Wed | Nov 29, 2023

Bittersweet feeling

Published:Monday | August 29, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Some of the dozens of spectators who turned up in Half-Way Tree yesterday morning staring at the big television screen after Usain Bolt was disqualified for false starting in the men's 100 metres final at the 13th IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. The race was won by another Jamaican, Yohan Blake, in 9.92 seconds. - photo by Elton Tucker


Dozens of spectators who gathered in front of the big television screen in Mandela Park, Half-Way Tree, yesterday morning were left with a bittersweet feeling after Yohan Blake won the men's 100 metres final at the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea.

"Glad it's a Jamaican (who won). If not, the whole Jamaica would be in mourning," said a man who wanted to be known as 'Burro'.

'Good youth'

"Not Bolt style ... ," Burro continued without elaborating but the regular Half-Way Tree visitor did not want to be too critical of hot favourite and world record holder Usain Bolt, who was kicked out of the final after jumping the gun.

"Bolt a good youth," said the 40-plus Burro.

"Glad for Blake, a time somebody else eat a food," said Boysie, another regular Half-Way Tree visitor.

Another man, who gave his name as 'Saudie', said he was very disappointed.

I am disappointed as I would have liked Bolt to win. He is the man the crowd came to see but I am also happy for Blake as he is a good runner," Saudie said.

Blake, a St Jago High past student and training partner of Bolt, won the final in a season-best 9.92 seconds to become the youngest world men's 100 metres champion.