'I want to help a Bermudian win a medal'

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 (UPDATE WEDNESDAY, NOV. 21):A former standout track star has decided it’s time for Bermuda to get on the podium for the Olympics.

Okay, most people know Dr Ewart Brown as the former Premier of Bermuda, but during the 1960s he was one of the island’s top track athletes.

He had even qualified for the 1968 Mexico games in the 400m but stadium delays saw him go off to medical school as it became a scheduling conflict.

On Wednesday Bermuda Healthcare Services, passed out $5,000 cheques to two-time Olympians Tyrone Smith and Arantxa King as well as $5,000 to Bermuda 800 metre record-holder Aaron Evans (see front page).

Former Premier Dr Ewart Brown, who represented Bermuda internationally and is the executive chairman of Bermuda Healthcare Services, said giving back to the sport was the right thing to do.

“I always wanted to get involved, but it was never the right time until now.”

Dr Brown attended the London Olympics and had to listen to barbs from his Jamaican friends and said he wanted to do his part to help get a Bermudian on the podium for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He had qualified for the 1968 Mexico Olympics in the 400m but was unable to attend because the construction was delayed and he had to attend medical school.

“For me it was a bit of unfinished business, but after going to London the fever came back and I decided that at this point, since I can’t qualify for myself, I would try to do something to assist these young people.

Below are King’s and Smith’s views on the grant.

Making the finals is my goal

Arantxa King said: “This means so much to me especially as an up-and-coming athlete trying to break through into the professional circuit. Donations and the support of other people make all the difference because I need a massage or have a little hiccup. It’s all very useful and I’m very grateful for it and it definitely will go a long way for me.”

King is currently training in Boston after having graduated from Stanford University this past year.

“I’m looking to transition to the south within the next month to start my more focused training.

“My most abstract goal is to make the final of the World Championships next summer. I was so close in the Olympics, missed it by a hair and having the girl who beat me not show up because she tested positive, rubbed me the wrong way.”

This helps takes the stress away

Tyrone Smith said: “This makes a big difference because every month I have medical expenses, coaching expenses and I have, in the past, got to the point where I have ran out of my stipends so I never know when I’m going to need that extra little bit.

“The $5,000 does go a long way. I have coaching fees every month and I have medical expenses every week and it’s always nice to have something in the bank rather than waiting for something to come in.

“Every little bit helps so it does increase the percentage the amount of funds I have to support me. It will make a huge difference.

“I’m thinking ahead to the year and how many meets we will have. This is going to be a trying year and I won’t be able to work as much so this definitely takes some of the stress off my head. “