A Runner's Life - Lessons from an Olympian

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A RUNNER’S LIFE – Lessons from an Olympian.

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www.theheroesfoundation.com

Of all the commemorations I’ve been honoured to receive following my Olympic victory in 1976, the most gratifying are those that allow my story to be shared with young people.

Our small islands can conquer the world, not just in sport, but any field of endeavour – such is the breadth of our talent. But too many young people fall woefully short of their potential.

There is talent tucked away in all corners of this country that lies idle and untapped. For want of proper equipment, or adequate nutrition, or perhaps the keen eye of a teacher to spot potential, many of our gifted athletes may never surface, let alone shine. Deprivation - be it of financial wherewithal, access to opportunity, support and encouragement – is one of the reasons that talent goes unrealised, in sport and other disciplines. A country with our wealth and aspirations needs to do better by its young people.

Mind you, recognition and support of talent is only half the battle. Equally important is the determination of the individual and his or her family to make something of that ability.

Anyone with ambitions of success and achievement can triumph with the right attitude and effort. Hard work has raised me from the humblest beginnings - I am proof that circumstance does not need to determine success or failure. Achievement comes with the disciplined pursuit of whatever dream you dream.

I wish to thank the Heroes Foundation and partner NGC, for helping spread that important message to our youth through this publication. Its unique format will certainly hook more young readers and hopefully, inspire a generation of talent to rise and conquer.

Hasely Crawford

PB

1976 Olympics. montreal. the moment.

1. CRAWFORD 2. Petrov 3. Borzov 4. Quarrie. 5. Glance.

Runners are at their mark.

in that moment before the starter pistol fires, a thousand thoughts run through your mind.

Every second‌ every choice you made comes down to the next few seConds. Time slows to a halt.

AND YOUR LIFE FLASHES BEFORE YOUR EYES.

1

1957

Aye Hasely, we going to the 10:00 am show boy. You coming?

Hasely feels around in HIS pocket:

Nah, not today fellas. Next week nah.

Sunday morning, dressed in short pants and a nylon dress shirt, Hasely puts on an old pair of canvas shoes, full of holes.

Hasely then runs to church, past the San Fernando General Hospital, and waits behind a tree…to enter after everyone is seated.

I was born in 1950. the 7TH of 11 children. We lived in a communal yard shared with 5 other families.

Father drives in and calls out.

Hasely, wash the car now! he slips in. Sits in the back of church behind the last pew and hides HIS shoeS under the pew in front.

I could get 1 penny for a wash?

Hmmm I’ll have to think about that.

Hail Mary full of grace…

Please Dad, I saving up last 4 weeks and I almost have enough to make a 10:00am show!

That’s my cue to leave. Last thing I want is everyone seeing me in these old shoes.

ok ok.

Make sure she shining eh young man!

You bet!

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3

HIS MOTHER STUDIES HIS WORN SHOES WITH A WORRIED FROWN.

Hasely enters HIS house sweaty.

Hasely, come bring yuh clothes for me to wash for tomorrow.

Sorry we can’t aFFord better son.

My speed was my gift. It was my asset to get myself and my family out of poverty… and so I ran.

Way boy Crawford, yuh really fast for a skinny boy!

Don’t worry Ma. This cardboard working good. One day I will make a better life for we.

Thanks Mammy.

One day my P. E. teacher at San Fernando Boys Government, Horace Williams saw me and he arranged for me to join the Brooklyn Sports Club IN SAN FERNANDO.

My parents always tried to provide for us as best as they could. Most days, we got three square meals.

However, one day I’ll never forget…

Boys came from far and wide to race against me but their eFForts were always in vain.

Zeno Constance was my first coach at the Brooklyn Club who instilled discipline in me.

I’m sorry dear but this is it for tonight.

Everyone, please welcome Mr. Crawford to the Brooklyn Sports Club. Let’s split up to practice some runs.

Boys on the right and girls on the left.

Everyday, I went to school early. Before school started, I would race my schoolmates around the yard

MA takes 3 figs and places them on a plate, and steeps 3 soursop leaves for tea.

4

God is love As long as I live, I will never forget that day

As Hasely walks towards the boys, who are larger than he is, Mr. Constance says something to Hasely that embarrasses him.

Oh! Sorry Hasely! Not you.

You too small to run with the boys.

Come join us here to do some runs with the girls.

But Hasely didn’t let his embarrassment get in the way of his training.

5

1964

Beating BookS helped him to Beat the Track… though he didn’t know that yet.

I was 14 when my world came crashing down. My father passed away.

In the coming years, I would go from a skinny boy to a strongLY built young man.

Hasely, this is Wilton Jackson.

Hi Mr. Jackson I’m HasE…

Hasely, I’m sorry…you know I can’t aFFord to pay those school fees.

At Texaco, I was introduced to a man who would change my life, Wilton Jackson.

Don’t worry Ma. Always have a Plan B. I’m going to go to Sando Tech.

I STOOD in front of THE sports club waiting, CHECKED MY WATCH ONE LAST TIME: 8:00am sharp.

I’ll just wait here. Coach has to pass by here anyway so he’ll just pick me up

HASELY WORKED HARD WITH HIS HANDS…

WayZZ boy Hasely you did well! You know you’re one of the first 5 people who passed all NATIONAL CRAFT COURSES in T&T!

Hasely trains on his own that day.

HEY, Thanks MAN. Texaco oFFered me a special apprenticeship for 2 years.

6

The apprenticeship included a sport programme, Meal Plan, Proper Training, AND Time off to study.

Mr.Jackson however, has different plans. He drives up…

AYE! Wait!

…then drives away, much to Hasely’s confusion.

studied his books hard…

...and, three years later, received the results that his heart truly desired.

Training starts tomorrow.

Meet me at Texaco front gate. 8:oo a.m. sharp!

Jackson drives back later.

I told you meet me by the gate, not near the gate. You listen to my instructions and follow them PRECISELY. It’s my way or no way.

Understood? yes, sir!

7

1968

Aye Hasely boy! Come and eat a ham and bread and take a drink with your neighbours nah.

CHRISTMAS DAY.

HA

HA

Hasely walks back dejectedly.

Nah fellas, not today.

Practice as usual.

HA

Leave him nah. Who knows why he wasting time running race. Not like he going anywhere with dat.

1969

yes, sir?

HA

BUT HE PAYS FULL ATTENTION TO WHAT HIS COACH SAYS. MR. Jackson draws A line 8 feet away.

THIS

WHILE PEOPLE DANCE AND MUSIC PLAYS…

is where you need to be landing. Now keep trying until you drop beyond that.

J’OUVERT MORNING.

AYE, Look the track star!

Look at where your foot landing Hasely.

The other boys and I trained hard with mr. Jackson.

good work guys… good job crawford!

Doh bother with him, he not going to bother with us.

Come Hasely.

Let’s see that stride today.

Set….GO!

…HASELY STAYS AT IT.

AS DOES HIS COACH.

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…HASELY TAKES OFF!

With every session _ on the "Hill" Kilimanjaro we _ called it I felt my stamina and race skills increase.

9

1969 Pre Central American and Caribbean Games trials.

(Sigh) Now I won’t be selected for the CAC Games…

I tried so hard.

Better luck next time there Hasely.

On your mark…get set…

Rain is pouring.

HASELY’S foot slipS oFF the blocks.

Maybe, maybe….don’t count me out yet!

Don’t fret.

There’s always them races in Palo Seco…. maybe then?

Hasely valiantly tries to catch up.

DEJECTED BY RECENT MEDIA ARTICLES, I WAS DETERMINED MORE THAN EVER TO MAKE MY MARK.

WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE IS A WAY!

I CAN DO IT, I KNOW I CAN.

He edges closer…

Come on Hasely. Push harder!

At THE meet in Palo Seco, …closer…

Hasely crosses the finish line FIRST!

CONSISTENTLY. FIRST. ALL DAY.

But, despite a heroic comeback…

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…isn’t able to catch up enough.

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1970

That smile however, was short lived…

Hasely arrives at the buffet station with other boys.

And, he qualifies for the CAC games!

ALL YOU CAN EAT! YES! PANAMA HERE I COME!

Food Galore! Hasely had never seen so much food before! He licks his lips excitedly…

I making meh name here today!

Hasely sees the look of dissatisfaction on his coach’s face…

and yet, COACH WALKER doesn’t say a word…

2 steaks. 4 pieces of leg and thigh, 3 pork chops, 4 pieces of cheese, apples, oranges, 4 ice creams

Take as much as you want, but eat all!

…because he doesn’t have to.

I began to regret my overindulgence.

However, I didn’t have much time to lament…

HA! I PLAN TO! Too good to be true, Hasely smiles to himself.

12

After eating, coach then called an impromptu training session

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LATER THAT NIGHT… Hasely sleeping quietly.

BUT HAS AWAKENED BECAUSE HIS belly IS rumbling.

3 months later, Commonwealth Games.

And third place is the powerful athlete from Trinidad & Tobago, Mr Hasely Crawford!

MEANWHILE. SOMEWHERE IN MICHIGAN, A MAN LOOKS ON…

Hasely goes to THE races really tired.

Stomach problems Coach.

HE WATCHES HASELY RECIEVE HIS MEDAL ON THE PODIUM, AND MAKES A CALL.

Rough night Crawford?

THAT DAY I PLACED ONLY FifTH IN THE FINALS.

ON THE PLANE BACK TO TRINIDAD, MY MIND WANDERS.

I wILL train even harder to win in my next race!

A tough lesson to learn, and Hasely resolved to have discipline in all that he did, including how he ate.

14

Yes, please draft the following letter for me…

NOVEMBER.

1970 HASELY, LOOK A LETTER COME FOR YOU TODAY.

THE letter IS from Eastern Michigan University addressed to Hasely

IT staRTS WITH THE WORDS, "We would like to offer you a scholarship to join the athletics department"…

Hasely’s mind wanders… how IS HE going to tell his Mom that he’s leaving?

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JANUARY

Hasely IS now ashamed and frightened.

1971 HASELY!!

EXPLAIN THIS… I FOUND IT WASHING YOUR PANTS

LATER THAT NIGHT.

See you later Ma! Heading to THE party at Texaco with the FELLAs!

America, Mammy.

Be careful Hasely!

HASELY HEADS TO THE FAREWELL PARTY. A FEW HOURS LATER.

HA

where you going?

HA

The car’s speed increases dangerously, until…

You saw Pete’s face after he took those drinks!

HA

HA

HA the Car breaks the corner and hits the bike track curb. It violently pitches up and comes to a STOP.

AYE watch out!

Its not near Chicago mammy, its Detroit!

yeah, I cool Everybody ok?

You know what going on in America these days?! You have to be so careful!!

Do you really need to do this?

Arghhhh my back!!

Though it breaks her heart, Hasely’s mother knows that it’s the right decision for him.

When yuh leaving?

TOMORROW I have to Ma!

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I was born to run and this will help to make me the best!

hasely!?

Go. Do what you do best.Run. I’m proud of you.

SOMETIME LATER AT THE POINTE_A_PIERRE HOSPITAL. Ok young man, just gonna raise your leg up.

I’m afraid its your sciatic nerve. You not going to be able to walk properly, far less run for a while young man. I’m sorry.

My heart sank at the news of my diagnosis.

OK DOC.

in my mind, I knew that in the ‘Great America’ my leg would be fixed.

17

1971

I flew to Michigan with optimism not knowing all the obstacles I would face.

I wasn’t about to let my diagnosis be the end of my career.

EUROPE

1972

I did physiotherapy, and began, training hard again.

I was to learn one of THE hardest lessons yet…that not everyone had your best interest at heart…

Sir, what’s this?

I heard we got about $10, 000.00 for winning this one

I also encountered both sides of the racial divide in the US.

Coach handed me a ticket to go home because I could not train, and I faced embarrassment several times.

Another big win for you Hasely. Well done! Sure you going to be raking in some big money this time!

It’s a shame we don’t have the luxury like those Americans or Europeans. Look at their athletes living large while we hustle on the side here.

$25.00?

Seriously!?

HA

HA

Fast forward to the 1972 Olympics and here I was in the finals of the men’s 100m! I had won all the major American titles, NCAA indoors and outdoors..I was ready for the gold today.

Toilet duty today Crawford. You too John.

As part of the work/study programme, we were made to do various jobs.

Worked all day, studied all night That was my entire existence during that time.

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Just a couple more hours Hasely… need to finish this chapter then to sleep.

Fellas.

Do what we have to do to get where we want to get!

Here you go my boy. your cheque.

Well Crawford, we managers have certain…expenses we have to take care of. You undersTand?

Anger consumed me for days but as an undecorated athlete, there was little I could do. I vowed to myself that this reality would end with me and once I was successful, I would make a change for future athletes.

Because nobody believed I was injured I RAN through the cold TO COVER MY EMBARRASSMENT. I fought through the pain. Nothing and no one was going to stop me from achieving my goals…

Hey jungle boy! How you feel wearing real clothes?

Better than those GRASS SKIRTS in Trinidad!

Time for my big money!

I eventually came to find out that my AGENT was cheating me. He collected my cheques for my winnings and only gave me a TINY fraction of these. I was enraged and powerless.

My biggest competitors wERE Borzov and the AmericanS. They called BORZOV the "Great White Hope" I’ll show them….

But my impatience…

Funny how we always end up doing the dirty work huh.

Study then work then train then study then work then train. It was a vicious cycle but my eyes were always on that end game. I did what had to be done. I trained.

Rationed my supplies..and after SOME hard yearS, I was able to make it to the trials of the 1972 Olympics.

It’s ok man. Just keep your head down and we’ll get through. Eyes on the prize.

NO! I’ll show him!

I’ll break their great white hope.

I could not finish the race that day. I was so close. I learnt a difficult lesson.

I could not let my anger get the better of me.

…was my downfall.

My determination to prove myself better than Borzov caused me to cause injury to myself. I didn’t allow myself to build up my speed as I had trained to do and ended up taking myself out of the race before It even started.

19

1976

I would train hard over the next three years, I realiseD my starts were weak and I focused on that.

fast forward – Montreal Olympics, Night before the Finals.

THANKS COACH.

I was almost ready.

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH GOD FIRST. Hasely.

I had graduated and started working at an Engineering company, 12 hours a day and then training into the night.

Viorst, the philosopher once said: "Superstition is foolish, childish, primitive and irrational". but how much does it cost you to knock on wood?

Now back in trinidad.

And knock on wood I did.

And I continued that training when I moved back home. Sadly though…

My own country didn’t support me when I sought assistance.

I have an odd request my friend. Can you lend me your jock strap?

BUT STILL I PERSEVERED. I approached PONY for sponsorship and I was passed over. I tHen went to Adidas; Mike Larrabie, ‘64 Tokyo Olympics WINNER who beat Wendell Mottley, agreed to give me US$5,000.00 because of the "respect I have for Wendell". He then told me, "Hasely go win your gold medal".

My Coach committed himself to correcting the mechanics.

Fix your hands closer together Hasely, Like this.

20

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Old and borrowed: Jock strap New: socks and gold shoes Blue: Pants and the piping of the T&T socks.

and now I was ready for anything.

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and I couldn’t wait.

Hasely’s mind snaps back to his here and now: 1976. Olympics.

The Moment.

Runners AT YOUR MARK!

No sleep; I was tense.

Hasely was ready to go 24 hours BEFORE THE RACE. He slept in his full kit.

Right now. Right now is my time

1. CRAWFORD 2 Petrov 3. Borzov 4. Quarrie 5. Glance

before the race STARTED everything came rushing TO me – questions Did I train hard enough; Was I ready?

Did I do the right things? Was I ready?

Hasely WARMS UP WITH HIS TEAMMATES

IT’S TIME.

Right…

NOW! He watches his teammate aINSLEY ARMSTRONG lose in the semifinal

Sorry there brother.

Yeah man, thanks. Just didn’t perform as I should have

Hmmmm did you come to watch the Olympic finals or take part in them? You boys seem shaky!

No worries man.

I will teach them a lesson for you

HA

Hasely clearing pebbles off the track

HA

Mental games are half the battle! Two down, three to go

Borzov comes out 2nd

CRAWFORD Is out 3rd

By 50m/60m, I Glanced ACROSS and didn’t see anyone.

I KePT pushing, Kept pushing forward

I am going to win this race, and nothing must stop me

22

OOOHhhh

While waiting before the final, hASELY SEES Glance and Johnny (17 AND 18 years old at the time.)

Glance is out of the blocks 1st

The line… it was up ahead…

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I reflected on the hardship… my poverty, loneliness, embarrassment, dejection and rejection, these were my drivers…

the PAIN…

THE FAILURES…

and the sacrifices made, by myself and others…

It all made me who I am…

the successes…

and gave me the strength…

to be a Winner!

Never let them stop your dreams Never let them tell you no

Hasely Crawford of Trinidad & Tobago has won the Olympic Gold Medal!!!

You and you alone control…

846 your destiny.

Gold Medal.

Imagine. A man from a little country such as Trinidad and Tobago could come and win the 100m final in the Olympics

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Hasely’s BIO

A Country Honours its Hero YEAR AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS

Hasely Crawford, T.C., was born on 16th August 1950 in San Fernado.

In the schoolyard at San Fernando Boys’ Government School and in his neighbourhood, be discovered his gift for running, emerging victorious against everyone who raced against him.

He pursued secondary and postsecondary education at ASJA Boys College and the renowned San Fernando Technical Institute. At the latter, he earned qualifications to be accepted as a special apprentice by the Texaco Oil Company.

Throughout these years, his running career gained momentum. In 1970, he placed fifth at the Central American & Caribbean Games and third at the Commonwealth Games. His talent soon earned him an athletics scholarship to Eastern Michigan University in the United States.

In 1976, Hasely won the gold medal in the Men’s 100-metre race at the Montreal Olympics, thereby earning Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic gold medal.

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Hasely Crawford remained Trinidad and Tobago’s lone Olympic gold medallist for 36 years.

Hasely has won several accolades, the most prestigious being the nation’s highest award, the Trinity Cross in 1976 and Trinidad and Tobago’s Athlete of the Millennium in 2000.

In 1997, Trinidad and Tobago’s National Stadium was officially re-named the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

As Head, Community Relations at The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC), Hasely ensured that a number of national sporting, training and cultural programmes were successfully executed.

1972,1976, 1977

Trinidad and Tobago Sportsman of the Year Award

1976

Received Trinidad and Tobago’s highest honour, The Trinity Cross

1976

BWIA passenger jet named in his honour

1997

Trinidad and Tobago 1st National Stadium named in his honour

1997

First Issue of Commemorative Stamp

1997

Granted a Dwelling House

2000

Trinidad and Tobago’s Sportsman of the Millennium Award

2005

Induction into Caricom Hall of Fame

2012

Trinidad and Tobago 50th Anniversary of Independence Recognition as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s 50 Sports Legends in commemoration of the Nation’s Independence

2012

Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award at 30th Annual Commonwealth Sports Awards

2012-2017

Appointed Sport Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago

2017

Inaugural Honouree of NGC’s National Heroes Project

He was instrumental in the conceptualisation of NGC’s ‘Right on Track Programme’, used to teach the fundamentals of track and field to young people throughout Trinidad and Tobago. This programme was later introduced in Grenada, St. Vincent, St Lucia and Dominica.

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Chronological Order of Hasely’s Awards & Achievements YEAR

AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS

1970

1st Place 100m

Gold Medal Southern Games, Trinidad

1970

5th Place 100m

CAC Games, Panama

1970

3rd Place 100m

Bronze Medal British Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh Scotland (1st International Bronze Medal)

1971

1st Place 100m

Gold Medal CAC Championships, Halarpa, Mexico

1973

1st Place 100m

Gold Medal AAU Championships, Madison Square Gardens, USA

1975

1st Place 100m

Gold Medal NCAA Championships, Utah, USA

1975

1st Place 60m

Gold Medal Indoor Dash, Corbeaux Hall, Michigan

1975

2nd Place 100m

Silver Medal Pan American Games, Mexico City

1976

1st Place 100m

Olympic Gold Medal 1976 Summer Olympics, Montreal, Canada

1978

1st Place 4 x 100m Gold Medal CAC Games, Columbia (National Record)

1978

3rd Place 100m

1978

3rd Place 4 x 100m Bronze Medal Commonwealth Games, Edmonton, Canada

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Bronze Medal Commonwealth Games, Edmonton, Canada

PB