Hasely Joachim Crawford, Trinidad and Tobago’s pioneer athlete 

In 1976 Hasely Joachim Crawford etched his name indelibly into the annals of Trinidad and Tobago track and field history when he won his country’s first Olympic Games gold medal.

The lanky sprinter won the 100m title from lane one in 10.06 seconds ahead of Jamaica’s Donald Quarrie, who was closing fast.

Born in San Fernando on August 16, 1950, Crawford was a relatively late bloomer as he started his track career at 17.

He would become National 100m champion on six occasions, as well as National 200m champion in 1976. His first taste of international competition was at 20 when he won bronze in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games.

Two years later he made the Munich Olympic Games 100m final but pulled up injured after 20m. But that disappointment turned to joy four years later when he realized his greatest achievement with victory in Montreal.

- Advertisement -

However, a year before he won silver at the Pan American Games, signaling his status as a serious contender for the Olympic Games title.

After finishing as the runner-up at the 1975 Pan American Games in the 100 meters, Crawford was added to the team of American coach Bob Parks. His new coach prepared him for the 100 meters and 200 meters events at the 1976 Summer Olympics with a strategy of only allowing him to run in a few races during the season. This tactic paid off, as Crawford, in the inside lane 1, narrowly won the 100 meters final in a time of 10.06 seconds, just 0.02 seconds in front of Don Quarrie of Jamaica, winning Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic gold medal

In 1976 he also qualified for the 200m final but like his first 100m final in Munich, he pulled up injured in the race.

He achieved further success in the 100m at the 1977 Central American and Caribbean Games. A National Stadium and a jet were named after him, and he appeared on postage stamps, and in 1978 he received his nation’s highest honor, the Trinity Cross.

 

More Stories

West Indies Women cruise to victory as Dottin, Matthews deliver masterclass

West Indies Women set for high-stakes clash against Scotland in World Cup Qualifiers

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The journey to cricket’s grandest stage intensifies as the West Indies Women’s team embarks on its mission to secure...
Ackera Nugent Jamaica

Jamaica names 24-athlete squad for World Indoor Championships for Nanjing

For the upcoming 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, Jamaica has unveiled a formidable team of 24 athletes and nine officials. The highly anticipated...
Jamaica Scorpions

Jamaica Scorpions strike late as Mindley’s fiery spell seals victory

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Marquino Mindley delivered a searing spell of fast bowling to propel the Jamaica Scorpions to a dramatic 40-run victory over...
West Indies Masters

West Indies Masters edge past Sri Lanka in thrilling semi-final clash

RAIPUR, India – The West Indies Masters delivered a spirited performance to secure a dramatic six-run victory over the Sri Lanka Masters in the...
Grand Slam Track

Grand Slam Track unveils star-studded line-up for historic Kingston Slam

NEW YORK – Grand Slam Track has officially revealed its full roster of 96 elite Racers and Challengers set to ignite the track at...
West-Indies-celebrate

West Indies breakout league set to ignite cricket’s next generation in 2025

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are set to revolutionize the regional cricketing landscape with the launch of...
Trinidad Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley

Dr. Rowley a towering champion of West Indies cricket, says CWI boss

As Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley prepares to step down from office on March 16, 2025, and concludes his tenure as...
Leon Bailey

New Bellevue Hospital Family Room named in honor of Leon Bailey

Bellevue Hospital, Jamaica’s largest mental health facility, officially unveiled its new Family Room on Friday, dedicating the space as the Leon Bailey Wellness Lounge...
Emrit urges Red Force to stay sharp amid Championship break

Red Force’s ruthless assault destroys Barbados Pride inside two days

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force delivered an unrelenting bowling masterclass, annihilating the Barbados Pride by an innings and 56 runs...
T&T Golf Open

117th T&T Golf Open set to make history with new champions and first-ever ladies division

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Trinidad and Tobago’s premier professional golfer, Ben Martin, embarks on his quest for a record-breaking...

Latest Articles

Skip to content