Source: jamaicaobserver.com
Jamaicans in the United States have hailed the success of Caribbean athletes, particularly their compatriots, at the recently concluded World Championship in Berlin.
“It’s delightful,” exclaimed Irvin Claire, CEO of Team Jamaica Bickle, an organization that provides meals to Jamaican athletes who participate in athletic events in the United States, particularly the Penn Relays in Pennsylvania.
“It’s confirmation that victory at Beijing (Olympics) last year was not a flash in the pan,” added Claire, who is also co-director of the Queens, New York-based Caribbean Immigrant Services, an immigrant advocacy group.
“Jamaica not only set the pace, but it also provided the platform for the performance of other Caribbean athletes,” he told CMC Sports.
Emmanuel Decambre, who was a 100-metre reserve for Jamaica at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, said Jamaican athletes surpassed his expectations.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Decambre, who lives in New Jersey but is a social worker in New York City. “It’s a long time coming (Jamaica’s athletic prowess). It’s exhilarating where they are now.
“The Caribbean has come a long way too. Jamaica might have paved the way. It’s gratifying.”
Jamaica completed the World Championship on Sunday second to the United States, with seven gold, four silver and two bronze medals, for 13 medals overall, two more than at last year’s Beijing Olympics.
The United States finished with 10 gold, six silver and six bronze, accounting for 22 medals altogether.
Barbados took one gold through Ryan Brathwaite in the 110 metres hurdles, while Trinidad & Tobago grabbed a silver and two bronze medals. The Bahamas took home one silver and a bronze.
“I credit the entire Caribbean athletes for making us proud,” said Una Clarke, a Jamaica-born, former New York City councilwoman, adding in jest: “I encourage Caribbean athletes to make yellow yam part of their diet.”
Though the Jamaican athletes performed exceptionally well overall, sprint sensation Usain Bolt stood out with world-breaking performances in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4×100 metres relay.
He clocked 9.58 seconds to win the 100 metres before returning to run an astonishing 19.19 seconds to also capture the 200 metres.
“I want to join my fellow ‘yardies’ (Jamaicans) across the city in offering congratulations to Usain Bolt on his tremendous accomplishments this (last) week,” said Leroy Comrie, a Jamaican-American, who is deputy majority leader of New York City Council.
“Having set new world standards in the 100 metres and 200 metres, Usain has unequivocally raised the bar for sports achievements and is truly the world’s fastest man,” added the Queens Councilman.
“This is a proud moment not only for the nation of Jamaica, but all the nationals living abroad, including those of us of Jamaican ancestry living in New York City.”
