ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) – Grenada’s Government has praised teenaged sensation Kirani James following his impressive pro debut at the Aviva London Grand Prix on Friday. The 18-year-old stormed to a world-leading time of 44.61 seconds to win the men’s 400m at Crystal Palace in the 12th meet of the cash-rich Diamond League.
Fellow Grenadian Rondell Bartholomew, the previous world-leader with his early-season 44.65, finished seventh in a disappointing 45.86 seconds.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Grenada I would like to congratulate Kirani and Rondell who continue to fly our flag internationally,” Sports Minister Patrick Simmons said.
“We are confident that our athletes are in line to bring home medals from the World Championships of Athletics starting later this month and London Olympic Games in 2012.
“My hope is that their performances [Friday] will encourage and motivate other Grenadian sportsmen and women as they prepare for upcoming sporting events.”
James, the reigning World Junior champion, is widely expected to be a legitimate contender at the World Championship in Daegu, South Korea later this month and next year’s Olympics in London.
He is currently still a sophomore at the University of Alabama.
