TCI: Olympic Dreams dashed, no competitors for TCI in Tokyo

#TurksandCaicos, July 8, 2021 – It was undoubtedly a heartbreaking moment for TCI’s first Olympian, Delano Williams at the UK Olympic trials where after barely making the finals, Williams had to withdraw from the race due to a hamstring injury. 

Williams issued a video message to explain to his supporters, particularly those in the Turks and Caicos Islands that the doctor’s advised it was best he sit it out; the race was too risky.  

Williams put all his effort in the 200m and so it was the only opportunity for the 2016 Olympian to make Team GB, no doubt a disappointing reality when he learned he would not be returning for Olympic glory in the Tokyo Summer Games next month. 

Qualifying times for the games in the men’s 200m is 20.24 seconds, the top finisher in the final, Adam Gemili was unable to get that qualifying time, but told commentators at the Muellers British Athletics meet, he has five weeks to improve himself and is assured a spot on Team Great Britain. 

Delano ran 21.11 in his heat; his personal best is 20.27.

Ifeanyi Otuonye and Yanique Hay Smith are also with hearts dashed after not making Team Great Britain to advance to the Tokyo Olympics this Summer. 

National record holder in the Long Jump, Ifeanyi missed making it by one position; he placed fourth in his event admitting that it has been a tough season, with no coach it made delivering his best that much harder but ultimately, always the professional Ifeanyi had a positive outlook; saying the ability to compete was a blessing. 

Sprinter and Hurdler, Yanique Haye-Smith, who earlier this year set a national record in the 60m posted that she would contest the 400m and the 400m hurdles at the UK Olympic trials. 

Looking super fit, Yanique was second in the hurdles in a time of 58.55; a personal best.  The Mueller British Athletics Meet was held in Manchester, beginning in late June.