Mr. Phillip commended the coaches, trainers, managers and athletes as they continue to reap medals internationally. He in particular singled out the recent achievements of veteran sprint icon Kim Collins and the youthful Adrian Williams.
He spoke about Kim’s performance at the world stage when he ran his season’s best of 10.01 seconds, to win the silver medal in the Men’s 100 meters finals, at the 90th IAAF World Challenge held in Berlin, on Sunday.
Phillip also praised Kim for his excellent performance at the Daegu 2011 IAAF World Athletics Championships, where he won bronze in the 100m and another bronze in the 4 x 100m relay, as well as multiple top 3 finishes on the Diamond League professional Circuit.
Minister of sport said, “Like fine wine, Kim Collins continues to get better with age as his recent 2011 performances have proven”.
Mr. Phillip went on to commend the Nevisian athlete, Mr. Adrian Williams, on his bronze medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw, where he tossed an amazing 63.02 meters at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG).
“This marked the first time a national athlete has medalled in a field event on the international stage. Mr. Williams, who hails from the sister isle Nevis, continues to enhance his growing reputation considering his achievements on the regional scene at the 2010 and 2011 Carifta Games where he won gold and set a new national record and the International World Youth Games’ where he placed in the Top tier of the Championships”, said the sports minister.
Teammates of Mr. Williams were also acknowledged by the Sport Minister.
J’nathon Sillidy, finished 8th in the same Javelin Finals and Noha Herbert advanced to the 200m semi-finals but did not start as she picked up an injury.
Minister Phillip stressed that “these young athletes are shining examples of what hard work, a positive attitude and perseverance can do, I hope that other young Kittitians and Nevisians will use their example to motivate them in their respective endeavours in life.”
He ended by saying with God’s continued blessings, along with the efforts of track and field administrators, parents and the on-going support from Government, the London 2012 Olympic Games may be special for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.