Statement By The PM On The Passing Of Thomas A Robinson

Mon, Nov 26th 2012, 10:10 AM

Robinson in 1960Statement by Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie on the passing of Thomas Augustus Robinson November 25th, 2012  I am very deeply saddened by the passing of Thomas Augustus Robinson.

Tommy died earlier today after enduring a long illness with enormous courage, grace and dignity. This is a great personal loss for me because Tommy Robinson was one of my oldest and dearest friends. Far more than for me, however, Tommy's passing is a great loss for our nation.

As the pioneer of international track competition for the Bahamas, Tommy was the elder statesman of Bahamian athletics. He was a sporting hero of truly legendary status. He was in a class by himself, revered by all.

Although Tommy had many stellar moments in his career as a sprinter, his finest moment came in 1958 at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales where he was the sole entrant from the Bahamas, carrying in the flag for his country at the opening ceremonies all by himself, without either coach or manager.

Tommy would go on to win the gold medal in the 220 yards and the silver medal in the 100 yards sprint. Tommy's performances at these games represented a singular moment in our life as a people. What he achieved had never been done before. It filled us all with tremendous pride and united us all in joy.

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