March 18, 2016: The Honourable Darryl Smith, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, extends congratulations to Super Heavyweight Boxer, Nigel Paul, on qualifying for the Rio Olympics 2016.
Paul defeated Argentinian Kevin Nicolas Espindola, on Thursday 17th March 2016, by a 3-0 scoreline in the semi-final of the super heavyweight division at the 2016 American Boxing Olympic Qualification event, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. One year ago, on this same day, Paul entered the boxing ring, and he stated “that he was overjoyed to have qualified for the 2016 Olympics, having only fought in ten international matches”. He further said that “it is a sense of accomplishment.”
The 27year old, is the first local born boxer to represent Trinidad and Tobago in over 20 years since Kurt Sinnette, represented Trinidad and Tobago in 1996 at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
The boxer, is the fourth national athlete to qualify for the Rio Olympics. He will join Andrew Lewis (sailing), Njisane Phillip (cycling) and George Bovell (swimming) at the games.
Minister Smith wishes Nigel Paul, continued success on his journey to Rio 2016.
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