Simpson. the team camaraderie was great

THE seven Jamaican Olympic team members who, along with some of the coaches, returned home on Sunday night from Athens, Greece, say they wanted to send a message to the world that Jamaicans are proud and productive.

Led by 4x100m gold medallist Sherone Simpson, the group - which included 4x400m relay bronze medallist Michelle Burger, 200m runners Usain Bolt and Chris Willams, quarter-miler Jermaine Gonzales, men's 4x400m member Winston Smith and young sprinter Kerron Stewart - was the first batch of athletes to arrive home from the Games, and they say the aim was to showcase Jamaica.

"The team cried in the village before and after the races," said Burger. "We were together, and wanted to let the world know of our abilities and thank God, we were able to," she added.

In what was a top-drawer performance, Jamaica mined two gold medals, one silver and two bronze, which placed them alongside the historic 1952 Helsinki Games aggregation.

Jamaica's victorious 4x100m quartet celebrate after mining gold in the Olympics in Athens. From left are Veronica Campbell, Aleen Bailey, Sherone Simpson and Tayna Lawrence.

Veronica Campbell, who did not return Sunday because of college commitments, won the 200m, claimed bronze in the 100m and was a member of the victorious 4x100m sprint relay team - which also included Simpson, Tayna Lawrence, Aleen Bailey and Bev McDonald.

Danny McFarlene, the lone male to win a medal in Greece, ran in the men's 400m hurdles event.

"It was wonderful. It was my first Olympics and I had the time of my life," said Simpson, whose scorching second-leg run pressured American Marion Jones and set the stage for Jamaica to earn its first ever sprint relay gold at these Games.

Asked what were the winning ingredients of the relay team, Simpson said: "Marion Jones' comments that no team can beat the USA once they got the baton around motivated us. We wanted to quiet them, and we did," she said.

"Another factor is that we were united... the team camaraderie was great," she explained.

Only a handful of the Jamaican contingent arrived on Sunday night, with some of the athletes headed for Friday's Golden League meet in Brussels, Germany, and others back to college.

On Sunday night, the group was greeted by minister of local government and sports, Portia Simpson Miller; government, private sector and airport officials; families, friends and journalists.

Williams, who was competing in his second Olympics but failed to reach the final of the 200m, and Smith, who saw his medal hopes disappear when the men's 4x400m relay team was disqualified for a lane violation, were the first to disembark and on touching local soil, were hugged by Simpson Miller.

Then came the girls, dressed in their Jamaica/Puma brand designer blouses and medals. Camera's flashed and there were hugs and kisses in abundance.

The contingent then headed to the VIP lounge for a press conference, which was carried live by a local television station.

Simpson Miller officially welcomed the party and told then how proud the nation was of their achievements. She said an official ceremony would be held in collaboration with the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) to honour the athletes.

She individually praised each of the athletes for their accomplishments in their various events.

"Those who won and those who didn't win, you're all winners," she declared. "The whole nation is proud and it demonstrates to the world that we are a great people and produce great champions," she said.

Bolt, who failed to advance from his first-round heat, said he was a little nervous before the race, but felt he could reach the final.

"I tried my best, but after coming off the curve I realised I could not go any faster. I was disappointed but I also knew that I would have many more races to redeem myself. The aim was to get the experience and I got it. Now that that's out of the way I plan to move on," he said.

Gonzales, who ran a strong leg in the men's quarter-mile relay, said he wanted a medal.

"I thought we had a great chance of medalling, but we were unfortunate. Nonetheless I enjoyed the experience. It was great and I can't wait until the four years' time," he said.

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