Keevin Allicock was right, but he was also wrong!

Oct 23, 2022 Features / Columnists, Sports

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HEAR ME OUT!

By Rawle Toney

Kaieteur News – I applaud Keevin Allicock!

I always advocate for our premier and elite athletes to speak out whenever things aren’t put in place to cater for their well-being, and, also, to make a rallying call for support from the relevant authorities.

However, as much as I congratulate athletes like Allicock for taking a stand, I strongly believe that it should be appropriately directed at those responsible.

Keevin Allicock, now ranked 54^th in his division by the International Boxing Association (IBA), went into a tirade on Social Media (Facebook) last week, calling for himself and other athletes to be afforded basic, yet fundamental privileges.

Allicock took shots at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), for not putting a proper structure in place after he fell sick in Paraguay while representing Guyana at the South American Games, where he finished with a bronze medal.

Contrary to the country’s Chef de Mission at the games, Attorney-at-Law Keavon Bess’ report which stated that the 23-year-old boxer was dehydrated, Allicock said he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis (often called rhabdo).

Rhabdo, research shows, occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood. These substances can damage the heart and kidneys and cause permanent disability or even death.

ALLICOCK WAS RIGHT!

Guyana did not attend the South American Games this year with a physiotherapist or medical personnel and as such, when Allicock fell ill in his room, no one from Guyana could’ve offered any assistance, other than calling for emergency responders.

As one of three athletes competing in a combat sport, there should be no excuses on the GOA’s part on why they didn’t have at least a physiotherapist as part of their contingent.

Athletes like Allicock do need attention.

He was right, when he stated that there needs to be a collaborative effort in sports, with the associations, the GOA and the Government, all functioning cooperatively in the best interest of our athletes, especially an accomplished one like Allicock.

I’ve attended several events overseas with Allicock and I can attest to his discipline and will do his country proud. So I wasn’t surprised at his missive on social media, but I didn’t entirely agree with him.

ALLICOCK WAS WRONG

I’ve been around almost 18 years as a sports journalist, covering boxing at both the amateur and professional levels in Guyana. As such, I’ll go out on a limb to say that maybe, in the history of amateur boxing in Guyana, it will be hard to find a boxer who would’ve had resources available to him like Allicock.

Allicock’s frustration should’ve gone to the GOA, headed by former Chief Magistrate, Kalam-Juman Yassin. Athletes attending the South American Games fall under the responsibility of the GOA.

The GBA did its part in putting all systems in place to ensure that their three boxers heading the games are properly prepared and given the best chance of securing a medal.

The GOA should’ve ensured that all athletes, not just Allicock, are adequately looked after.

In Allicock’s case, from the moment the GBA realized that he was a special talent with the potential to medal at the Olympics, they’ve done everything possible to ensure that his focus remains on boxing.

And though an amateur, the GBA facilitated his remuneration monthly. We could argue what might be sufficient or not, but, no other boxer in Guyana benefits more from the GBA support and that of the Government than Allicock.

“I have been thrown into the lion’s den many times before by my boxing association- something I am unafraid to mention. I have grown accustomed to it, but this should not be so. Rather, I should have a healthy relationship with the executive body of the association whose responsibility I fall under as an amateur athlete,” Allicock stated.

I would love to know when did the GBA leave Allicock to fend for his own in the sport.

Allicock attended more championships than any other boxer in Guyana, and probably the Caribbean in his division and not once, has there been a complaint about the lack of resources offered to him to prepare.

To give him the best chance of securing a medal at the Olympics, the GBA shipped Allicock and his coach off to Russia to attend one of the best boxing academies in Europe, joining almost all the boxers who are heading to Japan, including his opponent he faced at his first Olympic Games.

The GBA, headed by Steve Ninvalle, the country’s Director of Sport, happens to be one of the few associations/federations that are properly functioning.

They touch on almost all the pillars of sports development, while also shifting their focus recently on gender equality and equity.

The GBA ensures that their best coaches attain the highest level of certification offered by amateur boxing’s global governing body – IBA – with Sebert Blake and Terrence Poole achieving their 3-star level coach’s licences.

Add the push to have more women integrally involved in the sport’s administration, coaching and officiating, along with having one of the Caribbean’s biggest boxing nursey and implementing the Caribbean Championships, you’ll find an association that truly cares for the sport and their athletes.

THE GBA ERRED!

The GBA, in their defence to Allicock’s Facebook statement, failed to address his concerns, but rather, they questioned the boxer’s discipline in the sport. This didn’t sit well with many, including myself.

The GBA should’ve shouldered the responsibility of supporting their boxer and publicly stating their intent to ensure he’s afforded the best medical care.

In another column, I’ll address the GOA and their president blaming Allicock’s demise on coach Terrence Poole. (See article in Stabroek Sports, October 22).

In all, I wish more associations would support their athletes like the GBA did with Allicock.

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