Elite athlete Ronald Forbes breaks a national record in the 110 m hurdles. Mr. Forbes, who will represent the Cayman Islands at the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games in the same event, broke his own record with a time of 13.36 seconds at the NTC Star Sprint Series in Clermont, Florida on 30 April.

“It feels good that I could get my body to that point” says the athlete.

Minister for Sports, Hon. Osbourne Bodden, says: “It is my great honour to congratulate Ronald on setting this new national record. It’s particularly exciting to see him make this achievement on the cusp of the Olympic Games. This remarkable feat for him and for our country demonstrates why it’s so important that we continue to develop and support our athletes”.

“I’m excited and looking forward to seeing him take the track in Rio, and make our Islands proud” Minister Bodden adds.

With this new achievement under his belt Mr. Forbes is putting his focus on Rio. While his dream is to achieve a medal, he comments that, his primary goal is another personal best.

“To me there is no greater feeling than crossing the finish line and seeing that personal best. It means you’ve pushed yourself to a goal you never thought you could. If you keep running your personal best eventually you will get to a medal, and you hope that your best is worthy of a gold” says Mr. Forbes.

As he prepares for the Olympics he says the community support has been tremendous, and he is touched by the knowledge that he is a source of inspiration to people and the nation. .

“I remember after I came back from London, a gentleman stopped me and said ‘You didn’t accomplish what you wanted, but you don’t know what you accomplished. You made it, which means we made it.’ That meant a lot.” It’s that type of support Mr. Forbes says will serve him and other Olympic hopefuls well.

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games begin 5 August and end 21 August.

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