London memories, good and bad, mine to keep
The night was cold and breezy, fans huddled together for the last night of athletics to take place inside the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium, and everyone waited with bated breaths for the remaining six events, all finals — women’s high jump, men’s javelin throw, men’s 5,000m, women’s 800m, women’s 4x400m relay and of course men’s 4x100m relay. We were in for another Super Saturday!
After my first evening at the stadium, on August 4 (the first Super Saturday of the Games), I was very happy that I had not only planned one night of athletics. It simply happened so fast, that I hadn’t taken it all in properly. Sort of how you feel after your wedding. After seven nights of athletics, I can safely say that enough moments have now soaked up into my brain to last me a lifetime.
I can safely say that I will not forget even the littlest things that took place. Particularly, when Usain Bolt came in first, to complete Jamaica’s win in the men’s 4x100m final. I stood next to my brother, Jumby Sharp, the two of us screaming with delight. As Bolt crossed the finish line, he turned to look at the big TV screen, and almost instantly his scream went up a notch. “Surely not,” I thought. “Surely we did not break another world record? Not on this cold windy night?” Surely yes.
Throughout the week there have been bittersweet moments for Jamaicans. There have been triumphs for many, disappointments for others, and even devastating tragedy for some loved ones. But throughout everything, we must not forget that we are a nation of people who should be proud of all the goodness we strive for and strive to be.
As Douglas Orane summed up so nicely for the Jamaica Observer, when asked what he thought was next for athletics in Jamaica. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next week, so we might as well enjoy today.”
The London 2012 Olympic Games are over, but the memory will live on forever. These Olympics are dedicated to all our Jamaican friends and families who have lost anyone who was dear to them. Your memory will live on in us forever as well.
