Leaders salute Olympians

Jamaica male sprinters brought the house down yesterday at the 30th Olympiad in London with a world record busting run in the men's 4x100 metres relay drawing quick responses from the country's leaders.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller hailed the performance of Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt as "an extraordinary achievement".

Simpson Miller described the closing run as "truly brilliant and extraordinary".

"It was a crowning end to the track and field events at the Olympics and one which the world will speak of for a long time," said Simpson Miller.

"We have ended the 2012 Games with our highest medal tally ever and all Jamaica is truly proud of the team - every single member, for holding high the reputation of Jamaica in international sport. I congratulate them and look forward to welcoming home everyone," added the prime minister, who also congratulated Kemar Bailey Cole for his splendid performance in the semi-finals.

Icing on the cake

Opposition Leader Andrew Holness said the world record win "was the icing on the cake for Jamaica".

"The world record run by the Jamaicans was simply phenomenal and has truly established Jamaica as the sprint capital of the world in both women and men's sprinting," Holness told The Sunday Gleaner.

He said Jamaica had the potential to harvest even more medals in future Olympics if we strategically expand our presence in some non-traditional events.

Citing the Olympic-winning javelin throw by 19-year-old Trinidad and Tobago athlete Keshorn Walcott, Holness said that is something that Jamaica can also do.

"I would also like to see more attention placed on the 400 metres for both man and women, and other field events. We should also find an appropriate way to acknowledge and reward our Olympians and not just those who have medalled," Holness added.

The Opposition leader hailed Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Michael Frater as mainstays of the Jamaica team, but he left a special "big-up" for sprinting sensation Usain Bolt.

Star team

Meanwhile, the governing People's National Party (PNP) also extended its congratulations to the Olympians.

"The Jamaican Olympic team was truly the star of London. They not only captured 12 medals, but also the love and respect of people the world over, even as they united Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora," said PNP chairman Robert Pickersgill.

"The nation's overwhelming success in these summer games has elevated our 50th anniversary celebrations to fever pitch.

"Through the hard work, strength and dedication of our athletes, Jamaica has managed to walk away with four gold, four silver and four bronze; building on the success of our 11-medal count in the 2008 Beijing Olympic games, where we captured six gold, three silver and two bronze," added Pickersgill.

It was a similar outpouring of joy and appreciation from the Opposition spokesman on sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange.

"I don't think Jamaicans could have wished for a much better ending to these past two weeks of delightful entertainment from our athletes."

According to Grange: "This month's performance in London shows that what started in Beijing four years ago was no fluke, and has confirmed our position as the most powerful track team in the world".

She added that Jamaica ending its participation in the London Games with a world-record run "leaves a sweet taste in the mouths of our fans, and bitter taste on the lips of those who have been bad-mouthing our athletes".