2 weeks ago
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THE only sport apart from track and field to receive a nomination for the 2024 RJRGLEANER National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards was cycling. Top female cyclist Llori Sharpe was announced on Wednesday as one of the five female athletes vying for the Sportswoman of the Year title.
According to Carlton Simmonds, head coach of Jamaica’s cycling team, Sharpe’s nomination speaks to her stellar performance in the year as she looks to become the first female cyclist to win the award and follow in the footsteps of Noel Douglas who won the Sportsman of the Year award in 1963 and David Weller who lifted the award in 1979 and 1980.
“I’m very happy for her as the work and dedication to the sport is tremendous. It’s a good look for cycling even though we’ve won it on the male side, to have a representative in this space speaks volumes,” Simmonds said.
Sharpe in 2024 became the first Jamaican cyclist to win the Elite Road Race Championships and Simmonds believes winning that title was the icing on the cake for the type of season she was having.
“I think she has had a good season. Her stint in the states with team Legion went very well. The Caribbean Cycling Championships was also positive as she wanted to improve on her finish from last year. I’m happy for what she has achieved,” he added.
Simmonds suggested that Sharpe’s dominant season on the circuit along with her getting this nomination could breathe new life into the sport of cycling locally for up-and-coming riders.
“Her domination will open the eyes of other youngsters. It’s a good look for the sport and it’s a positive for her as she continues to become better and performs with excellence,” he said.
While funding continues to be at the centre of the discussions as it relates to the sport in Jamaica, Simmonds admits local riders can still be among the best athletes in the country.
“It’s challenging. Cycling and the direction it’s going, globally, requires a lot of funding. That is always going to be challenging when you’re going to have a number of sports fighting for the same dollar. Her getting this nomination shows the magnitude of things that can be achieved through the sport,” Simmonds said.
English (US) ·