As an executive board member of the newly formed Athletes’ Commission, I was truly humbled by the overwhelming support extended to us, firstly by our National Olympic Committee, and secondly by our athletes and coaches, both in-house and abroad. The level of enthusiasm shown by those in attendance fuels my drive to provide the highest level of representation to our athletes across the board. As we embark on this journey together, many challenges may lie ahead of us. It is important to take that first step. There is a popular saying, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” As Grenada takes sports to the world, let us all be a beacon of light shining brightly for all to see. 473 to the world!

I attended the Athletes' Commission Forum on September 16th, 2023. The forum covered topics related to the mental well-being of athletes and the rights and responsibilities that athletes have. It was indeed an enlightening experience for me, as many athletes are affected by mental health issues, and we often underestimate or overlook these challenges. This underscores the importance of being mindful of the mental well-being of our fellow athletes. The discussions on rights and responsibilities provided athletes with valuable insights into the privileges they enjoy and the limitations they must respect. This guidance is essential for athletes as they navigate their careers and lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended this forum and for the knowledge I gained as an athlete. It has been a valuable experience that will undoubtedly benefit both my athletic journey and my overall well-being.

The opportunity to speak to our athletes at the Athletes’ Commission Forum was a privilege I did not take lightly. In sport, an athlete’s physical performance is often front and centre, and their mental health and well-being is regularly overlooked. However, there is no performance without well-being. I commend the Grenada Athletes’ Commission for recognising this and inviting me to share my professional and personal experience. As a former athlete, sports psychology was a critical missing element in my athletics journey. In fact, it was one of the reasons why I pursued a career in the field and underpins my keenness to support our talented athletes. As I reflect on the forum, I am encouraged by the athletes’ curiosity and willingness to talk about their mental health. This is certainly a step in the right direction as we shift towards a person-first, athlete-second approach to performance.