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The Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) will achieve a personal milestone at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, as—for the first time in its history—the local board will send a gymnast to the world’s most illustrious sporting event.
But, according to how you review the circumstances, it will not be the one who deserved to go.
(Courtesy Hannifer Dick)
Twenty year old Thema Williams, a former St Joseph’s Convent (Port of Spain) student, earned a chance at the Rio spot on 23 October 2015 in the Glasgow World Championships.
But in the end, it was her alternate, 18 year old old Marisa Dick, who competed at the crucial Rio Test event on April 17, which confirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s place at the Olympics.
And despite the controversy over the manner of Williams’ deselection—on the eve of the Test event—the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) ruled today, in a press conference at the Olympic House in Port of Spain, that Dick will go.
TTOC president Brian Lewis said the “game changer” was the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) release on 29 April which “confirmed that the name change from Thema Williams to Marisa Dick was duly made by the TTGF in accord with the declaration by the FIG.”
The FIG’s position, according to the TTOC, suggested that the international body had cleared the procedure used by the TTGF in removing Williams. This release—and Lewis referred to the FIG’s timing as “curious”—was seen as an invitation to legal action against the TTOC, should it rule against Dick.
Yet, even as Lewis endorsed Dick, he suggested that the TTGF could be disciplined under Clause 13 of its constitution—which is entitled “Measures and Sanctions”—and lamented the position that the TTOC found itself in. It is the first time that the TTOC has ever invoked that clause.
“It is a dark cloud over the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic movement,” said Lewis. “Public confidence in the governance of sport has been shaken… We deplore the situation that the ttoc has found itself in.”
Yet, Lewis confirmed that the procedure taken in Williams’ withdrawal was a consideration in the local Olympic body decision—but opted to select Dick anyway.
Possible disciplinary action notwithstanding, the TTOC’s choice, arguably, might be seen as vindication for TTGF president David Marquez’s decision to send Dick to Rio de Janeiro on the night of Friday April 15 while Williams and her coach, John Geddert, were asleep in their respective rooms.
“I said to myself before bed, one more day to clean up and fix my routine and prepare myself for competition on (April) 17th,” said Williams, at a press conference last Wednesday. “But when I woke up on the 16th, I received a call from my mother stating I was no longer the representative…
“I just wanted to go to the Olympics since I was at least eight years old. To know that that dream was being taken away from me, without even my knowledge. There was no consultation that took place…
“I went to (coach John Geddert’s room) immediately and said, did you hear the news? I had tears in my eyes.”
Ostensibly, the decision hinged on a training report submitted by Geddert on Friday evening, which claimed that Williams was bothered by a sore ankle and was having problems with her landings.
The report did not recommend that Williams should be pulled from the Test event. And, as has been oft repeated ever since, the TTGF’s athlete agreement stated that the former Tots and Tumblers could only be withdrawn by the “head of delegation in consultation with my coach and relevant medical personnel.”
The TTGF initially suggested that its head of delegation was massage therapist Nicole Fuentes, who did not support the decision to withdraw Williams. However, the local body subsequently claimed that Marquez, who was in Trinidad, was actually the head of delegation—and Fuentes herself said she was not the HOD.
Regardless, the gymnastics federation, which also included one of Dick’s coaches Ricardo Lue Shue, did not have a medical report or get the okay from Williams’ coach.
(Courtesy Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs)
The TTGF did have attorney Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC though, who was hired immediately after the Test event.
And on Saturday afternoon, when Marquez and TTGF general secretary Elicia Peters-Charles met the TTOC contingent of Lewis, Annette Knott, Ian Hypolite, Diane Henderson and Dr Terrence Ali at the Olympic House, a new narrative had emerged.
A gymnastics insider pointed to the entire clause in Williams’ contract, which read: “I will participate for the full duration of the event unless I am excused by the head of delegation in consultation with my coach and relevant medical personnel.”
Marquez, the TTGF argued, was not bound by that stipulation. The clause was only the criteria for if Williams wished to withdraw on her own.
So what was the TTGF bound to then? Wasn’t the pre-World Championship contract—which stipulated that the top performing T&T gymnast in Glasgow, Williams, would participate at the Rio Test event—worth something?
(Copyright AFP 2016/Andy Buchanan)
“In law, it is referred to as the man on the Clapham omnibus,” said the gymnastics source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “(The contract) is silent on when the Federation can pull an athlete because it can do so at will. But it must show reason which can be worked out from any man on the street.”
And that “reason”, according to the TTGF, was Geddert’s email.
“Podium was a disaster with 6 falls on 3 events,” stated Geddert, on April 15. “She has been dealing with a sore ankle to the point that I asked her to withdraw last week.
“She assured me she can do this. We have been limiting all pounding and landings yet today she showed little signs of being able to perform well. We will rest tomorrow and rely on heart.”
Presumably, Marquez and Peters-Charles used the ‘man on the Clapham omnibus’ defence to Lewis, Knott, Hypolite, Henderson and Ali: What would you have done? Left Williams to rely on heart? Or pulled her in the middle of the night without a word to the coach or athlete?
The TTOC appeared to have been leaning in Marquez’s direction anyway. By the time the TTGF and TTOC representatives met, Williams’ chances of getting her spot back had virtually evaporated.
(Courtesy Wired868)
On Friday April 29, the FIG gave its position, which was Dick’s name was the only one that would be accepted from Trinidad and Tobago.
“Since the qualification place earned by Marisa Dick is nominative,” stated FIG secretary general André Gueisbuhler, “no name change or replacement is possible.”
It was not an unexpected response as Williams’ attorneys, Keith Scotland and Dr Emir Crowne, were banking primarily on the IOC’s Tripartite Commission and, as a matter of last resort, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
But, on the afternoon of Friday April 29, the TTOC delivered a more damaging blow to Williams’ hopes.
“The FIG has confirmed today that no name change or replacement is possible at this stage,” stated Lewis, “any approach to the Tripartite Commission can only be made through the auspices of the TTOC with the endorsement of the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation.”
As it turned out, the TTOC did not qualify for assistance from the Tripartite Commission in any case. But Lewis’ message that the TTGF would need to sanction any possible appeal was a crushing psychological blow to “Team Thema.”
(Courtesy TTOC)
On Sunday, in an interview with 107 FM, Lewis gave another hint of where the TTOC was blowing as he noted that the local Olympic committee was mindful “not to throw out the baby with the bath water.”
This morning, Lewis confirmed that the TTOC would not stand in Dick’s way.
For many newly converted gymnastics fans—who read emails from Dick’s mother, Hannifer Dick, that lobbied for the Canada-born athlete to replace Williams, after she was beaten fair and square—the decision might grate.
“I wanted to let you know that Marisa is now aware that she was not chosen to go to the test event in Rio,” stated Hannifer, on 9 November 2015. “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…
“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.”
(Courtesy Wired868)
Williams was annoyed too by Dick’s insistence on repeating at interviews that the former gymnast was injured.
“She is not a doctor,” said Williams. “The medics said ‘you are fine’ (so) I don’t feel she is at liberty to make those statements… I am baffled that she would say that…
“What (the TTGF) did was blatantly unjust and if you’re not against it, you’re for it. I believe that says a lot about character.”
Dick’s suggestion, during a CBC interview in Canada on 13 January 2016, that it was “cut throat time”—two months after Williams was confirmed as Trinidad and Tobago’s sole representative for Rio—may cast a shadow over her for some time yet.
But the gifted gymnast, who was the TTGF’s 2015 female gymnast of the year, executed when it mattered, as she sealed a historic Olympic place for her adopted country on April 17.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
And the TTOC decided that it did not have sufficient grounds to stop her from representing “Red, Black and White” in Rio.
It is a memorable day in local gymnastics. Even though many may not feel like celebrating.
Editor’s Note: Click HERE to read the TTOC’s full statement at its mid-morning press conference.
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Will definitely be supporting another country
Just remember KARMA IS A BITCH
call this shock and awe ,the way how this issue rolled out deliberate campaign of misinformation ,still querying thestory line of the travel time which seems to suggest a standby arrangement remain in a sterile holding bay,await futher instructions,it all together does not add up tomany gaps in the story
What on earth.
How do you like it Marisa Dick, being probably the first person to represent this country in olympic gymnastics with absolutely veery little to no support from your home country?
Oh yeah, I forgot, you’re only Canadian at heart, as your own post on your Facebook account stated. So it probably matters not to you.
My damn BP through the roof now ?
Dick is no Trinidadian so in reality she’s representing Canada via T&T….
I want to know how Thema is dealing will all this. I don’t think I can go to any sports awards after this has happened. I would want nothing to do with the sporting fraternity in TnT
The Woodpecker!..
Even if she wins Gold, she could jump on a plane and go straight Canada with it. She need not mention Trinidad and Tobago because she does not represent us. Well I can speak for me. She does not represent me.
A wrong cannot be ignored. God must have something special for Thema. Maybe he didn’t want her in Rio.
God does have a way of working things out His way. Maybe this was His way of exposing all these players for who they really are.
In time all the chips will fall where they need to… I do believe God has His hands in this one…
cyah win one arse
She ent winning no gold.
Winning what? Steups
Can’t say I’m surprised with all the drama that’s been going on but this decision has floored me. I’m totally baffled by the TTOC’s choice given the facts of the case. They obviously chocked at the final hurdle. This kind of mismanagement and behaviour of the TTGF would never be rewarded or accepted in UK. I’m totally Team Thema all the way…….
Totally agree with you!!! This is just not acceptable!!! It’s completely non kosher!!!
???? honestly Trini’s bark worst than their bite TTOC just gave away our dreams of a real trini representing, wake me up when it’s over, looking forward to Gabby Douglas competing?
THIS DESERVE PROTEST!!!! Anytime this woman represent TT, the TTGF is rewarded for its actions… This can;t be fair.. I will never support this shyte.. NEVER!!!! ???????????
Something not right, SporTT ask for a report from TTGF by the 3rd May, but TTOC rush and made their decision on the 2nd, CURIOUS.
This makes me sick how unjust, and wrong this is, and for Marisa Dick’s sportsmanship absolutely poor, she lacks integrity and respect for her fellow athletes whom has worked just as hard and went through a whole lot, I’m disgusted by her classless, rehearsed and overzealous response to that interview on Tv6 . My tv wouldn’t even be on when she performs at rio. Hope all that you are accepting is worth it, and if you do win medal know that you STOLE it. It wasn’t earned. #disgusted where is her sense of responsibility as an athlete!
TTOC … I cannot support your decision. I understand that you based it on the fact that Ms Dick qualified as ‘supposedly’ correct procedure was followed by the FIG and it is not under you jurisdiction to question that. Therefore, in that light Ms Dick ‘justly’ qualified for the Rio spot.
However….. in the same breathe you may seek disciplinary action towards TTGF, questioning the manner she was accredited in the first place?? So my question is – if the TTOC is suggesting that due process wasn’t followed by the TTGF to remove Thema and replace her with Marisa. Wouldn’t her qualifying position by the FIG be null and void? Since it was unjust in the first place?? ?
Then taking the fact that the FIG has not stated that due process was followed, only that they approved Marisa qualification… Cause let’s face it … That would mean saying “oops, I made a mistake”… Which was never going to happen.
Im not even going to harp on the conflict of interest between the Trini on the FIG board and the Trini on the TTGF board.
I will say this. If Marisa earned that spot she would have had my full support… Regardless of her birthplace.
The TTOC was placed in a terrible position but they have not stood for integrity or honesty or fairness.
#justwrong
And therein lies the DICKens problem!!
They continue to play smart with words, no matter how you spin it its dishonest
Tainted.
Well Marisa Dick will surely create history as the most hated T& T Olympian. Nothing will ever change that. It will always be her legacy.
Disgraceful, dickless wonders
So not even watching that part of olympics!
ill gotten gains never last.
There are 2 agreements at play. The athlete’s agreement is referenced but there is another.
There is also the Selection Process Document:
October 11 2015 – Carynn Chen WAG Chairperson sent “Selection Process for Olympics 2016” document to Marisa, Odiviu, John & Thema via email.
TTOC upheld this document as official after World Championships, October 2015.
This document states:
7) Replacement of the Selected Athlete
In the case of the Selected Athlete becoming injured or potentially being unable to fill the TTO position at the Test Event, the gymnast’s coach will be required to contact the TTGF
President and the WAG Chairperson via email within 24 hours of the gymnast’s injury or decision to withdraw from the event.
At this point, the athlete who finished with the second highest all-around score and who must also have qualified for the test event -at the World Championships will become eligible to represent TTO at the Test Event. The TTGF President will communicate with the replacement athlete’s coach to confirm the athlete’s availability, and readiness for competition. Once readiness is confirmed, the replacement athlete’s name will be submitted to the LOC (time-permitting). Any substitutions will be subject to the Late Athlete Replacement Policy and are no longer
at the discretion of the TTGF or TTOC.
Related Facts:
• The Selected Athlete was not injured. She had a sore ankle.
• The gymnast did not decide to withdraw from the event
• The coach did not contact the TTGF President.
• FIG have confirmed there was no problem with their own process as related to changing the athlete registered and have awarded the spot to TTO / Marisa Dick.
Nowhere in either document does it give authority to the TTGF President or Elected Members to conduct either a telephone or email ‘round robin’ in the dead of night to withdraw an athlete and replace her with the “alternate” out of ‘concern’ for the selected athlete due to an existing ‘injury’.
Nor does it state that the President can simply send an email at 1:27 am (coach’s time) to the National Coach on duty and withdraw the selected athlete, without consultation with the coach, the athlete, the accredited Paramedical staff or the FIG medical staff.
The FIG statement also says in terms of selection, that is between the TTOC and TTGF. So really, referring to a statement from the FIG stating that no substitution was possible as it was a nominative spot is confirming what we already knew and had been discussing for some time. This was not new news.
Big disappointment !
So…when will the protests start?
ONLY NOW SEEING THIS ARTICLE
Carpetbagging in gymnastics —matter of national pride
Carla Rauseo
Published:
Monday, May 2, 2016
Dirt Under the Nail
Marisa Dick repeats in all her interviews a very well-rehearsed statement that, despite all the “negative support,” she hopes that people will just be glad that Trinidad and Tobago is being represented at the Olympics. Should we be glad, if in fact it does come to pass?
Let’s put all the bobol aside. Would the citizens of T&T support Marisa Dick if she had obtained the Olympic spot fair and square, despite the fact that she was not born, nor bred, nor educated, nor trained in gymnastics in T&T?
The answer would be a probable yes, albeit, I suspect, with considerably less zeal and passion than we supported athletes like Keshorn Walcott, George Bovell, Cleopatra Borell, Hasley Crawford and Njisane Phillip who came out of the soul and earth of Trinidad and Tobago. These athletes we saw as truly our own, from the loins of La Trinity…sons and daughters of our own making. Marisa…not so much.
An athlete with a Trinidadian passport can represent T&T on the international stage. However, one who has not been born, who has not lived or been educated, or who has not participated/trained under local tutelage in local circumstances cannot be considered a product of what the country has to offer.
There are many situations where athletes compete under the flags of other countries. They are known as “carpetbaggers,” a term originating from the US Civil War era meaning “an outsider; especially: a nonresident or new resident who seeks private gain from an area often by meddling in its business or politics.” The reasons for carpetbagging are varied, but one constant is a symbiotic relationship between the athlete and the country of representation, usually (for the country) for political gain rather than national pride.
For the athlete, representing another country offers the opportunity of a lifetime, which they would otherwise not have had in their home country, often due to fierce competition for Olympic spots. It is frequently a case of inferior athletes competing for countries that may not even have the sport at all!! Take for example, Vanessa Mae, who is renowned for her skills as a superb international techno-acoustic violinist, and less well known for her ability to ski. Born in Singapore to a Thai father and raised in London, she competed in Alpine Skiing for tropical Thailand in the Sochi Winter Olympics, thanks to Daddy’s passport.
More sinister carpetbagging occurred in the 2012 London Olympics, where Bulgarian weightlifters Boyanka Kostova and Valentin Hristov represented Azerbaijan for a fee of over $500,000. Bahrain and Qatar also import Kenyan runners as well as Bulgarians. In 2000 Qatar bought an entire eight-person weightlifting team in exchange for citizenship and $1,000,000.
However, this raises questions of integrity. The Olympics prides itself on representing qualities of sportsmanship. Perusal of the Olympic Charter shows the great emphasis it places on “respect for universal fundamental ethical principles” and fair play. The role of the International Olympic Committee, and by extension the TTOC, is to “encourage and support the promotion of ethics and good governance in sport,” and must “take action against all forms of manipulation of competition and related corruption.” I am quite certain that, given the above scenarios, and the current one in T&T, some carpetbaggers do not meet this criteria for an Olympic ambassador. It seems that the IOC (and now the International Gymnastics Federation) may not be as formidable in their approach to ethics and corruption as their Charter suggests.
This is not Trinidad’s first situation of carpetbagging. Enter Chris Birchall, a member of the 2006 Soca Warriors Team who scored the equalising goal against Bahrain, which assisted T&T in qualifying for the World Cup in Germany. His mother was Trinidadian, but he was born, raised and trained in the UK, and received permission to play for T&T based on “me mum”. Some will rightfully argue that without his carpetbagging, we would never have made it to Germany. But football is a team sport, and supporters of Birchall’s involvement can easily win the argument in that vein, especially since local Dennis Lawrence scored the winning goal in the second match. However, would qualification have happened without Chris Birchall?
Carpetbagging does have its pros, as in the Chris Birchall case. Marisa Dick’s argument is that her carpetbagging will allow T&T gymnastics to be represented at the Olympics. True. But there is a bigger issue. Let’s reverse the positions of Thema and Marisa in the World Championship in 2015. Let’s say they both qualified for the Rio Test Event, but Marisa placed higher than Thema, and based on the contract, Marisa, who received the higher score, would go to RIo. Now think…as a Trinbagonian, would you rather a carpetbagger who has no connection to us, except Mommy’s passport, represent T&T? Or would you prefer someone from our own loins, one who we have moulded, who still obtained qualifying, albeit lower, scores?
A difficult decision for many people, but I believe that national pride plays a much larger role than just placement in a competition and qualifying scores. In the end, what brings a country together is national pride, as evidenced by the Soca Warriors in 1990 and 2006. Furthermore, in these times of recession, crime, and the downward spiralling of personal morals, evidenced by the bottomless potholes dug by the TTGF along the road to Rio, national pride is more important than ever in this matter.
My point is that the criteria for selection of foreign nationals cannot just be qualifying scores and a passport. In all matters of carpetbagging, the country of representation needs to carefully weigh the pros and cons for the country given the current social and political climate, and the situation of the athlete, all in the context of the Olympic Charter before deciding on representation. It is not simply a case of using Mommy’s passport. Where one draws the line regarding representation is very grey, and possibly should be considered on a case-by-case basis…unless you’re India which prohibits foreign nationals from representing the country altogether.
A fundamental goal of Olympism is the “promotion of a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.” Sport is supposed to unite, not divide. The TTOC needs to carefully consider what their decision will mean to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, especially given our grave current social climate. Care should be taken not to insult the population, but rather promote unity. What does carpetbagging mean to the citizens of T&T? How does TTOC value national pride? We shall soon see…
Carla Rauseo, DPT, CSCS, ATRIC is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Instructor at Total Rehabilitation Centre in San Juan.
https://www.guardian.co.tt/…/carpetbagging-gymnastics-%E2%8…
http://www.totalrehabtt.com
http://www.facebook.com/aquabalancett
not supporting carpetbagger Dick #ToniAnnWilliams
Be aware that there are Trinidadians and Tobagnians who compete in the Olympics under foreign flags. Former 400M World hurdles Champion ‘Kerron Clement’ comes to mind.
Go! Be on your way Ms Dick. Zika awaits you.
oh gyad ohhh
Lolol
Real Dick move…
Is this a victory to celebrate? TTOC needs to read over what the Olympics really stand for. This decision is not a representation of what they are about fairness, equality, true sportsmanship. Is making history for us so much more important? Just as Dick history for all the wrong reasons. Contrary to what others may say wishing harm to people and being downright nasty is just as bad I take no part in that but rather a voice for Thema and all the other youth of this country that want adults to do as they say, walk the talk because young people watching and this generation NEED moral people in their corner not money not things not prestige nor any of the crap they putting value to today! THEMA NO ONE HOLDS YOUR DESTINY IN THEIR HANDS MORE THAN THE ALMIGHTY YOU GO WHERE HE LEADS TAKE THAT LESSON FROM THIS NIGHTMARE STAND STRONG!
I have no friends Kester. I am my only friend. I agree with Keith where we should have abandoned for PRINCIPLE as long as the TTOC would have not been penalised.
Thema is the real hero in all of this. Was it hard to say that if Marissa really wanted to represent us that she do it the right way at the next olympics. I guess her team didn’t think that she could do it either, so stealing was the only way. So disappointed. I will be supporting another country.
As a boy My Grandmother’s always used to impress upon that “The Upholder worse than the thief”…. Maybe Granny should have adopted TTOC
That is so very true.
I Feel for Thema…. I’m not Going to Discriminate against Merissa though, She Gets My Support come Olympics.
Lewis you for real? ????…
Ok class, the lesson today is, ‘It is ok to steal what you did not earn because it is good for the country. ‘
http://www.olympic.org/Documents/olympic_charter_en.pdf
I do believe that this would be the first time Trinbago will not celebrate an Olympic medal…that is if she even wins one ??
Natasha I hear you girl. But you know the suspect thing is if Ms. Dick even had some inkling, hope, potential to medal at the olympics, I’m sure the Canadian board ( having greater experience in this than our TTGF) would of been able to suss that out the get go. We can all safely guess that this nationally-confused “Trinidadian on the floor but Canadian at heart” would not of felt the need to resort to a “Plan B, C, D … whatever” to GT to the olympics.
ikr
History was created by Thema…. who actually earned her spot…. Dick just showing face in Rio…. She is not the one who creating history…..
Girl her name says it all. She is advertising and representing exactly what her name stands for and mean. Not Trinidad and Tobago.
Is it only me but I saw where they could not select Thema because she did not take part in the qualifying event in Brazil. The TTOC did what was best in that it is the first time we will have a representative at the Olympics in Gymnastics that in itself is history making. I hope Thema destroys the TTGF in court and they be made to pay for their treachery. I also hope that Marissa Dick is able to do well enough to ensure that we stamp our presence in the Olympics. One thing I have seen over the years is that do not count anybody out. In the heat of compitition anything can happen.
Oh now, no hate for injury pls.
But Gordon, as you said, “in the heart of competition, anything can happen”. ….and it has. A federation abused their powers to “install” their honeybunch. Thema jumped through their hoops & still came out on top, and they still knocked her off in the 99th hour. And apparently the Dick family was involved in such bias. There is no pride in this representation. None.
Marisa Dick is not representing Trinidad and Tobago. She is representing herself so she could have a move named after her. It is only because Canada booted her out that she suddenly knows T&T. Who the hell cares whether she wins or not. She and her mother could stuff it. Shades of our deceitful pastor.
Sadly i too agree with Ade Inniss-King. I rather no one than someone who connived to steal a place at the olympics. Wonder if Marisa will continue to represent Trinidad for next olympic or going running back to the Canadian saying she got the experience now chose her
I think the TTOC hands were tied. They had to seek legal advice and based their decision on the FIG selection…. Which can still be questioned due to the conflict of interest and if they breached their own regulations.
However… They could have still chosen to stand on the fact the Marisa while accredited by FIG the process to remove Thema was questioned and due process not followed. Therefore, is the accreditation valid?
But… They didn’t… Based on legal advice…
When I look at this Thema Williams and Marisa Dick issue my mind then goes back to Bob Marley’s prophetic words, “until the colour of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes, there is war”.
Kyle Blades . What’s colour got to do with it?
Yes, guys, make it all about race now. WTH.
Please do not direct your belief to me. I am not bound by the shackles of a time gone by and refuse to cause such to undermine the future. I do not see race and although I would hope others do as I do, I recognise and accept that many don’t which is okay also. Be blessed.
Spare a thought for Thema, she may appear strong but I’m sure she’s hurting inside. It might be even harder for her when the Olympics start and her event is on TV knowing she should be there representing her country instead of Dick. So it will get even harder for her.
Exactly what is Clause 13 of the Olympic charter ?
Of course
Facical! Inclusive of Brian Lewis’ and the TTOC inaction. The TTGF didn’t name the the athlete months after the qualifying tournament that Thema beat Marissa. Why didnt the TTOC demand that info from the TTGF. Quite frankly I’m disappointed that Brian Lewis and crew aren’t being raked over the coals for this issue.
Noo she really needs a miracle because she will face the wrath of trinis if she doesnt! If you and your camp fought so hard to take another person’s hard earn spot at the olympics then you beeeeeeettttterrrr produce something for all that they have done.
Sickening
SORRY. Not my representative.
History by thiefing someone else’s dream away hours before the Test in Rio…..
Dick ain’t bringing home no medal. If she does that would be a miracle
Well I know the TTOC busy soliciting donations from the public to support Team TTO at the Olympics. And I now plenty people like myself were waiting to see who ends up on that team. Well “not a dam cent for dem”
We have to support our athletes to Rio but we do not have to support a Canadian, self-confessed, representing our country. Must impose a conditionality on our support.
Sorry. TTOC is well aware that nobody wants the Dick. They probably weren’t expecting much public funds anyway and relying on corporate donation. Because the public is not spending their money to see it end up helping the Dicks
why they should need to solicit funds from the public after treating our calls for transparency and answers with disdain? Let “Princess” dig in his pocket, looks deep enough
I wish that there was some way to get Thema on the US team. Again ah saying this girl better bring home ah medal because they wouldn’t be able to find even the skinniest pothound to greet her at the airport if she doesn’t.
Good for her I hope she makes Canada proud !
Me too Jo Rhi
Lol