Ephraim Serrette is questioning whether the Olympic Games can actually be staged next year. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the Games - originally scheduled for July/August, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan - to be pushed back by a full year.
"It's being said Covid or no Covid, there'll be Olympics," Serrette told the Express, "but I don't see it coming off. If it does, it would not be on the level we would normally see at an Olympics. I'm doubtful there will be an Olympic Games, but if there is one expect some mediocre performances."
The National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) president said there are also serious challenges associated with the 2021 Carifta Games, in Bermuda.
"With young people involved, you're talking about permission from parents. Then there's the issue of borders being opened up. And where funding is concerned, we have to look at the state of the economy. We're looking at a direct charter in order to eliminate the need for US visas, but the kind of cost being quoted is huge, and in US dollars. For me, both Carifta and the Olympics are doubtful."
T&T's 2020 athletics season was called off as a result of Covid-19, leaving home-based athletes with no opportunities to compete. Meanwhile, some of their rivals have been in action at meets in the United States, Jamaica and Europe.
"The health protocols in our jurisdiction did not augur well for us to have competitions," Serrette explained. "We had to abide. Covid-19 has damaged sport in general, not just track and field. We have been having sports psychology workshops with the athletes. We have another one coming up for elite and semi-elite athletes. Not competing can be very frustrating."
Serrette said the Trinidad and Tobago athletes who have been stranded at home will have ground to make up when they eventually compete next season.
"Europe is operating under different regulations, but it's just a few of the top athletes who have been able to travel there and compete. A lot of athletes will be at a disadvantage. Jamaica had some competitions too, but then again it's the level of the competition. It was just one club (MVP) putting on the meets."
The NAAA is hoping for an early start to next season's local competition programme.
"We plan to start in November," said Serrette, "but that is pending based on changes due to Covid. It will be based on advice from the Ministry of Health. Yes, our sport is non-contact, but how do you control crowds? We did a document, a return to track and field guideline based on health regulations. We're working on one for cross country and road running.
"In the United States," the NAAA boss continued, "they have done races with competitors leaving at different intervals. But that's still a challenge. Also, we are guided by Sports Company (SporTT) and Ministry of Health guidelines. There are quite a few stakeholders in the chain. We're not waiting to see what will happen. We have a plan, but it could change based on the national issue."
