Our athletes are humans, too
Published:Wednesday | August 30, 2023 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Jamaica has some of the best athletes in the world, but pleasing Jamaicans is one of the hardest things to do.
Jamaica ended fourth overall on the medals table at the just-concluded 19th edition of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. The athletes amassed 12 medals – three gold, five silver and four bronze – equalling the country’s second highest medal haul in the history of the championships.
The nine days of competition for the athletes would have been the climax of months of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. They would have put their bodies through rigorous exercises, day and night, for the land of their birth to continue to be recognised in the area of athletics.
Stalwarts such as Herb McKenley, Arthur Wint, Merlene Ottey, Deon Hemmings, Juliet Cuthbert, Donald Quarrie, Bert Cameron, and many more, have set the bar near to the clouds for those who will follow.
The beauty of the situation is that Jamaica has been blessed with coaches of world-class standards, who have continued to make our athletes a force to be reckoned with across the world.
We salute the coaches, who are often unknown or forgotten when the confetti come down on the podium. They, too, should share in the glory for their hard work and expertise in nurturing talents and playing their part behind the scenes to lift a nation to the goose bumps of great pride.
Let us not only celebrate those on podium; let us praise the efforts of those who set foot on the track or the field.
It is like a recurring theme hearing the stories of athletes who juggle nine-to-five jobs and training. Some are brought to the crossroads of deciding between their job and representing their country. The reality of the situation is that not every athlete will get a big payday from the sport. Hence, as a nation, we should make them feel appreciated.
It is sad, but Jamaicans are not the best at patriotism and can move from praising an athlete in one year, to switching to another athlete the following year. We will criticise an athlete who won a bronze or silver and ask why didn’t they win the gold; and you can best believe, we will also criticise a gold medal winner because the time was not a record.
We have been so spoiled by greatness, so much so that some of our athletes are emotionally scarred and physically injured in their effort to make Jamaicans celebrate in Half-Way Tree Square.
Our athletes are humans, and we need to cut them some slack. Instead of beating them down, let us encourage them and show them love, even when placing eighth.
Athletics has done so much for Jamaica. It increases tourist arrivals, it brings in revenue and highlights the resilience of black people.
I invite the leaders of this proud nation to do more for our athletes to keep them motivated, not just in words, but also in deed.
Well done to all our athletes!
Congratulations, you continue to make Jamaica a force to reckon with!
HEZEKAN BOLTON