The BVIOC hosted a wrap up to London 2012 with both Tahesia Harrigan-Scott and the Governor floating two new initiatives. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

Harrigan-Scott has started planning an annual Speed and Technical Camp, slated for Feb' 2013 which will serve to improve and inspire local athletes. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The Governor, His Excellency Boyd McLeary charged the BVIOC to look into particpation in the Para Olympics and he would assist in any way he could. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

At the wrap up to London 2012 the BVIOC President Mr. Ephraim Penn declared the BVI’s participation and experiences at the London Games an overall success, despite the results on the track not being what they had hoped for. “Moving from place to place, mingling with the spectators, the athletes and the volunteers was amazing” he said. “You could see the joy and enthusiasm.”

Whilst neither Tahesia- Harrigan Scott nor J’maal Alexander progressed from their first race in the 100m, Penn concluded his opening remarks by saying “We live to fight another day and better things are coming”

The comments were echoed by Chef De Mission, Dag Samuels and also Head Coach Winston Potter.

Samuels who described his work as a tedious responsibility, but one he felt he had done well at also commented “regardless of only having two athletes the organization is the same as for a larger team and the logistics can be a headache. However just to be there participating is a success in its own right and looking at J’maal, if he continues to focus he will make Rio 2016 and hopefully Mr. Penn will let me be too!”

An emotional Potter described how well the team had bonded. “We had a whale of a time and was my best experience yet” he exclaimed. “The crowds, the track were all superb!”

With a tear in his eye Potter also noted that the two athletes had done their best and how proud he was of them both.” Their attitude, their behavior and their performance was fantastic.”

Potter added that the dynamics of the sport had changed and although the BVI had caught up with some of its more illustrious counter parts the bar had been raised again and the BVI needs to look at how it does things and make more improvements. “We have some great younger athletes coming up and we need to make sure we do the best for them. Tahesia and J’maal can be role models to help with that”

Harrigan- Scott who was attending her second Olympics was also welling up as she described how she felt at home, felt relaxed and felt focused” for the first time it felt like a proper preparation” she said “I’m so grateful and thankful to the host families in Aston, Hertfordshire who welcomed us into their homes with open arms, they were amazing”

Harrigan-Scott was not happy with her result at the Games, but her season had been dogged by injury and she had pushed herself as hard as she could. “I am disappointed with my time although it was a season’s best” she said “ the track was fast, but I will continue to do my best to put the country on the map and do what I can to inspire those athletes who didn’t make it this time to continue to work hard”

To this end Harrigan- Scott also made an announcement that with more details to follow she hopes to launch an Annual Speed and Technical Camp, starting in February 2013.

The Camp, she said, will not just be her, but also other Athletes who the younger athletes here look up to. It will cover all aspects of what it takes to be a successful athlete including training, nutrition, sleep patterns, psychology and strength.

Alexander said he will never forget his 1^st Olympics and hopes there will be many more to come. His hopes of progressing from the preliminary rounds of the 100m ended with a grade one hamstring tear, but he remained upbeat.”Thanks to Coach Potter I got my best start ever” he stated “Sometimes the unexpected happens and I guess it was just not meant to be”

Alexander who also intends to combine working hard to improve with being a Role Model to the younger athletes said walking out into the stadium was amazing “ the crowd reaction left me in awe and wonder . Oh my god!, what a lot of people”

He also commented that London was lovely despite the weather.” London 2012 had its rainy days, but in Aston there was such energy we didn’t care. London is also very beautiful, despite the weather!”

Earlier the Governor, His Excellency Boyd McLeary, in his summation of London 2012 suggested what may well become the most telling suggestion of a new initiative. “One of the biggest questions is what will be the Legacy for the BVI” he charged “Tahesia has a lot to offer the future athletes. The BVIOC needs to look at strengths and weaknesses and how to improve for 2016. The Para Olympics are just beginning in England, we have some athletes here who could no doubt be taking part and I would be more than willing to sit down with the BVIOC and see how we can go about establishing participation in the future.”

It looks like Ms. Harrigan –Scott is willing to do her part. Time will tell if the BVIOC will share the Governor’s vision.