Olympic Monitor: Lalonde Flash Gordon Wins T&T's First Medal in London 2012

Lolonde Gordon, Mens 400m Bronze Medallist

With an Impressive show at the London 2012 Olympics, Lalonde Gordon ran another personal best to grab Tobago's first ever Olympics Medal. Gordon claimed bronze in the Men's 400m Final as he got to the line in 43.52, he was behind Grenadian Kirani James (43.94) and Dominican Republic's Luguelin Santos (44.46). James is the first ever Olympic medallist from Grenada.

Lalonde Gordon, who hails from Lowlands Tobago, migrated at 2 years and currently lives in the United States. Considered an underdog, Gordon shocked the entire nation with his stunning performance, sending the entire country in jubilation as T&T was desperate to continue the medal streak  at the Olympics since Ato Bolton winnings in 1996.

Meanwhile, Grenada would be ecstatic as they have now engrave their names in Olympic history. James just only 19 years old won Grenada's first and only medal at an Olympics, and what a way to do it by producing Gold. He is now the 10th man to run sub 44 in the mens 400m.  James short for words, couldn't quantify how his people would be feeling. He stated “What this means to my country, right now, I can’t explain,” except to say that the whole country will be going crazy.” 

History for Tobago, and History for Grenada, two small islands that would be flowing with pride and joy on the return of each athlete. 

Congratulations is extended to all the athletes who ran in the mens 400's. But special Congratulations to the 'Man of the Day' Lalonde Gordon, you did Trinidad and Tobago proud, but I cannot quantify the joy of all Tobagonians who have waited years for this day. We have produced a world class athlete, and you have placed us not only on the map but also down in history. Congratulations We are proud of you. Tobago is Proud of you. 

Olympic Monitor: 6th Place for Kelly Ann Baptiste

Although Kelly Ann produced the best ever Olympic performance by a woman athlete from Trinidad and Tobago, it was not enough to capture gold as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wouldn't have it any other way than to ensure the Gold medal stays in Jamaica. 

A golden ribbon in her hair, the bubbly Jamaican made it back-to-back Olympic titles in the women's 100 meters Saturday night, closing ground over the last 20 meters and leaning at the line to win in 10.75 seconds and edge American Carmelita Jeter by .03 seconds.

Fraser-Pryce became the first woman to repeat in the 100 since Gail Devers of the U.S. in 1992 and 1996. 

Trinidad and Tobago's sprinter, Kelly Ann Baptiste stated that "everything happens for a reason," applauding Shelly Ann Fraser.  "It just shows what champions are made of. To be able to win successive Olympic titles, that's no easy feat. Hats off to her." said Baptiste. 

Running out of lane two, it was difficult for Baptiste to keep pace with the championship leaders. Stating that she could do better, Baptiste tried hard to contain her self, stating that 'I know I'm a better athlete". 

Semoy Hackett, another Trinidad and Tobago sprinter was unable to reproduce her personal best 11.04 seconds clocking from round one,finishing fifth in the opening semifinal heat in 11.26.

"The race wasn't properly distributed," she told the Sunday Express.

"At ten metres I felt I was too low. I felt I was going to fall, so I tried to get up and sprint to catch the pack. It was not as good as I wanted the race to be. I was satisfied with the 11.04 from (Friday), and I was trying to execute this race the same way, but unfortunately I didn't do it.

"I'm trying to make the final for the 200," Hackett continued, "hopefully medal, and then go on to the relay."

Michelle-Lee Ahye also bowed out in the semifinal round of the 100m dash, the 20-year-old T&T athlete finishing eighth in semifinal number three in 11.32 seconds.

"My first Olympics…I'm young. So I'm not really worried. Bigger and better things for Worlds."

Baptiste is also hoping for an improved performance at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

"I have a lot to prove to myself. The battle is within me and my abilities, and what I think I'm capable of. World Championships next year, that's my aim," Baptiste ended. "I'm just going to keep on working harder."

Olympic Monitor: No Medal For Bovell

George Bovel at the London 2012 Olympic

No Medal for George Bovell in 50 Metre Finals at the London 2012 Olympics.  In a very exciting final, Bovell seemed slow to get off and was grossly out performed by his challengers. He could only muster 7th place in a time of 21.82, a performance slower than his qualifying Heat. Florent Manaudou of France was first in a time of 21.34 out performing World Record holder Cesar Cielo who had to settle for bronze. Cullen Jones of the USA was 2nd in a time of 21.54. All Focus would move to other Trinidad and Tobago hopefuls Michelle-Lee Ahye, Semoy Hackette and Kelly-ann Baptiste that would be on show in the semi final action tomorrow. 

Olympic Monitor :- George Bovell Heads To 50 Metre Finals

George Richard Bovell 3rd has freestyled himself into the finals of the men's 50 metre freestyle. Swimming out of lane three bovell clocked a time of 21.77 to win his heat and advance to the semi finals. Bovell then swam the same to place 2nd and advances to the Finals. 

He is set to be in action just about 6 am local time, where he would be among the favorites to medal. However, he must fight off America's Cullen Jones and Brazil's Cesar Cielo the fastest qualifiers, if he must snatch the Gold tomorrow. The Eyes of Trinidad and Tobago would be on you George Bovell, make your country proud, 1.3 million people are back home supporting you. 

All the Best. Go Bovell Go.