‘I’ll bounce back’

HAMMER THROWER Nayoka Clunis, while disappointed at the realisation that she will certainly miss competing at the Paris Olympics, believes that her best days are ahead of her.

Yesterday, the 28-year-old said she was pleased with the outpouring of support she has received during what has been a tough time.

Clunis qualified for the Olympics by being one of the best 32 throwers in the world but was accidentally left off Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s list to the World Athletics.

Since then, Clunis has been trying to get back into the Games by way of the Court of Arbitration for Sport and its ad hoc division. She has run out of places to go.

“I’ll bounce back because I’ve seen darker days. I’ll take some time to get over this outright injustice, but until then, keep me in your prayers. Thanks to everyone that has been supportive through this ordeal. The donations or encouraging words have been very helpful,” said Clunis.

Clunis started a GoFundMe account to take her case to CAS after its ad hoc division said it had no jurisdiction to make a decision.

The hammer thrower may not be done with the courts, either, saying that there are still unanswered questions.

“The JAAA and the staff that have been so reluctant in helping me in my pursuit to becoming an Olympian will have to answer for their negligence in not only omitting my name from the list of athletes ratified by World Athletics to compete but their lack of help in actually getting the matter resolved. Sorry to break it to you, but I’m not done yet. I’m just getting started, so there’s no getting rid of me or leaving my name off any more lists that I’ve earned,” she added.

Track and field starts with the 20km walk today, and this should have been a time for celebration for Clunis, however, it has been anything but.

“I can’t begin to express how devastated I am and how heartbroken I’ve been over the last three weeks. The pain that I’ve been feeling honestly cannot be put into words.”

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com