Long walk to Olympics
Man who walked around Jamaica in 21 days wants help to Games
Published:Sunday | January 19, 2025 | 12:09 AMSharla Williams - Gleaner Writer
COMPETING IN track and field at the Olympics has been the goal of many Jamaican athletes, but Chevroy Lindo would rather walk his way to the Games.
To prepare for this journey, Lindo recently completed a daring challenge of walking across the island’s 14 parishes in 21 days.
“My inspiration for the journey came from my dream of becoming an Olympian. And I also wanted to showcase to the country that you can do something once you believe in it,” Lindo said.
“I aspire to represent my country in the 20km walk because I am proud to be a Jamaican and I want to showcase my talents,” he said.
After covering 800 kilometres, averaging 35-50 kilometres per day, at the end of his journey on January 7, Lindo expressed hope that this will capture the attention of the National Association of Jamaican Olympians, who can point him in the direction that could lead towards making his Olympic dream a reality.
“I really want to find out the requirements to compete at the Olympics. As in, where do I go from here to develop [and] make the environment more friendly for athletes? Because I just don’t think walking is the only sport lacking. I think we are a very talented country, but due to the lack of knowledge, poorly constructed environment, etc, those skills get lost,” Lindo expressed.
This is not the only thing Lindo needs help with, as though he has loved walking from a tender age, he wants help to develop his skill and technique. Currently, he is self-trained, with the aid of software.
“I’ve always loved walking. Ever since I was a kid, it was fun trying to keep up with my family when we were walking to the square, which was about three miles, and also rushing back home from school to watch cartoons. From there on I found a love for walking,” he said.
“I actually used AI, YouTube and Google to prepare my coaching sessions. So far, it has been amazing, because I always push myself . However, I know my technique is a bit off and I hope to work on that, and hoping I actually get a real coach.”
Lindo may lack a coach, but has gained a companion on his journey walking across Jamaica in Joseph Ethos, a cinematographer. Ethos has not only captured Lindo’s journey, but acted as his security on this trip.
Determination, focus
Ethos, too, is hoping Lindo will journey to the Olympics to represent the island.
“A year or so before meeting Chevroy, I was planning to document a trip around the island, 14 days, 14 parishes by public transport, but this got delayed. So when I saw Chevroy’s ad on Instagram, though it was not what I was originally planning, I saw it as an excellent project to be a part of,” he said.
“When I met Chevroy I saw determination, I saw focus, I saw somebody who was willing to step outside of his comfort zone and the boundaries that sometimes society puts upon us. I saw an innovator, and I wanted to be a part of that.
“I recently told Chevroy I’m excited to get the call within the next couple years, ‘I made it, bro, we’re going to the Olympics.’ I know Chevroy’s dream is to compete in the Olympics, and it would truly make my heart sing to see this realised.”
Lindo said the journey was beneficial and hopes it will reap benefits.
“It has been a great experience. I’ve learnt so much from Joseph in the last three weeks. He had an idea to go around the island to showcase it’s beauty, so this was a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty and capture a unique story; and I am hoping from what we produce, I am able get a coach and sponsors towards the Olympics,” he said.
Moreover, Lindo hopes sport walking will be developed and promoted.
“I don’t think the country itself really promotes walking overall. [There is a] lack of sidewalks. The journey was scary sometimes due to [there being] no sidewalk, speeding cars overtaking, et cetera. Also, even the stores didn’t have walking gear, only [for] running. The shoes used for the walk was a running shoes, which meant I ended up with blisters,” he said.
For now, Lindo will keep walking, hoping his journey around the country will promote steps for change in the sport.