Olivia Grange

Come March 1, and continuing to mid-July, the government through an initiative via the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, athletes who have qualified or are on the brink of qualification for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, will receive J$20,000 per week towards their preparation, to be disbursed on a monthly basis.

The cash is to assist the athletes to offset costs relating to coaching and training, transportation, physiotherapy and massage therapy, nutrition, and other associated needs. In addition, the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Plan (JAIP) is available to assist with medical treatments that the athletes may require.

Minister Olivia Grange made the announcement on Sunday evening at the unveiling of the statue in honour of four-time Olympian and two-time world-record holder Asafa Powell at Independence Park in Kingston.

However, there is a catch.

“The athletes selected to benefit from this programme must be certified by the local governing body for the sporting discipline to which they belong as well as by the National Olympic Committee and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA),” Minister Grange said.

She said her ministry was in the process of finalising the details of the programme in consultation with the respective national sports federations.

“The success of this programme will be dependent on input and information provided by the national sports governing bodies and so look forward to their full cooperation in this regard,” he said.

“We already know that within gymnastics and aquatics, there are athletes that have achieved the qualifying standard and, of course, our track and field athletes will also be on show in Tokyo, but we continue to cheer on and give support to our hopefuls in boxing, karate, canoeing, rugby, table tennis and rowing.”

Gayle, who was the Honorary Secretary of the JAAA for two decades, replaced Dr Warren Blake who stepped down after two four-year terms. Gayle defeated Olympic Quarrie in a landslide winning 236 delegate votes to Quarrie’s 28.

Marie Tavares will fill Gayle’s former position, after defeating Anthony Davis while Leroy Cooke is the Director of Records.

Ian Forbes was elected unopposed as First Vice President, as were second Vice President Lincoln Eatmon, Third Vice President Olympian Michael Frater and Fourth Vice President Vilma Charlton. Ludlow Watts returns as Treasurer while Brian Smith will be Assistant Secretary.

In her congratulatory message, Minister Grange said she was expecting great things from the new administration.

“As I offer my congratulations to Garth and those on his slate for the success in the elections yesterday, I say Jamaica is looking forward to the best performance over the next four years in the best interests of the country’s track and field athletes,” she said.

“There is a lot to be done in the further development of the sport and as the Minister of Sport, I am right here in the middle to give my support to the new administration.

“I am also hoping that with the elections out of the way, all will work together to build on Jamaica’s long, proud and wonderful record of performance in track and field.”

The full executive of the new JAAA administration also include committee members Keith Wellington, Heleen Francis, Julette Parkes-Livermore, Ewan Scott, Judith Ewart, Fedrick Dacres, Dr Carl Bruce and Gregory Hamilton.

The minister made the appeal during Tuesday’s launch of the event at the National Stadium in Kingston, which hosted the 49^th Carifta Games that concluded on Monday.

“Between May 2 and 4 we will have the Eastern Championships at Stadium East to start us off, followed by the Central Championships between May 9 and11 at the GC Foster College, then the Western Championships at STETHS between May 12 and14 culminating with the grand finale, the inaugural staging of the National Athletics Junior Championships for Boys and Girls in the National Stadium from May 26 to May 28,” the minister said in outlining the schedule for the build-up to the championships. 

 “I am making an appeal to the private sector to provide sponsorship for these Championships in the same way support is given to the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships. There will be as many as 500 participating schools and so I am inviting the private sector to come on board now with support for the primary-level event.”

The minister said the government has invested a lot in the development of sports in the country but it is unable to go it alone, hence the need for additional support for the championship that has proven to be the crucible from which so many of Jamaica’s athletic stars have emerged.

“Over time, the Government has invested millions of dollars at the primary school level in track and field and (Institute of Sports) INSPORTS can take credit for laying the foundation on which the careers of many of our outstanding athletes have been built,” she said.

“Athletes the likes of World and Olympic 100m gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Olympic and World 400m hurdles champion Melaine Walker, Olympic bronze medalist, Warren Weir, 2008 Olympic 100m silver and 200m bronze medalist Kerron Stewart, CARIFTA Games Under-17 200m champion and record-holder Jazeel Murphy, and 2007 World Youth 200m champion Ramone McKenzie and many others.

“More recent stand-out athletes to have competed at Primary School Champs have been Christopher Taylor, Tyreke Wilson, Raheem Chambers and Brianna Lyston. In the just-concluded CARIFTA Games, Jamaica won a record 92 medals. It begins at INSPORTS.”

Running on the back-stretch, Fraser-Pryce reported suffered a hamstring strain early into the leg but risking even greater injury, still managed to get the baton to Sashalee Forbes so that Jamaica was able to complete the relay.

Put in a disadvantageous position, Shericka Jackson on anchor was unable to overhaul 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson on the anchor leg.

The Jamaican minister, who is in Budapest, was impressed by Fraser-Pryce’s courage in the face of great personal injury.

 "Shelly, regarded by many as the greatest woman sprinter of all time, demonstrated another aspect of her greatness today (Saturday) when she suffered a muscle strain during the race but pushed on in spite of to safely hand off the baton, ensuring our medal,” the minister said.

"All of Jamaica hails you Shelly and we are grateful for your feat of seeing it through for the country despite the pain you must have been feeling. We are praying for your full and speedy recovery."

Following the race, Fraser-Pryce’s teammates rushed to the medical facility to support the veteran sprinter, who despite nursing a knee injury won bronze in the 100m final on last Monday to win her 15^th medal at the World Championships.

The relay silver medal is her 16^th and makes her Jamaica’s most decorated athlete – male or female – at the championships that began in 1983.

Minister Grange expressed full support for the Invitational, highlighting its importance in providing athletes with a platform to assess their status and make necessary adjustments ahead of upcoming competitions, including the Olympics.

"This Invitational Silver Continental Category Meet, as per World Athletics Standard, will allow athletes and coaches to accurately assess their status and make the necessary adjustments to achieve the preferred results in good time for the upcoming Olympics," Minister Grange stated.

She emphasized the significance of hosting international athletes from the Caribbean, United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie among participants.

Minister Grange extended a warm welcome to all athletes and emphasized the dual focus on performance and positive social interactions during the meet.

"Competitions of this calibre force all athletes to participate at peak performance while forging positive social interactions and camaraderie. So while great focus will be placed on the performances, an after party awaits you," Minister Grange added enthusiastically.

The Jamaica Athletics Invitational Meet has already confirmed participation from international stars such as World Indoor Champion Julien Alfred of St Lucia, Dina Asher Smith from Great Britain, 2022 World 100m champion Fred Kerley, Trayvon Brommel, and rising triple jump star Jaydon Hibbert.

With the support from the Sports Development Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational promises to be an electrifying event, showcasing top-tier athletic talent and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship and competition.

“Let the games begin!” the Jamaican sports minister declared.

Campbell, who has since retired from track and field, suffered a near death experience at the Millrose Games in February 2019. The now 29-year-old collapsed after stepping off the track in New York where he was the pace-setter for the men’s 3000m at the indoor meet.

He was rushed to the nearby Intensive Care Unit at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Hospital. He was eventually fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and later with a pacemaker after suffering another scare a year later.

His medical bills amounted to hundreds of thousands of US dollars. He had managed to pay a portion of the bill but a substantial balance had remained.

That balance has now been settled by the Jamaican government.

Minister Olivia Grange announced on Wednesday that the outstanding amount of just under USD$71,000 had been paid off.

According to a statement from the ministry, the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Plan paid USD$ 31,677 towards the settlement of his medical bill while Campbell also paid an amount through his personal insurance but there was still an outstanding balance.

“The Ministry felt duty bound to assist Kemoy,” Minister Grange said.

“He has performed well for Jamaica and in fact, as we know, he fell ill on the track. And so, the least we could do to show appreciation and gratitude to him was to assist in his time of need.”

Campbell was overwhelmed by the gesture from the government.

“My family and I would like to sincerely thank Minister Grange for helping me with my medical bills, he said.

“After my second incident in March 2020, the minister reached out to me and told me that I shouldn’t worry about the bills as she was willing to help me pay for my medical expenses following my surgery.

“This meant so much to me because my hospital stay and surgery were very expensive. Knowing that the minister and Jamaica were there for me during this tough time helped me get through the months following. I really appreciate everything that the minister and Jamaica have done for me and will always be grateful.”

Meantime, Minister Grange used the opportunity to encourage other athletes to sign up for the insurance scheme.

“I am happy that through the JAIP and the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) we were able to give Kemoy the level of assistance that concluded the settlement of his medical bills and that he is doing well,” she said.

“I continue to encourage athletes to sign up for the JAIP and maintain contact with the  Sport Division of the Ministry to ensure that their health and welfare matters are in order.”

Minister Grange disclosed that each athlete who qualifies this weekend will receive JMD$360,000. "For nutrition and just to help them to get ready," Grange stated, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and support for the athletes. This financial boost aims to cover essential needs such as nutrition, training, and other preparatory activities critical for peak performance.

Furthermore, Minister Grange announced an additional incentive for the athletes and their support teams. "After the Olympics, we have set JMD$50 million aside," she said. "So after the Olympics, the athletes will receive funds, those who medal, those who didn’t medal and even the supporting team, everybody will get a little something," she said, crucially recognizing the collective effort required to compete at the highest level.

The announcement comes just days before the Jamaica National Championships, scheduled to take place from June 27-30, 2024, at the National Stadium in Kingston. This event will be a crucial opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Paris Olympics, with the new financial support adding an extra layer of motivation.

As the National Championships approach, athletes and their support teams can now look forward to the prospect of competing on the world stage in Paris with the backing of their government, further fueling their drive to succeed.

She retires with a collection of eight Olympic medals, three of them gold, and 13 World Championship medals, including five gold. She has broken 11 seconds for 100m on 49 occasions – a tally beaten only by sprint legends Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Merlene Ottey.

Reacting to the news of her retirement, President of the JOA Christopher Samuda, said he applauded VCB for her enduring legacy.

“Veronica Campbell-Brown has announced her retirement from the sport of athletics but will remain active as an exemplar of the best in track and field.

“ A life in sport dedicated to service to her country with self-sacrificial love which earned her indisputable credentials on the track. More than the gold she garnered at several international events was her commitment to pioneer for the good of successive generations,” he said.

“Her value transcends her admirable imprints on the track and resides in the invaluable lessons she has taught and will give to those who have the courage to follow in her strides Her Olympic career, particularly her 200m achievements, is an example to aspiring athletes and many Jamaicans will recall her victories in Athens and Beijing Olympic Games which captured hearts and ignited national pride.”

Minister Grange, who was responsible for having a statue of Campbell-Brown mounted at the National Stadium in Kingston, in recent years, said the champion sprinter deserves all the praise for an incredible career.

“Veronica Campbell-Brown is Jamaica’s most decorated female athlete; we cannot praise her enough for her outstanding performances. The fact that she has won three Olympic gold medals, three world championships gold medals and she has had so many other awards to her name, being nominated by me for the UNESCO Champion for Sport because of her interest in women in sports.

The fact that she has established her own foundation to help young athletes and those who are vulnerable. The fact that Veronica has conducted herself in a manner that one can only think of a dignified woman when you think of Veronica Campbell-Brown.

“And so she is most deserving of all the accolades and praises that will be showered on her. I wish her well in her retirement. I wish her success in her business ventures, in working on her brand, and her merchandising and to be able to market herself as effectively as she made Jamaica proud.”

In the wake of his passing, Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda and Jamaica’s Minister of Sport Olivia Grange have expressed their heartfelt condolences to Rhoden’s family, friends, and the wider athletic community.

President Samuda reflected on Rhoden’s life with admiration, highlighting his commitment, resilience, and the pride he took in representing Jamaica on the global stage.

“A life lived nobly and with national pride on the track. A Morgan State University alumnus, who studied and learnt lessons of commitment, resilience, and excellence which he exemplified in his golden exploits in the Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games and preceding Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. A Jamaican who understood the value of legacy creation in sport as a critical element of nation building," Samuda said.

He emphasized that Rhoden's life and achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes, illustrating that greatness is within reach for those who are determined.

"Olympian George Rhoden has bequeathed, generously, to the athletic world a script that we can become what we will ourselves to be and that in any endeavour your footprints will blueprint the length and greatness of your stride," Samuda added.

"My heartfelt regrets to his family who mourn his passing amidst a celebration of a life characterized by values in sport and a pilgrimage on the track, the end of which will continue to inspire the beginning of many a journey by youth."

Minister Grange also paid tribute to Rhoden, recognizing his pivotal role in Jamaican track and field history and his enduring impact on the sport.

“It’s so sad that Vincent George Rhoden, the last of the celebrated quartet that won the gold medal for Jamaica in the mile relay at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, has left us,” Minister Grange said.

She recalled the historic victory of Rhoden and his teammates Herb McKenley, Les Laing, and Arthur Wint in Helsinki, where they not only won gold but set a new world record in the process.

“The team of George Rhoden, Herb McKenley, Les Laing, and Arthur Wint took the gold in world record-breaking time in Helsinki. This they did after their disappointment in the London Olympics in 1948 when Arthur Wint pulled up in the race. Of note also is the fact that before the relay, George had beaten his close friend, Herb McKenley, to win the gold medal in the 400m,” Grange reflected.

Minister Grange also pointed out Rhoden’s significant achievements prior to the Olympics, including his world record in the 400m in 1950, a performance that set the stage for Jamaica’s future successes in track and field.

“There is no doubt that Vincent George Rhoden played his part in paving the way for future generations of Jamaican track athletes, who have certainly not let him down,” she said.

 Expressing her condolences, she added, “My most sincere condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and associates. A sprinter par excellence but whose long life was more like a marathon. Rest in peace, Vincent George Rhoden.”

George Rhoden’s passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican athletics, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of athletes as they strive to emulate his achievements and uphold the proud tradition of Jamaican excellence on the track.

Grange, the Minister of Gender, Culture, Entertainment and Sport, was speaking at a welcome-home ceremony for Thompson-Herah at the VIP room at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Thompson-Herah, the 2016 Rio Olympic champion in the 100m and 200m, became the first woman to defend both titles at the same Olympic Games when she won the 100m in an Olympic record of 10.61 and then the 200m in a new national record of 21.53.

She would go on to win a third gold medal as a member of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team that set a new national record of 41.02, the third-fastest time in history.

Two weeks later, she would lower her 10.61 lifetime best to 10.54 in Eugene, Oregon before reeling of time of 10.64, 10.72 and 10.65, the latter occurring at the Diamond League final in Zurich on September 9 where she was crowned Diamond League 100m champion. In doing so, she became the first woman to run four wind-legal times under 10.70, eclipsing the previous record of three set by the polarizing Florence Griffith-Joyner of the United States.

In recognition of her outstanding performances for Jamaica, Thompson-Herah is to be conferred with the Order of Distinction during the National Heroes Day Honour Awards set for October 18, and as Minister Grange revealed on Wednesday, she will now carry a diplomatic passport.

“We will not be able to do the big splash we would want to but we will still have an event that will say to Jamaica and the world and (the athletes) that we appreciate them and that we love them,” Minister Grange said while revealing plans to celebrate Jamaica’s successful Olympic team before her announcement aimed specifically at Thompon-Herah.

“Elaine, it was our honour to bestow on you the Order of Distinction in the Commander Class, it is our honour to ensure that you now carry a diplomatic passport. Wherever you go in the world, you will be treated appropriately.”

In accepting, the double-triple Olympic champion said her success this season has come about because of the hard work she put in and a commitment to achieving her goals notwithstanding the challenges that came with managing her long-running Achilles injury.

She said the faster she ran the more she believed that the world record of 10.49 is well within reach.

 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the organisers in Tokyo released a joint statement on Tuesday revealing their decision to postpone the Olympics until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

 The virus has infected more than 400,000 across the globe and has killed approximately 19,000. It is against that background that the Games were postponed as the health and safety of the athletes and spectators were on paramount importance.

 Minister Grange, who oversees Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, said the country welcomed the decision.

 “We have received confirmation from the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government that the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed.  We accept this decision and we think it is a good move,” she said.

 “For one thing, it provides well-needed clarity for our athletes.

It is difficult to prepare for international competition in the best of times, so we can imagine how much more difficult it has been for them during this time of uncertainty.”

 The minister said the government had committed to providing stipends for athletes while they train for the Games under the Athlete Assistance Programme. 

However; “We will pay the sums up to the end of March as our athletes put their training programmes on hold,” she said.

“I know the disappointment that athletes feel, but I know they understand the reasons for the postponement.  

“We look forward to them resuming training and representing Jamaica with distinction when it is safe to do so.  At that time the Games will also be a celebration of humanity’s triumph over this virus.”

She encouraged the athletes to take steps to keep themselves safe by practising social distancing and washing their hands regularly with soap and water.

Olivia Grange,  Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, said it did not come as a surprise that Elaine Thompson-Herah would have won the prestigious award.

The 29-year-old Jamaican, who successfully defended both 100m and 200m titles she first won at Rio 2016 came out on top of a quality field of candidates that included the USA’s Sydney McLaughlin, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan and Venezuala’s Yulimar Rojas, to win her first AOY award.

“We expected it,” Minister Grange said in a statement.

“This nation is so happy for Elaine and proud of her for winning the top award for women in track and field for 2021. But she put her hands up with her performances in the Olympics and World Games. In fact, she has enjoyed one of the finest sprint seasons in history, retaining her 100m and 200m titles in 10.61 seconds and 21.53 seconds in Tokyo as well as adding another gold medal to her collection in the 4x100m relay, which she and her colleagues won in a national record time of 41.02 seconds.

“Elaine did not just stop there; in her first race after the Olympics, she won the 100m in a world-leading time of 10.54 seconds which makes her second on the all-time list for the 100m and 200m.”

The minister said Thompson-Herah joins two other Jamaican greats to have won the prestigious award from the sports’ world-governing body.

“ It is so great, Elaine now makes it a trio of Female Athletes of the Year for Jamaica; following in the footsteps of Merlene Ottey and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce,” Minister Grange said.

“We salute Elaine Thompson-Herah. She is just awesome!” 

 JOA President Christopher Samuda described the accomplishment as a reward for her outstanding year.

"The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) congratulates our Olympian, Elaine Thompson-Herah, for being selected Female Athlete of the Year by World Athletics," Samuda said in a statement.
"It is indeed an admirable accomplishment, the reward for exemplary performances and a testimony to her valour in transforming the challenges of a year bedevilled with the
pandemic into inspiring feats.

"The Jamaica Olympic Association salutes her and exhorts her to continue to be driven in her athletic pilgrimage of excellence." 

Meanwhile, Thompson-Herah said winning the coveted award was the best way to end her historic season. Posting on her social media pages, the fastest woman alive said, “Way to cap off a magnificent historic season with my first world Athletics athlete of the year award.

“I am just amazed with how the Lord piloted me throughout this year.”

She expressed gratitude to her supporters and sponsors who were behind her on the historic journey.”

“Thanks to all my sponsors @ncbjamaica @flowjamaica and @nike for your continued support. Thanks to all my longstanding supporters family, friends and fans always with me through the ups and downs love you all.”

According to Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Entertainment, Gender Affairs and Sports, the work on the throwing circle will be the beginning of renovation work that will start after the country’s Independence Day celebrations.

According to Minister Grange, General Manager of Independence Park Limited, Major Desmon Brown, has said there will also be a complete overlay of the running track and work would be done on the run-ups for the long jump pit, the high jump and the pole vault.

“The work on the discus ring will commence this Thursday, February 27, 2020. The other aspects will start in August after the staging of the Grand Gala,” the minister said.

“On the completion of the works, IPL will seek certification by the JAAA.”

Meanwhile, the IPL General Manager said that the upgrading work falls in line plans by the minister for the overall proposed development of the National Stadium to include state-of-the-art facilities for the field events. “Throwing circles are a part of the facilities that will be installed,” Major Brown said.

Major Brown said also that IPL had been working with ISSA from early January 2020 to ensure that all will be in place for 2020 ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls Athletics Championships.

Attention to the bothersome throwing circle was once again brought to the public’s attention last weekend when 2019 World Championship silver medallist Fedrick Dacres withdrew from the discus competition at the Isaac Henry Invitational.

“I am extremely disappointed and it is very annoying to know that we come to compete and they do not have a suitable throwing surface inside our National Stadium. As throwers, we cannot glide inside the circle as there is no friction there, and I can’t believe this is how they are treating us as throwers,” Dacres said.

The refurbishing work was carried out by German company BSW, who laid the previous surface in 2010.

The installation of the previous track in Kingston was completed in March 2011 and was expected to last for at least 10 years in line with international standards.

According to AthleticsBusiness, most modern tracks are built in three layers: a paved asphalt substrate, a rubber performance layer and a textured rubber top layer. Ideally, laser-levelling the asphalt to within a 3-mm tolerance is the first step toward making a consistent running surface across the entire oval. The middle layer can be poured on-site or manufactured in advance and delivered to the site — the latter scenario ensures the greatest consistency in terms of thickness.

According to Minister Grange, most of that work has now been done and the rest should be completed within days.

“The resurfacing of the National Stadium track is 90 per cent complete. We are a few days behind due to rain, but the resurfacing will be completed by the middle of next week, after which, the marking of lanes and boxes will commence,” the minister told Jamaica’s Daily Gleaner.

She said that after the marking is completed, World Athletics will send a technician to test the track and issue the expected certification of the Class One track, the highest possible certification.

The Minister had announced in November 2020 that work on the stadium track was set to begin and that the work on the one in Montego Bay was scheduled for the 2021-2022 financial year. She had asked that the Sports Development Foundation treat the Catherine Hall Sports Complex as a priority for the next financial year which starts on April 1, 2021.

At the time, she said two factors would determine when the work gets going at the National Stadium; the first is that because the track has to be laid on a completely dried surface, it must await the end of seasonal rains.

The other factor is the ability of the manufacturers’ representatives, BSW of Germany, to come to Jamaica to supervise the project and this will depend on covid restrictions.

The resurfacing comes at an opportune time as Jamaica is expected to have its national championships in June to select a team to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan scheduled for July 23 – August 8.

Both projects will fall within the remit of a government maintenance program geared towards ensuring that money is set aside for upgrading the island's stadiums.  According to Grange, resurfacing work at the National Stadium is expected to begin “any time now, with Catherine Hall Sports Complex penciled in as a priority for the next year.

According to Grange two factors will determine when the work gets going at the National Stadium.  The first is the fact that the track has to be laid on a completely dried surface, and the process must therefore await the end of seasonal rains.  The other factor is the ability of the manufacturers' representatives, BSW of Germany, to leave Germany to come to Jamaica to supervise the project and that will depend on COVID restrictions.

“The material for the resurfacing of the Stadium track is on site. Upgrading after 10 years of usage is now necessary for the track to retain its Class 1 certification by World Athletics, formerly the International Association of Athletics Federations. The track was laid in 2010 with a projected lifespan of eight years. But because of maintenance and care we were able to extend it by another two years to 2020,” Grange said.

 “The Government is putting a maintenance/replacement program to ensure that there is money for upgrading stadiums. It is through such a plan for the National Stadium that we have money for a new track. Money was actually put aside for the National Stadium because of proper planning and going forward we will be using that approach for upgrading of the facilities.”

 This was announced by Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, who received the all-clear from Powell to move forward with plans to erect a monument in his honour at Independence Park at the National Stadium.

 The sprinter and his wife, Alyshia, signed off on the maquette during a recent call on Minister Grange.

 The Powells remarked that the sculptor got the details “just right.”

 Minister Grange said the “sign-off by Asafa is an extremely important part of the process” which has included months of discussions and review of models between the sculptor, Basil Watson, and the athlete.

 The bronze statue — to the scale of one and quarter life-size — is the last of four monuments in tribute to outstanding Jamaican sports stars that have been commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport under the Jamaica 55 Legacy Programme. 

 The statues of Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce and Veronica Campbell Brown have been completed and installed.

No Jamaican female athlete had ever taken home the prestigious award that began in 2000.

The Jamaican sprint queen won on the back of her historic achievements last summer when she became the first woman in Olympic history to win the 100/200m sprint double at consecutive Olympic Games and added a third gold medal to her trophy case when she ran the second leg of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team that won in a national record of 41.02.

She would go on to create even more history when she ran times of 10.54 to become the second-fastest woman of all time while winning the 100m in Eugene, Oregon, and then added times of 10.64 and 10.65 to be the only woman to run faster than 10.7 on four occasions.

Her achievements topped USA’s Allyson Felix (athletics), Australia’s Ashleigh Barty (tennis), Australia’s Emma McKeon (swimming) and USA’s Katie Ledecky and drew praise from the JAAA and the Jamaican government.

"Becoming the second Jamaican and the first female to win the prestigious Laureus Award is a significant achievement for Elaine and by extension Jamaica,” said Gayle.

“This is also a boost for women in track and field and other sports to aim for the highest. We are particularly proud of Elaine for her continuous achievements on and off the track. This definitely sets the tone for a great year for all our athletes.”

Meanwhile, in a missive from the United Kingdom where she will launch the Jamaica 60 programme of activities in the United Kingdom on Monday evening, Minister Grange said Thompson-Herah was most deserving of the honour of “best athlete in the world”.

“This latest success for the fastest woman alive is a tribute to Thompson-Herah’s hard work and sacrifice,” Minister Grange said.

Thompson-Herah is the second Jamaican to win the award. Usain Bolt, won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2017.