KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has congratulated Usain Bolt for his victory in the final of the 100 metres at the IAAF World Championships now under way in Beijing, China.Bolt endured a shaky start but powered back to overtake America’s Justin Gatlin on the line in a season-best 9.79 seconds, to remain the undisputed sprint champion of the world.
The Jamaican Prime Minister said Bolt continues to inspire Jamaica and the world with his legendary performance on the track.
“I salute Usain as a national brand ambassador extraordinaire, not only for taking the best of Jamaica to the world, but also for his superb representation of the best of athletics and sports in general,” she said.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said all the athletes who have participated in Beijing so far have done Jamaica proud.
Prime Minister Simpson-Miller also had high praise for O’Dayne Richards, who won Jamaica’s first shot put medal at a World Championships after earning the bronze medal with a national record of 21.69 metres.
“All Jamaicans applaud O’Dayne most heartily for his signal achievement as he establishes Jamaica’s athletic prowess in another area of the sport,” she noted.
The Prime Minister noted that the latest medals for the Jamaicans follow country woman Alia Atkinson’s gold medal performance in the 50m breaststroke at the recent FINA Swimming World Cup in Paris, France and her silver medal and national record achievement in the 50m .
Atkinson also earned bronze in the 100m at the recent FINA World Championships in Russia.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to Alia, who continues to make her country proud,” the Prime Minister said.