Rohith Nandagiri
Staff Writer
In athletics, finding someone as humble as Dennis Darling is a difficult chore.
After all, Darling, 23, has represented his country in the Olympics and has qualified for track events in many countries. Even so, he says he does not know what all the fuss is about.
"I was in Europe one time, and all these kids were running up to me asking for my autograph. I said, 'Who, me?'"
Darling is from the tiny island country of the Bahamas where track and field is as popular as basketball is in America. In 1993, he moved to Sugar Land, Texas.
Compared to his homeland, Houston was a huge transition.
"It was a big change. The school was different; the people were different; everything was different."
Darling never received the seasoning of competing for the track team at Clements High School. Nevertheless, University of Houston track coach Tom Tellez, who coached such international superstars as Carl Lewis and Leroy Burrell, saw something special in him.
"He was always a great person," Tellez said. "He is such a good human being that his track accomplishments are secondary. He will be great in the near future."
Darling thinks just as highly of his coach.
"He has been like a father figure to me. I am grateful to be under him."
In 1996, Darling accomplished one of his goals - to compete for the Bahamas in the Olympics. He ran in the 4X400 relay and his country made it all the way to the finals but could not qualify for a medal.
"That was a great time," Darling said. "To be anOlympic finalist was such a thrill."
However, Darling said he still has higher aspirations.
"That is my goal - to get a medal at the 2000 games (in Sydney, Australia)."
Darling gives his cousin, Frank Rutherford, a UH alumus, much respect for his becoming a track star.
"He is my role model. He has been for a long time. I look up to him and listen to him like a father."
It was Rutherford who taught Darling about the sport. Rutherford competed in the 1992 Olympics and won a bronze medal in the triple jump. It was the first-ever track and field medal for the Bahamas and elevated track to the top sport in the country.
Darling's mother has recently moved to Houston and is able to watch her son run. His father is still in the Bahamas.
"I get to go home for summer and Christmas so I get to see my family often," Darling said.
Darling looks ahead to his future after track.
"I would like to coach, whether it be here or in the Bahamas. I feel like I have to a lot to give and I would like to try it."