by Leconte Dor
The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which bathed the Stade de France in brilliant lights on August 11, marked the culmination of a Haitian adventure full of symbolism and pride. Yet what the world saw of our athletes was only the tip of the iceberg.
Behind every stride, every jump, every determined blow, lies a larger and more promising reality: that of a real, immense capacity, ready to blossom, if only it were nourished by the necessary support and preparation, shaped to the criteria of the highest international level. If the Haitian mission in Paris was a success on the logistical level, with athletes who lacked nothing, these Games also revealed a much deeper landscape to explore, a latent potential that is just waiting to be revealed.
At the end of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a truth stands out, as majestic as a hidden forest: what we have seen is only a small part of the gigantic potential of our athletes. Like vigorous trees waiting for their time, their true capacity remains largely untapped, stifled by a lack of support and preparation below the requirements of the high level. Doctor Hans Larsen, President of the Haitian Olympic Committee, hammered home the obvious: without a structured and nourished commitment, dreams of medals will remain inaccessible fruits, hanging at the top of the tree. For his part, Mr. Fritz Gerald Fong recalled that, although the mission was a logistical success – offering our athletes a stay without lack – it is now imperative to prepare them like true champions, according to the highest standards.
What we saw in Paris is just a glimpse; it is time to uncover the whole forest and allow our athletes to fully grow, spread their branches and bear the fruits of their true potential on the world stage.
With 7 athletes involved in 5 sports disciplines, Haiti, through the Haitian Olympic Committee, took up the challenge of being present in Paris, with the aim of conveying a positive image of the country, far from the stereotypes of dishonest politicians and gangsters spreading terror. These athletes, despite a lack of adequate support and preparation for a competition of such magnitude, were able to prove to the world their potential and determination.
In athletics, Christopher Borzor made it to the quarter-finals, facing formidable opponents, while Emélia Andrea Chatfield was eliminated in the repechage.
In boxing, Cédric Duliepre Belony, despite an injury sustained in Thailand during his qualification, fought a fierce battle before losing in the quarter-finals to Wanderley de Souza Pereira. In gymnastics, Lynzee Brown set a new personal record with an honourable performance. Philippe Metellus, in judo, showed exemplary determination despite his defeat. Finally, in swimming, Mayah Chouloute and Alexandre Grand-Pierre worthily represented Haiti.
Dr. Hans Larsen, President of the Haitian Olympic Committee, stressed the crucial importance of sustained investment in sports: “If we had invested in sports, we would have seen results.” He then added: “Sports federations have not received any subsidies from the Haitian state for over five years, and the current context of the country has led to the departure of the majority of our sports trainers, which makes the development process lame.” Finally, he concluded by stating: “There is no spontaneous generation. Success is only achieved through hard work.”
On the other hand, Mr. Fritz Gerald Fong, President of the Technical Commission and Chef de Mission of the Haitian delegation, shared his thoughts on the mission. First, he said: “Logistically, the mission to Paris for the Olympic Games was a success. We would like to thank a large number of people who made this mission possible: the employees of the Olympic Committee, the members of the COH, the coaches, and of course, the athletes. As we could see, our delegation lacked nothing. Specific equipment was available, financial support was provided to the athletes, and accommodation was assured. From this point of view, it is a total satisfaction.”
Then, as President of the Technical Commission, he addressed the athletes’ performance, specifying: “In the circumstances we know, with the difficult situation of the federations, it is important to note that these seven athletes were participating for the first time in the Olympic Games. Despite this, they demonstrated enormous potential, although it was not enough to win medals.”
Finally, Mr. Fong concluded by proposing an initiative for the future: “I propose to constitute a base with five athletes among the seven who participated in the Games, and to take charge of them from now on through a structured program. They will have to participate in the competitions of the Olympic cycle in order to prepare themselves as well as possible for the next deadlines.”
On the athletes’ side, the motivation remains palpable, and many expressed their gratitude to the Haitian Olympic Committee for the support they received. Philippe Métellus, after his fight, shared his feelings: “I regret not having been able to do better, but I remain motivated for the next challenge. Thank you to the Committee for all the support.” For his part, Cédric Duliepre declared with emotion: “Thank you for being with me during these Games. It is an immense pride to represent my roots. Even if the preparation was not optimal, this is not the end. I will come back.” These statements demonstrate an intact determination and a will to continue fighting to carry the colors of Haiti high.
As the lights of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games fade, it is essential not to let the euphoria of this participation dissipate as it has in previous editions. The tree of our successes and our visible presence must not hide the forest of the colossal work that remains to be accomplished. For the potential of our athletes to fully flourish, it is crucial that all stakeholders in the Haitian sports world join forces, each within the limits of their skills and actions.
Preparation for the 2028 Games begins today and must be part of every upcoming competition between 2024 and 2028. The next event, the Pan American Youth Games in Asunción, Paraguay, will be a key step to assess and strengthen our strengths. It is through this ongoing and collective strategy that we will be able to transform the momentum of Paris 2024 into a real springboard for the future of Haitian sport.
Leconte Pain
Similar articles
