St. Georges (Grenada), Sep 1 (IANS/CMC) Grenada’s new 400 metres World champion Kirani James has taken to social media site Facebook to say thank you after a stunning run in South Korea that gave the Spice Island its first ever medal at a World Championships.
In a message posted Wednesday, James praised his countrymen for their support, following his triumph in Daegu.
‘Just want to take this moment to say thanks to everyone for your support this year and all the years before that, no matter how small or large the magnitude, I really, really appreciate it,’ James wrote on his Facebook page.
‘Been a long season, time to finally get some rest but that doesn’t happen until the next couple of weeks. Still got some meets to close out.’
The emerging star ended his post by declaring: ‘So Gouyave town, Grenada, crimson tide family, everybody out there that has affected me in a positive way, big up yourself on this one.’
Meanwhile, dancing in the streets in James’s north-west coastal town of Gouyave continued late into Tuesday night as residents celebrated the 18-year-old’s achievement.
Hundreds of people, including James’s mother and brother joined those waving flags and beating drums after outgoing Police Commissioner James Clarkson gave his blessings to the celebrations.
‘I give all the people in Gouyave the opportunity. Let them enjoy themselves. The police will not be hampering their movement. I am not putting any moratorium on the time. Just do it peacefully,’ said Clarkson who demits office at month end.
‘This is to my mind the most important event ever happened to our country even more important than Christopher Columbus landing.’
James, who turns 19 Thursday, grew up in a poverty stricken area known as Gun Battle, in the country’s fishing capital of Gouyave.
His latest exploit has ignited the town which has already produced a number of prominent figures, including two governors general and two police commissioners.
‘Where the Jamaican athletes them? Follow we,’ chanted a group of shirtless young men while beating drums and blowing horns. ‘Where the German athletes them? Follow we! Follow we!’
James’s father, Dorani Marshall, has turned down every request for media interviews but his mother Pamela James said she was overwhelmed.
‘I am feeling very proud and happy at this moment,’ she told journalists Tuesday night as loud music blasted from local shops.
‘I was nervous, excited. It was a joyous moment when he reached to the finish line.’
Tears poured from his aunt Katura Williams as she faced the television cameras.
‘I am crying because …to see he came from poor parentage because we are very poor,’ said an emotional Williams. ‘His father tried his best with him to make him something he wants to be.’
Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas also addressed the nation, to pay tribute to James who became the third youngest ever World champion.
‘In keeping with our new sporting policy, which speaks to the appropriate recognition and reward our sporting icons, your government will shortly be taking and announcing tangible actions in this regard,’ Thomas said in a radio and television address Tuesday night.
‘At the appropriate time, on the return of our athletes we will be hosting a national celebratory event.’
James’s local club Speed Zone has planned a recognition concert in his honour Saturday.
