Trinidad and Tobago's sprinter Ato Bold poses for a photo  (Photo by Sportingkings)

Boldon sworn into national politics
Thursday February 16, 2006

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad  - Trinidad and Tobago's four-time Olympic medallist and former world 200m champion Ato Boldon was appointed an Opposition Senator in his native during Tuesday's sitting of the Senate at the Red House in Port of Spain, Trinidad. 

Boldon, a retired star sprinter replaces a frustrated Roy Augustus, who resigned from his position on Monday following the bitter feelings among members of the national executive of the Opposition United National Congress (UNC).

The 32-year-old Boldon, who has won the most Olympic medals for Trinidad and Tobago was appointed by Leader of the Opposition Basdeo Panday, who said the sprint star "is a hero to the young people in the country, and the reason we asked him to join us in the Senate is so that he may be an inspiration to the young people in the country".

President of the Senate, Dr Linda Baboolal confirmed Boldon's position by  signing his instruments of appointment. He was then sworn in as an Opposition Senator in the Upper House and he said he accepted the job in order to give back to the people of the country as well as be a bridge between the old and the young.

"My agenda is singular. I am not in this to be in the papers, for any political gain," Boldon said. "The UNC is not my agenda, neither is the PNM. The youth and sport in this country are."

Gary Smith - World-Track Sports Media