In the shadow of the political tumults and insecurity gripping Haiti, the Haitian Olympic Committee (HOC) is busy with a herculean task: preparing a delegation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Between humanitarian crises and waves of violence, Haitian athletes must navigate an environment where the quest for security is as crucial as that of medals.

May 24, 2024.-In a difficult national environment, the Haitian Olympic Committee, led by Dr. Hans Larsen, is focused on preparing athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Faced with instability and logistical challenges, this initiative seeks to ensure Haiti’s competitive presence on the world stage. We spoke with Dr. Larsen to learn more about the preparations underway.

Interview:
Interviewer: Hello Dr. Larsen, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about the current preparation of Haitian athletes for Olympic qualifications?
Dr. Hans Larsen: Hello, and thank you for having me (for the opportunity). This is a very exciting but also very demanding time for our athletes. For example, Lynzee Brown, our gymnast, is currently in Colombia to (participate in a Competition and) refine her technique and performance(s) before Paris 2024. She is working hard to represent Haiti with dignity.

Interviewer: We have heard that Haitian boxers are also in Thailand for their last chance to qualify. How is their preparation carried out?
Dr. Larsen: Yes, that’s correct. Our (3) (three) two boxers and their trainer are in Thailand for what is effectively their last opportunity to (wualify) qualify. The level of (the) competition is very high, but they are ready. The preparation was intense, with a focus on tactics and mental resilience, essential for this type of (championship) competition.

Interviewer: What about swimming?
Dr. Larsen: We have four swimmers and a coach preparing to go to Monterey, Mexico for their qualifying meet. Swimming is a sport where movement precision and endurance are crucial, so the coaching is very specific and calculated. They are motivated and ready to give their best.

Interviewer: Jennifer Etienne, the judo athlete, is also in full preparation. What is his journey like?
Dr. Larsen: Jennifer is an exceptional fighter. She is currently in Haiti to obtain her Spanish visa and will then leave for a training camp in Spain. This camp is vital for her preparation, because there she will meet high-level judokas who will push her to excel before her last qualifying competition. (in Peru)

Interviewer: In terms of economic support for the preparation of Haitian athletes, what is the current state of funding for the Haitian Olympic Committee?
Dr. Larsen: Currently, the economic support of the Haitian Olympic Committee comes exclusively from the Bank of the Haitian Union (BUH) and the Inter-American Cooperation Agency (Alternative Insurance Company) (AIC). These two entities are the only ones to have offered us (so far) significant financial support in preparing our athletes for international competitions, including Olympic qualifications for Paris 2024. The Haitian government, to date, has not has not (yet) contributed financially to our efforts.

The absence of financial support from the Haitian state for Olympic athletes, despite funds allocated for subsidies in the budget of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, remains an enigma. These funds, untapped during the first two quarters, seriously question the government’s commitment to sport and its athletes. It is crucial that the authorities rectify this neglect to promote and exploit the national sporting potential, otherwise Haiti could miss out on historic moments of pride and international success.