PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Trinidad and Tobago’s premier athletes capped off a remarkable year at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) 31st annual awards ceremony over the weekend, where world champion javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott and sprinter Leah Bertrand claimed the nation’s highest sporting honors.
Walcott, 32, walked away with the Sportsman of the Year award following a standout season on the global stage. The two-time Olympic medalist solidified his position at the pinnacle of javelin throwing with a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Japan, registering a personal-best 88.16 meters.
Walcott: Consistency and global dominance
Beyond his World Championship triumph, Walcott maintained exceptional form throughout 2025. He consistently threw beyond 80 meters on the European Diamond League circuit and achieved an 83.77m throw at the National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago (NAAATT) Open Championships, securing his dominance both domestically and internationally.
His TTOC recognition marks a continuation of his storied career, cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s most accomplished track and field athletes.
Bertrand secures consecutive Sportswoman honors
For the second year in a row, Leah Bertrand claimed the Sportswoman of the Year award. The sprinter delivered a breakthrough season in 2025, lowering her personal bests to 10.92 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.54 seconds in the 200 meters. She successfully defended her 100m title at the NAAATT Open Championships in August with a time of 11.04 seconds, underscoring her status as the country’s premier female sprinter.
Bertrand’s consistent performances reflect a blend of speed, discipline, and tactical race execution that has set her apart nationally and regionally.
Jereem Richards and rising talent recognized
Sprinter Jereem Richards, who captured silver in the men’s 400 meters at the World Athletics Championships in a national record time of 43.72 seconds, was honored as Sports Personality of the Year. His record-breaking achievements have established him as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s standout track athletes.
On the junior front, cycling sensation Makaira Wallace was named Junior Sportswoman of the Year, while Jaden Marchan claimed Junior Sportsman of the Year honors, highlighting the depth of emerging talent in the country.
Special awards highlight contributions beyond competition
The Future is Female award went to Pan American Junior 100m gold medalist Shaniqua Bascombe, recognizing her as a rising star poised to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Joyce Walker-Thomas received the Alexander B. Chapman Award in recognition of more than 25 years of service in coaching and mentorship across multiple sports disciplines.
The ceremony celebrated both elite achievement and developmental contributions, reflecting the TTOC’s commitment to fostering excellence across all levels of sport.
TTOC Awards: A reflection of national sporting excellence
The 31st TTOC awards not only honored individual achievement but also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s growing presence on the international stage. From World Championship gold to national records and emerging junior talent, the evening was a testament to dedication, discipline, and the enduring impact of the country’s athletic community.
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