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  • 1 year ago
Following the return of Trinidad and Tobago's cyclists from the Junior Track World Cycling Championships in China, former national Cyclist, now Coach Njisane Phillip has called for more professionalism in the way the coaches are selected on the national team. Phillip did not travel to the tournament under the umbrella of the T&T Cycling Federation. President of the Cycling Federation Rowena Williams comes forward to clarify the situation.
Transcript
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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