Olympic sprinter Ahye gets $187k in government funding

Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s sprinter Michelle-Lee Ahye is the latest athlete to receive funding through the Government’s Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP).

On August 15, acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development David Roberts presented a cheque for $187,500 to Ahye at the ministry in Port of Spain.

“This funding, awarded under the EAAP and aligned with the National Sport Policy, is designed to help athletes like Ahye reach their full potential,” a statement on the ministry’s Facebook page said. “It will assist with covering training costs, international competition fees, travel and other essential expenses.

“This investment reaffirms the ministry’s dedication to the growth and development of our athletes. By supporting their endeavours, we not only foster national pride but also inspire future generations to chase their athletic dreams.”

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, which ended on August 11, Ahye did not advance past the heats. Ahye, 32, was fourth in heat two in 11.33 seconds and missed out on a spot in the semifinals. She was scheduled to run in the 4×100 relay but did not compete.

Ahye, a four-time Olympian, later revealed she was nursing a toe injury.

After exiting the 100m event at the Olympics, Ahye knocked the TT public for allegedly not supporting athletes.

“Honestly, I have nothing to tell them, because some of them haven’t been supportive towards us as the athletes,” Ahye told SportsMax. “To the ones who have been supporting us, thank you. And for the others, I really have nothing to say.”

Days ago, two-time Olympic medallist Keshorn Walcott collected a cheque worth $250,000 from the EAAP.

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