He said Tobagonians join the rest of the country in celebrating the first Olympic medal to be won by a Tobago-born athlete and the first medal for the country at the Games.
He noted that anyone looking at the race would have been impressed by the share determination that would have propelled Lalonde in the final 30 metres and he hoped that the young people of Tobago and the rest of the country would recognise that in the final analysis it was not all about talent or preparation but about determination, focus and an overwhelming desire to succeed.
London also extended congratulations to Kelly-Ann Baptiste whom he said should not see herself as failing to win a medal but as a resident of an island of less than 60,000 people she has emerged as the sixth fastest female sprinter among the over 200 countries in the world.
He also extended best wishes to another Tobago-born athlete Semoy Hackett who will be competing in the women’s 200 metres and shared the disappointment of Tobagonians Josanne Lucas and Renny Quow who were injured.
London said he expected Lalonde’s victory to inspire his national teammates and would not be surprised if there were medals in the remaining events.
The Tobago Chief Secretary also confirmed that dependant on the availability of the athletes, most of whom were US-based the THA was committed to celebratory activities for the entire national contingent.