Jamaican Olympians Rajindra Campbell, Wayne Pinnock, and Shanieka Ricketts have expressed heartfelt gratitude and renewed determination after being celebrated at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) Olympic Salute, held at the Terra Nova Hotel on Saturday night. The event not only honoured their historic achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics but also unveiled plans that promise to make their Olympic journeys smoother in the future.

Campbell, who made history as Jamaica’s first Olympic medalist in the shot put with a bronze-medal throw of 22.15m, received JMD$1 million for his remarkable feat. He described the evening as a pivotal moment that brought closure to his Olympic experience.

“Last night (Saturday) was special. I definitely feel like now that the ceremony has taken place, I can say the Olympic experience is now complete,” Campbell said.

“The plans for the next four years motivate me to get back into it and prepare with the relaxation that I won’t be fighting an uphill battle like I have been for the past couple of years. A lot of athletes like myself will benefit from the adjustments, preparations, and plans from the JOA. It’s definitely a tremendous feeling, and I appreciated the experience, the love, support, and what the JOA has done.”

Pinnock, who claimed silver in the long jump, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of being recognized not just as an Olympian but as a medalist.

“Last night (Saturday) at the Olympic Salute was an honour beyond words. Being a part of this incredible celebration, as both an Olympian and a medalist, is a moment I will cherish forever,” Pinnock said on Instagram.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, my coach Travis (Geopfert), my agent Henry Rolle, and my PR manager Khimani Clarke, all of whom have been integral to my success.” Pinnock was awarded JMD$1.5 million for his stellar performance in Paris.

For Ricketts, who also won silver in the triple jump and became the first Jamaican woman to medal in the event at the Olympics, the recognition was particularly meaningful as her family was there to share in the moment.

“I had a fabulous time at the JOA Olympic Salute last night. It was truly heartwarming to be honored at home, especially with my family present to share the experience,” she said. Like Pinnock, Ricketts was awarded JMD$1.5 million for her achievement.

The evening was not only a celebration of their successes but also a launch pad for future growth. JOA Secretary General Ryan Foster announced a JMD$250 million investment plan for the next Olympic cycle, which includes funding for athlete scholarships, equipment grants, coaching development, and travel support.

For the Olympians, the acknowledgment and the unveiled initiatives were affirmations of their hard work and dedication. With the financial and structural support promised for the future, Campbell, Pinnock, and Ricketts expressed optimism about what lies ahead, motivated to continue pushing boundaries and making Jamaica proud on the world stage.