24 June 2013

British Athletics has confirmed that sprinter Delano Williams (coached by Neil Harrison) has completed the IAAF transfer of allegiance and is now eligible to compete for the Great Britain & Northern Ireland (GB & NI) team in international competition with immediate effect.

The 2012 World Junior 200m champion, who holds dual citizenship for both Turks & Caicos (TCI) and GB & NI, 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 GB & NI in all international competitions, and his immediate transfer was granted by IAAF last week.

Williams said:

“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.

"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 the move saying:

“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.”

Edith Skippings, President of the TCAAA said:

“The good thing about all of this is that we are a part of the UK and we look for forward to continuous dialogue and collaboration.

“The outcome of Delano’s transfer should be seen by the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands as a positive move and one that is inspiring and uplifting to our talented athletes who have the same dreams and aspirations as Delano."