Luan Gabriel fails to secure Olympics spot

Gabriel and Pryce at the end of the race

Dominican sprinter Luan Gabriel did not secure a spot in the Olympics women’s 200m semi finals.

Gabriel ran in the sixth heat in London on Monday running against eight other elite athletes including Jamaican super star Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, who won gold in the 100m women’s final.

Gabriel, who is competing in her first Olympic Games, clocked 24.12.

The 16-year-old is one of two athletes representing Dominica at the 2012 London games.

Dominicans swelled with pride and were glued to their televisions as the Bioche-native’s run was beamed around the world.

They said just being at such a prestigious event like the Olympics was enough and that Gabriel had made them all proud.

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244 Comments

  1. ANNOYED
    August 9, 2012

    DOC members should be ashamed of themselves. The president should resign as well as the PRO.

    We should not try to RUN OUR VERY OWN to the ground BURY THEM – we do not do this. For a country who we all claim is founded or has a CHRISTIAN base LET GOOD JUDGEMENT AND CHRISTIANITY prevail.

    Trying to hurt NABI AT THIS LEVEL is SAD for the SPORTING EXECUTIVES in Dominica. Trying to destroy someone’s ENTIRE LIFE IS UNCALLED FOR.

    An investigation needs to be launched. You are all trying to run ONE PERSON to the ground but you all are being caught with both hands in the cookie jar.

  2. Aspirers Coach
    August 9, 2012

    It was an honor to see another athlete from our program realize the Olympic Dream. Luan Gabriel has joined Marie-Lyne Joseph, Dawn Williams and Jerome Romain all Olympians who were developed in Portsmouth. She demonstrated mental strength and gave a good account of herself racing against some of the finest women in the world. It is sad that she has to be exposed to such ridicule from individuals who do not know the dynamics behind how Luan came to be a competitor at the 2012 Olympic Games. She was fooled by the DOC to believe she was only going to the games as an Observer then later placed on the spot and questioned if she wanted to compete? However, the DOC long in advance registered Luan for the women 200 meters and when they got her under the lights and glitter of the Olympic Games started to probe her to compete. This young impressionable mind obviously would say yes and none of us could fault her for that. The problem here is not that she should not have competed but that she was not prepared to compete. Luan training plan targeted three major competitions the Carifta Games, CAC Juniors and World Juniors as we were never informed that she was a possible candidate for the Olympics; therefore it was not pencil into her training plan. The club received no help from the DOC to prepare Luan for any of the aforementioned competitions. However, as soon as the athletes whom money was being spent on failed to meet qualifications standards for the games, Luan was used as a pawn under gender equality to get additional officials from the DOC entry to the games. I employ you my friends to compliment Luan for her valiant effort and put the pressure on the DOC, for once again failing our athletes and using them for their individual gain.

  3. zengleden
    August 8, 2012

    Congrates Young Lady and Best Wishes! You Ran well! But indeed what has the state done for you to be a better athlete and better person? What was put into your training program in or around the Caribbean because there isn’t one training facility in Dominica? Its sad to see how society or the system is hypocritical, had you won Gold well well Dominica would be too small for you! Wining a Gold medal is a journey and when one would hear about the pressure and worries that you folks go through well its worrisome and sometimes degrading! Guess the youths are not taken seriously except when there is a need for a vote!
    Congrates young lady and remember if you dont care for yourself nobody will for ya! Worst yet if you are from a not to rich background well crapaud smoke your pipe! Go brave cause in the next four years you will be a top athelete cause your timing was good for ya first time! Hold tight Black Sister

  4. Not a herd follower
    August 8, 2012

    DNO,your headline is misleading. Luan did not travel to London to secure a place in the 200 m. She went there to gain experience. It was not the expectations of the DOC or even Luan herself that she would qualify for the semis or the final. Your headline could quite possibly make Luan lose confidence in herself.

    • T
      August 8, 2012

      The headline is perfect.You are the one misleading yourself. GREAT JOB DNO! KEEP ON WORKING!

  5. an athlete aswell
    August 8, 2012

    well done luan continue training and in no time you shall claim 1st place for our country! :-D

    • :-)
      August 8, 2012

      Tain with what??????
      Instead of building the proper tracks to train they spending all the $$$ millions on State Palace with Olypic size swimming pool, on Lilac Villas, on lavish trips, on woman, on all kinds of nonsense.
      I wish that Luan gets the opportunity to live in a more developed country where she can fully uitilize her potential.
      Best wishes to you Luan

  6. ()
    August 8, 2012

    You all Dominicans are HYPOCRITES….Skerrit and his gang are wasting money on all kinds of foolishness.
    What he should do is to invest a little more into sports. Do we have any race track, sports center, etc? No wonder this country is retrogressing instead of progressing. MOST DOMINICANS ARE HYPOCRITES!

    • Malgraysa
      August 9, 2012

      …do we have a Minister for Sports, Or she still running to make the heats also? Ha, ha, ha!

  7. Great
    August 8, 2012

    I have one more thing to say. Please Dominica, next time we have athletes aking part in the olympics please ensure that they are properly clad like all other olympians with good quaity jersies and shoes. I was happy to see Luan she did exceptionally well and I am proud of her accomplishments but I couldn’d help noticing that she is the only athlete without a brand named outfit, with her country’s name and the olympic emblem on it. Does that say that the olympic committee here had no faith in her so they did not even worry to make her look good. this outfit she had is the same she used for carifta games awa Dominica. Let us treat our athletes better than that. Luan in four years time will medal for Dominica and I think we should nurture her from now. I hope she gets something for her efforts.

    Good job Luan. Keep up the good work

    And on another note. I did not see any Dominica flag flying int the stadium, I was very saddened to learn that her family did not receive any tickets to support her that her tickets were given to someone else because they figured her family was not bonafide. This nonesense must stop we must not do this to Dominicans. I was also saddened to learn that her family had to pay to enter the stadium when she was allowed two tickets that they could have benefited from. I would like an enquiry into this when the team returns. Shame on the individual who gave away Luan’s tickets.

    • Not a herd follower
      August 8, 2012

      You are just shooting from the lips, don’t you?

      • Malgraysa
        August 9, 2012

        I’ve heard of shooting from the hips but shooting from the lips must be an extraordinary feat. You’re a magician or something?

    • Dull
      August 8, 2012

      All these countries tht have Jerseys with their names on it were sponsored …. like Jamaica is sponsored by PUMA… Does dominica have a sponsor?? Thats why you dont see no name…no olympic logo… or a BRAND on it … you can’t jus simply put the brand on a jersey.. thts going against the copyright law! … Stupid!

    • Malatete
      August 9, 2012

      I do not know how Luan was able to run but she definitely did not meet the Olympic qualifying standard. As such she would not have had an official sponsor for her kit. They would not want their brand to be associated with her under the circumstances. Our Olympic Committee have a lot to answer for. Don’t let this set you back Luan and follow your own path.

      • Anonymous
        August 9, 2012

        countries with NO QUALIFYING ATHLETES for any event are given the two quota athlete participation. This is why for the last how many years we have ONLY two athletes participating – Atlanta these guys qualified – reason we had this many athletes.

      • Malatete
        August 9, 2012

        Anonymous, you are misinformed. Erison Hurtault, by his own admission, qualified to participate by meeting the Olympic standard at level B. Luan did not.

  8. dizzy
    August 8, 2012

    man dominicans really are crabs.. no one can escape cuz we’re pulling each other back down … can we just be proud for one second that we had pll representing our country in the games .. just be proud that out lil country can make it this far u pll make me sick

    • jean
      November 26, 2012

      ddia sys asf oh soory l spell your name wrong stupid bitch get it over with get a shower homes people

  9. tect nee cal lity
    August 7, 2012

    Boy i am so piss with most of my people;
    Luan is a kid who with poor facilities, ran against the world fastest runners and copmpleted the race, recording a time, something she can build on,and still here are so much negative comments.
    If most of the runners knew where she had to train, or even know her country don’t have a track and field facility,they would give her respect i am sure.
    Now the reporter is a ture Dominican,he could have been more encouraging,by focusing on the achievement of this speed princess,use words to reflect her great effort,but no he dwell on the negative,by using words like’Last’which should not be associated with Luan’s effort.
    idon’t want to go on about our treatment to thoes who do their best for this country, but if MY PEOPLE don’t change their attitude,then GOD HELP US
    Anyway my congratulation to LUAN for giving it her best,you started somewhere and i can only hope to see where you go from here.
    Keep your head up, the sky is the lemit.
    GOD BLESS YOU,i am proud of you,GOOD LUCK.

  10. Francisco Telemaque
    August 7, 2012

    ” Francisco Telemaque… Your comment is a sensible one… Only thing is for Luans youthfulness i cannot criticize her too much.

    For those who thought that the DNO headline was inappropriate. You all are dead wrong.”

    Youthfulness has nothing to do with the athletics ability, and performance of an individual.

    We saw people in their thirty’s and late forty’s performed, and won Gold. If anything our representative youth should have given her an advantage over the older people she competed against.

    The bottom line is she fail to qualify, and that’s it. ” the continuous rattling of you make us proud, and congratulation will never hang gold around her neck, nor earn her a single dime.”

    You see this has been one of our nations problem; the feel sorry, and sympathetic factor must come into play, that is not how it works outside of Dominica; there are no free lunches, people work and perform to gain success; at such high level of sports competition, nations selects the best of their athletes, and that is based on their local performances.

    If you take ten hours to run a mile and another person ran that same mile in less than an hour, if you wanted someone to represent you in a race covering one mile I am sure that commonsense would dictate that the one yoy would much prefer to take chances with would the person who ran the mile in less than an hour.

    I do not care how much I get beaten for my comments, there are those who question my sanity!

    Let me suggest that such persons examine their own sanity, for I am perfectly sane, I simply do not ride on the ignorant frenzy, of dreams and wishful thinking like most Dominicans, I face the realities of life.

    The fact is our population is very small, there are not many people in our country who are prone or born gifted with athletic abilities, therefore this is something that must be encouraged , however, training must be paramount. Since we have a community collage on the island now, some form of athletics curriculum can be developed, thus out of junior collage some Olympic champion might be born.

    Patronized the program that they have developed over the years in Jamaica. If you tell me that Luan is only sixteen years old, I can tell you there are many sixteen year old in London right at this moment who have won gold meddles also.

    James of Grenada is only nineteen years old, that would make him only three years older than Laun, he has earned Grenada it first ever Gold Medal.

    Here is the clincher!

    The Douglas kid after winning team gold in gymnastics for the United States, she went on to win an individual gold medal, as I said previously, her face is now on the Kellogg Cornflakes Box, and it is estimated that her earnings in endorsements for the next eight years will be ten million dollars or more.

    She is far from twenty years old.

    Remember, this is a little Black girl the only one on the American gymnastic teem, we know about racism in America, so ask yourselves this simply question, with all the odds against her, and young as she is; how did she get on the American team?

    I will answer the question, without any biases:

    Note: the answer is not because she is young or black, nonetheless, her abilities and performance certainly got here on the team.

    As soon as anybody speak the truth about anything in Dominica, as long as someone thinks and reason differently to as you people in Dominica say the cabal: that person is branded a hater!

    Only in Dominica anyway.

    Only fools think that way, what reason would I have to hate a kid I do not know, never met?

    I wish her well, and perhaps if she focus on the criticism that I disseminate it might register, thus she might endeavor to train harder, and excel in the sport, and by the time she gets to be twenty years old, she might be ready for the next games in 2016, or there about.

    Finally, the day I think I am loosing my sanity I will have no problems returning to Dominica, to visit with Griffin Benjamin, his grandmother is my biological aunt, perhaps he will treat me for free, and send me to the crazy house too.

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

    In the meantime, all who believe I have lost my sanity, I suggest you visit with Griffin.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • En Ba La
      August 8, 2012

      @Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque: What you fail to realize is that LUAN WAS NOT IN TRAINING FOR THE OLYMPICS.

      The comparison you are making should be with ERISON HURTAULT NOT LUAN. She performed well a the CARIFTA games it shows that this was her goal/training schedule – medal at the games and she did.

      SHE WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THE OLYMPICS – any one with any sense where track is concerned knows here best time and how it compares to the people she ran against.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        August 8, 2012

        Trust me, I know the difficulties existing in our country: Luan is an ambitious kid, I will give her every credit for her efforts nonetheless the powers that be should realize that sending an untrained athlete to the Olympics was sending her to fight Goliath!

        If she was not in training she should not be running against people whom many of them are professionals who runs year round.

        One so called official stated ” she told me she will do her best ” I agree she has put out her best efforts, disappointed as she may be I hope she will not get discouraged, if she wish to continue and succeed perhaps someone can arrange for her to move to Jamaica and get involve there into the sport and training.

        On the other hand if she has relatives in the United States, perhaps a student visa could be applied for, and once she gets into collage she could start training and develop her ability, she need to improve on her speed; speed is necessary to win.

        Our ultimate goal at his time should be to set up a track and field facility to accommodate the type events recognized at Olympic level, and here I am talking about something to include gymnastics, swimming, boxing and all!

        Problem is some smarty backward Dominican will disagree and scream ” we doh want it, or Dominica doh have de money for dat.”

        Nevertheless, unless we make an effort to prepare kids from the time they enter elementary school, and groom them for the inevitable as in Luan’s case we will forever be last in everything.

        As for that man who argued that he challenged these guys every time, he is nothing than a pile of joke, if you live in America and you are interested is such sports as track and field, you will be prepared at your very best.

        Whereas he was rejected here; not good enough to make the American track and field team, why would he expect to be any better if he slipped into the backdoor of the Olympics under the pretence he is representing poor little Dominica.

        It seems to me our country, our people always chose the worst of the worst to represent us.

        Case and point, the scoundrel who is on the Interpol list as a wanted criminal.

        Why us; why our country I ask?

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • En Ba La
      August 8, 2012

      One thing Gabby is away from home (3000 miles or so) and Kirani is also – these people are afforded the opportunity to attend in Gabby’s case top gymnastics institutes or access coaches who can take them to the Olympics and medal.

      What are we looking at AGE or TRAINING – TRAINING IS THE KEY HERE(Luan’s peers (age bracket) are more trained than her they have received the necessary for the OLYMPICS.

    • tect nee cal lity
      August 8, 2012

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      To me you are quite sane,you just think you too smart and previlage,which is good for you. you come across to me like a’ Shadock Grapefruit’, you full of skin with little juice.
      I am still waiting for you to name one 16year in GB that got gold medeal in her level,ther are young kids in DA who have won gold meddels.
      How many 16 year old that run in any race in the olympics?and do you know what Gabby’s mom had to do for Gabby to be successful?guess you know.
      Why don’t you sponser her for the next four years, so she can have the right atmosphere to train and you will see what she can do. if i had the previlage like you seems to have i would at least send her equipments and money to encourage her to train without strain.good nite.

  11. Dominicanpearl2
    August 7, 2012

    9th place or 1st place, I’m proud of Luan who I do not know. When I left Dominica that child was not born yet. Great job!!! Keep up the hard work. Look out 2016!! Go Luan and may God continue to keep healthy. Let anybody try to taunt me I have a hot answer for them!! Is Dominica I from. Quitter moi bat misere moi!!!

  12. Cor
    August 7, 2012

    There’s one thing I must certainly commend Luan for. We notice that the camera failed to show her face before the race. She was able, however, to position herself next to the winner and get caught on camera. Otherwise we would never have seen her face. Thank God for the Caribbean broadcast, because once upon a time we never got to see any heats that an American wasn’t in or winning. So it’s all good.

  13. August 7, 2012

    I had to scroll pass all the other comments, cause this one had me spitting. The man who said he was a shame? please go hide your face!. do you know what a proud evening it was to see the Dominican contengent walking with this beautiful flag waving in the breeze? you might not be a Dominican, or if you are, you are dumb. To Luan! i say congrats! you have a long way ahead of you. Those who won, have failed before. keep moving up, Your being on that track was gold in itself.

    • Not a herd follower
      August 8, 2012

      ”Those who won have failed before.” Good point. Luan ought not to be discouraged. It took many stumbling blocks, hard work and determination for top atheltes like Sheri-Ann Fraser Pryce to reach the top. Luan should only be motivated by her experience in London.

  14. En Ba La
    August 7, 2012

    @ Marcus Hill: Luan NOONE should have expected her to medal – It is unfair to be ashamed that she came last. First thing I looked for HER TIME -She remained in her area where time is concerned – not a personal best but SHE WAS NOT IN TRAINING FOR THE OLYMPICS – High school athlete – she has not even graduated high school and with what we have in Dominica what do you expect. She represented herself well. THIS WAS ONE THE FASTEST HEATS.

    Now ERISON HURTAULT is what you should be ashamed of. I am mad – he even attended. He is a failure this is what we are celebrating. Prior to YOUR 10 WEEKS injury talk what was your performance like? “IF YOU DO NOT GROW YOU DIE” his peak performing years are behind him. From the 2005 ECAC/IC4A Track meet where he ran 47.32 to 46.05 in 2012 Olympics (7 years of training) Academics is your thing STICK TO IT.

    He lingering on the field “Last OFF” the field – PLEASE – as an athlete he knew unless he is just in it and do not know what it takes which in itself is another reason why he should not have been there.

    As for the DOC – the people involved in sending Hurtault to the games twice without taking a look at his performance leading up to the games – should be FIRED.

    We were given two free passes no one qualified – LUAN AND BRENDAN – why not our TWO OLYMPIC HOPEFULS? Representation as a country this is what we had.

    We should have higher standards than this.
    Well played DOC.

  15. lomy
    August 7, 2012

    pooooooooooooooo mama

  16. Anonymous
    August 7, 2012

    aye but u see now our pm more focusing wasting money to build a stupid state house rather tan building sport centers for the youth and other important institutions

  17. Proud
    August 7, 2012

    Dominicans shame! DNO shame on u with this heading? U plan on bringin up luan or bringin her dwn? Nd all of u guys who have negative comment tell me when u plan on tkin a trop to london muchless for goin to watch olympics further more runnin it.. Instead of motivatin the young lady u guys just critize nd nt like all u can do any better yes we all knw she didnt win bt she tried her bst nd she wasnt far frm the other runner either .. Luan im proud of u u did ur best nd this alone mkes u a winner! 2016 we lookin out for u again

  18. Greta
    August 7, 2012

    Hold on folks- she will be back and we will hear from her in Brazil 4 years from now.

  19. August 7, 2012

    at lest she try to give dominica a name

  20. Truth
    August 7, 2012

    Great job, Luan, You did your best, but we know better is yet to come. Just use this and all the other negative comments as a stepping stone to 2016 and your future. You have a bright future ahead of you, ignore the negatives and strive towards your goals and dreams. One they you will make your country very proud, I may not live to see it, but I have this deep feeling within me that given the opportunity you will do wonders. Cuddos to you my dear.

  21. loveable
    August 7, 2012

    easy up on de girl it was her first time add list she did not come out last

  22. positively proud
    August 7, 2012

    Dominicans,come on.The young lady did what she could.Who on earth wants to go anywhere and not succeed.She is still a child and just being there was amazing.We concerned citizens should now get together and help in pushing her forward,rather than breaking her spirit.We raise funds for all kinds of things, here is a great opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause. :)

  23. sports
    August 7, 2012

    great athlete’s like, “ms. Pond” should have been given opportunities like this. She was a great 100m and 200m sprinter

    • Sprinter
      August 7, 2012

      who is ms. Pond?

    • winston warrington
      August 7, 2012

      What does the word “great” mean in Dominica anyway. First, Luan is not yet developed physically, mentally or socially for the event that she was thrust into. She did very well, not great. She has four years of hard work, nutrition and physical education ahead if she is going to compete for the championship. The question is whether we can provide her the environment, support and facilities she needs urgently. People who wish to talk, please come to Philadelphia for the Penn Relays games that are held each year in April. Jamaican high schools have been competing against the best of the US each year since 1920 and there are plaques at the University of Pennsylvania to acknowledge the prowess of Jamaican athletes. Luan is at the beginning, let us follow and support her; but what is great about her participation in the Olympics? I think it’s the inspiration and hope for other Dominican athletes.

  24. Shady
    August 7, 2012

    Congratulation Laun! I felt so proud to watch you represent our Country. Keep your head up and learn as much as you can, you’ve reached the ladder now all that is left to do is to climb rung by rung.

    Just to see our FLAG up there among the world’s elite tells you that she is going to be great!!!

  25. Anonymous
    August 7, 2012

    Congratulations to an amazing young woman, raw talent that is what that is. You made your country proud.

  26. zigi
    August 7, 2012

    i hope she will get a SPECIAL WELCOME ON HER RETURN HOME FROM THE OLYMPIC AT THE AIRPORT

  27. now
    August 7, 2012

    cONGRATULATIONS TO lUAN!! Being on this Olympic track alone is an accomplishment!!! U represented Dominica and as a Dominican i’m very proud of you!! With hard work, dedication and lots of practice, u will accomplish your goals. Take the negatives as a form of motivation, don’t allow it to bring you down. Just think positive and stay FOCUSED!!
    Some Dominicans are very discouraging and negative. This girl s just 16 years old.. It takes alot of courage to be in that position and instead for us to encourage and support this young lady, some of u try to bring her down… In life when people fail or don’t do well, we should try to uplift them and encourage them to do better next time.. Why all the negativity?
    Again I say congratulations to Luan and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.. Don’t know her personally, but as a fellow Dominican I wish her nothing but SUCCESS!!!

  28. Marcus Hill
    August 7, 2012

    My views:

    1. I was saddened to see my compatriots come last in their respective races.

    2. In Luan’s case, she must be encouraged to train harder to do better next time because she is only 16. I do not blame her for anything.

    3. After 34 years as an independent nation and with all the “Smart Diplomacy” we practice with China, Cuba and Venezuela this is the result we have to show as a nation at the 2012 Olympics:- Two last places in the heats. As a Dominican, I am ashamed because I know we can do better.

    4. All the members of the Dominica Olympic Committee should be sacked with immediate effect!

    5. The Minister of Sports should tender her resignation forthwith!!

    6. A new Minister of Sports should be appointed who would then set about drawing up a strategic plan to increase our results and performances at the next Olympics.

    7. Ask the Chinese or the Venezuelans to build us at least ONE good track and field stadium.

    8. Provide incentives to young athletes.

    9. Ask the governments of Jamaica, Cuba, China and other friendly nations who are good in sports to give us technical assistance and training.

    10. Diversify sports by introducing other competitive sports. Water sports is a good start (kayaking, canoeing, Swimming, diving, sailing).

    Otherwise in Brazil 2016 we will be singing the same story.

    • Way Papa!
      August 7, 2012

      Man, get over yourself!!! Somebody have to be last….do you seriously think when athletes place last in their events, members of cabinet in their country are fired??? seriously??? you are DELUSIONAL!!

    • it matters
      August 7, 2012

      Dude,dude seriously, you should be giving thanks in every and any thing. Look at it this way, out of 7 billion people she was one of the privilege to compete on the world stage. How about you?

    • Morihei Ueshiba
      August 7, 2012

      @Marcus Hill I agree with you, as a Dominican I was taunted by my peers for getting last place, and was even more dissapointed when i read dno comments.
      Way I see it, We want Gold or nothing.
      I blaming the Olympic comittee and i blaming skerrit as a former minister in sports he should know better, we need to put things in place for our athletes this red clinic is nonsense only keeping people in poverty.
      We need a turn around in Dominica and we need it now.

    • Anonymous
      August 7, 2012

      Well said, but when you have a regime without a vision, what do you expect? Why do you believe the people of the country is so poor?

    • Dominican
      August 7, 2012

      shut the hell up!!!

    • Not a herd follower
      August 8, 2012

      I don’t understand why you are ashamed that our athletes failed to qualify for the semis?
      You admit that Luan is not blameworthy, that she was in London only for teh experience.

  29. Do Not Object (DNO)
    August 7, 2012

    she will come back stronger,she is young in the prime of her stage

  30. Confident
    August 7, 2012

    Viva Luan Viva. You made us proud. Just a pity I had to go out so I did not see the race. Hold your head up high. Good things comes to those who wait and my girl, you have good things coming your way. Keep the faith. And to your family, please keep supporting your energetic princess. Never give up.

  31. positive mind
    August 7, 2012

    So What!!!! Most of these top Athletes did not make it as far as Luan did when they were Luan’s age. (16)Although most of them has been training all their lives in the best facilities in the world. today at 25 and above alot of them still cannot even make it to the quarter finals much less to the finals. Luan does not have a big sufisticated facility to prepare her,and look at her at (16). Can you imagine this girl when she train in the best conditions?. I have faith and confidence that she will win world and olympic medals some day. All we have to do as a nation, is to pray for Luan and all the ASPIRING talented young people that we have, and stop critizing and being negative. Dominicans are the worse people I’ve ever known. that are forever negative. I had a dose of these negative nation when I was growing up. Thank God I was able to escape their negative influence. Thank you Luan for for a job well done. Thank you for representing well. May God continue to bless you.

  32. tactical
    August 7, 2012

    What a discouraging headline- man look beyond this event – You heard Bolts comments to Powell – Boss in spite your mishap – ( he did not say your failure) big up to you boss because it is because of you we are at this stage now!) positive words – I felt extremely proud just seeing her going down the track – and even better when Olympic Queen Pryce reached out to her at the end of the race.

    She was great!!

  33. i'mWondering
    August 7, 2012

    She DID NOT fail to secure an Olympic spot. She secured it, and she showed up, and she ran her best. Unfortunately, her best wasn’t on par with the rest of the field, but guess what? She made 70000+ people super, super proud. We couldn’t have asked for more.

    I’m very disappointed in this article. I expected to come one DNO and read a well written story about who one 16 yr old went out and made her country proud. Instead i’m seeing this healine that does not reflect the spirit and atitude of us Dominicans.

    Why didn’t DNO focus on the fact that she made 70000+ people proud? The fact that she didn’t qualify did not diminish the feelings I for sure experienced.

    I was so proud at that moment to finally see an athlete from my country being represented – she made it to the tv rounds where I, among many other Dominicans could jump, scream, yell and express major excitement at seeing our own on this international stage

    Go Luan – i’m awaiting 2016 so that I can see you and this time, I hope that you soar!

    • Not a herd follower
      August 8, 2012

      I totally agree wity you. MY sentiment as well. The headline is misleading and unnecessarily negative. It gives no encouragement to Luan.

  34. WestCoast
    August 7, 2012

    Well done Luan! you made Dominica proud. I dont think she went there expecting to win a medal, especiall with all those seasoned athletes. The exposure and experience was good for her; she is a winner by just accepting to compete with these big guns, and I must say she did very well. She’s still young so there’s bigger and better things for her in the future. We need proper training facilities in DA. My government please look into that our young athletes need help

  35. Anonymous
    August 7, 2012

    Congratulations to Luan. I felt proud hearing the name of our island and seeing our flag on that track. She needs access to the proper facilties and support, finanical and otherwise. Considering what she had to work with in Dominica she did great. If you consider her time, age and experience compared to the others she really did well.This young lady has so much potential. I saw an Olympian in Luan on that track especially when she went to all of her fellow competitors after the race to congratulate them. May God continue to bless Luan.

  36. Morihei Ueshiba
    August 7, 2012

    I am really dissapointed in those Dominican athletes & the comments i am reading on DNO. Grenada get a Gold, what is our problem, these responses tell alot about us as a people, and it seems we are not winners & only settle for mediocrity. We love being second place.
    Don’t be suprised if the other OECS countries soon get Gold and once again we are left behind like our international airport, Geez Dominica GeeZ! :oops:

    • Michie
      August 7, 2012

      Obviously, you see the glass half empty. We see it as half full. Are we settling for less? The answer is no. What we are doing is saying, “You didn’t make it this time so push harder so that next time, you’ll be up to par.” Do you know how many people would have loved to be in her position? Just getting there was a feat for this teenager. How many champions have failed on their first try? How many singers and actors have said how they struggled, worked as waiters, secretaries or bartenders until they got their big break. We are not promoting mediocrity, but rather, we are promoting resilience and determination.

      • Not a herd follower
        August 8, 2012

        Thanks you, Michie. A strong reply.

      • Michie
        August 9, 2012

        You’re welcome :lol:

  37. GoBeckMore
    August 7, 2012

    Good enough for me!!!

  38. wat a ting
    August 7, 2012

    this brought tears to my eyes just to see one of our own doing someting positive in her life.congratulations girl you are a hero just keep on the positive side and you will be successful in the end i know that your parents are proud of you and thats why my eyes is streaming down with tears just seeing the youths making some positive movements big up yo you

  39. August 7, 2012

    There are so many things which need to be changed in Dominica. It is not just the govt, the people also have to take the blame. A govt in power is he reflection of the people themselves. The schools attitude towards sports have to change. We need sports only geared towards olympics. it is the ultimate. Why waste young people talent in netball when it is not in olympics, why not basketball. Why not tennis courts in the schools. The only tennis court in the island has been changed to old peoples home.The recommendation to put a track around the gardens wall has been downed by Athie Martin. The idea to purchase gym equipment was downed by some members of the olympic committee. A sports ministry with no strategy for sports. If there is no one knows. Some people discouraged people in sports especially bosing say it is no good. Even the athletes need discipline. They travel but to have a good time. forget about what they have to do. Sevendless training were to given to athletes, especially boxing. When time to perform they eat too much, gain weight etc. play sick. The people themselves are the biggest problem. We need change in attitude. It has to be islandwide and it is has to start at the school level. From kindergarten upwards. This is the only way.

    • August 8, 2012

      i want to agree with you on some of what you saying which is true we most first change our attitude.I must say that the sports division is doing a good job so i wouldn`t say the minstry what i would say is tell our coaches stop the fighting and the doc to be honest luan is not the problem here but the dishonesty of daaa and the doc by misleading the public by saying she going and watch when they knew that she must run but they knew if she didn`t go that their crew couldn`t go so when they media personal could come and say that we must be honest to the atheles ask what he said to luan`s mother and when you get the answer i will let off more

      • August 8, 2012

        and the other thing is after a coach could work so hard to bring an athlete to a stand and then you have so much thing to say to mislead the public not forgetting its that same coach when there were no moneyto his time and his own money to get her where she is today and ppl can by pass the coach by even going as far to say that a coach will be paid forher am waiting to and they forget that the same coach who brought her to prepare her for carifta and when they could not find flight took on his own and get them on a chatted plane that was taking the tntsupporters of tnt and that is the person they sidetrack and not forgetting he took her from nothing and made her something and you take s travilin coach i mean that the ignorance we face with not fasclities cause she won gold at crifta and she didn`t have one but i think that the presedent of the daaa need to go and we need to know how in the doc body form.there is more but i will stop here

  40. Tracoe
    August 7, 2012

    Congratulations LUAN remember u are a winner always hold ur head up high cause u made Dominicans proud u came from a far so young and determined u never gave up u pushed yourself and u got the experience that u said u came for and got through so once more a big congrats to u and keep doing wat u love :)

  41. I'm proud of u
    August 7, 2012

    16 years and you ran with the pack!!! Not bad keep training!!!! You will get there. BOLT wasn’t always this quick u know.. U gotta start somewhere ;) BRAZIL 2016!!!!

  42. Nika
    August 7, 2012

    To The Negative Posters

    There are a lot more experienced athletes at this who have been doing it for years and who have been at Olympics before and who ended up losing in the races or whatever event they took part in eg. Asafa. This is her first experience at the Olympics and at 16. Give the teenager a break and pull her up instead of tearing her down.

    Typical Dominicans always first in line to your own down ask yourselves this, what were you doing at 16 that could match what Luann is doing/did and what is your 16 year old son or daughter doing right now that gives you the right to be so negative to Luann.

    To Luann: You qualified to get this far, you did your best in the presence of experienced runners, so don’t let the naysayers get to you. Just look ahead to the future and make yourself proud.

    • August 8, 2012

      well you may be true it took someone to have her where she is and noone is talking about it. this are the the root of our problem there were other they may not got the oppotunity laun got now don`t think am pressing this young lady in my self i don`t think i know she did a dawn good job and represent to the best but everyone is bashing what about the head that where our problem is cause i think if her coach was there with her she would have done better.its not track she won gold at carifta we need to investigate the doc and the daaa and we will begin to get our problem solve am waiting for the team to come back and i hope they go on the marpin and q95 let the nation ask their question lets forget about luan and deal with this issue that`s the root

  43. Anonymous
    August 7, 2012

    Great job; you can only get better.

  44. cb
    August 6, 2012

    Guys Remember she didn’t have the worst time in the heats. This is a great step for her now with the right training she could compete with the top in the world.

    Congrats DA.

  45. Matriculation
    August 6, 2012

    All I can say is congrats Luan. It took guts for you to jump in the ring with all these big raging tigers. You came out stronger, faster, and gained superior experience as well.

    Right now I want all D/cans to rally so that you get an American scholarship so you can ripen that talent. You have made all proud. You did the right thing. Keep your focus.

  46. LaFond Family
    August 6, 2012

    Luan, Be proud. we know where you are heading and we are happy to be on your inside track.
    We know what is hope and hard work. Press on.
    See you in Rio 2016.

  47. Anonymous
    August 6, 2012

    Well she certainly made me proud to see my country’s flag on the screen. God bless child!! Thank you for representing us

  48. August 6, 2012

    She made it among professionals like Pryce….and she is still very young.Way to go Luan,there is room to better yourself.Don’t stop there…when you can stretch and touch the sky stop,but if you stretch and can’t touch it…then keep on trying…that’s your limit.Remember you make us proud everytime you represent us and our country.Nuff love.

  49. Marguerite J.
    August 6, 2012

    Luan, for your own good I hope you are not reading these comments. However, in the event that you do: Congratulations for making it thus far. Rome was not built in a day. For those of us who are current and former athletes know that one does not make it to the Olympics without hard work, dedication and perseverance. We have to start somewhere. Just look at the athletes you competed against, they were not born world class athletes. They started off in your position. Taking baby steps. Keep your eye focused on your goals.

    Those negative people on here WILL NEVER EVER make it a day in your shoes. They will never be able to accomplish what you did. You are only 16 years old. Your running career has just begun.

    At the end of the day you are an Olympian. When you say I am an athlete or I use to run and anyone asks you “did you go to the Olympics?” Your answer will be yes, I ran in the 2012 Olympics in London. There are only three medals per race, the other athletes are in the same boat as you, competitors without a medal. Something none of these haters can say.

    Be very proud of your accomplishment. Congratulations. Many Dominicans and Caribbean Nationals are proud of you.

    • Dominica
      August 7, 2012

      Amen

  50. Patriot
    August 6, 2012

    Gabby Douglas’ mother made peronal sacrifices for her daughter to participate and it paid dividends. She won two golds in the 2012 Olympics. Sometimes we have to set our goals and prepare to meet it. The Government cannot do everything for everyone. My advice to her parents, try your best to help your daughter, she has the talent now give her the push. You can do it.

  51. SHORTBOY
    August 6, 2012

    in domino alone we can win in the olympic games !!!

  52. Bod
    August 6, 2012

    Hard luck Luan. Good try.

    Your performance was certainly better and more transparent than the Dominica Olympic Committee. It’s time they were made to be more accountable for the funds they receive to develop our athletes – surely much of it is squandered. In fact, perhaps it’s time each member of the Dominica Olympic Committee did the honourable thing and resigned. Fresh faces are needed, a clear and transparent strategy is needed, professional coaches are needed. There are too many talented Dominicans out there not being given the proper opportunity they deserve – and that’s down to the ineffectiveness and wastefulness of the DOC. Time for a revolution in Dominica sport. See what it has done for Jamaica and now little Grenada (who are pumping lots of money into local sports thanks to the success of Kirani). Too much talk here, too many people in the wrong job. Time to hit the refresh button.

  53. Anonymous
    August 6, 2012

    This article left me reflecting on the poor journalism…..Luan did not fail …..she succeeded in running in the Olympics at 16 from Dominica !!!!

  54. Unique
    August 6, 2012

    At least she represented Dominica.

  55. legit
    August 6, 2012

    good introduction..hope to see you again in the world championship next year..your time will improve with proper training and strenght.

  56. JO
    August 6, 2012

    In 2002, Fraser-Price, at the age of 16, placed 4th in the CAC Jr. Championship in the 200 meters with a time of 25:24. Luan’ s time today was 24:12 which is HUGE! She could be an Olympic Champion one day. She ran as a child among women and I congratulate her! She was great! What she needs is training. Is anyone steering her towards a scholarship? I hope she takes this talent and makes the most of opportunities to attend a great University on scholarship. Many great track programs would be ecstatic to have her on their team if she continues on her speedy path but I hope she continues her education. Until then she must have support and that may mean training in Jamaica or somewhere with facilities.

    • anonymous
      August 7, 2012

      thanks jo for enlightening us. this is a far better read than what obtained from people especially Mr/MIss Impartial.

  57. anonymous
    August 6, 2012

    DNO bad headline, The young lady was good she ran next to the the worlds best and made Dominica proud.Now its up to the so called seasonal Olymoic commity of ours and our government to make sure she gets the proper coarching so she can shine in 2016 and make us proud again.

  58. Suki
    August 6, 2012

    Bless her heart! She did good, Next four yrs we expect her to qualify. Even if she don’t win!! Great Luan! Greatt!!!

  59. Wade
    August 6, 2012

    Proud of you Luan….Congratulation……good time

  60. speaking logic
    August 6, 2012

    yes, I agree that G/ments should put money for athletes and sports, we have to encourage our youth…also I believe a sports swimming pool should be built in DA…congrats Luan, you participated in the olympics.

  61. ....................
    August 6, 2012

    Does anyone know what was her personal best, before this race? She has lots of potential.

    • Informed
      August 6, 2012

      24.09 done in the heats at the 2012 Carifta Games.

  62. DA/NY
    August 6, 2012

    Luan congratulation you did the best you could
    and thats a PLUS. I’am very proud of you for getting that far. You are young there are lots more olympic and I know next time you will really shine. Luan don’t give up I see you a
    winner you amazing, and good on what you like
    child you have my blessing you will get you
    wish and you dreams will definitely come true.

  63. (.) (.)
    August 6, 2012

    BOY OH BOY!!!! Why are some of us so quick to criticize when we can’t do any better? The young lady decided to partake in the olympics. She made the effort, she did not win..that’s ok…(she is not the first and she won’t be the last) Majority of us will not even get the chance to enter the country where the olympics are being held much less to take part. Instead of trying to find faults and other ways to make her feel discouraged…CONGRATULATE HER.
    And, the worst thing is eh….the ones who want to criticize cannot even walk straight much less to run. A set of enfim . SATI PAT COCHIE

    • Anonymous
      August 6, 2012

      it’s better to try & fail than fail to try….

      • D/A guy in antigua
        August 6, 2012

        let them know but as i keep asking this people that keep taking bad about this 17 year old did thay went to school and what can or are thay doing to put dominican and dominicans name out there big

    • Go do your homework
      August 6, 2012

      @(.)(.): 99% of the comments are very positive which is a clear indication that Dominicans are very proud of Luan’s achievement. I see no need for you to focus on the negative when they are clearly in the minority.

      • (.) (.)
        August 7, 2012

        Don’t you know that when there are more than 10 negative comments, there are way too many?

  64. Joan
    August 6, 2012

    Congrats…that was still very fast well DONE

  65. Dominican767
    August 6, 2012

    Well done Luan, you made Dominicans very proud! However, I have some things to say about Dominicans & athletics. I have 3 cousins that are all great at athletics, they’ve even won trophies and medals at competitions, i said to them “Why didnt you three represent Dominica at the olympics? There’s only 2 athletes competing” There response was “Dominica doesnt pay athletes”. Ok, first of all, so the reason why Dominicans arent that interesting in athletics compared to all the other islands is because you dont get paid? Thats what they need to motivate them?.. NO athlete gets paid. I live in the UK, even the best athletes dont get paid, you dont do it for the money, you do it because you LOVE the sport. Athletes get paid by companies (e.g. puma, nike, adidas etc) sponsoring them, even usain bolt is sponsored by puma, thats how he makes money.

    Another thing that annoys me is, Dominica really does have some talented athletes, BUT.. where’s the facilities & equipment? Go to all the other islands, they have spikes (running shoes), athletics kit, a certain diet you must follow, they even run on a proper track. In Dominica however, I came in 2010 and they practise on grass, some even had no shoes, whys this? Why do you think all the other islands (especially Jamaica & Trinidad) are so GREAT at athletics? Because their government & athletics committee contribute to the sport.. why doesnt Dominica? Where’s Dominicas athletics stadium? If they cant afford to build one, why not just build a track in windsor stadium, leaving space for cricket in the middle? Where can Dominicans practise football & lots of other sports?

    What im trying to say is, Dominicans are very talented at sports, ive seen it with my own eyes, but the government isnt even contributing to sports, theyll rather built a useless palace for themselves, why? its not even needed, the palace isnt helping anyone but themselves, selfish people

    Other, i was proud that Dominica was in the olympics, however, it was kind of embarrassing that we only had 2 people competing. Kids these days are motivated by money, but let me tell you this, Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake & all the other greatest do NOT get paid either. This is also another reason why kids are gaining weight these days, they’re aint very motivation.

    Dominican government, please please PLEASE FIX UP!

    Somebody please reply to this, I just dont understand whats going on with Dominica when it comes to sports & the government not helping.

    But anyways, CONGRATULATIONS LUAN GABRIEL, I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU AND SO ARE ALL THE OTHER DOMINICANS!

    • Agree
      August 6, 2012

      Let me add this…my brother is also a very talented athlete in Dominica. My biggest disappointment comes when I go to every athletics meet and see very poor spectator support. National meet and the stands are empty. In other countries,, national meet means truck loads of people moving towards the venue to support the athletes. The athletes need support. And by the way, to the athletic association, it would not hurt to advertise sporting events..make the athletes feel like the special bunch of people that they are.

      • No Name 2
        August 7, 2012

        For an island like Jamaica it starts in the schools. They have an event called Boys and Girls champs which is between the various high schools on the island. Past students (old girls and old boys) fly in from the states, Canada, UK, other islands just for this. Hotels are booked out!!!
        People here are serious about their school winning champs as such they are serious about getting them to the level where their students beat the other guys team. So perhaps encouraging the schools during sports day and asking parents to support and making a fierce but friendly competition out of it is a good start.
        Haven’t been to a sports day in a minute. Can anyone give some feedback on what it’s like these days??

        And DNO the Jamaican athlete has a hyphenated last name. Fraser-Pryce.

      • Kali
        August 7, 2012

        While I completely agree with you that the local support is not there, it still all comes back to what the previous comments have said re not having proper facilities and investment in our athletes. No one wants to take time out of their day to come watch a mediocre event, and that is precisely how athletics is treated in Dominica. If our leaders would invest in raising athletics to a higher standard, then the people in turn would take an interest.

    • Anonymous
      August 6, 2012

      well said i secound that 100%!!!

    • SMH
      August 6, 2012

      The government not only fails to support sports, they fail to support music, art, culture (except for one month and three days of the year)…academia (just look at the scholarships and bursaries they ‘give’ to secondary school and college students)…if the politicians or their families are not directly benefiting from an activity, money will not be spent on it…see Dominica life.
      Congrats Luan…I know I would not have even made it in half that time

    • sphynx
      August 7, 2012

      absolutely right on track with your comment.i hope the minister of sports and the rest of cabinet read your post.i wrote something similar some times ago and dno did not post it.but truth is truth.we need more sports facilities.agriculture and tourism is not all.

  66. DOMINICA
    August 6, 2012

    Luan, you made me very proud today watching you running in the Olympics with the veterans.

    You were very good, very fast.

    Just continuing practising, doing what you are doing to preper for Brazil in 2016.

    I saw you, well done!!!!!!!!

  67. Irie
    August 6, 2012

    Some of all you ignorant bad. Luan is 16, just barely, I say with proper training she can shave off seconds from her time. All you think it easy to run so? De chile not even in her prime, she got good experience, she didn’t false start, she didn’t injure herself, she completed her race and I’m sure she did her best. I have high hopes for her in Brazil 2016. This Olympics was to wet her mouth, let her taste what de biggest and best bring to de table. Some of all you saying she embarass all you? I bet that is de set dat weighing 300 pounds and breathless climbing to de first floor of de ministry. I feel well represented by this 16 year old with a lot of potential. What I do hope is dat de government will invest money in Luan and send her to Jamaica to train. It can be done, it should be done. Luan hold your head high girl and tell them slow pokes dat one to talk m*A*S*h.

    • Dominican767
      August 6, 2012

      I agree with you, the government should invest money in Luan and send her to Jamaica since Dominica isn’t really doing much to help athletes, or maybe even America like many Jamaicans, Trinidadians & lots of other islands do.. Preferably Jamaica though since they seem better & faster than Americans. BUT they shouldn’t only invest money in Luan, but all the other potentially great future Dominican athletes that I have witnessed myself, and also future athletes that haven’t been discovered yet.

      • Righteous!
        August 6, 2012

        @ Dominican767

        Please before you speak about sending Luan to Jamaica, check on the history. We have sent athletes to Jamaica before they were finished even before they started….

        Do not just speak on this board without knowledge…

    • D/A guy in antigua
      August 6, 2012

      well done let them know how full thay are i want to say thanks to D/N/O for leting me see how dom some young dominicans can be ill love to know if this people went to school i think thay just bad mind send them out there all thay can do is be bad mind ill let them know that bad mind was not taking part of this olympics its had work i must say thanks for this young lady for going out there and puting her best for dominica thank you one more time. on to the young dominicans that just think being on the road and taking in all this rum and liming is all. go girl GOD bless you lots of love

  68. Lydia M Cox(SLU)
    August 6, 2012

    Well done! Just making it to the Olympics is in it self a achievement, continue to train hard, remain discipline and focus with one thing in mind and that is going back to the Olympic. All the best Luan and we as Caribbean people must be proud of all the Caribbean Youth who made it to Olympics 2012, they could have been on the block somewhere getting into trouble but no they have decided to be a good example to their peers. Keep them in our prayers, give them all the support and encourage younger ones to follow in their footsteps. LMC from SAINT LUCIA IN THE CARIBBEAN.

  69. Girl from Timbuktu
    August 6, 2012

    Alas, please please please! If I happen to make it big in the world please do not tell anyone I am from Dominica please please please. Dominica just waits until one of its citizens becomes famous to rush to claim fame with them. No investment, no interest, nothing…

    Dominica Sports Division, Olympic committee, whoever, how much interest do you guys have in preparing athletes to make it in the world out there?

    • (.) (.)
      August 6, 2012

      What’s your point? I for sure would not want to know about you if you made it big. Your comment makes no sense at all

      • Girl from Timbuktu
        August 6, 2012

        you must be working for the people responsible in ensuring that our athletes gets all they need. So at least I see why you don’t understand. Accept my sympathies.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      August 6, 2012

      If you are from Timbuktu, why are you begging not to be identified as a Dominican?

      Are you so ashamed of your people and country?

      Now I feel very sorry for Luan, more so than the guy who made all his silly excuses, about injuries.

      He fail to accept his failure; rather than accepting that his very best was not good enough, he babbled about how he challenged these guys every time.

      How does challenging the masters at their game help him or win goal for Dominica?

      Our people like to boast about Dominica won this and that, and we are better at everything, however, when the time comes for us to prove ourselves to the world, we fail every time.

      There are some complaining about the criticism; I see nothing wrong with that.

      When we critique someone that should make them a better person, thus helping them to develop their skills!

      I think it is foolish to tell people ” you make us proud when then they lost.”

      How proud can a looser make a nation’s people?

      When we praise losers, it gives them a false sense of security and prevents them from looking inside of themselves for the appropriate strategy to succeed.

      Rather than singing praises over nothing ( over zero) someone in Dominica, involved into sports and sports facilities should be thinking of training grounds for such events rather than letting people run on asphalt pavements, and grass.

      If we want our athelets to compete and win, we must prepare them for the occasion, Green Black and Gold, and ” I am from the nature island of the world does not pay dividend!”

      The nature of the game is winning, and when we loose; fail to qualify for an event there is nothing to celebrate.

      It is said nothing beats a trial but a failure.

      This time nobody can get into Darwin’s throat for this: he cannot be blamed either, so let us look at it this way, and be satisfied with this”

      ‘ We went, we saw, we participate, we failed to produce,’ it is simple as that.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • Nac Vibes
        August 6, 2012

        Some times I wonder about you, are you sane?

      • Marguerite J.
        August 6, 2012

        Please let us know when you went to the Olympics! She is only 16 and could be your granddaughter or even greatgranddaughter. Don’t hate—congratulate.

      • Nika
        August 6, 2012

        You don’t claim you rich nuh. Then contribute to building proper facilities so the atheletes can train. Why don’t you tell us what you were doing at 16yrs.

      • ....................
        August 7, 2012

        @Francisco Telemaque… Your comment is a sensible one… Only thing is for Luans youthfulness i cannot criticize her too much.
        For those who thought that the DNO headline was inappropriate. You all are dead wrong.

      • Michie
        August 7, 2012

        Mr. Telemaque, we are quite aware that Luan did not win. I think that the general sentiment of the readers was that while they were aware that she did not win, just making it to the finals was a great accomplishment for her on this leg of her journey. Luan is younger and clearly at a disadvantage in the area of training than her competitors. This was a great experience for her and we are hoping for better in 2016. We are proud of Luan. Do you think you can appreciate her position?

      • Hmm
        August 7, 2012

        Are you saying that we should not recognise good effort?.
        We know that she did not qualify in the olympics..

        but she have won the first step of the battle. For a sixteen year old to represent us and compete with world class athlets , with mediocre preparation in my mind is wortthy of praise.
        Taking from one comment earlier comparing her time with Fraser Price of Jamaica at 16 yrs in 2002 25.24 ; Today Luan did 24.12 I believe is commemdable and worth singing over. Lets band around her and give her our support and our prayers….and pray that our government will see it fit to invest in her in providing the best training and facilities for her in preparation for 2016.
        I look forward to the day when Dominica’s flag will be raised and one of our own will be standing on the podium and our national Anthem ring for the world to hear..God thanks for that day in advance.
        Dominicans lets look forward to that day and work towards it by giving our athlets the support and love that they need.

      • Proud student
        August 7, 2012

        U sir or mam need to read before u post! This is nt needed the boy has never touched dominica yet still he represented b thankkful tht someone represented dominica nd stop runnin ur mouth uselessly geezzz stps!

      • smh!
        August 7, 2012

        Nac Vibes, Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque is not insane, he’s just in love with himself and full of hot air. #UnPachezPawolBey-Tease#

  70. Way Out There
    August 6, 2012

    Brazil 2016

  71. August 6, 2012

    I can hear YOUNG BULL” singing last year`s calipso. Give her a break!better luck nx time.

  72. Red
    August 6, 2012

    It’s a shame that instead of congratulating this young girl for a job well done, for being a great representation for Dominica in the 2012 London Olympics, some people including the writer of this article see it fit to focus on the fact she did not qualify. How many athletes have waited years upon years to make it to the Olympics to be able to say they made it that far, and did not get any medals or even qualified? Dominicans should be proud of this young girl and should stand by her regardless of the fact she did not qualify!! Dominica is on the Olympic maps because of her!!

    • Dorival John
      August 6, 2012

      DNO is there to report the news, not to make people feel good….way to go DNO….awesome headline. People are discussing it because it grabs their attention and that is what a headline does: grab attention.

      Now give us an example of how you would put a headline for the story.

      • Red
        August 6, 2012

        How about “Dominican Athlete Luan Gabriel makes debut in 2012 200m race”regardless if she did not win, qualify, the title did not have to reduce her accomplishment at the Olympics to a mere, “she did not qualify”…there could be lots of other ways that DNO could have titled the article. An article’s title is meant to catch your attention, true, but it is not meant to downplay anyone for the sake of the websites personal gain. DNO is not there to report the “news”…DNO is there to simply write what they hear, see or read about…Too many time the articles on here are badly written, and show no type of respect or consideration for the individual’s involved in the report. If you think they are “great” at “news reporting”, you need a reality check.

      • Dorival John
        August 6, 2012

        That headline u have is lame and bland. Everyone knows she was going to debut, so that is really not “news.”

        And how is the headline downplaying her? It is a FACT that she did not qualify.

        If DNO is not great, why you come there to read and even comment? lol lol

        I am so happy DNO is not following people’s agenda but their own to report the news AS IS.

        Hey, why don’t u start your own ‘great’ news website. Trust me, with a headline like suggested, it won’t go far. hehehe

      • Red
        August 6, 2012

        Unfortunately Dorival…for you and your likings…I do not read DNO “news” nor do I normally partake in any comments such as…however, because this post was made known to me and the mannerism in which they decided to talk about Luan’s race at the Olympics…it touched a sore spot, that instead of just congratulating her, they focused on her “failure” to qualify. If you had any “smarts” or senses at all, you would know that regardless of people’s “knowledge” of an event, it is still regarded to as a debut, because the person is actually attending and participating. She could have been there, decided to participate and anything could have caused her not to “actually” participate…smh…for someone who seems to act like they “know it all”…you sure don’t. Reporting news as is, is one thing…having a crappy title, downplaying the accomplishment of someone is another. How many American/Russian/Jamaican or other countries you know of start their articles about their athletes in such a manner…smh…hmmmm

      • Dorival John
        August 6, 2012

        “Too many time the articles on here are badly written….” your quote

        “I do not read DNO “news” ” …your quote

        Someone is contradicting themselves….u do not read DNO news yet u say to many times the articles are badly written. How did you know?

        hahahahahahahaha

        Is best you don’t say anything. Thank Jah you hiding behind a fake name, so no one won’t know the real you and see how foolish u sounding.

        heheheheheheheh

      • Anonymous
        August 7, 2012

        I heard that you are still hitting back with comments…so I had to get back on here and see what your fuss was about…lol…how entertaining this is to see that I keep you on your toes…LOL. It has been fun going back and forth with you yesterday, but that will be all you get. Enjoy being a critic…

    • (.) (.)
      August 6, 2012

      Foolish they foolish. Luan did her best. At least she got to participate in the olympics . Do they know how much it takes to get into the olympics? Bunch of fools

  73. Cz
    August 6, 2012

    Point of Correction to True Dominican: Dawn Williams from Portsmouth was at the Olympics in Atlanta where she and Jerome Romain of Portsmouth both represented Dominica then.
    Meanwhile, Luan dispite all odds, you have gained more than lost. You are NO Loser. You are a winner. You have reached where many an athlete in DA have not, and I believe you have only just begun. Stay Positive.
    Meanwhile, Your Coach Mr. Nabi Wallace must be commended for your hard work, growth and achievements thus far. Let it NEVER be forgotten, that the people who worked with you to get to you that point (Nabi and Joseph from Portsmouth) may have both been forgotten, disrespected and disregarded or sidelined. Still, I hope they keep working with you, until you can get to some professional tracks and training facilities to enhance your abilities. Nabi and Joseph, keep your heads up. BE proud today for the work you both have done for this young lady.

  74. cookies
    August 6, 2012

    Luan, Congratulations!!! You made us proud for real.One thing for sure, you aint ever gonna forget this experience. It was beautiful watching you run out there. Big up to your family,sweetheart.

  75. Neighbour
    August 6, 2012

    Congratulations to you Luan.You are only 16 so More practice and in 2016 you go put them in the shade. Shelly ann fraser pryce wont have nothing on u. congrats again

  76. watt la
    August 6, 2012

    Your accomplishment is your motivation.

  77. honext
    August 6, 2012

    something about this girl doesn’t look like a convincing athlete. Her hairstyle looks mohican and she afterwards she looked like she was moaning to the jamaican girl who wasnt the least bit interested. We should work on her confidence and how she should act when the eyes of the world is on her. Don’t get me started on the outfit. Our lovely lush and green island and they chose to dress her in this horrible black colour which totally clashed with her skin. No other country wore this amount of black. Her top was more like a hair band around her chest..so short with her name sprawled out on the front right on her tits. Did anyone how they were jumping up and down while she was running. Awa we not ready yet..she will need all round coaching. She is also a bit overweight for an athlete. If you are carrying all this weight around you are bound to tire quickly. Anyway dear well done for representing your country; this is more directed at your team than your young self.

    • (.) (.)
      August 6, 2012

      Honex, why didn’t you run? I bet you not crippled

      • Good samaritan
        August 7, 2012

        Or donate her uniform next time. There is nothing wrong with giving of your time and money towards the betterment of your country.

    • Red
      August 6, 2012

      I CANNOT believe the idiocy and ridiculousness of your comments on here. It is never good enough for people like you to simply compliment an individual for an accomplishment, but rather, sit by and criticize them for foolishness such as their hairstyle and colour of their uniform….and for you to comment on her size is just down right stupid, since I have seen many of the 100, 200 and 400m runners who are within the range of her body shape. Like the saying goes, “if you have nothing good to say, STFU”…idiotic individuals like you who claim to see all the faults in others and their moments are the ones who have nothing accomplished for their own selves. Get a life and stop being critical of others because you cannot get to that level!!

      • LoveDA
        August 7, 2012

        Red, I couldn’t have said it better. A donkey by any other name is still a donkey. This person is just too simple for words.

    • hmm
      August 6, 2012

      wtf are you talking about? boy it have some stupid people in this world.

    • Dominican767
      August 6, 2012

      I think they should change the colour of the kit, make the green lighter, make the kit similar to the Jamaican one

    • trolol
      August 6, 2012

      Totally constructive criticism i checking a bright green they was going and give the girl to run in… and all those people that talking about running i can RUN!

    • bwa kwaieb
      August 6, 2012

      hehehehe oh my gosh it have too many retards in DA. hehhehehehehe I’m laughing so much at your coshoni statement above I can’t even type. lololololls

      So for her to look ‘convincing’ she needs to not wear hairstyles that are mohican? lololols
      May I remind you of the legendary Gail Devers who had the most disgusting and longest nails whilst running track, yet this never prevented her from winning. So how does a style stop luan from winning?

      Is she going up for Olympics next Top model you there speaking about outfit clashing with skin? lols BTW her outfit was a dark green with white stripes. It’s okay to admit that not only are you color blind but you’re also unable to think rationally.

      Luan isn’t overweight. Luan is probably much lighter than many of those Jamaican Athletes.

      Boy, boy you’re a clown! I laugh today.

    • boi
      August 7, 2012

      honext……read over before you submit…unless you are really that stupid and cant spell…or write proper english.

      the young lady is not overweight she is built…check with webster you may not figure this out on your own.

      dont be an idiot on DNO….next time say s*** like that just to yourself.

  78. August 6, 2012

    Luan you have made all of us proud to be Dominicans
    . To God be the glory great things he has done for Domnica through one of her daughters Luan! We are praying for you and your coach!

  79. watt la
    August 6, 2012

    I am proud to see our flag among the list of countries above and that is a remarkable accomplishment for the young athlete.Anyone can agree or disagree wiTH me but I consider her a winner.

  80. D.A
    August 6, 2012

    Bravo Luan, I will never judge you but I admire your spirit and hope that you will have better help in the future, I can see you wining a medal in the near future just push yourself and reach for the stars. congrats to you

  81. Anonymous
    August 6, 2012

    NEXT TIME TRUST ME SHE WILL BE ON THAT PODIUM WITH A MEDAL!24.12 NOT BAD AT ALL!

  82. Domini-CAN
    August 6, 2012

    This you lady made me even more proud to be a DominiCAN, Thank you Luan keep working hard and you will be back in Rio 2016.

  83. Concern citizen
    August 6, 2012

    Luan sorry you did not come through but take this as an experience. Now the government need to invest more in their athletes. The athletes needs to be taking part in the commonwealth and European games to be able to be prepared for such events in the future. Well done to both Luan and Ernest we are all proud of you all in representing our country in the Olympics.

  84. Excell
    August 6, 2012

    Great effort Luan! You made a good decision to run to gain the experience.

    I hope the Dominica Olympic Committee is now formulating a strategic plan for Luan in terms of Brazil 2016.

    She should definitely be awarded a scholarship to UWI,Jamaica where she could train with Usain Bolt coach on Campus,or an American track School.She has the potential,but for her to be at the top of her game in the future she needs our support and professional training.

  85. GOM
    August 6, 2012

    She has gotten the first time feel of it. With the necessary support from all concerned, i am sure she will learn fast and make us feel proud soon!
    Considering your youthfulness, GREAT EFFORT! YOU WERE UP AGAINST WORLD CLASS ATHLETES.

  86. moi
    August 6, 2012

    thanks for representing us Luan, you made DA proud.. As soon as you get back to D start training for the next olympics, put your mind to it, trust and depend on God and you’ll make it to higher heights

  87. Bull Crap
    August 6, 2012
  88. Doc.Love
    August 6, 2012

    It is unfortunate that Luan had to experience such an embarrassment.We cannot blame her for trying, but one must blame the Skerrit Labor Party Government for their lack of interest in athletics and in particular athletes like Luan.The Government spent approximately $27M on a President’s Palace.We must not forget that the UWP party wanted to build a multi-purpose stadium,who knows, maybe by now we could have Olympians in basketball,volley ball,table tennis, etc.

    • Domini-CAN
      August 6, 2012

      it is NEVER an embarrassment to compete in the Olympics.

      GOOD JOB LUAN, you made me proud to be a DominiCAN!!

    • Anonymous
      August 6, 2012

      WAT EMBARRASSMENT! D GIRL IS JUST 16 YRS OLD!WHAT YOU TALKING about.A LITTLE MORE practice AND she will be on top.

      • Anonymous
        August 7, 2012

        These were my exact sentiments – when I saw her time compared to Fraser-Pryce’s I got shiver’s, I wanted her to run, but I was really scared that these seasoned athletes would make minced-meat of her. Praise God, for her first time amidst such confusion her time was excellent. She can only get better.

    • Neutral
      August 6, 2012

      You are such an ..It is just not funny

    • Proud Of Luan
      August 6, 2012

      @Doc.Love Your Ignorance is wonderful… you are exposing to the world what a fool you are. At 16 years old it is quite an accomplishment for her to have qualified up to the final heat. Congratulations Luann, you made us proud. Looking forward to what you will accomplish in 2016 in Brazil!!!

      • Bob
        August 6, 2012

        That is where many people are wrong. Luan didn’t qualify to the Olympics, she was lightyears away from the qualifying mark. She is Dominica’s only active female sprinter hence the reason why she was sent to the Olympics.

    • angel gabriel
      August 6, 2012

      embarrassment!!!u have to be kidding me

    • %
      August 6, 2012

      @ Doc LOVE…. I agree with you 100% that the Skerrit Cabal has no interest in people,or sports or country,but Luans’s performance was HEROIC..NOT AN EMBARRASSMENT.I salute you young lady..You did not win but you have the zeal and determination which will carry you to success soon…

    • Watcher
      August 6, 2012

      Thanks for that. It is amazing that there are so many dislikes to your comment. What are we in Dominica? Of all those dislikes I wonder if they even remember when we had track and field events between schools. I remember those. How many athletes have we let down since those 10 or so years? How many young people? Oh yeah. Remember when we had debates too. Wow. It seems so long ago now. But we have a new road now, a new palace. We’ve done great under this Labour government and its past and present leaders. None of them should be exempt. It didn’t start with Prime Minister Skerrit. With all that said, I am glad that Luan had an opportunity despite all the odds and those 10 years of next level.

    • Elsa
      August 6, 2012

      Bla Bla Bla always blaming Skerrit for everything. Did the young lady tell you she is embarrassed? Did she looked embarrassed walking off with Ms Pryce? It seems the only one embarased is you…let Luan enjoy the moment.

    • sidney
      August 6, 2012

      Why don’t you just shut your trap…

    • Red
      August 6, 2012

      Why would she be embarrassed by this experience? Do you know how amazing of an opportunity this was for her? She is only sixteen and went up agains the World’s Fastest Woman!! Instead of focusing on what the “Gov’t” should and should not do…how about we ban together as Dominican’s and be supportive in respect to the athletes we do have and do whatever is possible to get these athletes out there. Everything does not always start with the “Gov’t”.

    • .
      August 6, 2012

      What you wrote re the government is the truth, but i am proud of Luan. She is a determined young athlete.

    • delicespassieinus
      August 6, 2012

      what an idiot you are, everyone can’t win. She dis her best and although I do not know her I will say congrats for getting this far. As far as I know Dominica was represented and that’s a plus. So many years have I not seen DA in the olympics, I am a proud Dominican and she should be also regardless if he did not win. Look at the Olympics and tell me do you some USA and CHINA Olympians losing… that said I rest my case, why don’t you go compete.

      • Righteous!
        August 6, 2012

        @delicespassieinus

        Dominica was represented in the Olympics in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012. Remember it is every 4 years.

    • (.) (.)
      August 6, 2012

      Doc Love…it’s folks like you who cause alot of young people in Dominica not to put themselves forward and try things. Stop with all that negativity and think positive. If Luan had the kind of mentality you have she would not be at the olympics today. I congratulate Luan a whole lot for getting this far and she has further to go. She is still young and full of energy and she will get far, for she is someone who thinks positively

    • DOMINICA
      August 6, 2012

      You are a real JACK FOOL.

      I cannot believe a human can break down a young sister like that.

      The child is 16, the youngest amoung the veterans.

      Why some of us do not know how and when to complement others?

      God be with you and your negative ways!

  89. Met Yo
    August 6, 2012

    24.12 at age 16 is very impressive for her first shot. No doubt, if she receives the necessary support she will a front liner in 2016.

  90. bwa kwaieb
    August 6, 2012

    Luan did very well. Can you imagine how she would do if the government would see fit to invest in athletics? My cousin attached a picture of inter school track and I still seeing kids who were running without shoes!

    When I attended track field events in windsor park in my day 1990-2000, Dominica had a group of amazing athletes who would have been successful, if they had great coaches, shoes, proper training facility and dietary education.

    Another area where Skerritt could have used the palace money.

    Skerritt took 12 million to build palace when he could invest it in the young people of DA.

    • August 6, 2012

      That is so true we need to develope athletics to represnt us in the Olympics Grenada just won Gold that could be us so I am calling on the GOVT to give more for training they use to say they are taking Dominica to the next level well they should be pumping money into sports.

  91. Bull Crap
    August 6, 2012

    8/8/12 @4:34Pm
    Breaking news
    Grenada just won gold in men 400M
    http://www.london2012.com/athlete/james-kirani-1020534/

  92. LoveDA
    August 6, 2012

    DNO, I love you but you could have done better with the title. This girl deserves to be congratulated for even making it this far. Can you work on that going forward? Thanks.

    • Anonymous
      August 6, 2012

      Well said!!!! Dno bad choice of words . Congratulate the young athlete! She deserves it!

    • Lydia M Cox(SLU)
      August 6, 2012

      I so agree with you LoveDA.

    • _____________
      August 6, 2012

      The title is 100% truthful. Good effort Luan.

  93. The truth
    August 6, 2012

    She’s very young. I hope the government does the right thing and get her the necessary training she needs. For the training the people she raced have gotten, and how she ran the race, with a couple years training she could be amazing. Best of luck there girl. It was great to watch.

  94. cb passie
    August 6, 2012

    Proud of u luan, in 2016 you will clock 19. 75 and win gold for dominica. U made u proud

    • Andrea
      August 6, 2012

      and its not a bad idea to invest is such athletes. It is amazing how when they reach this far, that everyone wants them to WAVE the DOminica flag, but how much Dominica invest in these athletes.. and I ask this before but it was not posted but nonetheless I will try my luck again.

      Dominica, please invest in your athletes don’t wait until they look like they going to make it to pretend you with them. It takes sponsors and money to make them great…

  95. SHAWTY
    August 6, 2012

    Thanks Luan for taking Dominica to the olympics. Remember quitters never win. Stay focus and positive do what you love best to the best of your ability and 2016 will be greater. Crictics can only make you get stronger. proud of you :-D :-D

  96. Proud Domincan
    August 6, 2012

    We are so proud of you Luan. You went out there and did your best. We can proudly say that Dominica was a part of the 2012 Olympics. Thanks for representing us. Things can only get better for you.

  97. Elsa
    August 6, 2012

    Did your best Luan. Congrats on the effort. As for the reporting, unfortunately reporters must spin the bad news as it happens. That’s the nature of the business.

    • mike
      August 6, 2012

      What spin? They didn’t say anything negative. They stated a fact.

  98. Pedro
    August 6, 2012

    Great effort! I am happy we had representation at the games, that the athletes have gained more experience and exposure. I have only a few things for thought: how can the Olympic committee and government develop a strategy for encouraging and training the best we have to be truly more competitive? Can we have more budgetary allocations to improve such participation? How can we encourage our young athletes to look towards such a lofty goal? I hope we can take the long term view to groom our best, but also encourage others and in the process we can install more national pride. There is too much negativity. But we also have to acknowledge, that greatness comes mostly from hard work. We must start early and earnestly.; with a plan.

    • Way Out There
      August 6, 2012

      Very well said. I completely agree.

  99. DISGUSTED
    August 6, 2012

    Really DNO? Really? Is this really THE BREAKING STORY…that the young hero FAILED to qualify for the next round? You’ve got to be kidding me.
    This young lady trains hard, pushes herself, runs an historic race for herself and country and this is the best headline that you guys could produce? To heck with the fact that she’s only 16 years old performing on athletics’ biggest stage. Forget the fact that she ran her heat against and brushed shoulders with the world’s fastest woman. Do you guys at DNO have even the slightest idea the amount of sacrifice that Luan has made to get to this point. This article and it’s headline is appalling. It’s of poor taste. Now go ahead and delete my comment. Stick to what you do best.. censorship.

    • Agree
      August 6, 2012

      I agree with you 100%…

    • Malatete
      August 6, 2012

      Luan came last in the final heat. She was outclassed and clearly not ready for the olympics. I don’t blame her for taking part, on the contrary she gave her best. Can not say the same for our Olympics Committee that did little to properly prepare her for this ultimate sporting event but was content to throw her to the lions, for their own unfathomable reasons. You have four years now Luan to become a real world-class athlete. I hope they wont forget you once you are back home. Good luck.

    • ???????????
      August 6, 2012

      @DISGUSTED… You must be disgusted with yourself.!What is wrong with the breaking Story? Absolutely Nothing. Dominicans like you are failing the country…. Call a spade a spade, NOT A KNIFE…Your DA- hypocrite.

    • disgusteeeeed tooooo
      August 6, 2012

      I totally agree with you, i cannot believe that DNO is not taking into consideration soooooooooooo much LUAN GABRIEL had to put into this effort. I hope some day this reporter will represent Dominica and do better than Luan did. If he/she COULD only get to that stage…. God bless Luan and she will continue to do well.

    • _____________
      August 6, 2012

      @ DISGUSTED. Why does the truth hurt so much? Did she qualify as you saw in your dream…. GOOD REPORTING DNO.!

      • Red
        August 6, 2012

        At __________….it’s people like you who do not give credit where credit is due!! The issue here is not about the truth that she did not qualify…the issue is about the manner in which DNO saw fit to title this article about this young girl, focusing simply on her not qualifying, rather than on the fact that she made it that far. Some of you people who comment on here, do so just to say you made a comment…read what is being said before you comment and read your comments before posting. So immature and ridiculous!!

    • tell
      August 6, 2012

      the owner of dno is a jamaican …..so wat all u expect him to print woy

      • Dorival John
        August 6, 2012

        You must be living in cave. So long DNO switch hands. lol lol….Dominicans not easy eh. lmfao

  100. Anonymous
    August 6, 2012

    Good luck next time :) :) :) :) :)

  101. proud Dominican..
    August 6, 2012

    I must say this is not the way DNO should present this.. Luan Gabriel did not get a top spot in the olympics but she did very well. I want to commend her on running at 24.12 as her record in carifta games were 24.67. At the Olympics she performed better than she did in Carifta. This was good representation for Dominica as she is the first female to put our country on the map in the olympics game.. She deserves to be praised for participating and gaining the experience as she went up to the olympics as on ‘OBSERVER’ but ran anyway.. With much more practice let’s say in Jamaica, since Dominica doesn’t have a location for Luan to practice for the Olympics; in the next four years if the Lord’s will Luan Gabriel will be an Olympic champs in 200m race.. I strongly believe that .. Great Job Lu, Lu..

    • Statistics
      August 6, 2012

      Know your stats she has a personal best of 24.09 achieved at the 2012 Carifta Games in Bermuda so she did not perform better or else beside her name would say P.B

    • Do not write
      August 6, 2012

      For a proud Dominican you know very little about Dominican sports.1996 Olympics Atlanta Georgia:

      Dawn Williams (female)
      Hermine Joseph (female)

      http://www.cakafete.com/dom-olym.htm
      http://www.cakafete.com/dom-olym.htm#back

  102. Nacinimod
    August 6, 2012

    Poor doo-doo don’t cry. Next time you will tear up the track and bring home gold.

  103. Gosh
    August 6, 2012

    Very proud of Luan. She is young, much more to come. Keep working hard and we shall see good things in the future.

  104. proud
    August 6, 2012

    good try my girl.. proud of you.
    do good people gonna talk…
    all we need now is for the authorities to provide you with a proper facility to practice..
    Brasil 2016 here we come bigger and better. :-D 8) :lol:

  105. Mie
    August 6, 2012

    Dear Luan,
    I hope you gained a lot from this experience. Remember, this was more like a practice run. I know you will do much better in 2016. Good luck and thanks for representing.

  106. wellll
    August 6, 2012

    congrats lu-lu!!!! at least she tried & for that we r proud of her!! never give up, don’t let it keep u down & we will continue supporting u all thru & wishing to see u participate next Olympics

  107. Viewer
    August 6, 2012

    She did very well at this her first Olympic attempt. She maintained her speed and was able to be a close contender. Congrats Luan, much awaits you in Brazil 2016.

  108. southcityboy
    August 6, 2012

    Good showing Luan. I know you will be well prepared for Brazil. Big up DA and Bioche.

  109. dominica
    August 6, 2012

    my girl i am very proud of you you may not have gotten a sport in the finals but my girl you went out there and represented your country. :-D :-D

  110. Midget
    August 6, 2012

    You know this young lady has nothing to be ashamed of. She ran against seasoned sprinters. What needs to happen now is for the Gov’t to spend on her while she prepares for 2016.

    • LoveDA
      August 6, 2012

      Yup. Proud of her! Proud to see our flag on that board.

  111. gwaj
    August 6, 2012

    So very proud to see our flag! Congrats on a brilliant effort!

  112. D/can
    August 6, 2012

    What kinda reporting is that nuh?? Stupes! Congratulations Luan!

  113. D
    August 6, 2012

    Too bloody negative. this site needs to be shut down. Reporting is not up to standards.. and it’s just a bunch of confusion. You all could have named the article differently. This is quite a shame. Ignorant people

    • Dorival John
      August 6, 2012

      I would love to see what you would have written. She did not get a spot in the 400m final…..and that is the truth. What you want DNO to write. DNO is reporting what is happening, not sugar coat anything.

      You ridiculous set of people.

      • Dorival John
        August 6, 2012

        I meant 200m

      • Malgraysa
        August 6, 2012

        She not even get a spot in the semi-finals.

      • Anonymous
        August 6, 2012

        so y you reading it for.you people really do not like to hear the truth.Geeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

      • Red
        August 6, 2012

        First of all Dorival John…regardless if DNO was reporting the “truth” about the finals, there is a certain way you can go about titling an article to not sound insensitive and uncaring about the person you are writing about!! It’s nothing to do with “sugarcoating” things. This young girl did something that most athletes WISHED and PRAYED they could have done…but because of the title of this article, it does not focus on any of that, just the fact that she did not qualify. You are ridiculous if you think that this is quality journalism and article writing!! Open up your mind and eyes and be less critical about these things. Focus on the true matter at hand…she made it to the Olympics…can you?

      • Anonymous
        August 6, 2012

        a lot of people in D/A can’t handle the (TRUTH)& THAT’S THE fact!

    • Isshhh Toneh
      August 6, 2012

      I agree with D. How about: “Dominica’s Luan Gabriel placed 9th in her Olympic meet.” I think a positive spin on the title would have been better.

      • Isshhh Toneh
        August 6, 2012

        Ooops. I meant to say “first Olympic meet”

      • mike
        August 6, 2012

        9th out of the 9 in her heat.

      • Bob
        August 6, 2012

        9th in her heat^ Big difference.

    • ???????????
      August 6, 2012

      @D ….Go hide somewhere.Nothing is wrong with the headline. Great Job DNO.

    • ....................
      August 6, 2012

      @ D… Why don’t you shut your empty head… Very Good reporting DNO…Don’t hide anything…. Good effort Luan. Better will come in Rio.

    • Malatte
      August 7, 2012

      If its positive spin you want I recommend you watch & listen to GIS instead, to the exclusion of everything else. In the old soviet republic the biggest official paper was “Pravda”, which stands for “Truth”. Everything was rosy until the people woke up one day to find that that rosy truth was nothing but fiction, party propaganda, one big con-trick , a monologue and self-congratulatory navel gazing. I don’t want Dominica to be an “also ran”, where “good enough” is applauded as an achievement. I do not hold the view that the Olympics are just about participating. Don’t let anyone fool you, they are about winning! Jamaica has come to understand this and there is no reason we should be any different.

  114. proud of luan
    August 6, 2012

    thanks for taking us there luan your next time around you will have more exprience and we ga mash dem up..big up girl

  115. Jaming
    August 6, 2012

    Congrats…that was still very fast

  116. Go Luan!
    August 6, 2012

    Less than 2 seconds separated her from the winner. I’d say she’s GOLD in Dominica’s eyes. Go Luan! Brazil 2016!

    • Malgraysa
      August 7, 2012

      You know what two seconds means in a race like this. like this? All the difference between coming first and last. Go and ask Hussain Bolt, maybe can explain it for you!

  117. proud
    August 6, 2012

    congrats to luan for making it so far…we are all truly proud of you

  118. +
    August 6, 2012

    I am proud of the time Luan clocked! Regardless she didn’t make it! You keep on going girl…this was a taste of the water.

  119. please
    August 6, 2012

    You are very good at capturing the mood of a people aren’t you DNO? Lovely headline.

  120. August 6, 2012

    Luan don’t be discouraged. Keep fighting. You can make it.

  121. August 6, 2012

    Well done Luan! you can only get better, next Olympics you and Catherine Cherry Stoute and Erisson will show them…..we are so proud of you

  122. Know Your Role
    August 6, 2012

    Ah well next time girlie…

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