PM saddened by passing of Olympian Keith Gardener

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has expressed sadness at the passing of Olympian, Keith Gardener.



Gardener died in New Jersey, USA.



Simpson Miller has described Gardener as “one of Jamaica's finest and most formidable former track and field athlete.”



Simpson Miller said Gardener who represented Jamaica at the international level in the 1950s and 60s was one of those athletes who demonstrated tremendous commitment, unquestionable loyalty to country, a high level of discipline and unrivaled professionalism.

 

Gardener put in an outstanding performance at the 1958 Commonwealth Games when he won gold medals in the 100 and 120 yards hurdles, as well as a silver medal in the 220 yards and bronze in the 4x400 yards relay.

 

Before that, he won a gold medal in the 120 yards at the 1954 Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Canada, and later, in 1960 was a member of the bronze medal winning 4x100 relay team at the 1960 Olympic Games held in Rome.

 

After 'hanging up' his spikes, Gardener took on the responsibility of giving guidance and direction to young people by becoming a Director of the Multicare Foundation.



In that capacity he interacted with hundreds of youths in downtown Kingston.



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