Faced with adversity, a young man can either turn his back and run away or swim against the tide of turmoil at these Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. One young man from T&T fought off the negativity, beat the doubt and displayed his self-belief.
Dylan Carter is only 18 years old, but his level of maturity is beyond that. When you talk with him, it is easy to smile because there is a burning passion that flows from him that is genuine, not manufactured.
With it comes an honest sense of patriotism that is normally lost on the younger generation.
At these Games in Glasgow, there are a number of young Scots who are not afraid to support their country with a smile. This is sadly missing in our sporting arenas at home.
With Carter, there is a lot of emotion. He admitted that he was perhaps a bit cocky in wanting to compete in so many events–400, 200 and 100 metres–and after some discussion with his coach Franz Huggins and family, that may all change in the future.
This investment in youth is a step in the right direction, and the swimming authorities must be given some credit for this bold and brave position, even if it was long overdue.
These Games, which are called the friendly games, are anything but that, and Carter was quick to admit that the mentorship of George Bovell III had been essential in his growth and improvement.
There are many like myself who believe that in time this young man could attain and possibly even surpass Bovell's achievement.
The fact that Carter was the youngest swimmer in the 100m freestyle final must not escape the attention of those in charge of funding for our athletes.
Similarly, the added knowledge that this was a young man who had been able to marry his studies (at Fatima College) with his sport is testimony that sport and academics can work together.
Carter was the first athlete from T&T to compete in a final at the Commonwealth Games, given that George Bovell III opted out of his 50m backstroke final on the same night. Carter was not afraid of anything. He was young and just wanted to compete–he understood what it meant to have your country in a final.
At a time when the disappointment of the injury to leading female athlete Michelle Lee Ahye was still reverberating around the camp in Glasgow and all over T&T, it was good to have Carter's resilience to make you smile again.
Now that I am left with only two main dreams, the kilt and the food, I am skeptical about the future of both in the current scenario.
These Games have consistently proven that the underdog can succeed once they believe in themselves and others believe in them.
Carter has a very supportive family and a talented coach, but most importantly he has several friends with whom he can socialise.
I expect in a few years that many of the world's best swimmers will be saying: Get Carter... before Carter gets you!"
This young man could be looking to the Youth World Olympics after his tour of duty in Scotland is over. Such is his measure that he is willing to place his body under pressure again. But obviously, given that sport is about both body and mind, there is little doubt that mentally, he is tough.