Honoured Jamaica Olympians (l-r) Winthrop Graham, Debbie Byfield-Russell, Brigitte Foster-Hylton and Ian Weakly with their trophies at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston on Tuesday night.
Yardie Sports
Debbie Byfield-Russell expressed heartfelt gratitude after being honoured along with three other Olympians at a special ceremony dubbed “Beyond the Podium: Recognizing our Olympians and Team Champions," held at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston on Tuesday night. The event celebrated the achievements of Byfield-Russell, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Winthrop Graham, and Ian Weakly.
Byfield-Russell, who competed for Jamaica at the 1972 Olympics in Munich as a member of the 4x100 relay team and retired in 1980, was moved by the recognition. Reflecting on the honour, she told Sportsmax.TV, “I don’t care how long it took as long as it’s done. I appreciate it so very much because when I think about how many people of the seven billion in the world get to be an Olympian, it’s kind of special."
Foster-Hylton, a three-time World Championship medalist, who represented Jamaica at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games, was also honoured. Winthrop Graham, the silver medallist in the 400m hurdles at the 1992 Games in Barcelona, and Ian Weakly, who competed in the 400m hurdles at the 2000 and 2012 Olympic Games, were among the celebrated athletes.
In addition to the Olympians, JAAA President Garth Gayle, Timekeeper Winston Harvey, JAAA Executive Member Dennis May, and JAAA and ISSA Competitions Officer Ewan Scott were honoured for their contributions to athletics in Jamaica.
Byfield-Russell’s athletic journey began at White Marl Primary School in St Catherine and continued at Excelsior High School, where she won the 100m and 200m at the Girls Championships in 1972. She went on to represent Jamaica at various international events, including the 1971 and 1975 Pan American Games, the Carifta Games, and the 1978 Commonwealth Games. She continued to compete for Jamaica until her retirement in 1980.
After retiring from athletics, Byfield-Russell pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Physiology with a minor in Nutrition from California State University in Hayward in 1994. She became a founding member of the Jamaica Olympians Association in California and served on the board of the Excelsior Alumni in Florida, contributing significantly to the community.
Reflecting on her time abroad, she said, “I went to school, I worked, I teach exercise, I am a grandmother, those things take up my time. I lived in California for a long time and was a founding member of the Jamaica Association of Northern California there. I moved to Florida eventually and I was there for 20 years and was on the board of the Excelsior Alumni. We worked hard, we gave a lot of money to DASH; I’ve been involved.”
DASH (Discipline, Ambition, Scholarship and Honour) Athletics is an organization past students of Excelsior High School that runs the school’s track and field programme. Byfield also helps fund Excelsior’s teams to the annual Penn Relays in the United States.
Having lived abroad for 52 years, Byfield-Russell returned to Jamaica two years ago and now resides in Mandeville. She shared her joy about moving back home, saying, “(It’s been) wonderful, won-der-ful. I get to be in the market, rub shoulders with my people and just enjoying myself. I am having a really good time. I am enjoying the weather there and also the peace and quiet.”
Her story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Olympians and their continuous contributions to their communities, even long after their athletic careers have ended.
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas reveals career-saving surgery, eyes return to top form
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas, a promising talent who has seen his career hampered by injuries, on Sunday revealed that he underwent surgery on October 21 to address a persistent foot issue. The procedure, known as an osteophytectomy, involved the removal of a bone spur that had been causing severe discomfort and pain in his Achilles tendon and lower heel, limiting his ability to train and perform at his best.
Thomas, who has made significant strides in his athletic career despite facing recurring injuries, expressed gratitude for the medical support he’s received. Under the guidance of Dr. John Thompson, a specialist who has overseen his rehabilitation since March, Thomas has worked through rigorous physical therapy and orthopedic care to manage his injury. However, as the pain continued to affect his performance, surgery became necessary to give him the best chance at a full recovery.
“This past year working with Dr. Thompson has been monumental,” Thomas shared on social media. “Since March, Dr. Thompson’s overseeing of my injury through physical therapy, orthopedic care, and lastly surgical procedure has been a driving force in allowing me to finish the previous season and set myself up for a new future. I am thankful.”
The 24-year-old hurdler, who specializes in the 110m and 60m hurdles, has a decorated history in athletics. A former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout, Thomas won the 2021 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdle title, setting a school record and becoming the fifth-fastest hurdler in NCAA history. In 2018, he equaled the junior world record of 12.99 seconds in the 110m hurdles, a feat that positioned him as one of the most promising young hurdlers globally. Thomas also represented Jamaica at the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 13.39 seconds in the 110m hurdles.
In early 2024, Thomas was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Despite his impressive achievements, ongoing injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential on the international stage.
With the surgery now behind him, Thomas is focused on recovery and a strong comeback. His determination to overcome setbacks highlights his commitment to his sport, and fans are hopeful that the procedure will enable him to return to peak form in the coming season.
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.
'A true honour': Long jumper Wayne Pinnock hails CWC Foundation fundraising gala a testament to the power of community support
Jamaica’s rising long jump star, Wayne Pinnock, expressed deep gratitude and pride at being among the main cast at the Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation Fundraising Gala held on the Seafair Luxury Yacht in Miami on Friday.
Pinnock, who recently took the track and field world by storm with his silver medal performances at the 2023 World Championship and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was among an illustrious group of Caribbean athletes that gathered on the yacht to play their part in empowering communities and creating positive change.
The 24-year-old Pinnock was joined by Jamaican sprint legends Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson, rising star Charokee Young, and Bahamian sprint hurdler Devynne Charlton. Together, they represented the strength, resilience, and achievements of Caribbean athletes on the global stage.
Speaking warmly about the event, dubbed an evening of elegance and philanthropy, Pinnock shared how honored he felt to participate in the gala, which raised crucial funds for causes close to his heart.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to this amazing event and for using me as an inspiration for the elegance and philanthropy gala. Being able to attend such a stunning event in support of an important cause was a true honour,” Pinnock said in a social media post.
The Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation has long been committed to supporting education, healthcare, and community projects across the Caribbean.
For Pinnock and his fellow athletes, the foundation’s mission resonates deeply, as they fully understand the importance of giving back and the impact that support can have on young people’s lives.
In fact, he pointed out that the gala was more than an evening of glamour—it was a reminder of his journey, a celebration of the Caribbean spirit, and a powerful opportunity to give back to the region that shaped him.
“Warmth, vision, and a common dedication to supporting Caribbean athletes as they strive for their Olympic aspirations characterized the remarkable evening. I’m incredibly appreciative of the chance to be around these driven, committed people. Once again, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of this night that will never be forgotten and for your dedication to changing the world,” Pinnock noted.
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