Expectations and euphoria quickly descended into heartbreak for residents of Mitchell Town in Clarendon as home-grown star Kishane Thompson’s stout-hearted push for a maiden gold medal in the men’s 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games fell short by the slimmest of margins, five-thousandths of a second.

To the naked eyes, it appeared that Thompson had struck gold in his first appearance at a senior international championships, but things quickly changed from loud cheers of ecstasy to confusing silence, disbelief, and then agony, as it became clear to the crowd that had gathered to watch the race on a big screen set-up at the Ourdram Maragh Park that Thompson had missed out on the gold medal by 0.005 of a second.

Thompson was caught at the line by American hotshot Noah Lyles, with both athletes crossing the line in an identical 9.79 seconds, forcing timekeepers to round down each time to the thousandths with Lyles’ time coming back at a personal best 9.79 (.784), and Thompson clocking 9.79 (.789). The bronze medal went to another American, Fred Kerley, 9.81, with fellow Jamaican Oblique Seville ending eight in 9.91.

The initial wave of disappointment eventually gave way to appreciation and pride as shouts of, “We proud a you. You win, a you win,” echoed around the park, the reality hitting that Thompson, from this tiny town of 2,900 residents, had won the silver medal at the Olympic Games.

In doing so he became the first Jamaican medallist in the event since 2016 and continues his extraordinary ascension to the upper echelon of international sprinting in his first full season as a professional.

Groans gave way to the sound of clashing pot covers as chants of “One Kishane, One Kishane” reverberated around the park almost on cue with the sprinter paying homage to his hometown and thanking his supporters during a television interview, which was also aired on the screen.

Still, many residents were not convinced by the result, and expressed that they felt cheated by the officials, bringing back memories of when American Gail Devers denied both Juliet Cuthbert and Merlene Ottey the gold by the narrowest of margins in 1992 and 1996.

Mark Allen, an uncle of Thompson, could not contain his emotions and broke down in tears. His sister Grace Allen, the mother of Kishane, remained steadfast.

“They are very close. He wanted him to get the gold that’s why,” she explained after consoling her brother.

She continued: “I am feeling extremely happy because he has done well and his hard work has paid off. I was concerned why he didn’t get the number one spot. But I realised what they used to determine the winner, but I am extremely proud of him. To God be the glory, great things that he has done.”

“I am so happy to see the support for Kishane, to see so many people out supporting him,” she added.

One resident chipped in: “Any how him dip, him win. All when Bolt a win, him a dip,” he shouted, holding a cup of what seemed like alcohol based on the smell emanating from his mouth.

Member of Parliament Pearnel Charles Jr, who huddled with Thompson’s mother after the race, said he was extremely proud of the youngster.

“I am proud of how he handled himself during the race and after the race. Listening to his interview, it really establishes Kishane as an intelligent, humble and a determined leader in the sport. He is carving out a space for himself. The community is proud of him,” Charles Jr noted.

Interestingly, the watch party, which brought the community together, took place on the two-and-a-half-acre park, at which Thompson would display his talent as a youngster and as his mother said, his twin brother Kishawn would hand-time him every time he ran from as early as 6 years old.

Thompson’s achievement comes just a year after the district received flowing water, after being without for many years, in a $25.7-m project. The 23-year-old is certainly doing his part to bring even more attention to the sleepy community.

Councillor for the area, Winston Maragh, son of the man after whom the park was named, said win or lose, Kishane will be getting a grand homecoming.

“In fact, we want to rename the street that he was born on, Moreland’s Drive, to Kishane Thompson,” Maragh told the Jamaica Observer.

He might have missed out on the ultimate prize, the gold medal, but it’s clear that as far as the residents of this particular nook is concerned, Thompson is forever golden.

Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson reacts at the end of the Men’s 100m final during the Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Sunday. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Silver medallist Kishane Thompson (right), consoles his teammate Oblique Seville, who finsihed eight in the men’s 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at the Stade de France. Thompson clocked 9.79 seconds to finish behind American Noah Lyles, who registered the same time. Seville finished in 9.91. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Grace Allen (right) mother of Kishane Thompson finds comfort with family member Keishe Gaye Thompson after the men’s 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, during a watch party in Mitchell Town, Clarendon on Sunday, August 4, 2024. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Mark Allen uncle of Kishane Thompson (centre) breaks down in tears after the final of the men’s 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, during a watch party in Mitchell Town, Clarendon. Looking on is Pearnel Charles Jr. Member of Parliament for South East Clarendon. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Friends and family members of Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson show their support during a watch party in Mitchell Town, Clarendon, ahead of the men’s 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Photos: Garfield Robinson)