The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association (TTOC/TTCGA) have taken a decision to award the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games 4x100m
Men's relay team medal bonuses.
TTOC President Diane Henderson said Keston Bledman, Richard Thompson, Emmanuel Callender, Marc Burns and Aaron Armstrong will share US$40,000.000 which would have been the bonus structure for a Tokyo2020 relay gold medal. The TTOC did not have a medal bonus programme for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The medal bonus programme was established in 2015.
“They have waited 14 years to receive their reallocated gold medal”. “It was an emotional moment for everyone and listening to the pan version of our national anthem at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland also added to the occasion” said Henderson.
During the virtual press conference Richard Thompson spoke on behalf of the athletes "we would like to thank the TTOC for this initiative shows their appreciation for our hard work and effort. “There are so much sacrifices that are made, emotionally, financially, mentally and physically by us athletes each year”.
He added “To know that when we wear our national colors with pride, joy and dignity when we receive medals it don’t go unnoticed. Thanks again to Brian Lewis for starting this initiative and to Diane Henderson for being athlete centered and always giving us support and acknowledgment”.
The TTOC will distribute medal bonuses for the Cali 2021 Panam Sports Games. Athletes who medaled in the Guadeloupe 2022 Caribbean Games are also set to receive bonuses for their achievements at the historic Games.
Ms. Henderson however assured that in relation to Junior athletes the TTOC will ensure compliance with NCAA rules and regulation.
MEDAL BONUS AWARDEES
Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games
Athletics:
Men’s 4x100m Relay Team (Medal Upgrade)
Keston Bledman
Marc Burns
Richard Thompson
Emmanuel Callender
Aaron Armstrong
2021 Cali Panam Sports Junior Games
Athletics:
Kelsey Daniel (Silver in the Men’s Long Jump)
Tariq Horsford (Bronze in the Men’s Javelin Throw)
Guadeloupe 2022 Caribbean Games
Athletics:
2 Gold (4x100m Women and Kion Benjamin 100m Men)
2 Silver (100m Women and Men's 4x100m)
1 Bronze (Women's 100m)
Swimming:
Gold: 3
Nikoli Blackman – Men’s 100m and 50m Freestyle
Ornella Walker – Women’s 100m Freestyle
Silver: 5
Ornella Walker - Women’s 100m Backstroke
Nikoli Blackman – Men’s 200m Freestyle
Mark-Anthony Beckles – Men’s 100m Butterfly
Jahmia Harley – Women’s 50m Backstroke
4X100m Medley Relay
Bronze: 3
Jahmia Harley – Women’s 100m Backstroke
Aqeel Joseph – Men’s 50m freestyle
Mark-Anthony Beckles – Men’s 50m Butterfly
Men’s Futsal Team (Bronze Medal)
Che Benny
Darnell Hospedales
Delaney Zamore
Elijah Shade
Isaiah Williams
Kalev Keil
Omri Baird
Zion Mc Leod
Josiah Joseph
Symron Wiseman