The BVI Olympic Committee today received and accepted an official invitation from the Tripartite Commission in collaboration with World Sailing, for the allocation of a Universality Place at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games to BVI’s ILCA7 (Laser) sailor, Thad Lettsome. At 22 years old, Lettsome becomes the first BVI sailor to compete at an Olympic Games since 1996 when 2x Olympian Robby Hirst competed in the Laser event at the Atlanta Games.
The BVIOC and Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott received the official invitation via email. Lettsome was one of 3 sailors eligible for the two available spots for the Universality Place. Competing at The Last Chance Regatta in Hyères, France (April 21-27), Lettsome placed 31 out of 61 sailors to edge up his rankings.
“This is an historic occasion for the Virgin Islands, the Royal BVI Yacht Club and for the BVI Olympic Committee,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. “One of our mandates is to increase the number of sports represented at major Games. Through Olympic Solidarity and Panam Sports funding, the BVIOC has supported the development of sailing and Thad’s progression for several years and today we have reached an incredible milestone with the offer of a Universality Place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for a BVI sailor.
“We commend Thad, his parents, Lisa and Clyde Lettsome as well as his scholastic, collegiate and national sailing coaches throughout his young career, including Richard Wooldridge, Chris Watters and RBVIYC Administrator Tamsin Rand for their dedication and continued commitment to succeed in the sport and represent our nation at the highest level.”
“The Royal BVI Yacht Club is over the moon for Thad!” said RBVIYC Commodore Eddie Brockbank. “Since his first days learning to sailing with us he has shown talent, commitment and determination to reach his goals. We are delighted to have BVI sailing represented at the Olympic Games again and could not be more proud to support Thad at this incredible opportunity. The support from the BVIOC, PanAm Sports, World Sailing, Olympic Solidarity and the BVI Government are crucial to the continued development of our athletes and we are sincerely grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”
Lettsome, who has been competing as a sailor for the Virgin Islands since he was 6 years old, joins Kyron McMaster (400m hurdles) as a confirmed BVI athlete set to compete at Paris 2024.
Lettsome and McMaster are members of the BVIOC’s current roster of elite athletes benefiting from the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship programme.
Funds from the THSEAS are entirely dedicated to the development of the BVIOC’s elite athletes identified by their respective National Federations and confirmed by the International Federations as being on track to compete for medals at major Games. The roster of athletes each receive a monthly stipend to assist them on their journey to the Olympics. The fund distribution is documented in regular reports for Olympic Solidarity and PanAm Sports who provide $200,000 towards the programme.
Other athletes in the THSEAS programme include national and regional record holders with proven track records in major Games – Chantel Malone (long jump), Eldred Henry (shot put), Rikkoi Brathwaite (100m) and Adaejah Hodge (200m).
The THSEAS stipend contributes to training and coaching, athlete support including access to sports medicine, physical therapy, performance analysis, nutrition counselling, and mental resilience training.
Major sponsors who committed to support the THSEAS earlier in the year include Clarence Thomas Ltd (CTL), DLT Solutions, Conyers, Capriccio di Mare Trattoria, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Mrs. Vivian Lloyd and Trident Trust.
