Hubert Lawrence remembered as track and field guru

The country's leaders have paid tribute to track and field luminary Hubert Lawrence.

The track and field analyst, author and broadcaster passed away suddenly on Friday.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his contributions to Jamaica's sporting landscape are invaluable.

“With a career spanning over three decades, Hubert played a crucial role in television coverage of prestigious athletic events such as the Olympics and World Championships, as well as local meets,” said Holness in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“His contributions as a columnist for the Daily Gleaner showcased his profound knowledge and passion for the sport,” he added.

For his part, Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, in a post on X, also expressed sadness at his passing.

“Extending my condolences to the family, friends, media fraternity, and track and field family on the passing of veteran sports journalist Hubert Lawrence. He always shared a plethora of knowledge of track and field local and international, it wasn't hard to see how much he enjoyed covering the sport. He will surely be missed. May he rest in peace,” wrote Golding.

Meanwhile, Sport Minister Olivia Grange said she has been left shocked by Lawrence's passing, stating that his death will leave a huge void in commentary and analysis on the sport.

“His depth of knowledge about track and field was global. His commentaries dug deep. He covered the Olympics and the World Championships in addition to local meets. He was also a newspaper columnist.

“Little did we know that his tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in The Gleaner of Friday, February 23, would be his last piece. He was also to be at today's Gibson Relays at the National Stadium.”

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