Grange: Bolt is truly a living legend
OPPOSITION spokeswoman on sports Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange has congratulated Jamaica’s Usain Bolt on winning the 200 metres final at yesterday’s International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) World Championships in Beijing, China.
“I am sure that it was a characteristic determination to win and a commitment to uplift Jamaica which carried him through the challenges of the past year, and the hurdles he faced in Beijing on his way to victory. These are the qualities which gave him the confidence to fearlessly take on the world and win again days after celebrating his 29th birthday,” Grange said in a statement.
“I can recall in 2008 when we first went to the Bird’s Nest for the Summer Olympics, we were encouraged by the signs of greatness, which we had earlier recognised in 2007 from his silver medal performances at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan.”
“Bolt’s performance in the 200m in a world leading time of 19.55 in Beijing today (yesterday) made all Jamaicans ecstatic as he, without a doubt, has cemented his reign over the world of track and field.”
“This added to his other performances at the Summer Olympics and the IAAF World Championships since 2008, is conclusive evidence that he is a living legend. Bolt as ‘the world’s greatest sprinter’ also reinforces that our athletes do not need to take drugs to attain greatness in the sport and that a drug-free environment is not only the fairest test of athletic talent and competence, but also the most healthy and durable approach to participating.”
“I am happy for Usain and I feel his joy, as much as I felt his pain whenever injuries affected his career over the years. I hope that he will continue into 2016 when we travel to Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympics.”
“I think we are also indebted to his coaching and management staff, especially Glen Mills, who has, once again, proven that we can produce world quality athletics stars right here in Jamaica.”
Grange also congratulated Shericka Jackson on winning the bronze in the 400 metres yesterday with a time of 49.99 seconds and commended her performance throughout the season. She added that Jamaica’s Christine Day, Stephanie-Ann McPherson and Novlene Williams-Mills also represented well, placing in the top 6 – fourth (50.14s), fifth (50.42s) and sixth (50.47s), respectively.