Trinidad weightlifting hero dies

Port of Spain, Oct 12 (IANS/CMC) Former Trinidad and Tobago Olympic weightlifter Brandon Bailey, who also won gold at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games, has died.

Bailey, 80, was regarded as the most accomplished heavyweight weightlifter in the twin island republic having represented the country at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, lifting a massive 425kg (935lbs). He passed away Wednesday.

He was named among the "50 Legends of Sport" for the period 1962-2012 at last year's celebratory function commemorating Trinidad and Tobago's 50th anniversary of Independence.

"He was one of the outstanding weightlifters and was consistent. He took part in all the games that we were eligible to go to," said his former coach and manager Alexander Chapman.

"He left a legacy and was a sporting legend."

Bailey won gold for T&T in the heavyweight class at the 1962 CAC Games in Jamaica and followed up with bronze at the British Commonwealth Games in Australia later that year.

--IANS/CMC

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