By Leconte Dor

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games draw to a close, it is becoming clear that our athletes, despite their determination, have been held back by a lack of support and investment in their preparation. Dr. Hans Larsen, President of the Haitian Olympic Committee, has made it clear that “if we had invested in sports, the results would have been different.” The performances of Haitian athletes reflect structural and organizational challenges more than any real talent gaps.

The Haitian Olympic Committee has, however, managed to set up a solid organization, ensuring the registration of athletes, the management of correspondence, and well-oiled logistics throughout the Games. For this organizational success to translate into sporting success, it is now crucial that this experience serves as a starting point for collective mobilization. As Mr. Fritz Gerald Fong, Chef de Mission and President of the Technical Commission, emphasized, “it is imperative to take charge of our athletes now through a structured program.” Starting today, it is necessary to create the right conditions to effectively prepare for the 2028 Games and future international competitions, with a strong commitment from the private sector.

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, put up a fierce fight 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 sport: “If we had invested in sport, we would have had results.” He then added: “Sports federations have not received any subsidies from the Haitian state for more than 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 saying: “There is no such thing as spontaneous generation. Success is achieved only through hard work.”

On the other hand, Mr. Fritz Gerald Fong, President of the Technical Commission and Head of Mission of the Haitian delegation in Paris 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 HOC, the coaches, and of course, the athletes. As you can 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 flourish fully, 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 included in each upcoming competition between 2024 and 2028. The next event, the Pan American Youth Games in Asunción, Paraguay, will be a key step in assessing and strengthening our strengths. It is through this continuous 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.