BOC expectations for London 2012 pt. 1

Fri, Mar 30th 2012, 06:30 AM

The Games of the 30th Olympiad are scheduled to take place in London, England, July 27-August 12 this year. The Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) is nearing its final preparation for the delegation that will travel to the United Kingdom for London 2012.
Secretary General Romell Knowles gave a rather comprehensive overview when we communicated recently. He says the BOC is impressed with the youth element. He ventured however, that The Bahamas has to hope for a wild card entry, for tennis participation. There is enthusiasm over the rather nice blend of the young talent and the veterans.
Shaunae Miller and Anthonique Strachan are the very young sprinters. Then, there are Sheniqua Ferguson, Nivea Smith and Cache Armbrister. The two veteran sprinters are Chandra Sturrup and Debbie McKenzie.
"We have two high school athletes achieving the 'A' standards, namely Anthonique Strachan and Shaunae Miller. This is perhaps the youngest team assembled. It's not long before the baton is handed over to Sheniqua and Nivea but they will be challenged by the young, talented presence of Shaunae and Anthonique. We think Chandra is an incredible athlete and is the Bahamian version of Merlene Ottey. Her accomplishments are to be celebrated and being a part of the Olympic team as a leader is invaluable because of her experience.
"Debbie, we all know, will rise to the occasion as an accomplished athlete. She is a true patriot and team leader. We again, are very fortunate that Debbie will be there to lead the way before turning over the baton to the young ladies who will do The Bahamas very proud. I'm sure, I'm very confident that the girls are in good hands. They are all competitive and have a passion for representing their country. They are all great ambassadors and will give us excellent representation," said Knowles.
What about the question mark regarding a proposed tennis team? There is not a straight path yet, to Bahamian tennis representation at the London 2012 event. Had Mark Knowles taken part in the last Davis Cup round, the situation would have been much clearer because of his world ranking.
"With respect to Mark, I am advised that there was a conflict in scheduling and Mark could not break his obligations. He really tried but was under obligations to his partner and sponsors. He was very remorseful and regrets not participating in Davis Cup. It should be mentioned that he is a true patriot and really regrets this most unfortunate circumstance. Further, The Bahamas might participate in the Olympics as a wildcard," disclosed the BOC secretary general.
Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) President Steve Turnquest is optimistic. He informed that names have been sent in. The men submitted are Jamaal Adderley, Marvin Rolle, Timothy Neely and Rodney Carey, along with Knowles.
The female names sent in are Simone Pratt, Kerrie Cartwright, Nikkita Fountain, Larikah Russell and Gabrielle Moxey. The final decision is up to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), according to Turnquest. The expectation is for that final verdict to come in from the ITF in the near future.
o In tomorrow's column, the BOC secretary general addresses other matters in his overview. To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at fredericksturrup@gmail.com.

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