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• Olympic dream in jeopardy, attorneys to file urgent appeal for hammer thrower Nayoka Clunis

  Attorneys representing Jamaica’s hammer thrower Nayoka Clunis are set to file an urgent appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad hoc committee if the uncertainty surrounding her participation in the 2024 Olympic Games remains unresolved by 5 pm today, Wednesday, July 16.

  Despite achieving a National Record of 71.83 metres in May, ranking her in the top 32 in the world this year, Clunis's dream of competing on the world’s biggest stage is now hanging in the balance due to a blunder from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

  The 28-year-old, who placed second at the JAAA National Senior Championships, initially believed she was on her way to the Olympics. However, her excitement turned to dismay when she learned that her name was omitted from the JAAA’s official list submitted to World Athletics.

  “Following the Jamaican Olympic Trials, I was elated to receive notification of my official selection to Team Jamaica. Unfortunately, I have since found myself in a difficult position. Due to an omission made by the Jamaican Athletics Administration Association, my name was not officially submitted to World Athletics. As such, I do not have a position in the Olympic Games,” Clunis shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

  However, after no word forthcoming from the JAAA, attorneys representing the frustrated athlete - Dr. Emir Crowne and local attorney Sayeed Bernard – have written to the JAAA informing of their intended action.

  "Mr. Bernard and I act for Ms. Nayoka Clunis, an athlete who should be well-known to you by now. As is also common ground, the JAAA’s admitted negligence (gross negligence, in some jurisdictions) has put Ms. Clunis’ Olympic dreams in jeopardy. In the absence of any updates as to Ms. Clunis’ situation by 5 p.m. today, we have been instructed to file an emergency appeal to the CAS’s ad hoc division."

  The letter continued, "Indeed, we are hopeful that an appeal to the CAS is not necessary, but the JAAA’s negligence and radio silence since July 7th has left our client with few options, not to mention the irreparable damage this has done to the mental and emotional well-being. Athletes deserve better."

  While Clunis awaits a resolution, her plight underscores the importance of strong administrative leadership, as the oversight by the JAAA could potentially rob an athlete who has shown remarkable dedication in her sport of the opportunity to achieve her dream on the global stage.

   

   

• Trinidad and Tobago's storied Olympic journey and prospects for Paris 2024

  Trinidad and Tobago's Olympic history is rich with moments of triumph and perseverance. The journey began in 1946 when the twin-island nation formed a committee, eventually gaining full recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Since then, Trinidad and Tobago have competed in every Summer Olympic Games, making their mark on the global stage.

  The first notable participation came in 1948 when Rodney Wilkes won the nation’s first Olympic medal, a silver in the men’s featherweight division in weightlifting at the London Olympics. Wilkes continued his success by securing a bronze medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Trinidad and Tobago's first gold medal came in 1976 when Haseley Crawford won the men’s 100m in track and field athletics at the Montreal Summer Olympic Games. This historic victory was a monumental achievement, putting Trinidad and Tobago on the map in the athletics world.

  Ato Boldon stands out as one of Trinidad and Tobago's most decorated Olympians, having won four medals in his illustrious career. Boldon claimed bronze in both the 100m and 200m at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and followed up with a silver in the 100m and another bronze in the 200m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His achievements cemented his status as a track and field legend for the nation.

  In more recent history, Keshorn Walcott brought home gold in javelin at the 2012 London Olympics, adding to the country's illustrious track and field legacy. Walcott continued to shine by winning a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and now, he aims for a third Olympic medal in Paris. Additionally, the nation received a gold medal in the 2008 men’s 4x100 relay after Jamaica was disqualified due to a doping violation by Nesta Carter.

  

  As Trinidad and Tobago prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the nation has much to look forward to. Securing spots in the 4x100m and men's 4x400m relay teams at the World Athletics Relay Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, on May 5, 2024, highlights their continued strength in athletics.

  The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee has announced a team of 17 athletes, including seven women and 10 men, who will compete in athletics, cycling, and swimming. Among the notable athletes is Michelle-Lee Ahye, a seasoned sprinter known for her speed and competitive spirit. Jereem Richards, another formidable contender over 200m and 400m, will join her on the track. In the pool, Dylan Carter is an accomplished swimmer with a history of strong performances. Keshorn Walcott, the Olympic gold and bronze medalist in javelin, is looking to add a third Olympic medal to his collection. Nicholas Paul, a world-class cyclist participating in his second Olympic Games, will be joined by fellow cyclist Kwesi Browne, adding depth to the team’s cycling prospects.

  The team will be supported by a dedicated group of officials and coaches, including manager Dexter Voisin, Chef De Mission Lovie Santana-Duke, Chief Medical Officer Rudranath Ramsawak, and Olympic medalist Keston Bledman.

  With a total of 19 Olympic medals—15 in track and field, three in weightlifting, and one in swimming—Trinidad and Tobago have a proud history of Olympic success. The 2024 Paris Games represent another opportunity for the nation to showcase its athletic prowess and continue its legacy of excellence on the world stage.

   

   

   

   

• The best shot: Jamaica's shot put queen Thomas-Dodd targets Olympic finals in Paris

  As Jamaica's shot put queen, Danniel Thomas-Dodd, has achieved much over the years. But she is not entirely satisfied, and as such, intends to once again etch her name in the annals of the country’s track and field history in Paris.

  Fresh off her ninth national title win at the JAAA National Senior Championships, Thomas-Dodd has her sights set on at least making it to the finals in what will be her third Olympic Games appearance, as she hopes to build on her legacy in the circle.

  The experienced campaigner, whose journey is characterized by relentless dedication and a drive to succeed, launched the instrument to a season’s best 19.32m—to win ahead of Lloydricia Cameron (17.62m) and Danielle Sloley (13.55 m)—at the National Stadium, a performance she described as a confidence booster ahead of the global multi-sport showpiece.

  This, as her previous best performances were a 19.12m throw for sixth at the World Indoor Championships in Scotland and a 19.00m throw at the Harry Jerome Track Classic in Canada.

  “I would say it's definitely a huge confidence booster. We've been trying to piece the puzzle together going into the Olympics, so with this throw, I think we're a little bit closer to being ready to compete with the (proverbial) big dogs,” she told SportsMax.TV.

  Thomas-Dodd's path to the Paris Olympics has been one marked by both triumph and challenge, as such, her recent victory at the National Championships not only solidified her dominance in the event but also served as a testament to her consistency and resilience.

  

  “Coming into the championship, I was struggling a little bit to piece together the technique. So my coach asked me to give him a 19.3 metres throw because he knows I have what it takes, and if I could give him that distance in the National Stadium, then it's a right step in the right direction. So I trusted him and delivered, which makes me more comfortable going into Olympics with that level of confidence knowing that what we've been doing has been working,” Thomas-Dodd shared.

  With World Championships, World Indoor Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Pan American Games medals to her name, Thomas-Dodd is no stranger to the pressures and expectations that come with representing her country on the world stage.

  In fact, with the disappointment of the 2016 and 2020 Games in Rio and Tokyo, when she placed 25th and 13th, respectively, still fresh in her mind, the 31-year-old’s sights are firmly set on breaking into the finals on this occasion to once again demonstrate why she is regarded as one of the best in the business.

  “The number one aim is to ensure that I make it to the finals to give myself a fair chance of putting together something nice and possibly challenge for a medal. I know for sure it's definitely going to take over 20 metres to get on podium, but I've learned so much from my past experiences, and I believe that with the right preparation and mindset, I can achieve this,” she declared.

  “I have been trusting the process more, in previous years, I would have had far better throws earlier in the season, but this year we have kind of tapered to ensure that I get it right when it matters most. Like I said, I am much more motivated now, and my mental game is up, so hopefully it will all come together in Paris,” Thomas-Dodd added.