LONDON, CMC – St Kitts and Nevis’ most decorated athlete Kim Collins was yesterday barred from competing in the men’s Olympic 100 metres for breaching team rules and says his career for the tiny Caribbean country could now be over.
According to reports, the veteran sprinter was disciplined by St Kitts and Nevis team management for leaving the athletes village for an extended period of time.
“Kim has not been in camp the last couple of days,” Lester Hanley, a St Kitts and Nevis team spokesman, was quoted as saying.
The National Olympic Committee’s general secretary, Alphonso Bridgewater said Collins had not been in contact with team officials since earlier in the week.
“The NOC of St Kitts & Nevis has not seen or heard from Kim Collins for the last three days,” Bridgewater was quoted as saying. “We are unaware of his whereabouts.”
Several media reports said Collins had been visiting his wife and coach in a hotel.
The 36-year-old, who carried the St Kitts flag at last Friday’s opening ceremony and is in his fifth Olympics, broke the news via twitter.
“My fans. I won’t lie. Won’t be running later tonight,” Collins tweeted. “This can’t be right. Olympics number 5 and no Kim Collins.”
He also added: “Even men in prison get their wives to visit.”
Though he is entered in next week’s 200 metres and the sprint relay, he has cast doubt over his involvement in the remainder of the Olympics by tweeting: “For those who saw me run in Mexico. That’s the last time I represent my country.”
Collins was referring to the Pan American Games in Guadalajara last October when he won silver in the 100m.
Hanley said he too was unsure about Collins participation in the half-lap.
“That I can’t answer at this point whether they will give it further consideration,” the official said.
Collins had been down to compete in the heat number seven but was a no-show. The race was won by Great Britain’s Dwain Chambers.
The decision to ban Collins drew swift reaction from former Trinidad and Tobago sprint star Ato Boldon, now a television analyst.
“These federations need to get over themselves. Kim Collins is a world champion and a pioneer. Leave him alone and find the next Kim!,” tweeted the outspoken Boldon, who is a four-time Olympic medallist.
Canadian sprint hurdler Perdita Felicien, the 2003 World champion but who missed out on qualification for the London Games, also blasted the decision via twitter.
“St. Kitts doesn’t allow Kim Collins to start in the men’s 100m?! Your flag bearer?! A trail blazer & your [national] icon … ludicrous!”
Collins is the most recognised sports personality to ever emerge from St Kitts, winning the 100m at the 2003 World Championships in Paris and taking bronze in Daegu last year.
He has never won an Olympic medal, however.