The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Larry Romany said he remained hopeful that they could find the funding required to help the country's athletes prepare for London despite the current economic climate.

 

He said: "Even as we review our (TTOC) expenditure and look at ways to belt tighten, I am clear that the financial support that our athletes require cannot be compromised.

 

"The cost of winning a medal has not and will not fall.

 

"The TTOC will need to be more creative and innovative.

 

"Administratively we are restructuring to ensure that we improve our efficiency."

 

Trinidad have only ever won one gold medal, when Hasely Crawford took the 100 metres at the 1976 Montreal Games.

 

The most medals won at one Games was at Tokyo in 1964 when they claimed three, two silver and a bronze.

 

At the Beijing Olympics earlier this year Trinidad won two medals, including a silver in the 100m by Richard Thompson behind Jamaica's Usain Bolt.

 

Among the events that Trinidad will concentrate on the build-up to London 2012 will be the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

 

Romany said: "We have to develop, select and prepare teams for the menu of events along the pathway.

 

"It is a challenge that cannot intimidate the TTOC.

 

"But it does call for creativity and innovation.

 

"With all that is going on globally and in the country.

 

"Our vision must remain ambitious and our self confidence high."