Trinidad & Tobago captures only its second Olympic medal

Trinidad & Tobago has captured only its second Olympic medal in the mile relay, winning Bronze and setting a National Record. The team included 400m bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon who led the charge, followed by Jarrin Solomon, Ade Alleyne-Forte and Deon Lendore who brought the stick around the final leg.

The new national record of 2:59.40 is the second mark to be eclipsed by the 2012 Awesome Foursome, who also set a new NR in yesterday's heat. The 4x400m team also quenched a 38-year medal drought in the event. The last time Trinidad & Tobago medalled in this event was at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics with Wendell Mottley, Edwin Roberts, Edwin Skinner and Kent Bernard.

There has been representation in the final of this great sprint event in 5 Olympics since 1964; the most recent appearance being Barcelona 1992, with Alvin Daniel, Patrick Delise, Neil de Silva and Ian Morris. The 2012 bronze is therefore not just a success for this young group of talented athletes but the continuation of the legacy built many years ago by so-called 'MiracleFour' in 1964.

Remarking at the achievement, the Honourable Anil Roberts, Minister of Sport sent his congratulations to the team for their determination. " The team was clearly motivated by Lalonde's brave performance and wanted to medal. The teamwork and effort, in lowering the national record twice, was suitably rewarded with Olympic bronze. Trinidad & Tobago's success in the 400m and 4x400m relay in 2012 signals a resurgence of interest and I hope many more young people are inspired to challenge themselves in what many track and field experts agree is the most gruelling sprint event.

Approaching the penultimate of the London Olympics, we look forward to the performance of our proud nationals in the 4x100m relay and of course, Toco's Junior World Champion Keshorn Walcott in the Javelin final." On the final day of competition, there is the prospect of two more medals for Trinidad & Tobago in the following events: Richard Thompson, Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender and Marc Burns in the men's 4x100m relay from 4:00pm. Keshorn Walcott in Javelin final from 4:20pm
 

Natasha Nunez
St Clair