Forty one years ago, Guyana achieved its first and only Olympic medal, a bronze, thanks to Michael Parris who boxed his way to the podium in the bantamweight division at the Games which was staged in Moscow, Russia.
Fast forward to today, prize fighter, Keevin Allicock has arrived in Moscow, Russia to compete in a high-level training camp ahead of the Games which will take place from July 23 – August 8 in Tokyo, Japan.
Could the same place that put Parris and Guyana on the map serve as a catalyst for Guyana and the ‘Pride of Albouystown’ to achieve the second piece of Olympic hardware?
The standout featherweight who broke a 25-year absence of local boxers as the Games, believes it’s his destiny.
Allicock, 22, is arguably Guyana’s best bet to return with a medal among the four other representatives of the Golden Arrowhead and he firmly believes that he will.
Prior to his departure, the Youth Commonwealth Games silver medalist told this publication; “God started something in my life and I know that he will finish it. With all the difficulties and the pandemic that we are going through, God always favoured me, so I know that he is going to finish what he started.”
Three-Star AIBA Coach, Sebert Blake who has been in Allicock’s corner since he was 14, shares his dream.
“If you go to any coach and ask them what they expect of their Olympic boxers they will tell you that they expect them to be on the podium. In boxing anything can happen, so yes I expect him to be on the podium. He has the talent and potential.”
Blake added “We know it is not an easy task, but it has been our dream since 2017 after he returned from the Youth Commonwealth Games. This is what we were pushing for, first a qualification, then to medal. He has qualified, now it’s time to medal.”
In his last words prior to boarding his flight, Allicock had a message for the 592, “Continue to support the Olympians and remember we are going to represent this beautiful country. Continue to keep us in prayers.”
Will Moscow, Russia enable him to realise his Olympic dream as Parris did 41 years ago? Only time will tell.
