00:00Two-time Olympic cyclist Jacene Philip, on return from the Junior Track World Cycling Championships in China,
00:07thanked the Colombian Cycling Federation for making his trip possible, especially after one of the cyclists under his wing,
00:14Makaira Wallace, won two silver medals in the tournament. However, was there an extra sting in his message?
00:21I'd like to thank the Colombian Cycling Federation for allowing me to be in China.
00:26I was not a delegate of the TTCF, so I really would like to thank them for allowing me to be there and be a part of the delegation,
00:36to be able to look after my athlete.
00:39And for everyone to understand the importance of having your coach in your corner, you know, especially after the first day.
00:46Her breaking down, you know what I mean, just being there in her corner and just talking to her to get her back into the game.
00:54I think if I wasn't there, I think it would have been a lot difficult for her to, you know, just bounce back.
01:01So I'm really, really grateful for them for just giving me the opportunity to be there to support her.
01:06And hopefully things could change moving to the future.
01:09His remarks prompt a few questions. Firstly, why was he not a delegate of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation?
01:17We contacted TTCF President Rowena Williams for a comment, and she stated Philip's case is unique.
01:23She says, quote, we as TTCF have to consider persons to represent the country without any court matters pending.
01:30A management team was selected, as we do for any team going out. Accreditation would only be for the management team.
01:38Mr. Philip went on a private capacity, end quote.
01:43Williams said further conversations will take place on the matter.
01:47On the other hand, Philip made a call for more professionalism.
01:51Being there in the atmosphere with your athlete is really, really, really important.
01:56You know, so just picking random staff to go with the teams, it's not it's not a professional thing, you know.
02:03And I think that's that's an approach that we need here in Trinidad to take and look at moving forward.
02:11Asked how she felt about Philip's remark about the importance of coaches needing to be with the athletes abroad,
02:18Williams indicated that Philip did not come forward to clarify his current status,
02:22and he also did not file any nomination to be selected as a coach on the team, which is in alignment with the TTCF's constitution.
02:30Sergio Dufour, TV6 Sport.
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