Hail the Jaguar

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Parent Category: Sept 2011

Category: Week ending Sept 03rd, 2011

Published on Saturday, 03 September 2011 13:22

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EDITORIAL

It is now up to the government of Prime Minister, Tillman Thomas to decide on an appropriate manner in which to reward Kirani James for winning Grenada's first-ever World Championship Gold medal on Tuesday in South Korea.

The feat accomplished by Kirani is all the more sweeter given the fact that this 18-year old teenager, was only two days away from his 19th birthday, and was able to humble athletes much older and more experienced than him.

The victory was not unexpected since the "Jaguar" as he is called in some quarters in the country had signaled his intention a few weeks ago that he was going to South Korea on a mission and to do business.

The manner in which he ran the two races leading up to the final indicated that he was pacing himself for a fantastic race and to win the gold. No one should have doubted his chances since over the years, Kirani has demonstrated that he knows how to win and to win not only locally at Intercol and the Carifta Games but also world meets for Junior athletes.

This young man from one of the smallest nations in the world was never intimidated by any of the big name athletes from countries that had produced some of the best quarter milers in the world like the United States.

It was clear to those who have an understanding of the sports that Kirani was brimming with confidence and knew that he was on the verge of creating his own history and for Grenada too.

His victory was greeted throughout the island as business came to a standstill with all eyes glued on television sets minutes before the 8.45 a.m start of the much-looked forward to race. In Kirani's own hometown of Gouyave, it was a carnival like atmosphere as many residents took to the streets in open celebration for one of their own. The Jaguar had indeed put the name of Grenada on the world stage for once in a positive manner.

It is left to be seen how officials of the Ministry of Tourism would derive plans to cash in on the worldwide publicity given to the Spice Isle by the man who is now the Number One 400 metre runner in the world.

The government itself should not be rushed into making an announcement to the nation on how Kirani will be rewarded but some time and effort should be taken to come up with something "special" for this Sporting Ambassador.

As we celebrate the feat of Kirani, the people of Grenada must not ever forget that another Grenadian quarter miler, Rondell Bartholomew was also a finalist in the event. It was unfortunate that Rondell did not get a medal but the experience will put him in good stead for the next major championship - the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

It is quite possible that two Grenadians might be on the same victory podium for the first time in a world premier athletic event.

The nation also needs to remember those who helped to pave the way for Tuesday's glorious victory - Alleyne Francique and another Gouyave man, that outstanding 200m and 400m runner, Donald Pierre who did not have the opportunity as Kirani to showcase his prowess on the world stage.

Donald Pierre had the ability to compete against the best in the world and if the opportunities now available to Kirani and Rondell were there for him in the 70's, Pierre would have won a world title eventually.

THE NEW TODAY would like to see the right management team put around Kirani to ensure that all benefits due to him reach the rightful place and not be taken away by the vultures.

The Jaguar is now a professional athlete and his performance on Tuesday will result in him getting many invitations to international meets with attractive appearance fees and top prize monies on the table. The opportunity now presents itself for Kirani to make millions of dollars for himself.

This newspaper is doubtful whether we have the expertise at home to help negotiate at the international level in the best interest of our world No.1 400 metre runner.

Too many of our athletic and entertainment stars of yesteryear have been ripped off financially by conmen from the Metropol countries who somehow manage to get involved with them. Kirani is a national figure and Grenada needs to protect him as much as possible.

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