BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE sports and athletic communities in St. Kitts-Nevis are mourning the loss of an outstanding athlete who passed away this morning (June 7).
Tesril Nisbett of Browne Hill, Nevis reportedly departed this life while at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
She was famous for being an avid footballer and was a member of the National Female Football Team. However, she was most commonly known for her skill in the javelin throw, an event which earned her many accolades including achieving the national record in that discipline in 2009. She also captured the bronze medal at the 2009 CARIFTA games in St. Lucia.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Osdel ‘Scotty’ Hanley of the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (SKNAAA) highlighted Nisbett’s love for sports and commented on his reaction upon learning of her death.
“She was extremely good but also loved football. Although she was in track and field she loved football more than track and field. The information that I gathered is that she was scheduled to participate at our National Championships next weekend… As I mentioned she has the record so she was exceptionally good in the javelin throw.”
He continued, “It came as a big shock to me when I got the phone call that she died because I was the manager of the 2009 CARIFTA team and she was a really nice person to be around. It is a sad day for us in track and field of St. Kitts and Nevis and we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her family, Gladiators Track Club - of which she was a part - and the entire track and field fraternity.”
Hanley also informed that the SKNAAA is seeking to honour Nisbett during some of its upcoming meets.
“We would want to name the javelin throw event at a Development Meet in honour of Tesril and we can decide if we will have that event in her honour at next weekend’s National Invitational and Club Championships.”
The St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association also expressed condolences on the loss of a fine athlete via their Facebook page.
“Today we say goodbye to an angel. Tesril Nisbett, a former national footballer left the earth today but will forever remain in the hearts of all those that she has touched. A young soul, but a very mature individual was she. A friend to all. Tesril, you will be missed by the enti (sic) football family. May your spirit remain amongst us always?”
Nisbett was selected as the 2010 Nevis "Sportswoman of the Year" for her success as an all-round athlete at the 5th Annual WINNFM Inside Edge KFC Sports Awards Ceremony held on March 8, 2013.
