Dear Editor,

There are times when comparisons are drawn between Jamaican male and female athletes competing at World Championships and Olympic Games. The contribution to the medal count is usually at the centre of the discussions. In what has been a disappointing Paris 2024 Olympic Games for some Jamaicans, there is still much to be thankful for, especially our men.

A few decades ago, the country’s hope for medals rested mainly on the shoulders of a handful of female athletes, like Merlene Ottey, Grace Jackson, Juliet Cuthbert, Deon Hemmings, Veronica Campbell-Brown, among others. Only a medal here and there from the men in those seasons.

Usain Bolt shifted that narrative when he consistently led a medal rush for Jamaican male and female athletes, starting in 2008. Since his exit from the track, and the gradual departure of others, anxiety has been high among some track and field enthusiasts in terms of what is next. Will Jamaica maintain its dominance in the sport? What’s next for men’s sprinting?

Team Jamaica left Paris with six medals — one gold, three silver, and two bronze. Of these six medals, five were delivered by male athletes, and one by a female. We should be proud of our men — Roje Stona’s gold medal discus throw, Kishane Thompson’s silver in the 100m, Wayne Pinnock’s silver in long jump, Rajindra Campbell’s bronze in shot put, and Rasheed Broadbell’s bronze in the 100m hurdles. And kudos to the lone rose among them, Shaneika Ricketts, with a silver medal in the women’s triple jump.

Jamaica is at a crossroads, a transitionary period, during which we will either throw in the towel and say it was good while it lasted, or we will patiently await the coming of age and form of our young athletes. There were Jamaican teenagers competing in Paris! Whether they are in good hands remains to be seen. Administratively, there are some obvious gaps to be filled.

Indeed, Paris was a battlefield. The athletes are returning home knowing that while the field held it together, there is much work to be done. Some are bloodied and bruised from a series of mishaps and injuries. Yet the Jamaican flag is still firmly planted in athletics, having been raised in Paris six times, and the national anthem played once.

Eighth place on the athletics medal table in a transitionary period is something for which we can salute our men. They showed up when our damsels were in distress.

“Big up di man dem!”

Suzette Campbell

www.iamsuzettecampbell.com