I am loyal to Jamaica - Scott

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

With a host of the world's top sporting stars pulling out of the beleaguered Commonwealth Games which is scheduled for the Indian capital of Delhi, national shot put champion, Dorian Scott, credits loyalty to his country and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) as the main reason for his decision to stick with the team.

The Jamaicans started making their departure for the Games yesterday, with the first batch of athletes. Scott is expected to join up with other members of the Jamaica team in New York today, before continuing their journey on to India.

"I never planned on pulling out. they would've had to cancel it (Games) for me not to go," said Scott, during an interview with The Gleaner.

Scott, who is expected to hurl himself on to the medal podium during the October 3-14 Games, admitted to being somewhat concerned about the instability in India at this moment, but is eager to repay the faith and consideration shown to him by Commonwealth Games Federation and Jamaica Olympic Association boss, Mike Fennell.

Financial binds

"Obviously, I have run into many financial binds over my eight years of representing Jamaica and I have been helped out on several occasions over the years by the Jamaica Olympic Association, so I always attend any type of Games that they are a part of organising," Scott shared.

"The JOA has had a big hand in helping me out in my career and I'm thankful," he said.

"There hasn't been any male shot-putters out of the Caribbean in history to accomplish what I've been able to do over the years, and I feel like them coming to my rescue the times that they have over the span over my career was a risk on their part, and it has helped substantially, so I have no problem doing these Games, no matter where it was going to be held," he added.

Massive delays, terrorist threats, hygienic issues and construction defects have dogged the Games in recent times, but Scott is not too perturbed and is looking forward to the experience.

"I have been watching what's been developing in Delhi and it does seem very concerning," Scott added. "I certainly don't think I'll be kidnapped or anything like that ... I still would also like to see some of the tourist sites over there."

The three-time Central American and Caribbean Games gold medallist and 2006 Commonwealth Games silver medallist has the second best throw among Commonwealth athletes this season, with a distance of 20.55 metres and is determined to once again do well for his country this time around.

"I'm looking forward to the Commonwealth Games. My chances of getting a medal are good, I've got the second best throw of the season in the Commonwealth, so I feel good about my chances and I feel that I would be able to leave with a medal," Scott assured.