Caricom pays tribute to Bolt, Thompson

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Caricom has paid glowing tribute to Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson for winning the coveted 100-metre sprint titles at the Olympic Games currently underway in Brazil.

Bolt recovered from a bad start to complete the first phase of an ambitious triple-triple, when he won the 100-metre final, while countrywoman Thompson became the second Jamaican women's Olympic 100 metres title-holder.

Bolt, the first athlete to win a hat-trick of Olympic titles, is closer to his goal of winning the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay in three consecutive Olympic Games.

"Mr Bolt's feat of three consecutive triumphs in the 100 metres is unprecedented in the history of the Games and fills our community with pride," said the Caricom statement, released on behalf of regional heads of government yesterday.

"His excellence is an example of the skill and talents which our youths possess and is a beacon of the greatness which beckons those who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve great heights."

TRACK DEPTH

According to the Caricom statement, Thompson's victory is "further evidence" of the depth of the track and field talent that exists in Jamaica.

The 24-year-old produced a mid-race burst to brush aside her competition and secure the first major title of her career.

"Ms Thompson's outstanding performance presented further evidence, if any was needed, of the deep pool of talent that her country, Jamaica, possesses in track and field," the statement said.

"The community shares in the pride of its member state as it maintains its dominance in the world of women's sprinting. The Community joins the people of Jamaica in celebrating these great accomplishments and wishes Mr Bolt and Ms Thompson further success at these Games and beyond."