Dear Editor,

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games is definitely one for the history books. From the opening ceremony to the disappointments, surprises, and victories, there is much on which to reflect, even as Jamaicans locally and in the Diaspora anticipate additional medals to ramp up the country’s tally.

Recently, I was asked if I had watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics. I did not watch it in full, but I surmised the individual wanted my reaction to the perversion of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, which has sparked controversy and heated debates worldwide. Jamaica Observer columnist Yannick Pessoa described it as “a sacrilegious spectacle… cynically mocking the tenets of Christianity”.

I told the individual that there is nothing about France that can surprise me at this point. I have a background in Francophone history and civilisation, and I have lived, worked, and studied in France. While living there, there is a programme that came on a popular TV channel on Friday nights called Vendredi, tout est permis (meaning anything goes). Whatever your imagination can conceive, it might be allowed on the show.

Many Jamaicans were left dispirited when double Olympic powerhouse Elaine Thompson Herah indicated that she would not be on the flight to Paris to defend the women’s 100 and 200-metre races. Understandably, Thompson Herah has long suffered from Achilles injuries, which have significantly affected her preparedness for the Games. However, with Thompson Herah being out of the picture, many were relying on Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson to bring home some medals. But it turned out that neither athlete — for one reason or another — gave us our heart’s desire. Despite not medalling, we are grateful to 19-year-old Tia Clayton for reaching the 100m women’s final and representing the country.

On the men’s side, there were mixed feelings, as Jamaica did not win gold in the 100m finals. It was equally disappointing that Oblique Seville did not get a podium finish, but at least Kishane Thompson copped silver. Not seeing our men qualify for the 4x100m or the 4x400m relays adds to our discontent. We have become accustomed to their dominance in the sprints, although things had been rocky these past few years.

However, the Games aren’t just about tracks. There are field events as well, and our field athletes came to “cook”. Jamaicans have been looking forward to a few of them ringing that huge bell and hearing the anthem play. And thanks to the impressive throw by Rojé Stona, Jamaica received its first gold medal, creating history in the discus throw, and with an Olympic record to boot.

Our praises ring high for the indomitable Shanieka Ricketts, who earned Jamaica’s first silver medal in the triple jump. Wayne Pinnock also landed silver in the men’s long jump, while Rajindra Campbell gave us a bronze in the men’s shot put.

Evidently, we are experiencing a new era, in terms of Jamaica’s growth and potential in the field events. The performance of our field athletes should propel the relevant stakeholders to invest more in both athletes and infrastructure so they can do even greater. Unfortunately, as Danniel Thomas-Dodd pointed out, there are issues that affect their development and performance. But, of course, whenever they speak out, the powers that be always try to censor them. According to media reports, she has been threatened with a ban from future Olympic Games if she does not recant her statement.

It is about time current and former athletes start to speak more about the politics that run deep in Jamaican athletics.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com