Usain Bolt, World's fastest Man
Jamaica's 6-foot-5 Usain Bolt churned with his golden spikes—untied lace and all—to win the 100-meter Olympic gold medal and break his own world record Saturday in Beijing, China.
It was there for all to see, the gap of several feet between the Jamaican and the rest of the field at the finish line. And, of course, in the bright yellow and green jersey clocked a blazing time of 9.69 seconds smashing his own World Record.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Richard Thompson, the NCAA champion from LSU came in second capturing the silver by finishing in 9.89 second and Walter Dix of the United States, finished third place ina time of 9.91 second.
Famer World record holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica came in fifth place and Michael Frater also of Jamaica finished in sixth place. Reigning World champion Tyson Gay of the United States failed to make the final.
Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates winning the Men's 100m Final and the gold medal at the National Stadium in Beijing.
Michael Frater (R) of Jamaica and Asafa Powell also of Jamaica looked at scoreboad after completing the 100-meter final.
Usain Bolt of Jamaica winning the Men's 100m Final and the gold medal at the National Stadium in Beijing with a time of 9.69, a new World Record
Usain Bolt of Jamaica crosses the finish line ahead of the pack in the 100-meter final.
Usain Bolt, embraced by fans after winner the 100-m final.
Richard Thompson (R) of Trinidad and Tobago crosses the 100-m final finish line behind winner Usain Bolt of Jamaica.
Tyson Gay of United States leaving the field after failing to qualify for the 100-meter final.
Shelly-Ann Fraser of Jamaica (R) celebrates winning the women's 100-meter final as she crosses the finish line.
Shelly-Ann Fraser ran away with 100M Olympic Gold
Shelly-Ann Fraser of Jamaica won the women 100-meter final in Beijing, China on Sunday in 10.78 seconds, the fastest time recorded this year. Her teammates, Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson, finished in a dead heat for the silver and silver.
Jamaica now has four medals from the 100-meters, two golds and two silvers. Next is the 200m which is Bolt specialty and Veronica Campbell is the 2004 Olympic Champion.
Gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser of Jamaica (c) and her silver medal winning teammates, Sherone Simpson (R) and Kerron Stewart, show their medals during an awarding ceremony for the women 100-meter final.
Jamaica's trifecta celebrates after finishing 1st, 2nd and 2nd in the women 100-meter final in Beijing.
(L-R) Silver medalist Sheena Tosta of the U.S, gold medalist, Melaine Walker of Jamaica and bronze, Tasha Danvers of Great Britain stand on the podium during the medal ceremony for the 400m Hurdles Final.
Jamaica, the World's Fastest Country!
On August 2, 2008 the Jamaican National Olympic team headed to Beijing to create history. 57 athletes were proud to represent the island with a population of 3 million in the 29th Olympiad hosted by China.
At home in Jamaica, Digicel was making arrangements for a big screen to be put up in Kingston’s popular Half Way Tree Square. With star athletes such as Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown to watch, Jamaicans dared not miss a second – over the coming days thousands gathered there to watch the games live.
The Bird’s Nest blazed during the opening ceremony in which the Jamaican team, looking dapper in gold, was lead by Veronica Campbell-Brown who gracefully carried the nation’s black, green and gold flag around the Olympic stadium.
Having much to look forward to, the first week of games flew by, as Jamai- cans worldwide prepared for the usual Olympic excitement by hoisting flags, bragging to coworkers and donning their national colors. On Friday the 15th, rounds 1 and 2 of the men’s 100 meter heats were run - all 3 of the Jamaican sprinters qualified for the semi-finals. The next day found the women accomplishing the same thing. On Saturday night, former record holder Asafa Powell, current record holder Usain Bolt and Michael Frater competed in the final to become the World’s Fastest Man.
9.69 seconds later history was made. Usain Bolt became an Olympic Champion winning the race and breaking the world record once again. Seemingly jogging the last 15 meters of the race Bolt beat his chest as he crossed the finish line later receiving criticism for his antics. Powell finished a disap- pointing 5th.
On the following night, history making continued as Shelly-Ann Frazier, Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson swept the women’s 100 meter final, with Frazer taking the gold and Stewart and Simpson both taking silver medals having finished in dead heats.
Jamaica set the nest of fire. Usain Bolt broke another world record in the men’s 200-meter final by .02 seconds – a record set by Michael Johnson 12 years ago. Melaine Walker took the gold medal setting a new Olympic record in the women’s 400 meter hurdles. Veronica Campbell-Brown defended her 2004 Olympic gold as she ran a personal best winning the women’s 200 meter final.
5 gold medals, 2 world records, 1 Olympic record and the relays were still left to be run. The euphoria from Jamaica’s dominance was inescapable - even for those of us who were forced to watch the races on NBC’s
delayed broadcasting in the US. Being the favorites in both the men’s and women’s 4 by 100 meter relays many Jamaicans anticipated more medals to come. They would be right – the men’s team won gold and set a new world record in the finals. Unfortunately the women’s team fumbled the baton change and failed to finish the race.
In the end, Jamaica has never been prouder. The team left the games with a total of 11 medals - an unprecedented feat. Apart from that they also had finalists in the men’s 110 and 400 meter hurdles events. As they journey back home they know they were apart of Olympic history. To Jamaica, they are heroes.
(L-R) Marshevet Hooker of the United States, Kerron Stewart of Jamaica, Allyson Felix of the United States and Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica competes in the Women's 200m Final in Beijing, China.
| Published: August 25, 2008
By:Danielle L. Riley
Jamaica's Prime Minister, Bruce Golding and Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mark Linehan, await the arrival of Usain Bolt at the Norman Manley Intl. Airport
Triple Olympic gold medalist and Digicel-sponsored Usain Bolt, departs Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica yesterday following his return to the island for the first time since his record breaking wins in the 100m and 200m at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China last month.
Jamaican Sprinter gets a Hero's Welcome Home!
Posted: September 10, 2008
The long-awaited homecoming of the Jamaican triple gold Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt had thousands of Jamaicans scattered along the Norman Manley International Airport route hoping to get a glimpse of the Olympic Star in his extravagant motorcade, despite the pooring rain. An hour before the plane touched down on Jamaican soil Tuesday afternoon, the crowd outside Norman Manley International Airport had already spilled out into the street. They blocked traffic to mimic Usain Bolt signature pose while dancing to now famous Nuh Linga and Gully Creepa song. Music blasting from speakers strapped to the back of a bicycle as policemen on duty stood by, powerless to stop them.
Inside the airport Usain Bolt was greeted by some of Jamaica's highest dignitaries, such as the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mark Linehan, Lorna Golding, wife of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Richard Stewart, executive chairman of Stewart's Auto Sales. Bolt mother, Jennifer, father, Wellesley and brother, Sadiki were also there. "We're planning some great things for Usain and the other members of the Jamaican team who made us so proud at the Beijing Olympics," Prime Minister Golding said. "I am happy to be back home. I expected some amount of support but I never knew that so many people would be here to meet me," Bolt told reporters before departing in a convertible BMW.
Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mark Linehan, greets Usain Bolt, as he arrives home in Jamaica yesterday afternoon.
