In no short of 9.58 seconds, Usain Bolt marked his name in history at the 2009 IAAF World Championships, setting a 100m world record. This iconic moment elevated Bolt’s stature above imaginable means. From then on, “the fastest man alive” paved the way for his successes that followed and, as a product of Jamaica, highlighted the country of this birth around the globe. Before the strike of the lightning Bolt, however, there were quite a few previous renowned sports stars who carried the flag for this great sporting nation.
Donald Quarrie
On January 25th, 1951, Jamaica was graced with what was to become one of the world’s fastest men, Donald ‘Don’ Quarrie. Quarrie is internationally recognized and admired for his contribution and achievements in the 100 and 200m races in the Commonwealth Games and Olympics, as well as for being the ‘greatest sprinter around the bend’. Don’s rise to stardom was cradled at the 1970 Commonwealth games, in which he won three consecutive gold medals for the 100m race. He then went on to breaking the 200m world record history in 1971 at the Pan American Games. Quarrie further sprinted to success at the 1976 Olympics, where he secured gold in the 200m, and a silver in the 100m. These achievements earned Quarrie a name in history, both locally and worldwide.
Merlene Ottey
Born on May 10, 1960, Merlene Ottey is a former Jamaican sprinter with her legacy cemented in track and field. Ottey is said to have had one of the longest careers as a top level international sprinter, in which she began at the tender age of 19 and retiring at age 52. She pushed boundaries by competing in seven Olympic Games, branding her as the world record holder for most games competed as a track and field athlete in the Olympics. Though Ottey didn’t win a gold medal, she garnered a total of 9 medals- 3 silver and 6 bronze. She further upheld her legacy by winning 14 World Championship medals, and the most medals (10) won in individual events.
Herb Mckenley
Herb Mckenley (July 10, 1922- November 26, 2007) was a Jamaican track athlete who was acknowledged for his prominence in track and field during his time as the world’s fastest 400m sprinter. Mckenley was the first and only athlete who had qualified for the 100m, 200m and 400m finals in an Olympic game, as well as the only athlete to be medaled in both the 100m and 400m. Before the Olympics in 1948, he imprinted his name in history by dominating 400m track in 45.9 seconds, creating the new world record at that time. When his career ended, Mckenley coached Jamaica’s national track and team field for over twenty years and acted as President for Jamaica Amateuric Athletic Association (JAAA) for 12 years. He was the recipient of the Order of Merit and Order of Jamaica for his exceptional contribution to track and field.
Grace Jackson- Small
Grace Jackson (born June 14, 1961) undoubtedly shone as a track and field athlete when she competed mostly in 100m and 200m races. At the 1985 Universiadie, she claimed the title in the 200m race, and later won silver in the 100m and 200m at the IAAF World Cup in the same year. Jackson’s acclaimed fame skyrocketed during the 1988 Olympics in which she won a silver medal and ran a blistering 21.72 seconds, breaking the Jamaican record. Jackson continued to exert her talent and make history locally when she created the new Jamaican record of 49.57 seconds in the 400m. For her commendable performances, Jackson received the title of Jamaican Sportswoman in 1986 and 1988.
Arthur Wint
Aliased as the ‘Gentle Giant’ due to his 6’5” frame, Arthur Wint (May 25, 1920 – October 19, 1992) was another Jamaica athlete who was recognised for his formidable performance in track and field. In the 1948 Olympics, Wint was everything but gentle as he tore through the 400m track race, earning him Jamaica’s first gold medal in the 400m, as well as a world record of no less than 46.2 seconds. In addition, he won a silver medal in the 800m in which he placed second to American sprinter, Mal Whitfield.
Deon Hemmings
Hemmings (born October 9, 1968) is a former 400m hurdler who competed for Jamaica at three Olympics and four World Championships. She is most popularly known for being the first ever Jamaican woman to win an Olympic Gold, and for breaking the world record for the 400m hurdles at the 1996 Olympics. Hemmings also established her name at the Central American and Caribbean Games where she won a gold medal.