Top T&T swimmer George Bovell has set his sights on medalling at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, which he believes will be possible once he receives the proper backing. Bovell made the comments during a welcome ceremony held in his honour at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port-of-Spain yesterday evening.The 30-year-old recently won a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle at the recent FINA World Championships in Barcelona in a national record time of 21.51 as well as one gold (100m IM) and two bronze (50m Free, 100m IM) medals at FINA World Cup Series events in Holland and Germany.
Addressing the media alongside his coach and Minister of Sport Anil Roberts, he said his achievements in Europe were an indication that he was still at the top of his game."In our sport there are some people who you might think are unbeatable. Maybe it's things they're doing. Maybe it's technology on their side. Maybe it's nefarious means, but this medal here is proof that one man from T&T can beat those people," he said. "Anything can happen if you prepare and go out there and give your best effort. I believe that this can be just a taste of what we can get in Rio if we do it right. I hope the people of T&T can come around and support me; five Olympics and another medal. Let's go!"
Bovell also expressed his gratitude towards his corporate sponsors Atlantic LNG and NP as well as the people of T&T for their continued support of his swimming career."In sports like swimming you don't make a lot of money and to represent the country at this high level, it is impossible for me to work a regular job when the people I'm trying to beat are training, fully funded and professional athletes. Their continued support helps me to bring these medals back to my country."Meanwhile, Roberts cited Bovell's independence as the reason for his success."George Bovell has little to no need for me as a coach. He is a better coach than all of us put together because he is a brilliant mind and a student of the game. He understands himself and his sport better than anyone on this planet. He has been doing it for himself, thinking by himself. For him to win this medal from lane eight was all about the brilliance and the individuality and the spirt and understanding of the competitive nature of George Bovell III."
