Rusea's High salutes alum and Olympic champion Roje Stona

Jamaica's history-making Olympic discus champion, Roje Stona, urged students at his alma mater Rusea's High to "believe in yourself", as he was welcomed back on Friday to mark his success over the summer.  

"I am really thankful that you are all celebrating what I have done, and I am sure I made you all proud," he said in an address after arriving to huge cheers at the school in Lucea, Hanover. 

"To the students, I was once in your shoes and you can find inspiration from your own story. You don't have to take everything from one person."

He added: " You are young, believe in yourself. There are a lot of things you may be inspired to do and interested in if you don't want to do sports. Whatever you want to do, pursue that and manifest it to the best way possible."

The ceremony was organised by former head girl Janet Richards, from Janet Richards Foundation, and Richard Vernon, a former head boy and current mayor of Montego Bay in St James. 

Stona's mother Sandra Brown also attended the event.

The 25-year-old threw an Olympic record 70m to win gold in the men's discus at the Paris Games over the summer, becoming the first Jamaican to win the event at that level. 

Stona started competing in the event at Rusea's under the coaching of Rodrick Myles. 

He represented Rusea's in the Class Two boys discus at the Western Championships, where he easily won the title for his school. 

He was later transferred to St Jago High School in St Catherine, where his career flourished.

- Ashley Anguin

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