The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has awarded Olympic Scholarships to six national athletes as they prepare for the Summer Olympic Games of the XXXIV Olympiad – Los Angeles 2028, scheduled for 14–30 July 2028, in the United States.
The scholarship recipients are:
- Jereem Richards – Athletics
- Leah Bertrand – Athletics
- Nicholas Paul – Track Cycling
- Teniel Campbell – Track & Road Cycling
- Makaira Wallace – Track Cycling
- Dylan Carter – Swimming
Of the six athletes, five are Olympians who have represented Team TTO at Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and/or Paris 2024. Notably, two of them are receiving Olympic Solidarity Scholarship support for the first time.
Funded entirely by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through Olympic Solidarity, the programme—established in 1992 for the Barcelona Olympic Games—provides high-potential athletes from across the globe with financial support to access world-class coaching, competition exposure, and elite training environments. The funding will also assist athletes with travel to qualification events, medical and sport science services and accommodation.
TTOC President, Ms. Diane Henderson, congratulated the athletes, stating:
“These scholarships reflect our commitment to creating the strongest possible pathway for Team TTO athletes on their journey to the Olympic Games. We remain steadfast in our mission to support athletes holistically—on and off the field of play—so they can train, compete, and excel at the highest levels. This cohort represents exceptional talent and determination, and we are confident they will continue to inspire Trinidad and Tobago on the road to Los Angeles 2028.”
The selection of scholarship recipients was completed in close consultation with their respective National Sporting Organizations (NSOs) to ensure alignment with Olympic Solidarity criteria and to prioritize athletes demonstrating the highest performance potential and commitment to excellence.
Scholarship recipient, Leah Bertrand, expressed her gratitude:
“Being awarded the Olympic Scholarship is a tremendous honour and an important milestone in my journey toward Olympic qualification. As a first-time recipient, it means so much to receive this level of support. It not only eases the financial burden of elite preparation but motivates me to continue pushing toward representing Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympic Games.”
Over the years, Olympic Solidarity scholarships have benefitted numerous Team TTO athletes including: Machel Cedenio, Deon Lendore, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Jarrin Solomon, Nigel Paul, Michael Alexander, Njisane Phillip, George Bovell III, among others. Many of these athletes went on to qualify for, excel and medal on the world’s biggest competitive stages.
The TTOC extends a heartfelt congratulations to all six scholarship recipients and wishes them continued success as they prepare for Los Angeles 2028.
TTOC Press Release