WORLD-renowned performance physiotherapist and coach Dr. Jo Brown believes Jamaican athletes possess a unique combination of genetic advantages and a deeply ingrained culture of hard work, setting them apart from the rest of the world. Dr. Brown, who has written the book, See the Elephant: Discover What Is Holding You Back from Your True Potential, believes these advantages are among the main reasons why they are among the very best.

Dr. Brown first worked with Jamaican athletes at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, an experience that left her in awe of the physical capabilities and depth of talent among Jamaican athletes. Speaking about what makes them special, she emphasised their genetic gifts, particularly in sprinting.

“Y’all are genetically gifted,” Dr. Brown said, reflecting on her experiences with Jamaican athletes. “The way the average Jamaican sprinter’s body is made up, where they naturally carry muscle, the way their pelvis works, and their fast-twitch muscle fibres—all those things make them naturally better runners. It makes them physically just amazing.”

Her first encounter with Jamaica’s track and field scene left a lasting impression. “When I went to the first track and field meet in Jamaica, I was just, oh my God, the depth of this talent. It’s not just that one person has it all; there’s this overwhelming genetic foundation that you see across the board.”

However, Dr. Brown was quick to point out that genetics alone are not enough to create world-class athletes. She believes the mental fortitude and cultural influences in Jamaica play an equally critical role. “From a mental side, there’s this culture of working really hard. The bar is set high, and you work to that bar or above. To be successful, you have to go above because of all the ‘crabs in the bucket,’ so to speak. The adversity plays a part in that.”

Dr. Brown noted that while adversity can serve as a driver for success, it requires the right processes and systems to channel it effectively. “For some individuals, if they don’t have a process, adversity can be used in the wrong way. But when you combine genetic talent with hard work, discipline, and structure, that’s when the magic happens.”

Her experiences working with Jamaican athletes have been transformative, inspiring her to delve deeper into the interplay of physical and mental factors that drive performance. In See the Elephant, Dr. Brown explores not only her work with Jamaican athletes but also the universal principles that allow high performers to reach their true potential.

Dr. Brown’s observations highlight why Jamaica has consistently produced some of the greatest athletes in the world, particularly in track and field. With a blend of natural gifts, cultural values, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Jamaican athletes continue to set the global standard for athletic performance. (Sportsmax)