US based, Troy Doris, Guyana’s best bet to medal at the Olympic Games this August is currently here enjoying the Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations with his family.
But when the number three world ranked triple jumper returns to his training base in Chicago in five days, his sole focus is to leave a lasting impression on local athletes and at the Games in Rio De Janiero, Brazil.
These and other details were discussed yesterday at Olympic House where the 27-year old was introduced to the media by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG).
“I am very excited for the opportunity to represent Guyana,” said Doris in his opening remarks.
But my main intention is to be a catalyst. When I initially wanted to represent Guyana that was my priority. Me trying to get a medal is beautiful, of course it will be great to get a medal but how well can I try to exploit the talent in a good way in Guyana?
So like I said I want to be a catalyst to try to get more Guyanese involved in field events.”
Quizzed on whether he thinks he can medal at the Games in three months, Doris who rose to prominence after leaping 17.18m (national record) on May 14 in Florida had this to say.
“Knowing how track and field works, we know everybody has good and bad days. I will always hope for a medal.
I just know that how my training is going and what I am capable of, branching out and trying new things with my coach, the directions that it is going, I feel that I will make the finals and I know once I am in the finals I won’t be content, I will try and get a medal for Guyana, so that’s my mentality for now.”
Prior to competing at the Olympics, Doris will spend a month at the home of the Games in Greece then compete at Diamond League meets in Norway and Switzerland on June 8 and 14. According to president of the GOA, K Juman-Yassin, the Olympic Association will be footing the bill for all of Doris’ expenses. So far, three other track and field athletes, Brenessa Thompson, Aaliyah Abrams, and Winston George have qualified for the Games scheduled for August 5-21.
According to Chef-De-Mission of the sojourn, Garfield Wilshire, swimmers Jameela Sanmogan and Hannibal Gaskin or Andrew Fowler will also attend the Games on universality conditions. (Emmerson Campbell)
