St Kitts and Nevis authorities refute Kim Collins’ claims

St Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee blames Olympian Kim Collins for missing out on his chance at the 100 metres.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts and Nevis, Monday, August 6, 2012 – The St Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC), is trying to do damage control in the face of international accusations by star athlete Kim Collins that he was dropped from the nation’s Olympic squad for visiting his wife and coach.

The 36-year-old former 100 metre world record holder took to social media on Saturday (August 4) to bitterly lambaste SKNOC officials for reportedly barring him from competing in the 100 metre finals after he left the Olympic village to spend time in his wife’s hotel room.

While Collins ranted all over Facebook and Twitter that he would never run for his country again, the SKNOC issued an official statement the same day attempting to shift blame back to Collins.

“Mr. Collins departure is down to his repeated absences from training sessions and also for refusing to respond to repeated phone calls and emails by Team Manager and Coaches. Furthermore Mr. Collins did not make an appearance for registration for his events at the Olympic Village yesterday as requested,” stated the SKNOC.

“Mr. Collins was due to compete in the following track events in the Athletics field, namely, Men’s 100m, Men’s 200m and Men’s 4 x 100m Relay at London 2012. As a local hero to all Kittitians and Nevisians, an international sports star and former 100m champion, Mr. Collins absence will be greatly missed by the whole nation and of course the entire team here in the UK, management and coaches who have worked with Mr. Collins in the lead up to the Games,” went on the statement.

Lester Hanley, team Manager for the St Kitts and Nevis Olympic team, added: “Mr. Collins absence from London 2012 is a huge disappointment for the team and for the country, who will not witness their national hero perform at this largest global sports event. We wish him well.”  Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)