BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts - THERE is no bad blood between legendary sprinter Kim Collins and the St. Kitts and Nevis Amateur Athletics Association (SKNAAA), according to Public Relations Officer Evris Huggins.
This statement follows comments made by Collins after he won the 100m at the Birmingham Diamond League meet over the last weekend, where he stated that he was hoping to have a pass to RIO.
The 40-year-old sprinter was asked by a reporter about his expectation for the season, to which he informed that he was hopeful of getting a pass to what is expected to be his last Olympic Games.
“I achieve my first goal which was to go under 10 seconds at 40. And I am hoping to get a free pass at Rio based on the behaviour back at home that is shocking to me that after so many years a person can behave that way…”
In an invited comment, Huggins told SKNVibes Sports that the last information he received was that the St. Kitts native would be competing at the June trial, which is a prerequisite for all athletes who are willing to be selected for the Olympic Games track and field team.
“When I checked, Collins said that he would have been returning home to compete at Nationals and I am not aware of any issues between the SKNAAA and Kim Collins. As a matter of fact, Collins is on the SKNAAA,” explained Higgins.
Collins has been dominating the track circuit but today (Jun. 9) he was unable to complete his race at the Oslo event where he pulled up before the finish line.
Huggins explained that “once the Federation holds a Nationals, the athletes have to compete, and that is one of the requirements except there is a waiver for the athlete”.
Should Collins be fit for the Nationals, he is expected to receive stiff competition from the likes of Brijesh Lawrence and company.
Collins has already attained the Olympic qualifying standard when he ran a personal best of 9.93s to set a new Masters Record.
The Olympic trials for the athletes will be held on June 18-19 at the Kim Collins Athletics Stadium in Bird Rock.
