Grange: Jamaica to the world at Rio games

“It was simply Jamaica to the world this evening,” according to the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, following #TeamJamaica’s success in both the men’s and women’s 4x100 metres relays at the Rio Olympics on Friday.

The men’s team of Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake, Nickel Ashmeade and Usain Bolt won the gold medal in a season’s best time of 37.27 seconds.  The victory allowed Bolt to complete his historic ‘three-peat’ or ‘triple-triple’ — three gold medals, in three events (100m, 200m and 4x100) at three consecutive Olympic games.

Minister Grange said:

“Usain has remained unbeaten in three Olympic games and that’s a remarkable feat. But when we consider that he’s won the gold medal in all of his events over the last three Olympics — that’s greatness! I’m very happy that he’s ending his Olympics career on a high by winning a gold medal in a team event for Jamaica. 

“One of the lasting memories from tonight will be those few moments at the end of the race when our champion boys — Usain, Nickel, Asafa and Yohan — huddled in prayer and thanksgiving. We should take that as inspiration. Let us all give thanks for our tremendous blessings.”

In the meantime, the Jamaican women’s team of Christania Williams, Elaine Thompson, Veronica Campbell Brown and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce took the silver medal in their sprint relay in a season’s best time of 41.36 seconds.

According the Minister Grange:

“I’m so proud of our women. Elaine now has three medals at these Rio Games.  Shelly-Ann, though injured, was able to secure a second.  And I’m very very pleased that Christania and Veronica have also medalled.”

Jamaica’s medal tally at the Rio Games is now six gold, one silver and two bronze.

There are opportunities for more medals tomorrow as both the men’s and women’s teams are in the finals of the 4x400 metres.

 

-END-

Minister's charge

Let’s go re-ignited towards a great future for Jamaica with renewed faith, courage and dedication.

Olivia Grange

Contacts

  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  +876.978.7654
  4-6 Trafalgar Road

Kingston 5

Jamaica, W.I.

Keep in Touch