BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts - AFTER some three-plus years of contention between the Federation’s legendary sprinter, Kim Collins, and the St. Kitts-Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC), a decision was taken to settle their differences and to seek a better relationship going forward.
The decision was made mere hours before the deadline for submission of names of athletes selected by the local Olympic Committee to St. Kitts and Nevis at the 2016 Rio Games next month.
In a joint statement by the SKNOC and Collins issued on Tuesday (Jul. 19), the path has been cleared for the athlete to participate at the upcoming Rio Games under the Federation’s banner, thus bringing an end to the long-standing issues between the two parties.
According to the statement, issues stemming from the 2012 Olympic Games were discussed between the two parties over the last weekend via teleconference.
The meeting was as a result of a long-standing commitment by the SKNOC to finally resolve the dispute and offer Collins the opportunity to compete in Rio 2016, the document stated.
SKNOC President Alphonso Bridgewater indicated in the document that he “personally” welcomes the new development and is pleased that “Mr. Collins is now willing to compete for his country”.
“The SKNOC and Kim Collins are committed to working together with renewed goodwill and in the interest of athletes of the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Team and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The full extent of our energies must now be focused on the final preparations and performance of the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Team in Rio.”
Collins, who has attained the qualifying standard for the Games, did not participate in the local trials due to an injury sustained while competing at the international Diamond League Circuit.
He subsequently submitted a waiver which was recently discussed by the Executive Members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Amateur Athletics Association (SKNAAA), and SKNVibes Sports understands that his name was put forward for selection to compete at the Games.
The SKNOC noted that in moving towards participation, the body has given its blessing to the NF/SKNAAA to nominate Collins for selection on the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Team as long as he satisfies the specific requirements.
In order to compete, Collins would have to sign off on and adhere to the standard of the local Olympic Committee Athletes Contract for the 2016 Games.
Collins was quoted as saying: “I am extremely happy that our longstanding issues have finally been put to rest, and I will once again have the honour of representing my country in track and field. With this behind us, my coach and I will now continue to put our full focus on ensuring that I am in the best shape for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.”
The Olympic Games will begin on Friday, August 5 and ends on Sunday, August 21, 2016.
