The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) celebrated outstanding athletes and contributors at its annual awards ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, on Friday night.
Among the top honorees were Nicholas Paul and Michelle-Lee Ahye, who were recognized as Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, respectively.
Paul, a Pan American gold medalist, was named the Sportsman of the Year for his exceptional performances throughout the year. He also received the “People’s Choice of the Year” award. Paul demonstrated his prowess at three major competitions, including the 2023 Pan American Elite Track Cycling Championships, where he secured two gold medals and one silver.
A medal contender for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris
His remarkable achievements continued at the UCI Tissot World Track Cycling Championships, where he claimed silver in the men’s sprint event, solidifying his status as a medal contender for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
Ahye, a legendary Trinidadian sprinter, was once again named the Sportswoman of the Year. Despite facing challenges during the season, Ahye clinched a bronze medal at the Pan American Games and expressed optimism for the year ahead, focusing on the Olympics in Paris.
The titles of “Junior Sportswoman of the Year” and “Junior Sportsman of the Year” were awarded to Sanaa Frederick and Nikoli Blackman, respectively. Frederick, an 18-year-old track star, won bronze in the women’s 100m at the Commonwealth Youth Games, leaving her mark on the track. Blackman, unable to attend due to school commitments, received recognition for his outstanding achievements at the Commonwealth Youth Games and the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships.
The “Sports Personality of the Year” accolade was presented to the men’s 3×3 basketball team consisting of twin brothers Ahkeel “Smally” and Ahkeem “Fatto” Boyd, Moriba De Freitas, and Chike Augustine. This team secured a bronze medal at the Pan American Games by defeating Venezuela.
Future is Female
Cyclist Alexi Costa-Ramirez was honored with the “Future is Female” award, recognizing her potential and contributions to the world of sports.
The featured speaker of the evening was Teneil Campbell, a trailblazing Trinidad and Tobago cyclist who became the first black woman to compete at the Tour De France. In her emotional address, Campbell shared her journey of resilience, having endured two serious injuries in 2023. She emphasized the importance of setting smart goals and concluded her speech with an inspiring quote: “Your attitude will determine your altitude.”
Brian Lewis, the immediate past president of the TTOC, was acknowledged for his efforts in advancing youth sports locally, particularly in bringing the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games to Trinidad and Tobago. Swim coach Lorraine Bolan Van Druten received the Alexander B Chapman Award in recognition of her consistent contributions to sports and Olympianism.
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