JAMAICA CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE AND THE GOLD
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanAs Jamaicans celebrate their big day of ‘50 years of independence’ today, they are not only rejoicing over how far they have come over an era but also proudly gaining recognition for their nation’s Olympic Superstar.
History was made yesterday, August 5, 2012, as the invincible ‘Lightning Bolt’, Usain Bolt, was victorious over his competition in a race that meant everything to him.
Last month Bolt sustained an injury and arrived at the Olympics about 95% fit. This may have been part of the reason for losing the Jamaican trials but it certainly was a wakeup call for him. Luckily, having a strong sense of confidence and a love for his fans pulled him right up to the finish line in what has proven to be his 2nd fastest finish in the 100-meter race. It certainly was not a perfect start but Bolt knows not to concentrate on the start but instead to focus on the competition at hand.
Usain Bolt is known and loved for his theatrics before every race. This time as he rocked back and forth prior to the start, he made wagging hand signals that were difficult to decipher but entertaining to watch.
And then, they were off! Bolt set a new Olympic record at 9.63. Being 6’5″ tall allows him to take less strides as he sprints and therefore his legs don’t need to move as fast. They move him forward with a velocity that is almost impossible for a smaller framed individual. He leaves the rest far behind in his tracks and passes the stands like a bolt of lightning.
Jamaica’s Yohan Blake finished 2nd at 9.75, United States’ Justin Gatlin finished 3rd at 9.79 and fellow American Tyson Gay finished 4th at 9.80.
Although this legendary performance will go down in the Olympic history books, there is still more history to be made as Bolt takes part in the 200-meter race this coming Thursday.
Jamaica has alot to be thankful for; freedom and a fearless athlete, the world’s fastest man, that will bring home the gold.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images and Reuters
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