As the saying goes, “What goes around comes around,” and for Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic the kindness she showed to Jamaica’s 110m hurdler Hansle Parchment came full circle in an unexpected way.

Kawashima Stojkovic’s act of giving Parchment money for taxi fare not only helped him win the gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, but also opened doors to a new friendship and a life-changing experience. By showing kindness to a stranger in need, Kawashima Stojkovic created a profound ripple effect, one that would eventually come back to her in ways she never could have imagined.

In a display of gratitude, Parchment invited Kawashima Stojkovic to Jamaica to celebrate her kindness to him. She hadn’t expected anything in return for her kindness. But as she thought about it, she realised that this was an opportunity she couldn’t miss.

So she, her mother Yuki Kawashima Stojkovic, and her brother Andrija Kawashima Stojkovic packed their bags and flew to Jamaica on Monday. Kawashima Stojkovic and her family were treated to a tour of the island, including visits to Dunn’s River Falls and Bob Marley Museum. For Kawashima Stojkovic, it was a life-changing experience.

“I really did want to meet him [Hansle Parchment] again. I am really happy to be here and enjoying Jamaica for the very first time. Jamaica is a very beautiful country and I love it here and so I am happy,” Kawashima Stojkovic told the Sunday Observer during her tour of the Bob Marley Museum on Friday.

“I had a wonderful time here at the Bob Marley Museum. I had listened to his songs, I like them, and being here learning the culture, I am just happy. It was a wonderful experience. However, the most enjoyable place I have been to was the falls. The Dunn’s River Falls. It was lovely, it was great, it was an amazing feeling to be here.”

Parchment said that he had never forgotten the kindness of a stranger who had helped him in his time of need. It was a moment that had changed the course of his life, and he was determined to show his gratitude.

“It was just to show gratitude and to give back,” he said. “I would not have been where I am without the assistance, and so I thought I had to make sure that she got what was promised.”

With the help of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Parchment was able to fulfil the promise and give Kawashima Stojkovic and her family an unforgettable experience in Jamaica.

“They really had a good time so far,” he said. “They got to see a bit of our tourist attractions. I am happy that they were able to come and have a good time. As you know, Bob Marley is the king of reggae and an icon for Jamaica and there’s no way you can come to Jamaica without passing through the Bob Marley Museum — just to get the vibe and plus it is Reggae Month. You know, it is a very important part of our culture that people get the experience and learn about where he came from and what he had done, not just for Jamaica, but the world.”

It all started on a sizzling summer day in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 when Kawashima Stojkovic, a 28-year-old florist, was volunteering at the Aquatics Centre for the Olympic Games. As she went about her duties, she noticed a tall, athletic man looking frantically around the aquatics centre.

Parchment was in a state of panic. He had taken the wrong bus and was now running perilously late for his semi-final race. With his Olympic dreams hanging in the balance, he approached Kawashima Stojkovic, hoping against hope that she could help.

Without hesitation, Kawashima Stojkovic reached into her bag and handed Parchment some money to take a taxi, as it was the fastest way to get to the Olympic Stadium. Parchment eyes widened in gratitude as he thanked her and rushed off to catch his taxi.

“I wasn’t thinking that much; I just told him what I can do to help,” she said. “I had some money on me and I just gave it to him to help him. I didn’t know why I gave him my money; I guess it is the type of person I am,” said Kawashima Stojkovic, who departed the island on Saturday for Japan.

Parchment eventually finished second in his semi-final race, then went on to win the gold medal in the 110m hurdles in a time of 13.05 seconds. But Kawashima Stojkovic’s selfless act was not forgotten in the excitement of the moment.

“When he won the gold medal I was surprised but at the same time I was very happy that he had won,” Kawashima Stojkovic said. “I couldn’t believe what was going on when he came and showed me the medal, but I was happy. He made it to the games and he won the medal and he was happy, and so I was happy as well knowing that I played a part — I had helped him to get to the race.”