Have been watching the 2008 in Beijing this past weekend, and I admit to be being blown away by the otherworldly performances of the sprinters from Jamaica. First, Usain “Lightning” Bolt blew away the competition in the 100 meters men’s final in a world record’s time of 9.69 to win the gold medal, then my Jamaican gals - Shelly-Ann Fraser, Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart - swept the 100 meters lady’s final.

In many circles, I am considered an honorary Jamaican having traveled there over 35 times in the 1980s and 1990’s. My position in Jamaican History and folklore was cemented in 1982 when as a publicity stunt, I ran from Montego Bay to the Negril Beach - a stretch of some 55 miles - over a period of three days. The buzz from this fete resulted in Jamaica’s first marathon roadrace in 1983. I later returned to Jamaica to participate in a 10,000-meter race in Ocho Rios sponsored by Red Stripe Beer. Sad to say - although I gave it my best, I finished in the middle of the pack.

I’m sure that these gold medal winning performances in the Olympic games by Bolt et all will be a positive boon to the tourism industry of Jamaica, a small Caribbean Island located only 80 minutes by air from Miami and one of the most beautiful destinations that I have been to in the world. From my experience, Jamaicans have to be some friendliest and liveliest people on this planet. Heretofore, Bob Marley and Reggae Music have put Jamaica on the map; now these elite Jamaican sprinters will propel Jamaica to the forefront again. Big up Jamaica, you rule! I for one shall return to the yard, soon!

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This entry was posted on Monday, August 18th, 2008 at 7:55 am and is filed under Jamaica, travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.