Figure skating prodigy eager to represent Jamaica
Published:Thursday | May 20, 2021 | 12:14 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Diane Burkle, the grandmother of Jamaica Olympic hopeful Olivia Morina, says they are still awaiting clearance for the 10-year-old figure skater to compete for Jamaica.
The American-born youngster, who qualifies to represent Jamaica through her Jamaican father, was inspired to represent the Caribbean nation after watching the Winter Olympics and observing that Jamaica had no representative in her sport.
OBSTACLES IN THE ROAD
However, her effort to complete the process of representing the island has been stalled because a local federation is yet to be formalised and officially recognised by the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA).
“They are still working on the paperwork for that,” Burkle said. “We are just waiting to hear when it is going to be done.
“She (Olivia) has been training every day, and she’s hoping to start competing internationally for Jamaica. We are just waiting for her Jamaican passport to come back, and it should come back any day now,” said Burkle.
“They are working on the legal documents for the federation, and I am very optimistic. So we are looking forward to this happening, and we are eager to see her in Jamaica colours,” she said.
Nevertheless, Burkle insists that there is no rush as Morina, who is based in North Carolina, will not he eligible to compete internationally until the age of 13.
“She has three years to train to get ready for that, to compete internationally, but she wants to get that off her mind and just focus on training and competing.”
President of the Jamaica Ski Federation, Richard Salm, said they, too, await word from the JOA on developments. However, he revealed that things are already being put in place.
“I am still waiting on Christopher Samuda (JOA president) in regards to getting the skating association formalised in Jamaica and recognised by the Jamaica Olympic Association,” said Salm. “They have already been informed, and we need to appoint some directors and a secretary living in Jamaica and then place our application formally. So the process is taking place. So by the end of June (it should be completed).”