Olympics will still bring out n’tl pride — Cresser

Sports Historian Dr Julian Cresser says although there may be less excitement for the Olympic Games this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting absence of spectators, national pride is still ever-present. He says even though the Usain Bolt era has ended, Jamaicans will still rally behind the team.

The Olympics is seen as an event that awakens national pride in Jamaicans. With flags waving and clad in black, green, and gold, Jamaicans can be seen and heard in the streets cheering and knocking pot covers for the Olympic team.

“I think we still have the same amount of pride for our athletes and those who represent us. We still have the same desire for those athletes to do well,” Cresser said. “I’ve seen on social media where people are already hyping up Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson Herah, and Shericka Jackson.”

Kamay Latty, a grade two teacher, says the only time she watches sports is during the Olympics. She says the Olympics make her feel more Jamaican, and whenever she sees a Jamaican athlete competing, she feels a strong kinship with them.

“I’ve always asked someone to watch and call me when it’s Jamaica’s turn during the opening ceremony,” she said. “When we win, it feels like a major accomplishment for me and for our country. It doesn’t just bring pride and strengthens nationalism, but it also brings togetherness. A man weh would normally pick a pocket at Half-Way Tree nuh have time fi that when race a run.”

She says she believes that the country’s crime rate would be lower if the Olympic Games were held every year.

- Sanaa Douglas