Cayman Islands’ Elite Athlete Cydonie Mothersill struck gold at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India today (Monday, 11 October) by winning the 200 m sprint event.
With this performance she has also secured herself a place in local history by becoming the Islands’ first athlete to ever take Commonwealth gold and the second overall, to medal at these games.
Kareem-Street Thompson won Cayman’s first Commonwealth medal in 2002 when he placed third in the long jump.
Although this is Cydonie's first gold at a major world competition, she has secured no less than three top podium places this year on the international track and field circuit. Her first victory came in Cork, Ireland (3 July), then in Rethynmo, Greece (7 July), followed by a win at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Mayaguez, Mexico (28 July).
Other outstanding performances this year included a third place in the 200 m and a gold in the 4 x 100m relay at the IAAF/VTB Bank Continental Cup (4-5 September) in Split, Croatia.
“We are all so tremendously proud of Cydonie. She is absolutely unstoppable this year – proof positive that perseverance can take one to the top,” said Sports Minister the Hon. Mark Scotland.
Cydonie is currently one of five local athletes who have been signed up for the Cayman Islands Elite Athlete Status Programme, allowing her to train and compete full-time. “I strongly support this programme. It allows our best performers to represent Cayman on the world stage, while also creating important role models for our youth here at home,” Mr. Scotland said.
Other elite athletes at this year’s Commonwealth Games included Ronald Forbes who came 7th in the 100 m hurdles; Michael Letterlough who competed, but did not place, in the hammer throw event, and Shaune Fraser who managed an 8th place in the 100 m butterfly finals.
