I had never known a Guyanese had won a medal at the Olympics until I learned that Michael Parris did it in 1980, when he won a bronze for Boxing. This year, I cheered for our contingent and was hopeful that we would bring home a medal or two. Even though that did not happen, I am still proud of them. Troy Davis reaching the finals in the men’s triple jump and placing 7th is to be celebrated and so are all the other athletes, for their efforts. After all, qualifying for the Olympics is in itself quite an achievement.
Every Olympic Games, I find myself cheering for and celebrating with Jamaica because they excel, especially in track and field. Many Guyanese who want to be caught up in the euphoria of the Olympics cheer for them. But we must ask ourselves: why can’t Guyana, excel in same fashion as Jamaica? Do we not have skilled sportsmen and women who not only have the ability to not qualify for the Olympics, but bring home medals as well? We certainly do because Guyana is not a country that lacks talent or skills.