STEVEN Baccus and Shrone Austin printed their names in the history books of Seychelles sports when they were crowned Sportsman and Sportslady of the Year 2003 during last Friday's (January 23), Sports Awards of the Year crowning ceremony at the SMB Exhibition Hall, Roche Caïman.

The two, who accepted the biggest reward during the traditional gala in front of invited guests, representatives of sponsors, coaches, officials and fellow athletes, will carry the baton for the whole of 2004 before they know, during the next edition of the ceremony, if they are to pass it on to someone else or continue carrying it.

Sports Nation spoke to Baccus and Austin as the winning feeling was sinking in.

I've fulfilled my dream ­– Baccus

Sports Nation: Congratulations on your crowning as Sportsman of the Year. How does it feel to win the title?

Steven Baccus: I am happy and proud of myself even though I was not expecting to win. I've always dreamt of winning the Sportsman of the Year title one day and I've fulfilled the dream.

Sports Nation: What's next for you?

Steven Baccus: I've always taken my training seriously and I intend to continue doing the same this year.

Sports Nation: What about qualifying for the Olympic Games?

Steven Baccus: The Olympic Games is the summit and every sportsmen and women dream to participate. It is not going to be easy to qualify for the Athens Olympics, but I am determined to give it my best shot. Through determination and perseverance one can achieve great things.

Sports Nation: How do you feel to succeed three-time Sportsman of the Year Allan Julie and stop him from winning it a fourth time?

Steven Baccus: I can't say much about this. Like I said, I did not expect to win the Sportsman of the Year title but I believe that if the Selection Committee has chosen me as the best, then I should be the best.

Sports Nation: There were talks that you were about to retire. Is it true?

Steven Baccus: A nagging knee injury has been bothering me for some time now and it is true that I was thinking of retiring. But I will see how things go along during the course of the year and hopefully I will be around for a while.

G. G.