Jamaica's Olympic Heroes

Jamaica's Olympic Heroes – 2008 http://www.itzcaribbean.com/jamaican_olympic_heroes.php July 4, 2008

Golden Star Liners Of Jamaican Pride. Oh what a few gold medals can do for an individual, for a team, for a nation and for the world...!! There's no question that Olympic mania is still the flavour globally, months after the tremendous feat of certain individuals who took the world by storm.... Hurricane Ivan and Gustav had nothing on these guys. Although regarded as a ' powerhouse' in international athletic circles over the years, up until now, Jamaica had not really made their superior presence felt but, come the Beijing Olympics, they set the record straight and made certain that their dominance reigned supreme throughout the Bird's Nest. Just prior to the Games, the stage was uniquely set for extraordinary things to happen as the world's two fastest men were jostling for pole position. The women were posting season's best times and overall, the cream of the world was looking to break out... big time.

And, before we knew it, that's exactly what happened. Old Records were thrown out and new ones written; athletics history became just that… history. The new force in international athletics had arrived and weren't taking any prisoners. So, forget all the negative talk that came out of some quarters… most of us were expecting the 'black, green and gold' flag to fly high and nothing less would do….!! Joy and laughter had engulfed the entire population of Jamaicans (home and abroad) who were lifted out of the doldrums of social despair and transported to a place that harboured dignity and pride. And, as the jubilant Jamaicans celebrated, the world celebrated with them…. well, most of the world as there was the odd one or two who had their elongated ego somewhat bruised when they realised that it was no longer about them. That joy still continues and will continue for a very long time… 2

Nuh Linga - It's A Dancing Ting As with almost everything that Jamaicans do, music plays a very big and important part and so, it was a done deal that many a artist would rush to 'big up' the athletic track stars in song by producing memorable cuts in their honour. It was Mavado who pipped the long line of eager artists doing their bit for hero and country with 'We Going, (We Going, We Garn)', his tribute to Asafa. And, when Usain showed di world how to do di ' Nuh Linga and ' Gully Creepa' dance moves made popular by , it wasn't long before all and sundry was on the case. Veterans like Cocoa Tea did one for the ladies, Shelly- Ann and company whilst (the UK residing) Dennis Alcapone ' toasted Bolt'. The now infamous ' archer pose' of the one Usain was quickly coined as ' The Lightening Bolt Dance' by renowned dancer Ding Dong and had the entire Jamaican population in turmoil as they watched the exploits of their champions.

Usain Bolt If anyone had any doubts as to who the fastest man on the planet was, their questions were emphatically answered back in August in the heat of the rising Eastern sun amidst the glee of tens of thousands who helped a ' little known native' from ' the land of wood and water' bask in the glory of ultimate sprinting excellence. was crowned ' king of the sprints' and with that, his popularity soared beyond all proportions. Favourable references to ' superman' immediately rang out around the world as Bolt totally devoured and destroyed the sprint records …!! The history books were sorely dented on three occasions as the world witnessed something absolutely breathtaking. Will life be the same for the man who conquered all..?? I don't think so… what with his magnetic