Dominica at the 2012 Olympics, a closer look

Dominica’s 2012 Olympics team
(left to right)DOC’s Felix Wilson, Luan Gabriel, coach Joel Hamilton, Ericson Hurtault

The grand opening London 2012 was designed to reflect a green and active country, the green display obviously maintaining a focus on the environment. The cast dressed as ancient farmers reminiscing on an era when English domination was at its peak. Tonight it needed to recreate its stature to the world.

The show had to reflect greatness.

The show got off to a start when the official game bell was rung by England’s greatest cyclist, 2012 tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins.

It had to showcase the stunning strength of the past, the depth of its culture and the dynamism and change brought forth as the future becomes the present. This became more apparent as the cordrome was lit by seven young individuals, who in turn handed it to each other as they ran around the stadium. Signaling an engagement and inclusion of all!

As the lights came on and the clouds came to earth there was signs of change and indeed the show brought forth the sparkles of modern life. The years were clearly displayed and as the stage transformed before our eyes, it became clear that the destiny of this great country was being awaken. It did not look like they intended to go back rather excitement and optimism filled the seats of this 80,000 seat stadium, as a country facing serious fiscal, economic and cultural challenges, reached out to its youth. The search was not only to seek their strength, but their hearts and mind. After tonight Britain appears solidly on its way.

In a way the opening reflects more of the host country than the event. And it should;they paid for this event. The most significant aspect of the performance was its heavy and almost singular effort to highlight its own people and its culture. Had the same been done by any other country it would appear totally selfish. However so much of the global culture emanated from here that we all felt a part of the experience.It was a master piece that invoked all that Britain had to offer as the Queen in the end dropped the curtains to let the GAMES BEGIN!!!

Ericson Hurtault led the Dominican contingent. He looked quite smartly dressed in his national colors. The Columbia graduate strode confidently around the path where he would soon be matching up against the best in the world. For this moment though he looked his best. Erisson was not born in Dominica but chose to represent the land where his Father a native of Laplaine and Mother of Grand Fond were born. He excelled both academically and in athletics at the Ivy League Columbia University. For some time now he has been Dominica’s only elite athlete. This year the 400 meter 2011 Central American and the Caribbean (C.A.C) games bronze medalist aspires to bring home something special for Waitikubuli.

Ericson was followed by our adorable sprint princess. At 16 Luan Gabrielle will go down as the youngest Dominican to have ever attended an Olympic game. For this track sensation, 2012 has been an absolutely amazing year. She won gold at the Carifta Games in Bermuda and since then has been on a crusade around the world. It began with trips to Barbados and Trinidad in preparation for the Carifta Games. In Bermuda qualified for the C.A.C games in El Salvador. This was followed up with a trip to Spain where she took part in the World Junior Championship and from there she flew to London to form part of Dominica’s Olympic team.

Gabriel was chosen ahead of Thea Lafond, after the DOC got the approval to include a female in their team. Many discussions have ensued as to whether she was ready for this mega spotlight? Well Dominica, you watch as she gracefully marched around the stadium. Did she look ready? I must also add that tonight Dominica could not have had a better female dressed in our national colors, gracing this global stage. This colorful master piece was specially crafted by her personal seamstress Phillina Ambo of the village of Bioche. This young lady is a very hard worker. Her discipline and focus exceed her tender age. Such was her maturity as she graced the stage tonight, that few would guess that she turned 16 in 2012. Her personality and confident nature makes her ready for most things. Tonight, not even 80,000 screaming voices moved her. She walked around the stadium almost in her own world. Not unaware, but relishing the opportunity to put her country on the map. One day soon the world could be hers.

The discussions as to whether she will compete or not remains a hot topic throughout the land, however that call will be made by the athlete in consultation with the team coach. In the mean time, while observing the activities, Luan has been and is working along with a number of top sprint coaches (more to come). Some of the comments being made so far have been extremely encouraging. Special emphasis will be placed on an evaluation being done by the coach of Errison Hurtault. He is a highly skilled and experience coach and he will be reporting back to the head coach of the team Joel Hamilton who will then relate back to the relevant parties.

Special recognition must be extended to Cyrilla Hilton and Sharla Gabriel. This Mother and sister combination has raised an excellent ambassador for our country. Mr. Nabi Wallace must be singled out for his effort thus far. He has labored long and hard with Luan and while his task is not complete he to deserves his Kudos.

Tonight we saw big teams and some small contingents. Regardless of the team size, WE SAW THE BEST OF EVERY NATION!

Could or should we have had a larger group marching? Yes!! But it would not have been our best.

As we prepare for the games to start, we may have just witnessed earlier the beginning of an era. One dresses in a golden wob dwiyet walking calmly tonight but soon racing for the Gold.

Tonight we looked and saw the future of our country. And if Luan represents that, then we are indeed in for a bright one.

If the athletes match the effort of the organizers, the world will probably witness the greatest sporting event over the two weeks.

For tonight the glory shines on London

Darwin Telemaque
Caribbean Sports Connection
for the Dominica Olympic Committee
with the Compliments of Lime

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68 Comments

  1. That athlete
    August 2, 2012

    This post is funny because apparently me, vanessa Henry is an elite athlete. I found it kind of offensive that you only called Ericsson and Luna elite athletes. I represented Dominica in Mexico and puerto rico. To my knowledge I am Curently the record holder in the shot putt. I’m just saying I’m very happy for my team mate but after the way the doc treated me after my hard work I’m taking a year off to represent the us in the hammer and shot putt

  2. lover
    July 31, 2012

    we love u Dominica do your best :-D :) :lol: :-P :wink:

  3. Anonymous
    July 31, 2012

    we love u Dominica do your best. :lol: :) :wink: :-P

  4. Mabouché
    July 30, 2012

    While it’s great that Dominica is being represented at the 2012 Olympics,I am not too please with the way the quota athletes are being selected. In the event that no athlete qualifies for an event, I believe the “quota athlete” position should bve granted to a local,Dominican-born athlete. There are so many athletes on the island who give track and field 110% of their time and effort, only to be sidelined during a big event such as the Olympics. Our local athletes SHOULD NOT be sidelined and overlooked for a U.S born athlete who failed to make it to the U.S team and only chose dominica in a desperate attempt to participate at the Olympics.
    Track and field is already over-shadowed by cricket therefore having our Dominican-born athletes represent us isn’t too much to ask for.

    • Gweneth J Moorhouse
      August 8, 2012

      My three sons were born in the USA.They spent their early years in Dominica and accomplished the mission I intended,an appreciation for Dominica which they do to a passion.The oldest, who is a very serious,
      able,talented capable,accomplished bicyclist would give anything to represent Dominica over the US.

    • Mr.Athletic
      August 16, 2012

      There been many when people ask me, am i going to represent Dominica in the London Olympics i replied no. Reason is Dominica support athletics as much as it used too. the home based athletics isn’t getting much experience and training needed to participate in the Olympics.As a young top athletic i gave all my support to Luan because she is the one who made an all known athletic

  5. JG
    July 30, 2012

    :) :>

  6. JG
    July 30, 2012

    Team Dominica,you make me so proud to be a Dominican best wishes :-P :-P :lol: :lol: :-o :-o :-D :-D :) :) .

  7. Francisco Telemaque
    July 30, 2012

    Anonymous Like or Dislike: 1 1July 30, 2012
    ” And let me ask… How do you know that Darwin is paying for his own expense or not…. you ppl Just pretenders Just like all the other in High position… doing so many tings just to get there way…. But I am not saying anymore …. Cause you will see soon enough!! God is GOOD!! ”

    I suppose you are referring tome, since your response followed mine!

    Assuming that he was invited by the Olympic comity in the Dominica or the Caribbean for that to travel to England, any fool would expect the organization to pay his passage, hotel room, food, an his transportation to get around London. that is a matter of simply commonsense.

    Why all of a sudden you all are on Darwin case, this foolishness talking about God, and your nonsense defies’ commonsense.

    Jealously, and envy is a very bad thing!

    It not the first time Darwin has gone to London; and I do not think it is any of you people business how he gets there, it does not cost a fortune to go to England, some of us fly to England, and other parts of the world for weekends, so what’s the big deal about that.

    Darwin will not defend himself against the two little mouse who twiddling away at the heals of his shoe, but I the kid who has nothing to loose or gain from any Dominican is quite capable of defending him, so take the attention away from him and focus on me the bad kid, and I will put each one of you in your stupid place!

    There is a difference in hate and jealously, you little rats envy this man for nothing except he wrote an article, none of you babbling fools know for sure if he is in London or not!

    Believe it or not if push come to shove, and someone paid his way to London, and want their money back; and Darwin is unable to give it back, though he is not a pauper ( note broke ) I the kid can afford to give it back on his behalf.

    I am sure it will not come to that!

    You people are just evil tools of Satan the devil who does nothing than cause strive and chaos as you wander looking for another person to talk about, mind your personal business which stinks.

    Leave the kid alone, face me the bad dog!

    Anybody who want’s to fight with me over that here is my E-mail: [email protected] feel free to throw everything you got at me, I can manage, I know how to fight, I am dangerous, Darwin is on the quiet side, so he will not fight back (so me go fight geeumm).

    I am the King, came straight out of the red clay mud of Wesley, I live dangerously, I am wicked; and fear not even a wild lion oui!

    Hhhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Bring Em Young Mormo
      August 10, 2012

      Francisco why are your post so long winded you blow too much hot air you should also learn to spell words like (tings=things,referring=refering,comity=commitee,heals=heels)secondly before you get so insultive you should brush up on your grammar and writing skills.

  8. highly favored
    July 30, 2012

    why are the photographs so dark?

  9. Anonymous
    July 30, 2012

    Always proud to be a Dominican and when I saw the young lady who carried the national dress so well I was even more proud. Thank u Luan.

  10. river
    July 29, 2012

    Luan we are all proud of u All the best

  11. Tempest
    July 29, 2012

    With all this euphoria I hope it is noted that Dominicans in 2012 are still running on grass. We have no track facility, no Olympic pool, no indoor facility.

    Sports is a dirty word in this country. A whol waste of a stadium facility for a sport played a few months in the year whilst every other sport is condemned to a nonentity.

    Meanwhile young men in particular, supremely talented, are taking up drugs, whilst young women making more and more ‘bom’ with politicians and their bosses in particular to get by.

    As Jamaica has shown, sporting success is worth way more than wasting money for a set of pencil pushers to pretend they doing tourism.

    One athlete making it on the world stage will do way more than 5 years of pretend spend on tourism.

    But politics has always been the issue. First Mamo, in destroying the plans for a multipurpose stadium in Canefield, and then this mob, who got rid of the UWP blueprint which was much better, for a multipurpose stadium at Windsor park, to put a cricket only stadium.

    So all this is just real nonsense. By this time in five years, the situation will once again be the same. But I will keep on lobbying.

  12. Donna Cole
    July 29, 2012

    What a wonderful group of people on the island of Dominica. Fell in love with your island this past December, so we no doubt will be cheering on your team. With love from the United States!

  13. Teacher
    July 29, 2012

    I almost cried reading that! GO LUAN!!!!!!!!!

  14. Anonymous
    July 29, 2012

    Congratulation…This year win or not.. it is to all Dominicans golden…the exposure is priceless…give this all you got….you are both winners…

  15. paul graham
    July 29, 2012

    A well written article Darwin but i disagree with you when you say that Erison is Dominicas only elite athlete.How would you call an athlete who represented his island at the Pan-am games, the Commonwealth games,NACAC, and countless games in the region and internationally and performed creditably.I am referring to Brendan Williams the high jumper who now holds the national record. Do you know sir, that Brendan is the only athlete in Dominica and overseas to hold a world ranking to date? Does that not qualify him as an elite athlete? I will say no more.

    • yup yup yup
      July 29, 2012

      I agree one hundred percent with you sir. Brendon in my opinion is our top athlete. He has performed on a consistent basis showing improvement with every competition. He failed to qualify due to a lack of local facilities. The DOC however is fully behind him and with the determination of him and his coach we are going to hear a lot more about Mr. Williams.

    • Mixmaster
      July 29, 2012

      Excuse me sirs, But I dare say that Jerome Romain is an elite athlete. Cause he actually competed at the olympics. he got injured during the event. some may say he represented France, but he is totally dominican.

      • Former Athlete
        July 30, 2012

        Indeed Jerome was an elite,also the first and only athlete to have attain a medal at a world championships.but i think the gentlemen were speaking about the current athletes we have to date

  16. CynthiaWP
    July 29, 2012

    What a wonderful article, Darwin. Thanks for this contribution and your work behind the scenes.

  17. michel Bousselaire
    July 28, 2012

    Pierre de Coubertin which is the father or modern Olympics said “L’important c’est de participer” et”L’essentiel n’est pas d’avoir vaincu, mais de s’être bien battu. » (the important is to participate) and (tne main thing is not to win, but to fight on your best) I Wish succes to both athletes. Should they be sure yet we are proud
    to see them among the best of athletics world.

  18. Teresa
    July 28, 2012

    The world better learn fast, because 2 of us had to post corrections on a site that showed some African men parading in white skirts with a caption “Dominica”. Smh.

  19. July 28, 2012

    Guys you all are our ambasadors, we are proud of you.Luan give it your best, Ericson give it your best.Laplaine is with you we.

  20. Great
    July 28, 2012

    congratulations. I think she should compete in all hits that she can. The idea is not to get a gold the first time around but to perform your best and she has been proving herself. Hurtault I think can qualify to the finals.

    I am so proud of my country

  21. Bayside
    July 28, 2012

    QOUTE “Mr. Nabi Wallace must be singled out for his effort thus far. He has labored long and hard with Luan and while his task is not complete he to deserves his Kudos.”…….What a pity Nabi not in the olympics to enjoy it too!!

  22. Virgin Island/STX
    July 28, 2012

    Great inspiration Darwin

  23. July 28, 2012

    oh my god i get goosebumps,a little girl from my village is representing dominica in london 2012 olympics,go lulu ,go lulu go, god is with you make us proud do your best.

  24. Virgin I
    July 28, 2012

    Good words Darwin

  25. Reader
    July 28, 2012

    Excellent writing and great contribution! Congratulations and best wishes to Luan and Ericson.

  26. Brain DAMAGE
    July 28, 2012

    Blessings to the competitors and the organizers.
    Proud to be a Dominican.

  27. July 28, 2012

    Congratulations Dominica’s team, am very proud of you, no matter how far we a from home you are always number one in my heart Dominica, we reaching for the gold in london, I love you and am proud to be a dominican

  28. MSC
    July 28, 2012

    WELL DONE!!!!!!!! GO DA!!!!!!!!!!! REPRESENT TO THE MAX.

  29. Anonymous
    July 28, 2012

    Beautiful article

  30. Cerberus
    July 28, 2012

    A word of caution is in order. It is my understanding that Darwin Telemaque is in London as a member of the Dominica Olympic delegation. I stand to be corrected but I was not aware that he is an accredited journalist and it is a legitimate question to ask who foots the bill for his visit to the London Olympics. I read the comments very carefully and nowhere does Mr. Telemaque actually say that Luan Gabrielle will represent Dominica on the track. He merely refers to her as “the youngest Dominican to have ever attended an Olympic game”. As far as I can tell she did not qualify to be an actual competitor. He also does not tell us that Erison Hurtault , born a U.S. citizen, also represented Dominica at the Bejing Olympics in 2008 where he finished 34th, and only chose to appear for his parents’ country of birth when he failed to make the U.S. squad. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Mr. Hurtault, who is a very likeable young man. I love to see our flag represented but I do detest false flattery and mutton dressed up as lamb even more. I love and respect my country too much for that. Just give us the unadorned facts. We are mature enough to live with them.

    • bawi
      July 29, 2012

      It is such a shame that haters like u will take such a wonderful moment and turn it into garbage. It does not matter where they were born, if they were qualified or not. They are Dominican, they make me proud. I have been waiting for this moment for years. I love it, enjoy it and I’m very proud of my country. Stop being a hatter. FOOL

    • Francisco Telemaque
      July 30, 2012

      Some of us just have to try to create issues where there are none!

      What difference does it make if Darwin is in London or not?

      Why should you care who is footing the bill for his expense?

      Darwin is not a pauper you know, how do you know that he cannot sustain himself in England, and is paying his own bill?

      How many thousand of people; families from the Caribbean and elsewhere have traveled to London at their expense without a government handout, specifically to enjoy the games; and why do you believe that government must be involved into every aspect of the individual Dominican life.

      Darwin’s commentary seems perfect, there are no flaws within, thus you cannot critique him based on what he said so you are making waves about how he got there and at who’s expense.

      You said you are not sure that he is in London, so why are you worried about whom is paying his bill?

      Get off the man’s back!

      Enjoy the game, it is over for the night, I watched it all on Television, though London, (England) time is eight hours ahead of California time.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • Anonymous
        July 30, 2012

        And let me ask… How do you know that Darwin is paying for his own expense or not…. you ppl Just pretenders Just like all the other in High position… doing so many tings just to get there way…. But I am not saying anymore …. Cause you will see soon enough!! God is GOOD!!

    • Malgraysa
      July 30, 2012

      Luan Gabriel is now (finally) listed on the official London2012 website (www.london2012.com) for the 200 mt. but with an important rider, which says: “athlete listed has not been confirmed”. What in the hell is going on? is she going to run for Dominica or not?

  31. Anonymous
    July 28, 2012

    great job Mr Telemacque. Am so proud of my little island. Jo am proud of you. Take care of our team real good.

  32. July 28, 2012

    Good luck to all. We have won by having our flag count among many flags of the World.

  33. GWATANCE
    July 28, 2012

    I made comments on the suits that were worn at the last Olympics(Beijin)Our National costumes were beautiful to see and behold. Hope we get some medals

  34. Michael
    July 28, 2012

    Reading Darwin’s piece made me emotional. I wish our Team Dominica, everyone in London, including the organizers,the best.

  35. sensei viki
    July 28, 2012

    Congrats to all of you. My dad was Dominican, and my grandmother, too. Her maiden name was Hurtault so maybe Ericson is my distant relative?? Best of luck to you in all events.

  36. DOMINICA
    July 28, 2012

    You all make me so proub to be a DOMINICAN!!!
    GO DA GO!!!

  37. Anonymous
    July 28, 2012

    When Erison appeared on the TV screen bearing and waving that majestic “parrot”, my heart filled with joy and my eyes swelled with tears. I was very happy and proud to share the moment with my wife and two American born daughters. My eleven year old looked at me and asked “Daddy are those tears in your eyes?” God bless Dominica and all the best to Erison and Luan in their events and in in all their endeavors.

  38. DCAN/NY
    July 28, 2012

    Very proud of you guys do try your best and do something for DA, getting that far is a +. Good
    luck, God’s blessigs and I wish you well.

  39. J......
    July 28, 2012

    don’t care if they win or loose, just felt very proud of these guy’s when they went by. they looked great and looked like they were enjoying it all. huge smiles. wishing you all the very best. you go guys.

  40. an
    July 28, 2012

    congrats to the guys,make us proud, proud to be Dominican, however, the government needs to invest more in sports, there is alot of talent,but the people donot have the resources,seeing the flag being carried so proudly,and the participants walking in confidence and pride, what a moment that was , good luck guys

  41. A Voice
    July 28, 2012

    Big up Dominica. I felt real proud to see our flag in the olympic procession.

    Congratulations to the two athletes, do your best, we are all behind you.

    Big up to my boy Joel…I like that.

  42. Proud Dominican
    July 28, 2012

    I am proud to be a Dominican……………best wishes Team Dominica. represent well

  43. skyline
    July 28, 2012

    I JUST LOOKED AT PICTS OF THE OPENING CEREMONY THERE AND THE DOMINICANS ARE ALL DRESSED IN RED REEEEEDDDD TOPS AND WHITE BOTTOM. WHATS THE DEAL?
    http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/gallery/Opening-Ceremony-fashion-gallery-072712#tab=photo-title=Everyone%2527s+excited&photo=31227930

    • I am Dominica, are Y
      July 29, 2012

      That is the Dominican Republic’s contingent.

  44. jerseydominican
    July 28, 2012

    congratulation guys the world is going know us and now go for the gold silver or bronze we are still going to be proud of u all thx to you my brothers and sister

  45. KISS ME
    July 28, 2012

    am so happy its not funny

  46. Anonymous
    July 28, 2012

    Go Team D/a – God’s grace

  47. Channel 1
    July 28, 2012

    Great write up Darwin Telemaque!!

    • anonymous
      July 28, 2012

      I agree. Great job. I watched as the two young people walked with their heads held high, but I was especially proud of Luan( I don t know her personally)for she represented what we all wish; that our young people will grasp opportunities and rise to the challenge with such grace. Go Luan and Ericson, we are rooting for you. As Jacque Rogge said, it is not so much that you win but the extent to which you participate(not verbatim).

    • dominican oversees
      July 28, 2012

      Very well written indeed.

  48. blessings
    July 28, 2012

    Congratulations to you both. A special congrats to Ericson Hurtault. I too I’m a proud Dominican born in the USA and my hope is to come back to Dominica and start a none profit organization. Too many times Dominicans go away and the first they say is “I’M NOT COMING BACK”. I wish you both the best of luck and BRING HOME THE GOLD MY PEOPS!!!! ONE LOVE!!!

  49. Mango-Bab
    July 28, 2012

    Very well scripted Mr Telemacque.

  50. Nature Boy
    July 28, 2012

    Well done. This was a wonderful and well presented reflection. Congratulations to the Dominica Olympic Committee and I hope both our athletes represent us very well and make us proud.

    • Righteous!
      July 29, 2012

      It was great to see Dominica represented at the 2012 Olympic Games….Congratulations to the Olympic Committee for what? This particular committee has not done anything. Wilson was a in 1996 as the Chef de Mission and he will be a in London. If you look at Dominica’s History with the Olympics, it has gone backward since our first appearance in 96. Dominica had 6 athletes, all of the track athletes met the Olympic “A” standard,well except one, who had some made up results, (now he is running the DAAA), that’s another story..) We had one athlete make the final and one missing the final by 1 spot and by .02 secs…In 2000 we had 2 quota athletes, 2004, 2 quota athletes, 2008 2 qualified athletes, Dominican heritage, 2012, 1 qualified, 1 quota….you get the picture. These games are becoming more for the Committee and less for the athletes….Dominica have a lot of talented athletes, but the system is not working….Brendan Williams is world class high jumper, Tyrone Benjamin is a world class thrower, we have world class athletes in DA, but the system is killing them….Jerome Romain show everyone that Dominica have talent….The committees DOC, and DAAA not nurturing them athletes…We need to focus on the mental and physical (academics and athletics), to get them kids to US Colleges where they can maximize their talents…Jamaica, St. Kitts, Grenada on a yearly basis sending kids to US schools, why can’t we do it….With a few exceptions Bolt, Blake to name the very few, most of the Jamaican athletes continue their development in the US….

      So again, congratulations to the committee for what????

      • Cerberus
        July 29, 2012

        Righteous, that is what has perplexed me for so long. We have a full-time Olympic Committee office in Dominica. To do what? If am well informed we have now a five person delegation in London, supporting one athlete who will actual make an appearance for our country. What happened to the money the committee received from selling the Dominica allocation of tickets to an agent in the U.S.A. ? I definitely want Dominica represented but the emphasis should be on the athletes and their performance, not on the delegation. We have to become serious and not scrape around every four years for someone to perform for us so we can justify an all expenses paid visit to the Olympic games for a selected few.

      • hmmm
        July 29, 2012

        I couldn’t agree with you more!! Too many ppl on the committee only sit there, do nothing and there pockets getting big… they don’t care about the athletes but they know that without them they can’t get the money so they have to use them in some way…. but every dog has his day.. time will tell!!

      • Sprinter
        July 30, 2012

        In 2004, we had one qualified athlete in the person of Chris Llyod 400m and one one quota athlete (female). Luan was chosen over Thea Lafond because the IAAF will allow a runner who is not qualified as the quota athlete. If the DAAA wanted Thea to be aprt of the team, they would have had to seek the permission of the IAAF. This information can easily be obtained online. Congrats to Coach Nabi Wallace. Had he not invested time and ffort with Luan Gabriel, she would not be a the Olympic today. Good Luck Luan in your competition. I do hope that you improve your time(as far as I know, there is no trip to the games to be an observer, so you will be competiting I guess)-enjoy the games-it will be a learning experience.

  51. Senses
    July 28, 2012

    Congratulations to all of you .You made me so proud to be a Dominican. Wishing you all good luck in your respective events.

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