In a context marked by insecurity, humanitarian crisis and the lack of support from the Haitian State to the Haitian Olympic Committee, Haiti has managed to put together a delegation of around twenty people including athletes, coaches, doctors, press officers, and other officials for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This delegation, slightly larger than the one sent to the Tokyo 2021 Games, demonstrates the determination and resilience of Haitian sport in times of crisis.
Haiti’s representatives for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were officially announced following an interview with Dr. Hans Larsen, President of the Haitian Olympic Committee and Mr. Fritz Gerald Fung, Head of Delegation. Some sports have benefited from a special invitation (Wild Card) thanks to the diligence of the Technical Commission, while several others have, with flying colors, obtained their qualifications. Thus, Haiti will compete in various sports disciplines: gymnastics, boxing, swimming, athletics and judo.
In athletics, Haiti will be proudly represented by Christophe Borzor and Emelia Chatfield, who will both take on the 100m hurdles, an event requiring impeccable technique and explosive speed. In judo, Philippe Mettelus will defend the Haitian colors on the tatami, ready to demonstrate his mastery of holds and throws. In swimming, Alexandre Grand-Pierre will line up for the 100m breaststroke, a race requiring perfect synchronization and power, while Mayah Ruth Chouloute will compete in the 50m freestyle, where speed and precision of movements are crucial. In gymnastics, a discipline still in development in Haiti, Lynnzee Brown, who shone at the Pan American Games in Santiago and Santa Marta in Colombia, will carry the hopes of her country with her acrobatic and artistic performances. Finally, in boxing, Cedrik Belony, bronze medalist at the Pan American Games, will step into the Parisian rings to represent Haiti, to proudly display the national flag, and ready to demonstrate his power and technique against the best boxers in the world.
Dr. Hans Larsen, President of the COH, explained the measures put in place to support the athletes qualified for Paris 2024: “In terms of participation in the Games, the Haitian Olympic Committee fully assumes its responsibilities. Despite the difficult context, we ensure the preparation of the selected athletes. To do this, we have taken steps to find training centers in the countries where our athletes play. In addition, as the Games approach, and thanks to funding from the Haitian Olympic Committee, all athletes concerned will have the opportunity to participate in a training camp where the best coaches and athletes will be present, in order to perfect their techniques.” He also praised the work and dynamism of all those who contributed, including COH employees and other people who worked for the success of Haitian participation in these Games. Finally, he thanked the BUH and AIC for their full support of the Haitian Olympic Committee.
Mr. Fritz Gerald Fung, COH Second Vice President and Head of Delegation said: “Accreditations are already available for members of the Haitian delegation, including athletes and other members of this delegation. I will be in Paris from July 18 for the final registration meeting (DRM), to ensure the comfort of our athletes.”
The certainty of a Haitian delegation in Paris for these Games is a remarkable achievement, marking the centenary of the existence of the Haitian Olympic Committee since 1924. This milestone having been reached, all eyes now turn to the individual performances of the athletes: will they manage to inscribe their names alongside a legend like Sylvio Cator? Although the Haitian State has not yet provided support for this participation, it is essential to recognize the determination and effort of the Olympic Committee, its partners and the goodwill of the sports federations. Their eventual successes will be a reflection of Haiti’s resilience and national pride.
Leconte Pain
Similar articles
