Gold medalist Pompey need funds to finish masters degree
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
July 31, 2002
Guyana's Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Aliann Pompey, says she has always wanted to see a Guyanese up on the podium, but to have that person be her was exciting beyond belief.
In an e-mail interview with Stabroek Sport, Pompey who won the women's 400-metre final on Sunday, said "I remember speaking to my sister the night before the finals and she said, you know the Guyanese national anthem, right? And I said yes, why? And she just said, just make sure you do, just in case and I just laughed, but when I heard it, I was so happy, so proud, I kept thinking, I want this sound to be familiar to the world. I want them to hear it over and over. I've always wanted to see a Guyanese up on the podium, and to have that person be me is exciting beyond belief. I'm happy that God picked me to do the honors."
Pompey said she embarked on her athletic career during her final year at high school in New York, and her sister (Allison) was the one who motivated her. "My sister was my motivator. At the time she was the track star, and I was the book worm. Now, I run track and she's the one getting all kinds of degrees and scholarships and the good grades," Pompey stated.
Pompey who attended Clonbrook Primary, Latchmansingh Primary and Bush Lot Secondary Schools before migrating to New York at age 13 in 1991, plans to finish her degree in Business Administration next semester, but is still seeking to raise the required finances.
Pompey said she took time off half way through her masters to raise the necessary funds to finish her degree, but the money raised had to be used to pay a hospital bill.
"Well, this is true (time off to raise money), school is about US$16,000 a year for me, because I'm not living on campus. (Otherwise it would be $24,000) I plan to go back to school this year, and this would be my last year. Unfortunately, I was in the hospital for two days, so whatever money I had is going to go to that. These bills don't include any monthly expenses like rent, transport or food".
Asked if the Guyana government could assist in any way, Pompey said: "I'm not sure what the Guyanese government's capabilities are in terms of helping me but the help would be highly appreciated."
During her break from Manhattan College last year, Pompey competed in a Junior Grand Prix in Europe, where she won the jack pot prize by winning four of five races, but according to the Commonwealth gold medalist that did not help her cause. "It didn't really help in my efforts to raise school money because when I was running, I wasn't able to work, so I still had monthly bills to pay," Pompey stated.
According to Pompey who holds a bachelor's degree in Finance, her winning the junior Grand Prix does not guarantee her promotion to the senior Grand Prix. "You qualify for the senior Grand Prix based on what times you run and what championships you run. I think if there's anything I've done that will get me into those meets, this should." (Commonwealth gold medal).
Pompey said because of the scheduling of the Grand Prix, she will be able to go to school and compete also since the competition season starts as the semester is over.
Pompey who was born in Ann's Grove, East Coast Demerara, to Ruth Henderson and Leon Eric Pompey has seven siblings - Allison, Delon, Timothy, Gilbertine, Joshua, Tyler and Zara.
Her father worked with the Lands and Survey Department before migrating to the United States and because of the job he did as a surveyor before migrating, the family lived in various regions of Guyana.
Since taking up an athletic career, Pompey has chalked up seven school records. In addition, she has won the NCAA championships in 2000 and has the NCAA record for the indoor 500-metre.
With regards her returning to Guyana for the Barry Massay Games, slated for August 31 and September 1 at the GCC ground, Bourda, Pompey said "It's in my plans. I really want to come home for that".
Pompey said since migrating in 1991, she returned home just before the 2000 Olympics, soon after receiving her bachelors. "Unfortunately I haven't been back since then. So that's why I'm really looking forward to this trip (Barry Massay Games).
Pompey says she communicates with her relatives in Guyana on a regular basis "When I'm traveling a lot though, I depend on my granny to keep me up to date on what's going on with everyone. I also keep in touch with a few friends that I had from school. Samantha, Petal, Scott (Ann's Grove) and Valerie Gilkes (Lovely Lass, Berbice) especially. They used to be my best friends in school. I can never forget them" Pompey stated.
While finding it difficult in pinpointing a track and field idol, Pompey did not hesitate to state that her favourite dish is Pepperpot "My favourite food to this day is pepper pot and not the watered down kind, the good granny-cooked pepper pot".
Pompey stated that she just admire people in general who believe that there's no substitute for hard work. "I like the people who don't pay attention to odds, just go out there and beat them. The person I admire the most is my father. He's responsible for molding me and he shaped how I view my life, my place in the world. He's been very supportive and when I need anything I can be assured he knows what to say and do" Pompey said
Pompey's advise to young aspiring athletes is "Know first why you want to do it. Then stick with it. It won't always be easy. But it pays off in the end. And be thankful and make use of any opportunity that presents itself. And in all things. Pray to god, and when he helps you, don't forget to thank him".
Fact File of Aliann Pompey
Name: Aliann Pompey
Age: 24
Hometown: Bee Hive (Ann's grove), Lovely Lass (West Coast Berbice)
Schools attended: Clonbrook Primary, Latchmansingh Primary, Bush Lot Secondary (all of Guyana) and Manhattan College (New York) Class of 2000.
Residence: Bronx, NY
Events: 400m, 800m
Personal Best:
(100m) 12.92
(200m) 23.59
(400m) 51.63 (2002 Commonwealth Games)
(800m) 2:04.33
Seasonal Best:
(100m)
(200m)
(400m) 51.96
(800m) 2:04.33
Honors:
2000 Sydney Olympian (200m & 400m)
2001 Indoor World Championship Semi-Finalist
Pan Am Games Finalist 400m (1999)
NCAA 400m Indoor Champion (2000)
Princeton Invitational 2001 800m Champion
2001 World Outdoor Championship Semi-Finalist (51.96).
3-time Folksam Grand Prix 400m Winner
President Jagdeo sends congratulatory message to Pompey
President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday dispatched a congratulatory message to Guyana's Commonwealth Games gold Medalist Aliann Pompey, congratulating her on her performance in the final on Sunday.
The text of the letter reads:
"Dear Ms Pompey,
I wish you warmest congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Guyana. To have succeeded at this world level, I know that you have made tremendous sacrifices with vigorous training, discipline, and dedication. As the first recipient of a gold medal in athletics for Guyana at the Commonwealth Games, you have made us very proud of your achievement but even more than that, you have proved that, our hope lies in our young people such as yourself.
Ms Pompey, Guyana is proud of you and many young athletes will be inspired to follow your example.
I sincerely look forward to meeting you on your return in order to personally convey my congratulations.
Yours sincerely
Bharrat Jagdeo
President of the Republic of Guyana