Thomas-Dodd Urged to Recant Unflattering Comments About JOA, JAAA

Jamaican shot putter, Dannielle Thomas-Dodd, has accused the Jamaica Olympic Association, JOA, and the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, JAAA, of not sufficiently supporting field events athletes.

Thomas-Dodd failed to qualify for the women’s shot put final at the Paris Olympics after an 18.12 meter throw which saw her placing 13th.

Speaking during an interview with SportsMax on Thursday, Dodd voiced her frustration saying that the agencies “don’t care about field events in Jamaica”.

But as you hear in this report from Robian Williams, the JOA says there’s no truth to that accusation.

Jamaican shot putter, Danielle Thomas-Dodd says her personal coach was denied the privilege of accreditation to gain access to the training facility in Paris.

This and other issues have added to her frustration.

Thomas-Dodd went further, saying field events athletes are marginalized and neglected in Jamaica.

Speaking with Nationwide’s Sports Editor, Wayne Walker, who is in Paris, President of the JOA, Christopher Samuda says it’s unfair for Thomas-Dodd to have said such things when she has personally benefitted from support.

Mr. Samuda says the JOA is not directly involved in the decision-making process of accreditation for coaches.

He says the support given to athletes is more than sufficient.

Mr. Samuda is encouraging Thomas Dodd to recant her statements.