400 legend almost couldn’t watch

FORTY YEARS ago in Helsinki, Bertland Cameron became the first world champion in the men’s 400 metres, and when Antonio Watson gave the country what was only its second success in the event last Thursday in Budapest, Cameron was there first hand to witness the occasion.

Cameron is part of the Jamaica coaching staff at the World Athletics Championships, where his main duty is to be in charge of the men’s 4x400 metres relay team.

A very emotional Cameron spoke about the achievement of the 21-year-old Watson.

“I went inside the stadium to sit by myself before the event. I did not want any distractions. It was like me running the race 40 years ago,” said Cameron.

According to the Jamaican 400-metre legend, when Watson hit the third 100 metres he was nervous.

“When I saw him at the third 100 metres I was nervous as he was a bit out of it. My heart was beating very hard for him. However, he kept pushing and he raced like a professional in the latter stage, and when I saw him get to the front, I was so happy. I was in awe when he passed the finish line in front. I put both of my hands on my jaw.”

Cameron wanted to congratulate Watson as soon as he entered the mixed zone, but as is the norm when a champion is crowned at a World Athletics Championships, he took quite a bit of time to get there.

“I waited by the mixed zone to congratulate him but he took some time to come there and I had to leave. However, when he came by the hotel, I gave him a big hug and congratulated him,” said Cameron.

Although the country’s second success in the event took four decades, Cameron still believes the one-lap programme is headed in the right direction.

“It took a long time in coming, but I am extremely happy for Watson’s achievement. This shows that the country is showing progress in the event.”