A historic finish by Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake on the eve of independence day sent spectators at home into a frenzy, writes KWESI MUGISAin Kingston
IT TOOK Usain Bolt a mere 9.63 seconds to claim gold at the London Olympics, but for everyone who gathered to watch at Half Way Tree, the hub of Jamaica’s capital Kingston, the memories of his victory in the men’s 100m final will last a lot longer.
On the eve of celebrating Jamaica’s 50th year of independence, a historic one-two finish by Bolt and his countryman and training partner Yohan Blake was more than enough reason to send spectators who marched to the city centre for the event into a joyous frenzy.
Every powerful stride of the world’s fastest man, once again on his way to Olympic glory, was cheered by the large crowd, who despite being unable to make the transatlantic journey themselves were determined to party with their all-conquering champion. And party they did.
Plastic horns blared, pot covers were banged and motorists honked their horns, oblivious to the fact that everything in the usually busy thoroughfare had ground to a halt.
Following up on the achievement of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who had claimed the women’s 100m only the day before, anticipation had been high for Bolt to add more fuel to the fire of Jamaica’s independence celebrations, and he did not disappoint.
Despite chilly winds and intermittent rain caused by the passage of a tropical storm to the south of the island, a throbbing sea of spectators clad in black, green and gold defied the weather to gather hours before the event.
“You see that man. You see Usain Bolt. When he come back I want everyone to recognise him is a legend,” said Troy Morgan as the sprinter trotted around the track on his victory lap.
Some even compared the accomplishments of Bolt with those of another popular Jamaican icon.
“Usain take over from Bob Marley. It was Bob that was Jamaica hero. Now is Usain,” an elated Damion Brown said following the final.
But despite the monumental achievement of Bolt and Blake, many felt the pain of Asafa Powell, who failed yet again to capture an individual medal at an Olympic Games. As the former world’s fastest man cut a forlorn figure, kneeling on the track, staring on in blank disbelief, they sought to lift his spirits from almost 8,000km away.
“It is okay, Asafa, we still love you. He tried his best,” was the sentiment put forward by a group of female spectators.
As far as many of them are concerned it was Powell, a man who once held the world 100m record with a time of 9.77, who opened the eyes of the world to the wonder of Jamaican sprinting.
An Olympic medal, even bronze, would have been good enough. But that honour fell to American Justin Gatlin, something which was not very warmly received in Jamaica.
The Jamaica/US rivalry may be one thing, but it was clear from the hearty chorus of boos that tumbled towards the giant screen every time the runner appeared that Gatlin, who served two bans after testing positive for banned substances, was not a popular man in this part of the world.
“Me never want him medal. Never want him to get a medal at all, that is what really hurt me,” said Sharon Jones, an irate spectator. – (Guardian service)