By Eric Collymore
October 9, 2024
Georgetown, Guyana — Friends, family, and athletes gathered at the National Gymnasium on Wednesday to honor the life of the late Terrence Poole, a renowned Medal of Service recipient and three-star boxing coach, who passed away last week.
Poole’s legacy in the Guyanese boxing community spanned over 40 years, marked by his roles as a coach, mentor, competition coordinator, and Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA).
Poole’s impact extended to training national boxing talents, including Olympians Keevin Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam, Colin Lewis, and the Jackman sisters, Alesha and Abigail.
Known for his straightforward and motivational coaching style, Poole was revered for pushing athletes to reach their potential, even in challenging times.
Boxers reflected on the invaluable guidance he provided, acknowledging the irreplaceable void left by his passing.
Abigail Jackman shared that Poole “really played a significant role” in developing their skills from the start.
Her sister, Alesha, echoed similar sentiments, describing Poole as more than just a coach — a mentor and motivator who guided them both in sport and life.
Olympian Keevin Allicock spoke emotionally about Poole’s unique ability to inspire his fighters, recounting how his voice would echo in his mind during fights, pushing him to give his best.
“He would throw more fuel in my tank to keep me going,” Allicock shared, noting that Poole’s loss is deeply felt among fighters and within the boxing association.
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the Boxing Association, Seon Bristol, also reflected on Poole’s character, recalling his positive spirit and unwavering dedication to the sport.
The funeral service for Terrence Poole is scheduled for Thursday at Merriman’s Funeral Home at 10 a.m.