Rio de Janiero, Brazil:
On Sunday, August 21, our athletes will take a bow to what has been a season of firsts for Jamaica at the summer Games. Our athletes came, they saw, and they obliterated the competition. Under the anxious watch of the nation beaming with pride, they powered down the track with one goal in mind - a gold mine.
We made a tremendous showing in Brazil and cemented our place as the sprint factory of the world with the first three-time double sprint male athlete in track and field history; and the first female sprinter to conquer both the 100m and 200m gold medal since Florence 'Flo Jo' Griffith Joyner.
We managed to dominate the 110m for the first time in the Games and secured a gold-medal finish. We entered our first diver and gymnast, and although they did not medal, this was an incredible feat and is a reminder of what's good about our island.
Red Stripe's GO for GOLD competition was also a first for the beer brand. "This was a massive undertaking for us at Red Stripe. To award 20 Jamaicans with this unforgettable and priceless opportunity took a lot of effort and planning. Being instrumental in creating these memories for them is part of who we are as an iconic brand that is synonymous with Jamaica and central to every Jamaican celebration," said Reshima Kelly, assistant brand manager, Red Stripe.
The 20-member delegation also experienced a number of firsts through this historic opportunity that they will not soon forget. It was the first time for everyone in the group going to Brazil, and for some, the first time travelling outside of Jamaica.
Outside of the jaw-dropping performance from our athletes, they also enjoyed many firsts in the South American country. From the delectable cuisine, high-energy music and energetic dance moves to meeting the prime minister of Jamaica for the first time on foreign soil, Red Stripe's GO for GOLD winners soaked it all up.
There is magic and intrigue to what we can achieve as a people and there is no doubt that we will continue to make our mark on the world. This was our 16th appearance at the summer Games as an independent nation and it has been one for the history books. A developing country that has always managed to position herself and stand firmly among global giants, Jamaica confidently dominated the track. We salute you and we say cheers to many more firsts.