“Usain has accomplished what no other athlete has done and he’s proven himself once again to be the greatest — and there’s a lot more left in him,” said Minister Grange.

Bolt became the first athlete to win the 100m dash at three consecutive Olympic Games — a record that Minister Granges believes “will stand for a very long time.”

According to Minister Grange: 

“Usain is a special gem. He is a great representative of Jamaica and the perfect ambassador for his sport.  And I believe all people are inspired, but Jamaicans especially will be walking with livelier steps because of Usain and the entire Jamaica team at the Rio Olympics.”

Bolt won the 100 metres in 9.81 seconds ahead of the American Justin Gatlin (9.89) and the Canadian Andre De Grasse (9.91).  The other Jamaican in the race, Yohan Blake, finished fourth in 9.93 seconds.

Minister Grange congratulated Blake, Kimberley Williams who finished 7th in the Women’s Triple Jump and Damar Forbes who finished 12 in the Men’s Long Jump.

“While we celebrate Usain, Elaine and Shelly Ann, our Jamaican medallists so far, we must also recognise and continue to encourage other members of the team who haven’t won medals but have done well and, in some cases, have even set their personal best marks” said the Minister.  

Minister Grange highlighted that sprinter Christania Williams ran her personal best (10.96) on her way to the women’s 100m final and “I am quite pleased with her performance because she gave her all and we can’t ask for more than that.”

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