Top Caribbean sprinter completes transfer to Great Britain

Providenciales (Turks and Caicos), June 29 (IANS/CMC) Top Caribbean junior sprinter Delano Williams has completed the IAAF transfer allegiance and is now eligible to compete for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team in international competition with immediate effect.

The announcement was made by British Athletics which was later confirmed by the IAAF through its monthly bulletin issued this week.

The 2012 World Junior 200m champion, who holds dual citizenship for both Turks and Caicos and Britain and Northern Ireland, was previously eligible to compete for the British team at the Olympics due to TCI's status as a British overseas territory, but narrowly missed out on selection after competing at the British 2012 trials in June last year.

After 2012, Williams decided he wished to compete for Britain and Northern Ireland in all international competitions, and his immediate transfer was granted by IAAF last week, according to British Athletics.

"I am very pleased that my transfer of allegiance has been confirmed and I am excited to be aiming towards a British team this summer," said Williams.

"Any athlete who saw the Olympics would feel an affinity with British fans as they showed how much they love the sport. I hope to receive a similar warm welcome in a British vest this season."

British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black welcomed Williams' transfer of allegiance.

"Delano is determined to earn a regular place on the team and to represent GB & NI every year rather than just in Olympics, and that shows exactly the right commitment.

"We very much look forward to working with him as he develops into a senior athlete. He is already a real talent and he will be vying for selection to the team for Moscow World Championships when he competes at the Sainsbury's British Championships in Birmingham in July."

--IANS/CMC

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