Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley speaks throughout the opening ceremony of the UN Local weather Change Convention (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain Nov. 1, 2021.
Jeff J Mitchell/Pool through REUTERS
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has described deceased Olympian Richard Louis as a “trailblazer” and a “pioneer” whose “life and legacy have been immortalized in historical past’s pages.”
Louis, a member of Barbados’ 4×400 meters crew that positioned sixth within the remaining of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, died final Friday at 60 in Florida, USA.
Louis additionally performed cricket for the USA, making three appearances within the Nineteen Nineties, and was awarded the Austin Sealy Trophy for probably the most excellent athlete of the 1980 Carifta Video games, the place he received two gold medals within the 200m and 400m and silver within the 100m within the Underneath-17 boys’ division.
Following his passing, Mottley stated Louis was an inspiration to Barbadians.
“With no shadow of a doubt, Richard’s life and legacy have been immortalised on historical past’s pages.
“For whereas he rose to prominence as a monitor and discipline star and a member of the well-known 1984 Olympics 4×400 relay crew, the reality is, Richard Louis was not simply an athlete; he was a pioneer — one who impressed generations of Barbadians to achieve past what appeared attainable,” Mottley stated.
“As a member of that historic 4x400m relay crew, Richard joined Elvis Forde, Clyde Edwards, and David Peltier in etching their names in historical past as a part of the primary crew to ever characterize Barbados in an Olympic remaining.”
“They made our nation proud and secured a sixth-place end with a time of three:01.60 — a nationwide file that also stands to this present day. This feat not solely positioned Barbados on the worldwide map however demonstrated to us all of the heights that onerous work, dedication, and sacrifice can obtain. His return to the Olympic stage in Seoul in 1988 merely reaffirmed his dedication to excellence,” she added.
Mottley stated Louis additionally excelled off the monitor, setting a “normal of excellence.”
“Past the monitor, Richard was a flexible athlete and educational, excelling as a First Division soccer participant and representing the USA in cricket, in addition to graduating from Howard College. Certainly, his expertise knew no bounds, and his legacy will ceaselessly encourage us to goal greater and dream larger.”
“Sure, Richard’s story is really a strong reminder that greatness can emerge from any nook of Barbados when coupled with alternative and resilience.”
“He embodied what it means to be a worldwide athlete with Barbadian roots, and his accomplishments paved the best way for generations of Barbadian athletes, setting a regular of excellence and galvanizing numerous others to chase their desires.”
“On behalf of the Authorities and folks of Barbados, I lengthen my deepest condolences to his household, his youngsters, his sister Beverley Louis-Gibbons, and his brothers Kealster, Monroe, and Robert Louis.”
“I equally lengthen my condolences to the monitor and discipline fraternity, his former schoolmates, and all who cherished his contributions; we share in your loss and your delight,” she added.
