By Avenash Ramzan
“I don’t think this will be my last medal.”
The confident words of Commonwealth gold medallist, Troy Doris, enveloped City Hall this afternoon as he received a commemorative plaque in honour of his achievement in Gold Coast, Australia, this year.
Proudly displaying the medal for all to see, Doris was the guest of honour to Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene, who presented a plaque to the USA-based Triple Jumper.
His subsequent remarks were shrouded with optimism, as he spoke of his future in the sport.
“I definitely think I will be back; my coach believes that I will be back with another medal, but we just have to keep the support, keep the faith in myself and future athletes as well to really make Guyana just known (to the world) and make us all proud,” Doris said.
He continued, “This is my athletic achievement, but it’s about you guys. It’s not about me anymore, so again to have this brought back home and the joy that you guys feel and share the experience, I really appreciate it.”
With a leap of 16.88m, Doris became the first field event athlete to win gold at the Games for Guyana back in April. In the process, he broke a 16-year medal drought; Aliann Pompey had previously won 400m gold in England in 2002.
Doris expressed thanks to Guyana and its people for their support and well wishes.
“It’s not every day that one person gets the backing of an entire country. I’m glad I’m here because I could only say so much over social media; I can only say so much to people who reach out to me. Being present here it means a lot more because that connection is a lot stronger,” the athlete explained.
Mayor Chase-Greene said the Council is “thrilled and happy” to share in the success of Doris.
“You are of Guyanese parentage and to us you are Guyanese, and of that we are proud,” the Mayor related.
“And as I look to the future, and I hope you’re doing the same, that you are looking at the Olympics in the next two years.”
The Mayor added that she, like all Guyanese, is optimistic about Doris copping Guyana’s first Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020.
“We have you in our prayers; we’re giving full support to you. We’re happy that you’ve chosen to come back home because I think this is your home also. I can assure you, all Guyanese are proud of you,” Mayor Chase-Greene asserted.
Boxer Michael Parris is the only Guyanese to win an Olympic medal, copping a bronze in the Bantamweight division in 1980 in Moscow.
