President of the Saint Lucia Olympic Association, Alfred Emmanuel, has issued an early warning to athletes, emphasizing the need to meet the requisite qualification standards to participate in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Alfred encouraged athletes to prepare early and thoroughly if they wish to “make the cut” for the next Olympic Games, during his address at the SLOC’s presentation of teams competing in major regional athletic meets on Wednesday.
Saint Lucia will field two respective national teams for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2, and the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, taking place from July 24 to August 8.
In the selection process for the Commonwealth Games, Alfred revealed that the SLOC collaborated with affiliate associations to outline the terms and criteria for athletes’ qualification. “These national federations agreed on established standards within a specific timeframe, which will guide our selections for the Commonwealth Games,” he stated.
Regarding the CAC Games, he noted that several continental federations have set qualification criteria. “In the absence of a set standard, SLOC has referred to these established criteria,” he explained.
For the swimming category, the SLOC adhered to standards akin to the qualification times for both the Commonwealth and CAC Games.
Referring to the qualifications for the 2028 Olympics, Alfred clarified, “The Saint Lucia Olympic Association has outlined a pathway related to games under our banner for the Quadrennium.”
He elaborated that the Quadrennium runs from 2025 to 2028, culminating in the Los Angeles Olympic Games. “Our policy is that during these four years, there will be several competitions under our banner: in 2026, we will participate in the Commonwealth Games and the CAC Games, in 2027 we will have the Pan American Senior Championships, and in 2028, we will aim for the Los Angeles Olympics,” he added.
Alfred asserted, “We have a clear pathway, and we are urging everyone to focus on the ultimate goal, which is participation in the Los Angeles Olympics.”
However, he expressed concern about a “disturbing trend” observed over the years, stating that late 2027 and early 2028 would likely bring an influx of requests for participation in the Los Angeles Games. He cautioned those overseas athletes wishing to represent Saint Lucia at the Olympics, emphasizing the importance of parental affiliation and not neglecting other events, such as the Commonwealth and CAC Games and the Pan American Games.
“Unlike the Commonwealth Games, the qualifications for the LA Olympics will not be established by the SLOC or any national federation; they will be determined solely by the International Federation for the sport in consultation with the International Olympic Committee,” he noted.
Alfred called on those involved in sports in Saint Lucia, saying, “We cannot sit idly by; we must strive to achieve those standards and ensure the best athletes are put forward.”
The teams selected for the upcoming games are as follows:
Central American and Caribbean Games:
– Sailing: Luc Chevrier
– Golf: Yadhu Urs
– Weightlifting: Raiven Gabriel, Jennica Albert
– Athletics: Khailan Vitalis
– Netball: Aaliyah Estephor, Jermia Martial, Kiana Nelson, Lerkisha Felix, Lizzy Dorvius, Melika Destang, Patrina Wilson, Naija Ferdinand, Neriah Charlery, Roxanne Snyder, Megan Nestor, Dasha Eugene
– Table Tennis: Men: De Andre Calderon, Manie Eleuthere, Leshon Francis – Ladies: Shatal Charles, Zarianne Anthony, Cherese Darcheville
– Boxing: John Didier, Kyghan Mortley, Donaii Cooman
Commonwealth Games:
– Khailan Vitalis, Michael Joseph, Marvric Pamphile
This presentation highlights Saint Lucia’s commitment to elevating its competitive standards as it sets its sights on Olympic participation.