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Guyana’s quest for medals at Beijing begin today

-Niall face first test in 50m freestyle heats
Guyana’s youngest participant in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games Niall Roberts, will be the first of four Guyanese athletes to compete at the games when he takes the pool for the heats of Men’s 50 metres freestyle at 6:43am today.

Niall Roberts

Last night Secretary of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Dr. Karen Pilgrim extended the best of luck to Niall on behalf of GASA.

“We hope that he accomplishes his goal which is to achieve the Olympic qualifying time during his race and we know that he will do us proud by giving his best effort.”

Roberts will be swimming from lane eight in heat six while world record holder in the event Eamon Sullivan, who recently captured the world record in the 100m freestyle as well, will be swimming in heat 13. Roberts is Guyana’s only locally based athlete competed at the Games.

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12 Responses to “Guyana’s quest for medals at Beijing begin today”

marlong
on August 14th, 2008 7:13 am

Go Niall.

[Reply to this]
nips
on August 14th, 2008 7:22 am

well am sure he tried his best.he finished in 25.13 seconds and miss the qualifying round.He finished 69th overall.

[Reply to this]
Guy Marco
on August 14th, 2008 11:57 am

Neil - being there alone will ceratinly encourage you to conrinue to work harder. If you are the youngest - the Govn’t should pay you a salary - so that you can concentrate on your training for the next 4 years.
Unfortunately there is hardly such arrangement and hardly swimming competitions that would keep you on your toes.
I do not know where you tarin but I suggest that you go to either Rupununi or Pameroon to train in those rivers ( against current) which would strengthen your muscles of your arms and feet. I live a mile from the mighty Rupununi river if you are interested and would stay at my hut.

[Reply to this]
bonz
on August 14th, 2008 12:19 pm

A very good effort Niall, very proud that you represented Guyana.

[Reply to this]
marlong
on August 14th, 2008 12:43 pm

Niall we are PROUD.

[Reply to this]
LoveGT4Real
on August 14th, 2008 2:23 pm

Niall I am proud that a fellow Guyanese participated in this event. My encouragement to you is to keep the vision alive, cherish the most valued exposure you got here and work harder for the next four years…………I surely want to see you again

[Reply to this]
guyana_always
on August 14th, 2008 4:35 pm

Like T&T and Jamaica, Guyana could be competitive in the summer olympics if the athlethes were properly trained. The raw talent is there, especially in Track and in swimming, but even the most talented need coaching. Congrats Niall for representing us. I hope you truly enjoyed your experience.

[Reply to this]
Lotus
In reply to the above comment on August 16th, 2008 6:04 am:
Congrats Niall you made it to Beijing against all odds. Yours was a truly valiant effort. Not to my fellow Guyanese throughout the world how many of you think that it is time that that raw talent guyana_always speaks about is supported by the hundreds of thousands of us scattered throughout the world. Kudos to Guy Marco for offering his residence for training. I’d like to add to that by suggesting that we get together a group of expatriates to commit to sending a monthly stipend to Guyana’s Olympic committee to fund the training of athletes in Guyana. That would include housing, meals, coach salaries and equipment etc.
Who’s on?

[Reply to this]
Roula
on August 15th, 2008 3:26 am

Bravo son of the land of many waters, but dont give up school!

[Reply to this]
francisyvonne
on August 19th, 2008 6:24 am

glad to see guyana proudly represented at the olympics - i saw my country flag and its athletes marching in at the opening ceremony.

[Reply to this]
Olive G
on August 19th, 2008 11:15 pm

I am excited…Carifesta in Guyana again,,,,,,,,,, Please fellow Guyanese, lets make our country proud,,, and be good to ourselves and vistors,,,,,,,,,,,,,Down with CRIME<<<< PLEASE

[Reply to this]
Olive G
In reply to the above comment on August 19th, 2008 11:17 pm:
Lay your arms dow and go have FUN like old times

[Reply to this]