Shaun Gill, the lone athlete representing Belize in the 2024 Olympics, has found himself in the spotlight as the most famous man in his country for the time being. As one of only four athletes sent to the games as their nation’s sole representative, Gill has experienced a mix of pride and anxiety in shouldering the responsibility of being Belize’s default flagbearer during the opening ceremony.
While larger delegations have the luxury of choosing their flagbearers from a pool of hundreds of athletes, smaller nations like Belize have only one candidate. This unique position has made Gill a celebrity in the athletes’ village, with others seeking his autograph and joking that he may need a security detail.
Carrying the hopes of an entire nation can be a daunting task, as Gill admitted after failing to advance to the men’s 100m final. Despite his jet lag affecting his performance, Gill expressed his concern about disappointing his fellow Belizeans.
Another solo competitor, Ali Idow Hassan from Somalia, is aiming to make it to the podium in the men’s 800m race. Representing a nation that has been torn by civil war for decades, Hassan sees his participation in the Olympics as a beacon of hope for Somalia’s future in sports.
The experience of being the sole representative for their countries has been both isolating and rewarding for athletes like Hassan and Romano Püntener from Liechtenstein. Püntener, a mountain biker, enjoyed the support of his fellow citizens and the opportunity to build a team around himself for the games.
Despite the overwhelming support and attention they receive during the Olympics, these athletes understand that their lives will return to normal once the games are over. Gill plans to retire from major races and focus on coaching young athletes in Belize, while Püntener looks forward to returning to his hometown in Liechtenstein to continue his training.
Hassan dreams of a day when more athletes from Somalia will be able to participate in the Olympics, reflecting his hope for a brighter future for his war-torn nation. As these athletes return to their everyday lives, they carry with them the memories and experiences of representing their countries on the world stage, knowing that they have inspired others to dream big.