Bermuda’s first-ever Olympic medalist, Clarence Hill, is calling on the government for urgent assistance as he faces one of the most difficult chapters of his life — battling health issues and homelessness after a long stay in the hospital.
By TNN’s Trevor Lindsay
In an emotional interview with TNN, the 1976 Montreal Olympic bronze medalist shared his struggles and his unwavering determination to keep fighting.
“It’s hard,” Hill admitted. “I’m going through a lot of challenges in my life right now. But I’m gonna pull through this. It’s gonna take a little while — maybe eight, ten rounds— but I’ll make it because I’m a fighter.”
Hill, who remains deeply proud of representing Bermuda on the world stage, made a direct appeal to the government for help securing stable housing.
“Government knows me. They know what I’ve done for my country,” he said. “I represented Bermuda in 1976 and became the first person in our history to win an Olympic medal. I just need a helping hand — somewhere to live. After being in the hospital for so long, I came out and had nowhere to go. I even slept in a parking lot and at a bus shelter. That’s not good. I just need a place — government, come on, appreciate me like I appreciated you.”
•Family Speaks Out: “Clarence Has Been Failed”
A family member of Clarence Hill also spoke with TNN to clarify the details surrounding his recent hospitalizations and current condition.
“I’m one of Clarence’s closest cousins,” she explained. “He’s been hospitalized for nearly a year at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. I visited him often, bringing food because he didn’t like the hospital meals. I’ve stuck beside him through all of this.”
She shared that Hill was not forcibly discharged from the hospital initially — rather, he DAMA’d (discharged against medical advice) after becoming restless from being confined for so long.
“He wanted to go out, to feel normal again. I even asked if I could take him out for a day — just to the beach, get a fish sandwich. The doctor approved it, but a social worker later denied it, saying he was too vulnerable. I don’t understand how a social worker can override a doctor’s decision.”
The family member said that despite her efforts, Hill continues to be discharged without proper accommodations or follow-up care.
“I’m down at emergency with Clarence again — for what feels like the hundredth time. They keep admitting him and then sending him back to the streets. The police even called me to say he had been discharged this morning and taken to a bus shelter. That’s unacceptable. If he was too vulnerable to leave in the summer, he’s even more vulnerable now.”
•Health Decline and Living Conditions
Clarence Hill’s cousin described his condition as critical, citing a bad heart and worsening dementia.
“Some people talk to him and think he’s fine, but he won’t remember the conversation once you walk away. His memory comes and goes, and it’s heartbreaking. I love my cousin, but he needs proper help — professional, consistent care.”
She emphasized that while Hill once had an apartment in Prospect, his long hospital stay forced him to give it up.
“He had a top-floor apartment, but it was too much for him — he has asthma, and the stairs were too hard. When he was in the hospital for nearly a year, they had to let it go. They told us they were trying to find him placement, but everywhere was full.”
The family is now calling on government officials and community leaders to intervene and ensure Hill receives permanent housing and round-the-clock care.
“When Clarence was on top, everyone wanted to be around him — ‘That’s my cousin, that’s Clarence the boxer.’ But where is that support now? Government has let him down. I’m not taking anything away from Flora Duffy — she deserves her honors. But how can you name streets, hills, and stadiums after her, and Clarence gets nothing? He’s the first to ever do it for Bermuda. He deserves to live with dignity.”
•A Fighter Still Standing
Despite his physical and emotional challenges, Clarence Hill remains resilient.
“I’m gonna be here,” he said quietly. “I’m a fighter, man. I just need some help — somewhere to live. That’s all I ask.”
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