BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHILE the nation was this morning (Aug. 4) shocked and disappointed on hearing that the Federation’s sprint icon, Kim Collins, was ousted from the London Olympics 100m heat, officials from the St. Kitts-Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) intimated that he has no one to blame but himself.
In a release within which the SKNOC “regrettably announced” Collins’ departure from the Federation’s Olympic Team, the officials noted that he had regularly absented himself from training sessions and refused to communicate with them.
“Mr. Collins departure is down to his repeated absences from training sessions and also for refusing to respond to repeated phone calls and emails by Team Manager and Coaches. Furthermore Mr. Collins did not make an appearance for registration for his events at the Olympic Village yesterday as requested.”
The release also noted that apart from the 100m, he was slated to compete in the 200m and 4X100m Relay and that his absence would be greatly missed by the team, management and coaches in London.
“Mr. Collins was due to compete in the following track events in the Athletics field, namely, Men’s 100m, Men’s 200m and Men’s 4x100m Relay at London 2012. As a local hero to all Kittitians and Nevisians, an international sports star and former 100m champion, Mr. Collins absence will be greatly missed by the whole nation and of course the entire team here in the UK, management and coaches who have worked with Mr. Collins in the lead up to the Games.”
Team Manager Lester Hanley stressed that his absence is a tremendous disappoint to the team and the SKNOC wishes him well.
“Mr. Collins absence from London 2012 is a huge disappointment for the team and for the country, who will not witness their national hero perform at this largest global sports event. We wish him well.”
Collins’ non-participation had sent shockwaves across the twin-island Federation, as expectations were high of him medalling in the 100m or 200m, as well as the team performing creditably in the 4X100m Relay.
Earlier today, he tweeted: “My fans. I won’t lie. Won’t be running later tonight. For those who saw me run in Mexico. That’s the last time I represent my country.”
Local media reported that Collins had fallen out with SKNOC’s officials over a visit from his wife and he had hinted as much today.
“Even men in prison get their wives to visit,” he tweeted. “6 athletes and 9 officials. That ain’t enough to make some people happy. Omg.”
Many people had voiced their opinions on the local airwaves and some also commented on an article published by this media house. However, while some of them had cast blame on the officials of the SKNOC and also on St. Kitts’ political climate, Collins owe his fans and the nation an explanation similar to the one sent by the SKNOC.
Therefore, SKNVibes would like to suggest that an independent inquiry be commissioned to get to the root causes of not only this embarrassing situation, but also that of Tameka Williams.
