Olympian Tucker Murphy honoured

 Statement by Premier Michael Dunkley

I’d like you to cast your minds back to February this year, when cross country skier Tucker Murphy was watched by millions of television viewers around the world hoisting the Bermuda flag proudly at the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

While other athletes were bundled up in winter coats and heavy snow gear, there was Tucker, along with the rest of the Bermuda delegation, boldly wearing Bermuda shorts. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Tucker Murphy is one of just three athletes to have represented Bermuda at the Winter Olympics. He also has the distinction of being Bermuda’s first Olympic skier. Needless to say, Tucker has represented Bermuda with pride.

And today I am delighted to join the Minister of Community, Culture and Sports and members of the Bermuda Olympic Association in recognizing Tucker’s efforts in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

This past Monday, June 23, Olympic Day was celebrated worldwide. In fact, June 23, 1894, is considered as the birthdate of the modern Olympic Movement.

The first annual commemorative World Olympic Day was celebrated on the same date in 1948. Since then Bermuda has joined many other countries in remembering the day and week in various ways.

This week the Olympic Flag was raised at the Flagpole in Hamilton in commemoration.

Also in honour of this day the Government is pleased to join the Bermuda Olympic Association in presenting Tucker Murphy with a uniquely minted pin from the International Olympic Association.

Ladies and gentlemen - this Government will always support those gifted athletes who represent our Country in the global sports arena – whether it’s the Carifta Games, the Commonwealth Games or at the Olympics.

Our athletes are role models for their peers and I think that it is most appropriate for us to recognise their excellence in all spheres. 

As I close, I should note that in addition to being an accomplished athlete, Tucker is also well respected and widely regarding professionally.  He was a Rhodes Scholar, obtained a Masters of Science in Integrative Bioscience and went on to earn his Doctorate in Zoology from Oxford.

So Tucker is indeed a distinguished Bermudian who has represented Bermuda extremely well in numerous forums.

Thank you.