Guyana’s lone cyclist at the Commonwealth Games, Christopher Griffith is nervous yet confident ahead of the quadrennial event which kicks off next Thursday in Birmingham, England.
Griffith who jetted off yesterday to the United Kingdom told this publication prior to departure that he also coincidentally ran into Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., while at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The talented wheelsman was encouraged by the Minister to give of his best.
Said Griffith yesterday, “I am nervous ahead of attending the Commonwealth Games for the first time and traveling internationally for the second time. But I’m confident with all my training and hard work.”
Arguably the most consistent cyclist on the local circuit, Griffith will contest the 37km time trial on August 4 and the grueling160km road race three days later. The road race is one of the most demanding physical endeavors at the Games and requires the riders to dig deep within themselves just to cross the finish line.
Nevertheless, Griffith is looking to make his mark.
“Meeting Mr.Charles Ramson for the first time, he encouraged me even more to put Guyana on the map for sports. I have confidence that we could do great.
I can medal and make Guyana more recognized in the line of cycling and sports.”
Griffith, is one of the 32 local representatives at the Games which will conclude on August 8.
Team Guyana will compete in the following disciplines at the spectacle: athletics, which will be represented by 10 persons; boxing (3); cycling (one); swimming (4); squash (4), badminton (2) and table tennis (8).
The Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930, and, except in 1942 and 1946, takes place every four years.
According to the organizers, 72 nations and territories will be participating in Birmingham 2022. Around 6,500 athletes and team officials will make their appearance at this event.
