Olympic Sprinter Ahye gets $27.67k in Tinidad gov’t funding

National sprinter Michelle-Lee Ahye is the most recent athlete to receive funding through the Government’s Elite Athlete Assistance Program (EAAP).

T&T’s acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, David Roberts presented a cheque for TT$187,500 (US$27.67) to Ahye on Aug. 15.

A post on the ministry’s Facebook page said, “This funding, awarded under the EAAP and aligned with the National Sport Policy, is designed to help athletes like Ahye reach their full potential.”

“It will assist with covering training costs, international competition fees, travel and other essential expenses.”

“This investment reaffirms the ministry’s dedication to the growth and development of our athletes. By supporting their endeavours, we not only foster national pride but also inspire future generations to chase their athletic dreams.”

At the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics, which ended on August 11, Ahye, 32, a four-time Olympian, did not advance past the heats and missed out on a spot in the semifinals. She was scheduled to run in the 4×100 relay but did not compete. Ahye later revealed she was nursing a toe injury.

After exiting the 100m event at the Olympics, Ahye knocked the TT public for allegedly not supporting athletes.

“Honestly, I have nothing to tell them (TT), because some of them haven’t been supportive towards us as the athletes,” Ahye told Sports- Max. “To the ones who have been supporting us, thank you. And for the others, I really have nothing to say.”

Two-time Olympic medallist Keshorn Walcott also recently collected a cheque worth $250,000 from the EAAP.