|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
(Photos courtesy of Julia Williamson)
|
Emily Morley made Bahamian history when she competed in the W1x (Women
Singles) at the FISA Olympic Qualification Regatta held at Laguna de
Curauma in Valparaiso, Chile. March 13-24th 2016.
Emily rowed a tough B final and was in the race, until the final 250
meters when 2 boats out sprinted her and she finished 4th in the B
final.
Out of 20 countries, Emily finished 10th in her first international
competition which included former Olympians and competitors from the
Rowing World Championships.
Morley said “It was exciting. I think I represented The Bahamas very
well and I am very proud of that, I hope my presence at these Olympic
Qualifiers have brought some recognition to a relatively new sport in
our country. I think the sport has huge potential and I hope other
young kids find out how much fun the great the sport of rowing can be.”
Becky Robinson, Emily’s college coach who recruited her accompanied her to Chile.
Not far behind was Emily’s father, David Morley who made the trip to
give Emily extra support. Mr. Morley said that he was very proud of his
daughter and thought she competed very well considering the high level
competition she was up against. I’m a proud papa and a very proud
Bahamian, The Bahamas is on the map in the sport of rowing, we came here
to compete and we did just that.
Romell Knowles, Secretary General of the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC)
said he was very pleased that the “BOC’s strategy to promote and grow
Olympic sports in the Bahamas is taking root with sports like Rowing,
Hand Ball, Judo, Wrestling, Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Fencing and Archery.
“I think FISA the governing Body for the sport of rowing is very
proactive and is doing a tremendous job of promoting the sport in the
Region, Emily’s presence at the Olympic Qualifiers is evident of FISA’s
commitment to the Bahamas and the Region.
“I am very pleased with Emily’s results, she did very well and it is our
hope that she is afforded a ‘universality’ spot to compete at the Rio
Olympics.”
Knowles said it’s ‘universality positions’ are only sometimes provided
to countries young in a particular Olympic sport, with outstanding
developing programmes, but that he is optimistic and hopeful.
“I want to extend our congratulations to Emily on her stellar
performance, finishing 10th is a huge accomplishment considering she
competed against some of the best rowers in the world and it’s her very
first international competition.”
Photos courtesy of Julia Williamson, who is also filming a documentary on Emily's Rowing journey.
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
