Douglas: ‘You Will See Some Fantastic Things’
Four-time Olympian Troy Douglas has returned home to serve as the National Track & Field Coach, and said that we will be seeing “some fantastic things” in the future from the island’s track and field athletes.
The BTFA hopes to make the position a paid one in the future, but at this stage it is being done on a volunteer basis. When asked about how he felt about not being on the payroll, Mr Douglas said: “I follow my heart.”
One of the best sprinters in Bermuda’s history, Mr Douglas represented Bermuda in three Olympic Games, before changing nationality to the Netherlands almost fifteen years ago. He made his fourth appearance in the Olympics under the Netherlands flag.
He reached the semi finals on the 200 metres in the 1996 Olympics, made the Olympic semi finals in the 400 metres in 1992 and 1996, and set a world record in the masters division of the 60m World Indoor sprints.
Mr Douglas worked as a coach in the Netherlands for the last 10 years, moving up to being the Head Coach for the 4×100 men’s relay team, which recently finished 6th in the 2012 Olympics. He returned to Bermuda a few days ago to take up the post of Bermuda’s National Track & Field Coach.
Mr Douglas with Bermuda Track & Field President Donna Watson:
BTFA President Donna Watson said: “I am excited. As you all know I have been trying to get Troy back here since 2009. He will tell you whenever I saw him in that orange and brown [the Netherlands colours] I said we have to get you out of that and into this blue and red.
“So he said to me at the Olympics, Donna this is the last time I will be in the orange and brown. I am so excited, I think Troy brings so much to our Assocation. The contacts that he has, the knowledge that he has…I think it will take us to that next level.
“I know it, I don’t just think it. The Bermuda Track and Field Association is on its way to the next level. And our athletes are ready,” said Ms Watson.
Asked about any perception some may have that he abandoned Bermuda by switching to the Netherlands, Mr Douglas said: “I do not see myself as abandoning Bermuda. I see it enriching myself, and now that I back, I am enriching Bermuda.
“If you don’t take the risk you are incapable of knowing what you are capable of achieving. I took that risk and I am grateful for that risk,” said Mr Douglas.
“And I don’t feel like I have abandoned Bermuda. If you look at any interview on TV or radio in the Netherlands they always say Troy Douglas from Bermuda who is now a Dutchman. I have carried the label of Troy Douglas the Bermudian, and I will continue to carry it till the day I die.”
15-minute press Q&A with Mr Douglas:
“I think once we get our act together in the next six months you will see some fantastic things,” said Mr Douglas. “It is going to look good for the future.”
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- New Track & Field Coaching Staff Named | Bernews.com | November 13, 2012
Mr. Douglas you are a true ambassador for our country. Not many people would do what you’re doing without getting paid. I thank you!!
CCCC. Great stuff Dougie. Started at HSPS. Mark,set,GO!
Hopefully Douglas will have a positive influence on our athletes. However, it is troubling to know that he has been banned for failing a drugs test!(Cheating)
Congrats to you Dougie on your appointment as the BTFA head coach. The fact that it is a volunter position speaks volumes!! Our athletes are in for a treat – Who feels it, knows it! Bless Up
@Rockfish2, whatever the topic you are always so negative!
Prayerful,
Do your homework, then comment!
If he changed nationality. Does he need a work permit?
@Rockfish2….see link to the video below and perhaps you will see Troy, rather than posting the negactive comment about his alleged ‘cheating.’
http://www.veengle.com/s/Troy%20Douglas.html
Amended version:
@Rockfish2….see link to the video below and perhaps you will see Troy for who he really is, rather than posting the negative comment about his alleged ‘cheating.’
http://www.veengle.com/s/Troy%20Douglas.html
Thank you for the video, however, I have seen it already along with several clippings/reports dating back to the incident.
Surely the Bermuda public should be aware that our National Track and Field Coach failed a drug test. They can confirm it themselves if they desire. Would we hire a foreign coach with with that history?
Donna and Troy should address this matter as soon as possible and put it behind us!
Point well taken.
However, Nandrolene is produced naturally by the body and perhaps the elevated levels found in his urine were due to his body being under extreme stress and excessive exercise.
I’m certain the Bermudian public know of his drug test failure, after all it was broadcast worldwide. And I’m sure he would honestly provide us with the details if he were asked.
On another note to answer your question:
“Would we hire a foreign coach with with that history?”
I ask you this: How many medical doctors do you think have been hired in Bermuda and/or practice here from overseas have had malpractice suits?
Guess it goes with the territory huh?
When the drug incident occured Troy was someone the average Bermudian had little knowledge of. But now that he is our National Coach he is under the microscope. Especially since they hope to make the position a paid one.
Surely the BTFA should have been prepared for these questions and dealt with this matter head on!
My comments are not about attacking Troy, but lets handle this matter properly as it will make his job easier.
No sure who you are referring to when you say the average Bermudian did not know who Troy was…you must be speaking about the people you know.
I’ve known Troy all of my life and so have many other average Bermudians!
I agree that the BFTA should be prepared for these types of questions.
BTW, sounds like sour grapes to me…did you apply for the job and get turned down?
Be assured,I did not apply for that job,and have/had no interest in having it. Simply put, it is not my area of expertiste. The only sports I was reasonably good at were football and high jump, nothing to shout about.
Again, I am not attacking Troy,it is not about him, but the way he is being handled by his employer.
Deal with it in an open transparent manner and let him get on with the job. A real no brainer!
We need you Troy and I am so glad we have you. Welcome back home! Our athletes will only get stronger. Keep up the good work BTFA!
Peace & love.
Right now Bermuda needs a boost of positivty ! Rockfish if u could see the tons of kids who r at the track just looking to work hard and looking for some true guidence. Its amazing they r not on the streets but they r looking to participate. In saying this I say that Troy has actually already stated his case n judge not less u b judged ! I have a feeling u will know what I’m talking about !!!! Hummmmm I know who u r n it aint cute What ur trying to do ! Settle down u little trouble maker!
I don’t care what you know, or what you THINK you know! The fact is, now that Douglas is our National coach, the drug incident is a matter of much discussion, and rightly so! Therefore, unless the BTFA deal with it properly, it will hang over his head indefinitely.
It will not go away simply because you don’t like it.
Nuff said,time to move on!
Douglas was famously disqualified during the 100m European Championship finals for using abusive language at race officials. Then at a later date he tested positive for steroids and got a high profile drugs ban.
Is he really the right kind of role model to have as the national track & field coach? Wellman and others are light years better and cleaner.
Donna Watson and the BTFA are scraping the bottom of the barrel as usual. All the Caribbean chiefs know she is a joke, yet everyone in Bermuda is convinced she is doing a great job. Another big con.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/world_athletics/425477.stm