'Life-changing' - VCB, husband announce pregnancy
Published:Tuesday | January 8, 2019 | 12:00 AMAkino Ming/Staff Reporter
Amid doubts about her future in the sport, several top local and international track and field figures have offered their congratulations to Jamaican sprinting great Veronica Campbell-Brown and her husband, Omar, following the announcement of her pregnancy yesterday.
Campbell-Brown, one of the most decorated Jamaican sprinters of all time, and Omar, the 2006 Commonwealth Games 200m champion used their official social-media platforms to reveal the expected arrival of their first child.
"Our lives will change forever #BabyComingSoon," read a post, which featured a baby bump-bearing Campbell-Brown and Omar clad in white on a powdery-sanded beach.
"We look forward to parenthood and all the joys and challenges that come with it. We pray for wisdom to be the best parents possible."
With Campbell-Brown set to celebrate her 37th birthday in May and the Olympic Games set for Tokyo next summer, this could also spell the end of one of the most illustrious careers in Jamaican track and field history, with the eight-time Olympic medal winner acknowledging that her future in competitive athletics is in doubt.
"At this moment, I am uncertain if I will return to competition as the main focus is to welcome our baby and to provide the best environment filled with love, warmth and care."
Hard to come back
It was a point which Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) president Dr Warren Blake couldn't ignore, in his congratulatory message to the couple.
"The federation wishes the couple the best in their new life," said Blake, who is also a medical doctor by profession. "Campbell-Brown is 36 years old, and, at this stage, it is difficult for athletes to come back after having baby. Even coming back from pregnancy is always a difficulty, and the later you wait, the more difficult it becomes. But Veronica has always been a strong competitor for us, so we are a waiting the final decision as to whether she is retiring or not."
Campbell-Brown, who has three Olympic gold medals and another three World Championships podium-topping performances to her credit, has won an astounding 27 medals for Jamaica at the senior global level, making her the most successful Jamaican female track and field athlete in history. Only Merlene Ottey has won more medals in global senior championships (30), but the younger Jamaican star boasts more gold medals throughout her career.
Meanwhile, hundreds of messages of support poured in for the sprinting couple, with 2008 Olympic 100m silver-medal winner and Campbell-Brown's former relay teammate Sherone Simpson, who recently returned to the track after giving birth two years ago, offering her own encouragement.
"I am so happy for her," Simpson told The Gleaner. "She is having a baby; a child is a blessing," said Simpson, who, along with Campbell-Brown, Aleen Bailey and Tayna Lawrence, won the 4x100m at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.
"If she wants to settle down and parent her child because she has done a lot in her track and field career, she should, but if she feels she can still compete, then she can if her mind is prepared for it," Simpson shared.
Frater's support
Meanwhile, 2005 100m World Championships silver medallist and multiple-time relay medal winner Michael Frater, a current JAAA vice-president, also offered his support to his former team-mate, while Clemson University coach Lennox Graham, who
has served on the country's coaching team to several major international championships, shared his delight at the news.
"Blessings on the continued journey! Thanks for allowing us to share your joy," Graham stated.
Bahamian star Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who shares management set-up with Campbell-Brown, posted: "Yessss So happy for you V! I pray nothing but blessings over your family."
Olympic and world 110m hurdles champion Omar McLeod, double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson and 400m hurdles bronze medallist from the London 2017 World Championships Ristananna Tracey were also among the over 1,000 persons who commented on the pair's post on Instagram yesterday evening.
Campbell-Brown has won the RJRGLEANER National Sportswoman of the Year award on five occasions - 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011 - and was, in 2017, presented with the Gleaner Iconic Award at the ceremony.