media_artricles :: 2013

Anil: Bailey a great son of the soil

National sprinter Mc Donald Bailey died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday night. Bailey, who would have been 93 on Sunday, is an Olympic bronze medalist who won third place at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. He died with his family at his side. Bailey created history in 1946 by winning both the 100 and 220 yards at the British Open AAA Championships and thereafter (with the exception of 1948) amassed 15 AAA national titles which included seven print doubles and one relay between 1946-1953. He is the only Trinidad and Tobago athlete to appear in the Guinness Book of World Records from its inception, for holding the greatest number of National Athletic titles by any athlete. Bailey is also the only T&T sprinter to hold a world record in the 100 m (10.2) which was established in Belgrade Yugoslavia in 1951 and remained until 1956.

He held the British All Comers record for the 100 yards (9.6) as well as the European 100 metres (10.20) between1946-1953. Bailey was awarded the Chaconia Gold Medal in 1977 in recognition of his contribution to sport. He was an associate member of the institute of Journalists, London and has worked for the BBC (1970) Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh, and Olympic Games Rome 1960. He also worked as a journalist with columns in the Trinidad Express and the Catholic News. Bailey also wrote the book: “If its speed you’re after” and the booklet “Building Blocks before Starting Blocks”, a training guidance manual that also recognises his colleagues in T&T sport. He leaves to mourn his wife Doris, children, Christine, Robert, Joan, Richard and Rachael, grandchildren, Justin, Zo-Mari, Jessica, Jade, Sasha, Dominic, Jonathan, Jacqui and Tanya and Izzy, great grand children, Kane, Jacob, Tai, Michael, Anya, Dennis and Harlo.

Sport Minister Anil Roberts paid glowing tribute to bailey noting he enjoyed long life and had an illustrious career, the highlight of which was competing under the flag of the British Empire when he won 100m bronze at the Helsinki Olympic Games. “Bailey was a champion of excellence, not just on the track but in his family life as well.”

The Ministry of Sport honoured Bailey in 2012 at the Spirit of Sport Awards, bestowing a Lifetime Achievement Award on him. Although his failing health did not permit him to attend, his spirit was certainly present as his grandson-in-law accepted the award on his behalf. Roberts said: “Even though we have lost a great son of the soil, his legacy will live on through the thousands of persons who have benefited from his efforts and endeavours, both on and off the track. Bailey was a man who will be remembered as a consummate athlete, respected administrator, devoted husband, father and grandfather. His contribution to athletics, in particular, and to sport in general is greatly admired and will be missed.” The Olympic Committee also extended condolences to Bailey’s family. “Bailey's contribution to sport and sport history in T&T is significant and a testimony to his dedication and passion. His dignity, determination and courage in triumph and adversity served as a worthy example,” said the committee in a release.

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