ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC -Grenada’s first Olympic medalist Kirani James was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived home Thursday evening for a weekend of celebrations following his historic feat in London earlier this month.
Hundreds of jubilant fans flocked the Maurice Bishop International Airport to welcome James who demolished a field of seven other competitors on August 6 to win gold in the 400 meters.
James arrived on a chartered flight from Barbados around 7 PM Eastern Caribbean time to be given a red carpet welcome.
“This gold medal didn’t just drop from the sky. The torch he has lit is a light that we all can see and we all must use ourselves to show others how they can get there” said Governor General Sir Carlisle Glean, who also hails from James west coast fishing town of Gouyave. “As a proud Gouyave man we congratulate Kirani for showing us that out of humbling beginnings great things can happen”. He was greeted by a delegation which included the Governor General, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, Sports Minister Patrick Simmons and his parents.
“It’s good to see the faces of everyone here and the pride being displayed” said the 19 year old who turns 20 on Saturday.
“It’s really humbling seeing everybody here and I am really looking forward to a weekend of celebration and you know I really want it to be a weekend of celebration and nothing else” . James arrived to a festive atmosphere on the airport highlighted by steelpan music on the inside, DJ music blasting on the outside and hundreds cheering and waving flags.
“Everything else…I wish everyone could throw it out the window,” said the quarter miler nicknamed “Jaguar”.
“Just do this for me and for the country. Enjoy this weekend and don’t worry about anything”.
Hundreds burst into loud cheers when James, dressed casually in black jeans, black shirt beneath an official Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) green blazer, stepped outside.
The country’s most celebrated athlete waved to the crowded, thanked them for the support and said he has been inspired to achieve greater things.
On Saturday, James will attend a ceremony at a Boulevard in St.George’s named in his honour, and participate in a round-the-island motorcade which will climax with a rally at the national stadium.
“This a very proud moment for all of us as Grenadians and a proud moment for the Eastern Caribbean too” said Prime Minister Thomas. “You have made an indelible mark in the sporting arena coming from such a small country .You have created enormous possibilities and opportunities for us as a nation and its up to us now to put the mechanism in place to benefit from what you have done for us” the Prime Minister added.
James Olympic gold medal was also the first for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean (OECS) sub grouping.
