James 'incredibly happy', Grenadian PM declares Nat'l Colours Day

DAEGU, South Korea (CMC):

Grenadian teenager Kirani James emphatically signalled his arrival on the international stage yesterday, staging a major upset to claim gold in the 400 metres and deliver Grenada its first-ever World Championship medal.

The sophomore at the University of Alabama, who turns 19 tomorrow, produced a late surge to beat defending champion LaShawn Merritt of the United States in a personal-best time of 44.60 seconds, and become the third-youngest World champion in history.

James further tampered with the history books, installing himself as only the ninth athlete to win the World Youth, World Junior and World senior titles.

His victory sparked off massive celebrations in the tiny Caribbean island with residents from Gouyave, James' hometown in the northwest of the country, taking to the streets in carnival-type rejoicing.

"I am incredibly happy. I am very proud to be here to represent my country," James said afterward. "You know, the people from Grenada are the most friendly people in the world and in this moment they also must be the most happy people in the world. It's carnival time back home."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas declared a National Colours Day in support of their newly crowned World champion.

"All Grenadians should be proud of the performances of the Grenada team at the Championships and should wear their national colours to reflect that support," he declared.

Former Sports Minister Roland Bhola said: "Kirani's outstanding performance in the 400 metres is a boost that the people of the country needed to help them cope in these tough economic and recessionary times."

Running out of lane five, James left the blocks alertly along with Jamaican Jermaine Gonzales, but the race seemed even over the first 200 metres. In the final turn, Merritt in lane four emerged as the leader, only to be overtaken over the last 50 metres by James, who won with a lunge at the tape.