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As Bolt wins, Jamaica erupts
FALMOUTH, JAMAICA: Traffic came toast and still and thousands stood in muddy puddles after a heavy storm, but Usain Bolt had won so it was time to party.
FALMOUTH, JAMAICA: Traffic came toast and still and thousands stood in muddy puddles after a heavy storm, but Usain Bolt had won so it was time to party.
The national green and yellow colours dominated streets as people poured out to watch the Rio Olympics 100m on giant screens.
It was cool and there was a slight drizzle, but nothing could put a damper on the island’s festivities.
As Bolt struck his familiar lightning pose, Jamaicans blew whistles and horns and banged metal pot covers.
They gathered in towns centres like Half Way Tree in Kingston, Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay and Falmouth, near where Bolt was born and developed as a runner into the global star.
Traffic halted in Sam Sharpe Square with spectators standing in puddles of water left from a heavy afternoon shower--without even seeming to notice -- as they stretched to see a giant screen on the side of a building.
“The greatest ever,” said one man, who gave his name as Charlie. “He is the best. He can’t stop running now, he must go on.”
With tears running down her face Sonia Brown, a hotel worker from neighbouring Hanover parish, was still dressed in her uniform. She chanted “Usain, Usain, Usain” while intermittently blowing on a long red plastic Vuvuzela horn.
Strangers hugged and celebrated and not a single person admitted they had any doubt she would win.
But there was a collective gasp as he came out of the blocks behind American rival Justin Gatlin. By the time Bolt had caught the field at the mid point, the cheering had started and by the time he crossed the line, the party was in full swing.
