http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Praise_for_Phillip__pleas_for_more_help-166066826.htmlPraise for Phillip, pleas for more help
By Garth Wattley
Story Created: Aug 13, 2012 at 10:59 PM ECT Two former national cycling champions want to see Njisane Phillip's efforts at the Olympics encourage greater investment in the development of the sport.
Both Gene "Geronimo" Samuel, who before Phillip had been the closest T&T rider to an Olympic medal, with fourth spot in the kilometre time trial at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, and Michael Phillips, CAC kilo medallist and former Cycling Federation president, hold this view.
In London last week, Phillip equalled Samuel's fourth placing, but this time in the match sprint, when he was beaten for the bronze medal by Shane Perkins of Australia, having earlier lost out in straight rides to eventual gold medallist Jason Kenny of Great Britain in the semi-finals.
Njisane also placed in the top eight in the keirin event, winning the race for spots 7-12.
Both men praised those efforts, even Phillip's getting into the Olympic competition itself.
"A top eight finish is a fantastic performance," said Samuel, who also stated: "I expected him to have a very good chance at a top four finish.
"We know what Njisane can do. I've seen him come from strength to strength. We admire his discipline and focus."
Phillips described 20-year-old Nijsane's effort as "extremely encouraging".
He noted: "He is only one of three people from Western Hemipshere that would have qualified for the sprint events.
"I think, to me, the top eight was very predictable. Top four was very accomplishable. I thought a bronze medal (was possible) had he not made any errors. Unfortunately the lack of experience at that level would have got the better of him in that bronze ride-off."
For Samuel, however, Phillip, who was thought to have a better chance for medals in the 2016 Olympiad in Rio, "was only beaten by faster men on the day in the Olympics. He did everything he could have done and tried (tactically). They were just a bit faster than him, I have no doubt he will be as fast as them in four years."
Whereas javelin gold medallist Keshorn Walcott trains and is coached at home by his Cuban coach, Phillip was prepared for his Olympic effort by former British Olympic medallist Jaime Staff, who is currently in charge of the United States cyclists.
Samuel said: What we achieved as a (T&T) team was so mind-blowing. We are blessed in the Caribbean, we just need the support."
In this regard, he would like to see a cycling velodrome built in the Port of Spain region, in addition to the track that is earmarked for Couva. Phillips agreed.
And noting that Walcott was a product of a talent identification drive by the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA), the ex-Federation president said: "It is not a matter of Njisane wanting to win a medal. It is a matter of whether or not the country wants to win Olympic medals in the sport of cycling...I hope it (Phillip's effort) is not success in isolation. I hope it brings a level of motivation for younger riders."
The former cyclist also said he hoped Phillip's fourth place encouraged a different approach to funding.
"We still have a very reactive view of dealing with our elite athletes," he said.
"They get to a certain level on their own (before getting funding), but that creates a time lag in their development. Elite athlete funding has helped T&T sport...(but) we have to go to elite athlete infrastructure (now)."
Explaining, he said money that now goes to athletes to prepare for competition should be used by the authorities themselves to prepare and develop them.
"Your reward will be separate and apart from the cost of your training expenses," said Phillips.