media_artricles :: 2016

Crawford to be honoured today for Olympic gold 40th anniversary

HASELY JOAQUIM Crawford, the first Trinidad and Tobago athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, will be the main attraction at a commemorative event today.

The 40th anniversary of Crawford's Olympic success, in the men's 100-metre sprint at the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada, will be honoured at a special event at Joseph's, located at 3A Rookery Nook, Maraval from 5.30 pm.

Crawford copped gold at the Olympic Stadium, Montreal in a time of 10.06 seconds to make history for this nation. In lane one, he crossed the finish line ahead of fierce rival Donald Quarrie of Jamaica and Valeriy Borzov of the Soviet Union.

Crawford was the seventh of 11 children, born to Lionel and Phyllis Crawford on August 16 1950 in San Fernando.

He attended San Fernando SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) School and San Fernando Boys Government School, where he was able to hone his athletic skills by utilising the extra time he gained in the morning when his father dropped him off an hour early for classes.

In 1963, free universal secondary school education was not yet available, so Crawford, age 13 years, sat the entrance exam for the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) School. He passed, enrolling in the institution right after his 14th birthday. However, tragedy soon struck when his father died from heart complications and the single parent family could no longer afford the private school fees. Crawford was un-deterred from pursuing an education and four months later he succeeded in the entrance exams to the San Fernando Technical Institute where he spent three years studying machine shop crafts.

Crawford then started participating in races against other youths, developing himself further as a sprinter. He successfully navigated his way through regional competitions, qualifying for the Olympics four times from 1972 to 1980. His elevation to the throne of sprinters in 1976, was astounding, with only his handlers and himself believing that winning the Olympic gold medal was achievable.

The achievement on July 24 1976, came against all odds. His name was the least discussed in the build-up to the finals, with race commentator OJ Simpson, the former American football star, dismissively asking: "Who he?" Simpson focused on Quarrie, reigning champ Borzov, and the Americans Harvey Glance and John Jones, in a field that also included Panama's Guy Abrahams, East Germany's Dieter Kurrat and Bulgaria's Peter Petrov.

Crawford, however, dramatically changed the script, running away with the gold medal to inspire an outburst of celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago.

As would be expected, the feat established Crawford as a national hero and icon and he was conferred the highest honour bestowed to any citizen, the Trinity Cross, in 1978.

Crawford also had a jet, as well as the National Stadium named after him, while he was given a house in the upscale Federation Park, Port of Spain area by the Government.

For his long, distinguished representation and achievement, he was declared Trinidad and Tobago's Athlete of the Millennium 2000.

He currently serves as a trustee in the NAAA (National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago).

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Hit the heights of athletic glory with stunning victory in the 100 metres final (Lane 1, 10.06 seconds) at the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, Montreal, Canada.

Trinidad and Tobago's first gold medal success in Olympic Games history.

Tributes included the branding of his name on a BWIA Jet, four free flights per year lifetime, ownership of residence in upscale suburban Port-of-Spain.

Awarded Trinidad and Tobago's highest national award – The Trinity Cross (now The Order Of The Republic Of Trinidad and Tobago) in 1978.

Celebrated as TT 's lone Olympic Games gold medallist until August 11 2012 – 36 years later – when javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott became second gold medallist, winning the javelin throw final at London 2012 Games.

National Stadium, Mucurapo officially re-named Hasely Crawford Stadium in 2001 in recognition of his achievement.

Missed out on challenge for dual gold at Montreal 1976 – groin injury stopping his run in 200-metre final.

Made first of four consecutive Olympic Games representation for Trinidad and Tobago at 1972 Games of Munich, Germany – Did not finish in 100-m final (hamstring injury).

Reached quarter-finals only of 100-metre sprint-title defence in 3rd Olympics appearance – 1980 Games of Moscow, Russia.

First athlete to represent TT at four Olympic Games.

Competed in three British Commonwealth Games: 1970 (international debut) – Edinburgh, Scotland – bronze medal 100 m, relay team sixth.; 1978 – Edmonton, Canada – bronze medal 100 m, relay team silver medal; 1982 – Brisbane, Australia – 100-metre semi-finalist.

Regular selection on TT teams for Pan American and CAC Games between 1970 and 1983.

Pan American Games 1975, Mexico City – silver medallist, 100 m.

Gold medallist – TT 's 4x100 m relay team (Anthony Husbands, Edwin Noel, Ephraim Serrette, Hasely Crawford), CAC Games 1977, Medellin, Colombia.

Enrolled at Eastern Michigan State University in United States in January 1971 ahead of 1972 first Olympic Games appearance.

TT 's Sportsman Of The Years 1972, 1976, 1977 (jointly with swimmer Richard Fernandes).

Dominated home 100-metre sprints, winning six national championships and a 100-200 double in 1976.

Awarded title of Trinidad and Tobago's Athlete of The Millennium (1900-2000).

Has served as mentor, manager and coach of TT promising athletes and teams represented at regional and international Games.

Declared one of Trinidad and Tobago's select 50 Sports Legends at 30 August 2012 Independence Anniversary celebration function commemorating TT 's 50 years of Independence. (sportarchivestt.com)

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