media_artricles :: 2014

Hurdler Thomas finally receives Elite Athlete allocation

TWO-TIME TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympic 110-metres hurdler, Mikel Thomas, and a handful other national sporting representatives have finally received their respective allocations from the Ministry of Sport’s Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP).

After being evicted from his Florida apartment while en route to the XX Commonwealth Games in July and abruptly ending his volunteer coaching job at the University of Florida due to the constant “unavailability of funds” from the Ministry, Thomas received his portion of financial assistance on Wednesday.

With his last disbursement of EAAP monies coming in May 2013, Thomas was relieved, but noted that communication between this nation’s elite athletes, especially those foreign-based, and the Ministry should be heightened to prevent similar situations in the future.

“I am very grateful but there are still athletes waiting (to receive funding),” said Thomas yesterday. “This is not the resolution because the problem still remains. We as athletes and administrators have to communicate and work together for the development and growth of sport in Trinidad and Tobago. We still have a way to go to help make some reform and potential policy change but first there needs to be respect, appreciation and the communication with input of athletes moving forward.”

The current national 110m hurdles record holder (13.19 seconds) also called for unity and cooperation between both factions. He stated that athletes like himself, and all others, are ambassadors for the country and must have a good relationship with their administrative superiors to ensure clear understanding between both parties.

Drawing reference to a statement made by president of the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Ephraim Serrette, published in another newspaper last week, Thomas was appalled.

Speaking in relation to EAAP’s failure to deliver their promises to athletes on time, Serrette commented, “Athletes need to understand that the country does not owe them anything. They can choose to run for the country or not. Jamaican athletes do not get (state) assistance.”

In a respectful response to the NAAA president’s remark, Thomas questioned, “If you destroy, hide or even discourage the athletes and their potential, what would be left of sport? There is no accountability by administration to the athletes or sport. Could you imagine how successful we could be if we had the help and support we ask for when we ask for it, let alone if we didn’t have to ask? How fast or powerful the body would preform if it didn’t have to live off of scraps and little rest?”

He continued, “If we disappear, what will happen then? How does statements like that develop the sport and help move us forward? Where is the accountability or respect? What parent or child would want to follow statements like that into battle. That those you represent don’t really care about you.”

From here though, Thomas is weighing his options, now that he can. Presently in Trinidad, the former national champion is contemplating returning to his Florida base and resuming his stint as assistant coach. He is also considering heading over to the World Athletics Centre in Arizona to train alongside some of the world’s best hurdlers or remaining in TT to further his athletic development.

“I can’t just leave (Trinidad) right now. We have to find a way to better ensure things like this don’t happen again and that we are better developing. At some point I will have to return to the States but for now I want to work on the communication and relation between athletes and administrators.”

Thomas concluded saying that his final decision on his athletic future should be made by or following the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in November. During this time, he hopes to put himself in the best position to be successful while also laying a foundation here (TT) that will allow up-and-coming athletes and others the same opportunities.

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