Commonwealth Games gold medalist Troy Doris was given a warm welcome at Linden on Wednesday when he attended an event organized by the Linden Youth Leaders (LYL) accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Yearwood; Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes; and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, among others.
Arriving via special motorcade, he held a meet-and-greet with local athletes, officials, and residents of the mining town. Speaking at this event, hosted on Republic Avenue Mackenzie, Doris declared how elated he was to be in Linden, which he described as a “Mecca of athletics”.
Doris said he was happy and excited to finally get to meet the people who are very happy for him; and he noted that nothing beats that happiness and joy coming straight from Guyana.
Troy Doris, accompanied by the ministers and Director of Sport Christopher Jones
He thanked everyone for their support, and pointed out that his victory was not only for himself, but for all of Guyana.
“I think it’s very safe to say that this is a personal victory, but this is a victory for all of us — winning the gold medal. This is not just for me, this is for all of Guyana; this is for everyone! And the support shows, the appreciation shows. And being here and finally getting to interact with people, instead of being in offices all day, it makes it even better. It makes that connection with the victory even better,” Doris disclosed.
He shared what he believes are necessary requirements for victory and success, which he noted as support and dedication.
“There (is) no set formula, but there are a few steps that every person in their personal life has to take to have success.
And I think (that), for me, it mirrors a lot of the formula that these athletes have here. The first thing is to have the support. You need that support from your home crowd…and the second step is dedication,” Doris outlined, as he pointed out that local athletes Chantoba Bright and Daniel Williams are a direct reflection of this.
Additionally, he said that having opportunities and support will make athletes excel and place them in a better position.
“…this victory, it came from that support and that dedication,” Doris said.
The ministers congratulated Doris on his achievement, and Minister Yearwood promised there would be a surprise for the Gold medalist at the Independence observance.
Jones noted that it was a pleasure to have Doris in Guyana. Declaring him a beacon light of hope, he said that light was more so extended to Linden, which is noted for producing champion athletes. Jones said that despite challenges, Linden, which as yet does not have a synthetic track, has supported its athletes, and he predicted that much more will be seen from Linden’s athletes when the track comes on stream. He praised Guyana’s athletes even as he pledged the administration’s full support for them.
Chairperson of this event, former mayor Carwyn Holland, predicted that lots more are in store for Guyana, and encouraged all to look out for Doris again on the world stage in 2020, when he is set to triple jump his way to centre podium at the Olympics.
