Dear Editor,

We knew her well in the Olympic world, for she was a pioneer who opened the door in track and field so that others could enter.

We respected her with unqualified admiration for, with such humility, she walked this mortal Earth with immortal values.

We loved her for she was sacrificial in fulfilling her duty to her country and embraced sport with deep emotion and sincerity.

Dr Cynthia Thompson lived sport in a manner that taught generations lifelong lessons. She breathed sport in allowing us the privilege of inhaling history created for the present and future. She triumphed in sport so that we can have a better appreciation of the character of victory — its breadth, depth and height.

The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) reflects on the life of one of our own who gave us so much and took little.

We recall memories of a daughter of the soil who planted a seed the fruit from which we now enjoy.

We remember Cynthia; how she lived — well and good.

Historians will, understandably, tell of her groundbreaking arrival, with others, at the 1948 London Olympic Games, and her historic feats as the first Jamaican woman to make a final in, and to establish a record at, an Olympic Games-both of which she achieved in the 100m and 200m, respectively.

The JOA will, however, herald, revere and honour the spirit of a sprinter which has now taken flight, but which continues to reverberate and inspire us in the temples of sport.

Christopher L Samuda

President

Jamaica Olympic Association

christopher.samuda@yahoo.com