so much to reach this quality and standard at an international level. Unfortunately Rio gave us one berth. I would have sought to have the other attend even if it was to observe if that is possible. This is the growing sport for us and we need to encourage those out there trying hard to fly our flag high. The TTGF needs to politley step aside as they have absolutley mismanaged this situation and brought distress and division to the girls and have embarassed the country internationally in this sporting discipline. Walk away…dont let us have to fire you.

  5. So much about life is about failing, picking yourself up and moving on. Over pampering your child is not the best parenting choice

  6. What kills me is all the talk she talks about what’s being best for the girls and how bad she feels for Thema! That is one pack of bs and I always suspected it. She ONLY cares about herself and her child. I am so impressed with how Thema has handled herself through all this with such grace. I personally don’t think I would have had it in me to behave so well.

  7. This Hannifer Dick woman, does she not understand her daughter didn’t qualify for the spot?

  8. It’s not about being a Trini or Canadian…. It’s about someone exposing their boobie in a hidden form ….consider not to be a good image…

  9. Just Hate all the drama to allow Marisa to rep instead of Thelma..clear case of manipulation

  10. Dick’s camp is playing the sympathy game in the media. They are really greasing us down to take Dick….

  11. She is a born Canadian so all yuh stop the crap if you ok with the constant “Canadian born Marisa representing Trinidad ” which I say means that we have no one of our own to represent so we went out and bought one…if we not willing to fight for one of our own then we don’t care for each other it is not a matter if she win or not it is a matter that she is bumping out one of us…one of ours

  12. I have always disliked our use of failed international athletes whose parents happen to be trini. Especially when I know that we’re capable of producing way better than what they have to offer. But favoritism, inaccessibility to proper facilities and lack of youth engagement hurting our potential. Maybe she would have been more accepted if the circumstances in which she came was less manipulative and vile. As well as her alleged post of where her heart truly is. When I heard we have Thema as potential representation I say I have something to look forward to in gymnastics this year alas I not watching it and I don’t care if she wins gold but that would be lovely for her and I wish her all the best.

  13. But Mrs. Dick…. Thema qualified for her Rio spot when she performed better than Marisa??? Wasn’t that the criteria for qualifying for Rio?
    Also, I find it atrocious this woman is talking about her child’s feelings being hurt when Thema’s dreams were shattered because of all the who knows who (Shue). Marisa didn’t qualify for Rio because she placed lower than Thema… Why does the mother think this is unfair?

  14. So wait …….where was TTGF when Dick was injured? Because the article stated “….even though we all knew how injured she was” yet was quick to pull Thema? #allyuhonshit

  15. Folks we need to post our comments on the trinidad and tobago olympics facebook pages …..they clearly need to see our stance on this entire situation ….. cmonnn!!#

  16. “Home is where the heart is”……Where did she say her heart was ??? Trinidad ???? You get the call up to make HISTORY for TNT but callin Canada’s name in that….???…..Her Words ??

  17. >>It is a hard thing to see your child cry when she knows how hard she has worked to accomplish all that she has and to have it be so unfair to her. Her words to me was “how come no one sees how much I have done?”<< I could choke on the hypocrisy.

  18. They only jump on T&T bandwagon because she did not qualify for Canada…so give me a break…Thema deserve that spot fair and square…

  19. Clear grounds for bias …..if Thema does not go then no one should be allowed to go ….this would clearly “NOT” represent the spirit in which the games are participated in. The backstabbing, illegal manipulation of rules to force an athlete who was fairly beaten into second place reflects badly on the country and both organisations involved.

    • This is what I’m saying – all these people who want to talk bout “what the spot means for gymnastics and sport in T&T” – Do they even understand the spirit and meaning of the games and how contrary this nonesense is to that. Are we so desperate and never see come see that we rather send someone whose presence is an insult to the olympics rather than withdraw for the sake of integrity? Nah man. I believe we are better than that.

    • We’re supposed to be better than that but you always see the true nature of people when you give them an ounce of power!!

  20. This is getting murkier everyday… Shaun Lynch that’s why some feel a T&T exclusion might be necessary

  21. If the understanding was that whomever placed higher was going to represent our country then clearly it was Thema why is there even all this controversy. Poor decision being made

  22. Hannifer is a major player is this entire situation ……wow ….. #marissaout !!!!!

  23. Steups Girl rock so with that eh

  24. People….allyuh stop dis rubbish about de girl being a Canadian. What was done is legal and allowed for more than a few sports….especially football. Ever heard the name Chris Birchall? TOTAL Englishman, and was accepted easy easy.

    I doh like what seems to have happened either…but kill de ‘she not ah Trinbagonian’ nonesense. Ah bet if she won an Olympic or World Championships medal reppin T&T (without all dis drama) all ah we woulda jump up, celebrate and demand ah holiday. We too damn hypocritical.

    • “Home is where the heart is”……Where did she say her heart was ??? Trinidad ????

    • Richard if your woman come n tell you she heart with another man you will still feel she with/for you ?? ?

    • With the manner in which this was done she can Dick off for all I care…

    • She only trini on the floor. Get your facts straight. She’s schizo. Split personality me say… LoL

    • LoL Kenrick! You hit the bloody nail upside it’s head… ?????????

    • Chris Birchall’s situation was different though……we didn’t have anybody to fill the spot that he did and he was asked to represent us (Please read his full story stating such) whereas we have a representative that honestly qualified and that right taken away from her to give to a Canadian that publicly stated that she’s a Canadian to heart……gooh with that nonsense!!

    • Allyuh have to understand the politricks of this. The rule was set up so that the ‘big nations’ could continue to feed off of us ‘small nations’ for talent per immigration (remember, when our athletes go to train, compete and LIVE in other countries, many do go the route of becoming citizens of their ‘new’ homeland). The TTGF simply did what being done all over the world. I’m not interested in if she’s from Mongolia. She was reppin T&T. Under the circumstances though….(read my words)…

      …I do not like how this has played out ATALL. The way I see it, Thema was unjustly ripped away from an opportunity that was rightfully earned.

      Chris Birchall’s situation of being asked to rep T&T still meant he had could apply….due to his mother being from Trinidad..for a T&T passport to be able to represent us. Hell he said it….He’s English/british…born and bred. However, I have never had any objections to him representing T&T nor do I have any per of Marisa representing T&T. I have incredible reservations with how all this went down.

      Maybe we should read the story of the Boateng brothers…Born in Germany, one played for Germany while another played for Ghana (country of his father’s birth). The third brother’s football career didn’t pan out.

    • But Chris was always above board. There was never any hidden agenda.

    • Forget the hidden agenda. My comment was about Marisa representing T&T even though she is a born Canadian. So far, she hasn’t really said anything less than I’ve expected to hear. Others however, have left a lot of questions hanging around.

    • Ok she born in Canada… Mother Trinidadian. Let’s pretend and take that out of the equation. The criteria; standard stipulated by the board was who ever places higher as the trial (World’s )will represent us at the Olympics. Thema made the mark !! Marisa did not. That is the bottom line. Now they want to change the rules. .. the “horse” they wanted and was expecting to win came up short and Thema is the casualty in all of this. It is unethical, immoral, and plain evil. Thema or any athlete should expect that if they work hard and compete what ever they acomplish should be theirs to claim. On the day that counted at the competetion that mattered Marisa came up wanting while Thema Williams made the mark.
      Thats it… thats the bottom line.
      If Thema has that taken away from her (and that is exactly what they are attempting to do) . Then no one should represent because they have not earned it.!!!!!!!
      Marisa has found herself under the care of some very unscrupulous adults. … I feel sorry for her!
      If they were both born and home bred would it be clearer as to exactly what is transpiring.
      That Trinidad and Tobago is at a loss as to what is right, moral and just and we have gotten so accostomed to doing things with the end justifying the means that we are no longer able to see clearly anymore. How many shades of gray.. is the number on this TTGF
      But if you look you will see it is as plain as black and white

    • Listen !!!! Everyone reading this know she should be treated no differently in any other country with a strong sense of fairness and patriotism…..keep your heart in Canada…Give me the one who Trini to d bone ????????

    • Thankfully….I said this previously…

      “…I do not like how this has played out ATALL. The way I see it, Thema was unjustly ripped away from an opportunity that was rightfully earned.”

    • Even if she Dick win ah million medals at the Olympics she still eh getting my support over Thema

    • I agree with Richard Goddard, Thema is being treated unfairly but some people are trying to stir up other emotions by continuing to make reference to the whole “she not a true trini” argument!

    • She’s not winning any medals the coach said it #Themaisthesuperiorgymnast plus Thema cut she tail at the qualifier ???

  25. We don’t fight for Canadians ?

  26. Steups …. #Marissaout #Hannifergetdaf***out

  27. What the flying f. You sign an agreement stating the criteria and then want the requirements to change…. I hope people see that more and more this was premeditated actions, all to please the feelings of some people.

  28. If there has been pressure, or a proven conspiracy for the last two years to try to get Marisa Dick into the Olympics, I believe the TTOC should by all means decline to participate in the gymnastics slot. A strong precedent must be set, in my opinion.

  29. After reading……what I got is that thema finished 52nd and Marisa finished 77th in panam games. Only one was to go and it was the person who finished better. Why is there even a debate…..!!?? But if the gynastics federation has done something wrong I guess the report sent to the ministry of sport will hold someone accountable for sending “wrong” person. That is all I can hope for as we may be too far gone to reverse any decisions made by gynastics federation.

  30. More info is coming out. Keep exposing the conspiracy!

  31. As more information is uncovered, It becomes clearer that the mysterious emailer of the Thema Williams’ so-called ‘nude’ photo came from the Dick’s camp. It shows how the Dick’s camp understands the judgmental & squeamish mindset of Trinbagonians.

  32. Whoaaa….the plot thickens…

  33. Seems the Dick’s are the decision making drivers. TTGF has no backbone!

  34. Allowing Dick to go forward will just prove once again we are not a meritocratic society that this place is where all systems can be manipulated to benefit a few. She did not work harder nor was she better than Thema rather she or her mother wooed the board . I am sorry for my children’s sake I need to see someone who earned it represent our country . Not someone who manipulated the system.

  35. my 7 year old has an expression, it goes like this – YOU GET WHAT YOU GET AND YOU DON’T GET UPSET. Hannifer and Marisa could learn a thing or two from her.

  36. Wow. So basically the entire process should cater to Marisa’s feelings? Lol.

  37. So everyone is say Sick should Dick give her spot to Williams then she will get the nations respect? Is that what you are telling me?

    • She can’t give it to her but yes if she declined to compete due to the circumstances surrounding her qualification she would certainly gain the respect of more people who value integrity. Is integrity a hard concept for you to grasp?

  38. Accepting Dick would be condoning nepotism, unjust favoritism, and corruption, to say the least.

    As much as I’d like to see my flag represented at an Olympics gymnastics event, if the best we have is replaced by someone who shouldn’t shouldn’t shouldn’t even be considered, we should forgo the spot.

    #NoDick

  39. What did I just read.

    Wow.

  40. Her mom has an incredibly entitled and selfish attitude. In the states we describe it as white women’s tears. Maybe beige in this case but same behaviour

  41. wellllll if the country does not believe that she represents them then why would they fight for her? If she doesn’t understand why the decisions were made then to send Thema and why the country is upset and consequently not supporting the decisions that were made recently then she needs to grow up.

  42. How bout ammmmmm idk the country she represents

  43. uuhhhhh who she wants to fight for her though???

  44. So now it seems that everything has change to make Marisa feel better? So Thema didn’t work hard as well to earn her spot? Wow this is all so self serving

  45. I get the feeling this is more than just gymnastics

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