Watson’s mom over the moon with Westmoreland honour

WESTERN BUREAU:

TIANGA BUCHANAN, mother of World Athletics Championships 400m gold medallist Antonio Watson, is overjoyed that the people of Westmoreland value her son’s contribution to the parish’s development through sports.

Buchanan, who attended Watson’s homecoming celebration in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, said she will be forever grateful for her son, despite the circumstances, and promised to be his loudest cheerleader on and off the track.

“It’s really good to see that Westmoreland appreciated what he has done for Jamaica. I just wish for him the best and that he will continue to give his all and enjoy himself while doing it,” Buchanan said in a Sunday Gleaner interview after watching her son collect the key to the city.

The key to the municipality of Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland was presented to the 21-year-old World Athletics Champion on Friday in recognition of his outstanding performance at this year’s 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

At a ceremony attended by students from his alma mater, Petersfield High School, as well as members of the academic staff, family, and friends, Ian Myles, deputy mayor of the seaside town of Savanna-la-Mar, presented Watson with the key and an appreciation plaque to his coach, Machel Woolery.

“I feel proud of my son as always. I am extremely proud,” Buchanan said of the man who became only the second Jamaican to win the World Athletics Championships 400m gold medal.

ICONIC MOMENT

Watson clocked 44.22 seconds, producing an iconic World Championships moment when he hurtled past those ahead of him down the last 60 metres before crumbling to the track in exhaustion.

“It was a great feeling. I watched it (Watson’s 400m finals) along with my friends and co-workers in Duncans,” Buchanan told The Sunday Gleaner.

“It was a good experience, and I knew that he would come home with a medal, but, to come home with a gold, I am very excited.”

Bertland Cameron was the first Jamaican to win the event, 40 years ago in Helsinki, Finland.

“At one point you were in third, and then I saw him reeling everyone in, and I said, yes, this young man has the drive; he has the burning desire to succeed, and that is what makes a champion,” Myles told those gathered to celebrate Watson’s Budapest heroics.

“This key will serve, no doubt, that you are a role model and will continue to be a role model for younger student-athletes,” Myles said as he presented the key to Watson on behalf of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation and the people of the parish.

Watson, who is from Duncans in Trelawny but lived in Westmoreland while attending Petersfield High School, lauded all stakeholders involved for giving him the key to the Westmoreland municipality.

“Thank you all for coming out here and supporting me to the fullest. It has been a great day,” said Watson.

“Continue to support everyone you can. It may go a far way,” he said.

George Wright, the independent member of parliament for Westmoreland Central, was among the key stakeholders behind Watson’s homecoming celebration.

“You have made Petersfield proud, you have made Westmoreland proud, and you have made Jamaicans proud,” Wright told Watson.

According to Wright, Watson’s success on the international stage has paved the way for future generations.

“Your achievement is a reminder that dreams can come through, no matter where you come from,” Wright said

He also pushed for more young people in the parish to use sports as an avenue for personal development.

“I want to see more world-class athletes from Godfrey Stewart High School, from Frome Technical High, from the Manning’s School, and, most importantly, from Petersfield High School,” Wright pleaded.

“Antonio’s victory is not just about winning medals and trophies, it’s about setting a standard of excellence for generations to come,” the MP said.