Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, legendary Olympian and the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, has produced an anthem for Team Jamaica, titled “Jamaica All The Way." The timely track aims to rally the nation, capturing the indomitable spirit of Jamaicans as its athletes prepare to compete on the world stage in Paris.
As the newly announced Red Stripe Ambassador, Bolt is at the forefront of the celebrations for the beer giant's Olympic campaign, ‘Guh Fi Gold and Glory.’ The campaign seeks to unite Jamaicans in support of their athletes, reminding them that the ‘likkle but tallawah’ island is cheering them on.
“Jamaica All The Way” features collaborations with musical sensations Busy Signal, who headlined the 2022 Red Stripe independence song “Big Up Jamaica,” and Shaneil Muir. Their combined talents are set to amplify the cheers of Jamaicans everywhere.
“The Olympics represent a moment of pure joy, and I want our athletes to feel the support of all Jamaicans. This song celebrates their dedication and hard work. I produced it to encourage them to believe in themselves and dream big when they ‘Guh Fi Gold and Glory,’ knowing they have infinite support,” said the Fastest Man Alive, Usain Bolt.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching quickly, from July 26 to August 11, the song has already been released on all streaming platforms, ensuring that Jamaican athletes can feel support at home and from the diaspora.
President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Christopher Samuda highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “There is no better way to celebrate the Paris 2024 Olympic Games than with Usain capturing the infectious beat of dancehall, the inspired spirit of our people, and our aspiration to be the greatest versions of humanity. When the JOA and Red Stripe team up with lightning Bolt, it can only be electrifying and volcanic! Paris, stay tuned!”
As the nation gets ready for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the partnership between the Jamaica Olympic Association and Red Stripe shows how culture can bring people together and boost the spirits of our athletes.
“Although we can't invite every Jamaican to travel to Paris and cheer for our athletes in person, our ‘Guh fi Gold and Glory’ campaign allows us to create opportunities for Jamaicans to show their support for our athletes both locally and globally. This song serves as a rallying cry, highlighting our unity and commitment to competing as a united team,” Red Stripe Brand Manager Nathan Nelms, emphasised.
As Team Jamaica prepares to shine on the track in Paris, “Jamaica All The Way” is set to inspire, motivate, and encourage them to reach new heights of glory at the 2024 Olympics.
Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson awarded nation’s highest honour
Paris Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson was conferred with Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Honour Award, on Sunday in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in 2024. LaFond-Gadson, who made history by becoming Dominica’s first Olympic medalist with her gold in the triple jump in Paris, also won the triple jump title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier in March. Each of these remarkable victories marked a historic first for a Dominican athlete, solidifying her legacy as one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt had previously announced that LaFond-Gadson would be honoured with the Dominica Honour Award during her visit to the island shortly after the Olympics. The formal recognition took place during the National Parade, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation, and all honorees were celebrated for their contributions to Dominica.
The Dominica Honour Award is presented annually during the Independence Day Rally to individuals who have significantly impacted the nation’s landscape. This year, LaFond-Gadson was one of 18 Dominicans and international honorees recognized. The award was presented by Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, in a ceremony that highlighted LaFond-Gadson’s exceptional achievements and the pride she has inspired across the nation.
Speaking to the media after receiving the award, LaFond-Gadson expressed that the honour was her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraged young Dominicans to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion.
The celebration of LaFond-Gadson’s accomplishments does not end with Sunday’s parade. A luncheon hosted by a private sector organization was scheduled for Monday in her honour, extending the nation’s gratitude for her contributions. Her recognition comes in addition to being named a Sports Ambassador two months ago, along with receiving a $400,000 gift and a land grant from the government.
Prime Minister Skerritt, in his address, acknowledged the immense pride that LaFond-Gadson has brought to Dominica, calling her achievements a source of inspiration for the entire nation. With her historic Olympic victory and her continued dedication to her country, Thea LaFond-Gadson has undoubtedly secured her place as a Dominican icon.
Alfred grateful for continued recognition after Olympic success in Paris
St. Lucian Olympic champion Julien Alfred is grateful to continue to receive recognition for her historic achievements at the Paris Olympics in August.
On Wednesday, the 23-year-old took home the award of best female athlete of Paris 2024 at the Association of National Olympic Committee (ANOC) Awards ceremony held in Cascais, Portugal.
Alfred stormed to a historic 100m gold medal in Paris, the first Olympic medal in St. Lucia’s history.
“It’s truly an amazing feeling getting the love and support. I was not expecting so many praises, tonight especially, but it’s an amazing feeling knowing that my sacrifices and hard work are being celebrated and I’m truly grateful for it,” Alfred said after receiving her award.
She also spoke of her status as a role model for youngsters in St. Lucia and the importance of making them feel like nothing is impossible once you work towards it.
“It’s truly inspiring. Growing up, I looked at Usain Bolt and Levern Spencer, one of my countrywomen, but to be able to be standing here inspiring the youth is something that I’ve always dreamt of and it makes me feel like all my hard work is paying off,” she said.
“Now it’s time to continue to inspire the nation and the youth that no matter where you’re from, you can always work towards your dream,” she added.
Another history maker, Botswana’s 200m Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, took home the award for best male athlete at Paris 2024.
The award for best male team went to Denmark Handball while the best female team went to Italy Volleyball.
The best male team in individual sports award went to Japan Artistic Gymnastics while the female award went to Great Britain Track Cycling.
Austria’s Lukas Mahr and Lara Vadlau took home the award for best mixed team while Chinese six-time Olympic Table Tennis champion Ma Long and New Zealand’s eight-time Olympic gold medallist in canoeing Lisa Carrington took home the male and female outstanding career awards, respectively.
Julien Alfred named Best Female Athlete of Paris 2024 by ANOC
St Lucia’s sprint sensation Julien Alfred has been awarded the prestigious Best Female Athlete of the Paris 2024 Olympics by the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). Alfred, who dominated the 100m event with a lifetime-best 10.72 seconds, was present to receive the accolade at a grand ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, honoring standout athletes from the 2024 Olympic Games.
Alfred, 23, delivered a spectacular performance at the Paris Games, capturing gold in the women’s 100m final and securing a silver in the 200m with a time of 22.08 seconds. Her 100m victory, marked by a personal best, cemented her place as one of the fastest women in the world and brought home an Olympic gold medal for St. Lucia, a historic achievement for the Caribbean nation.
The St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) congratulated Alfred on her win, expressing pride in her accomplishments and the impact she continues to have on young athletes across the island. “We extend heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Julien Alfred on being awarded this remarkable accolade. We hope her continued successes inspire present and future athletes,” the SLOC stated, emphasizing Alfred’s role in representing St. Lucia on the global stage.
With this award, Alfred joins an elite group of Olympic athletes celebrated for their dedication and excellence, marking a significant moment for her career and St. Lucian sports. Her achievements in Paris underscore her status as one of the brightest stars in athletics, inspiring fans worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Games.
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