The Caribbean Rules Yet Again

The Caribbean nations are making strides at the World Games. These small but “big” countries are consistently proving that they are not to be underestimated against industrialized nations such as America and Great Britain.

 

I may not know the technical side of track and field, but I am in love with the fire it ignites, the charge and the “on-edge excitement” it brings.  I watch eagerly as the athletes go the rounds in the heats.  My heart palpitates as I anticipate the finals and their outcome.

 

As I prepared to watch the men’s 100m race, I shared the same thoughts as many: which Asafa would fly out the blocks?  Would Bolt run flat out and smash the world record he set last year at the Summer Olympics?  The anticipation was too much to bear.   I sat with eyes peeking through my fingers, legs jittery and my heart fluttering.  Then, the gun went off and in 9.58 secs it was over.  Lightning had struck yet again on a magnificently clear night.  The stadium reverberated with unbelievable witness to a once-in-a-lifetime moment in history.  The world record…broken!  The American Tyson Gay followed for the silver and Asafa Powell took bronze and not let his Jamaican fans down.  Euphoria – I simply couldn’t handle anymore.

 

Asafa did well. I do think he could “dust” Tyson Gay with ease.  Asafa in my opinion does not suffer from “psychological shortcomings” but needs to enhance his endurance so he can handle the rounds of heats and bring it in the finals.

 

The women’s 100m final was next. The Caribbean dominated this line-up with four Jamaicans and two Bahamians. Although there were two Americans, their presence was not felt. The American Carmelita Jeter stood smugly, giving the impression that she had the gold medal  in the bag.

 

They settle in the blocks, the gun goes off and the long-awaited race is over in 10.73 secs, the world leading time is set by a pocket rocket named Shelly-Ann Fraser, followed by Kerron Stewart, both of Jamaica.  Jeter has to take a back seat while the Caribbean drives it home.  Déjà vu: the Caribbean rules yet again.

 

The Jamaican in me roared as the Caribbean fever spread like wildfire.  Could this be true?  We were smashing up World Games as well?  One word: bliss.   I shouted from the mountaintops of Jamaica, across the Seas the Caribbean to the Bahamas . We are unstoppable; we are a force to be reckoned with; we are track and field.

 

At this juncture I am beside myself.  Great things are happening on the blue track; whispering world records and leading times continue to permeate through its curvatures.  I look forward to what the Caribbean will bring for the 200m and the 4x100m relays.  The wonders never cease to amaze me.  I suggest you hold on to your seat; the adrenaline will surge through you.  The Caribbean will strike, yet again.
                                                                                                      -Stacy Palmer, Aug. 18.