Top Bermuda Swimmer Out Of Island Games
[Updated] Bermuda swimmer Roy Allan Burch has withdrawn from next week’s Island Games, citing U.S. immigration issues.
The two-time Olympian lives and trains in North Carolina with his family, and was due to come back home to represent the island.
On a post on social media, Burch said: “Unfortunately I will not be attending Island Games next week due to my pending US immigration paperwork. I wish I could be there to help the team but bigger things are in the works. Rio 2016.”
The “Rio 2016″ appears to be a reference to the 2016 Olympic Games, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Burch is scheduled to represent Bermuda at upcoming FINA World Swimming Championships in Barcelona, Spain from July 19th – August 4th.
Update 7.20pm: Speaking with Mr Burch he said: “There have been continuing issues with my paperwork with the USCIS [US Immigration]. Receipts that I needed to receive along with appointment times and other fees never reached my mailbox for reasons unknown.
“I wasn’t able to file my advanced parole documents until I received everything. All my paperwork is now filed but there wasn’t enough time to get it back before the Games. I made many calls to the USCIS and also had several appointments at the Homeland Security office but I wasn’t able to make any gains from that leg work.
“It’s hard not to be there and compete for Bermuda. Its such an historic event for us and I have never competed internationally in Bermuda. I was looking forward to not only my personal events but competing alongside my teammates in relays. I was excited to rally my teammates and help them gain international experience on home soil – but also to go for the GOLD.
“I am still unsure about World Championships. I will be doing my best to get there. I do have a back up competition that is the next level down from World Champs. I have been training so hard this year and I am better than last year leading into London Olympics. Despite certain set backs I have been able to train better and smarter with new opportunities that have arisen for me here in America.
“I give everything I possibly can to my sport in order to be better and show my country and my associations that I am a worthy, early investment. My goals and dreams of competing for a medal at the next Olympics haven’t died and I will train harder then I ever have in order to pursue it.
“I have come so far in the sport and amassed priceless knowledge for the future Bermudian athletes in swimming. I have been blessed with a beautiful arduous journey that I have come to enjoy now more than ever. I will continue to push my standards which will ultimately push Bermuda swimming standards.”
You concentrate on RIO…Bermuda will still be proud of you!