GEORGETOWN— Caricom chairman Dr Kenny Anthony has saluted the achievement of Grenadian Kirani James at the London Olympic as a shining example to the region’s youth population. Dr Anthony, the St Lucian Prime Minister, says James’s 400 metre win in record time will serve as an inspiration to young Caribbean athletes eyeing the international stage. The 19-year-old world champion surged home to break Michael Johnson’s All Comers Record of 43.98 seconds and sparked widespread celebrations in Grenada.“This triumph is all the more exciting given the fact that Mr James is not yet 20 years of age and is therefore a shining example of what the youth of the Region are capable of in today’s world” said Dr. Anthony in a statement released by the Georgetown based Secretariat. “That one so young was able to beat the rest of the world will no doubt give a fillip to those Caribbean youth who wish to compete in any sphere in the global arena”.
James won with a personal best time of 43.94 seconds and a new national record. It was also the first Olympic gold medal won by an athlete within the OECS sub grouping. “This may be Grenada’s first gold medal at the Olympics but given the talent that has recently emerged among its young athletes, there should certainly be more to come” Dr Anthony said. “This victory is one of which the Government and People of Grenada must be justly proud and the Caribbean Community joins in the Member State’s pride”. (CMC)
Source: www.guardian.co.tt