Always proud of my Jamaican athletes

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Ever since I’ve had self-awareness, I have been incredibly proud to be Jamaican. I have very early memories of playing ‘race’ with my little cousins, where we would each pretend that we were one of the amazingly talented athletes who represent us at the Olympics. If I remember correctly, they were Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter and Usain Bolt at the time. My pride has only grown over the years, watching Usain Bolt shatter records left and right, and I feel so privileged to have witnessed the reign of the ‘Queen Pocket Rocket’, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, dominating her field for over a decade. I screamed at my TV in excitement when I saw Elaine Thompson Herah come oh so close to Flo-Jo’s record at the Prefontaine Classic (She a go tek it enuh, unu watch har).

I literally don’t know more amazing people. However, Asafa suggested on a podcast recently that Jamaicans would have no one to brag about if it weren’t for them, completely downplaying the other aspects of Jamaican culture, such as our dances, music and food, for which we are recognised on the international stage. The arrogance was so distasteful.

If you think we treat athletes like regular citizens, then you need to take a look at the many videos that are on YouTube, of proud Jamaicans in Half-Way Tree knocking their pots and pans every time there’s a major track meet.

And that’s just what’s on video. I’m sure many persons reading this can agree that the excitement within private homes is on par with the jubilee that happens every two years at Half-Way Tree. We don’t deserve to all be lumped in together with the few distasteful fans. I’m sure that every celebrity, whether athlete or not, knows that they have fans who can be rude at times. But at the end of the day, there should be no question about whether or not we love our athletes.

Anyway, I will be out with my flag, horn and my handkerchief in Jamaican colours at the next major track meet. Just like I’ve always been. Always proud of my Jamaican athletes – truly amazing people.

KAYMAR BROWN