25°C
As they say in Grenada, ‘Jab must play’ for Kirani James, who has added a third Olympic medal to his collection, this time bronze at the Men’s 400m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
He finished the race in third place with a time of 44.19 seconds.
Celebrations have broken out in his hometown, Gouyave, where residents dressed in the country’s national colours converged on the streets to recognise Kirani’s achievement.
Residents sang the national anthem, many overcome with emotions before returning to joyous celebrations and pretend races.
Video via Facebook
James, 28, nicknamed the Jaguar is Grenada’s only Olympic medallist. He won the island’s first Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games and then silver at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Prime Minister of Grenada Dr Keith Mitchell in a Facebook post says Kirani James is Grenada’s champion:
“I am extremely proud of your performance this morning in the final of the 400 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. You earned bronze but in our hearts, it’s as good as gold. To get there, you crossed many hurdles, overcame numerous challenges, you are indeed a champion, our champion and we are proud. Congratulations!!”
The Ministry of Sports in Grenada also congratulated Kirani James on winning his third Olympic medal and putting Grenada on the map again.
“Brilliant representation. So gracious to his competitors. So humble. Exemplary sportsmanship.
He is the first male athlete to win three successive Olympic medals in the 400 metres becoming the most decorated 400m Olympian in history. Unprecedented. A tremendous achievement.
WE ARE IMMENSELY PROUD!”
On Twitter, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart also let James know that the World's Best vacation is waiting for him.
“Worlds Best” performance by Steven Gardiner of The #Bahamas 🇧🇸 & Kirani James of #Grenada 🇬🇩 in the 400M final.
— Adam Stewart (@AdamStewart) August 5, 2021
As the #Caribbeans voted “Worlds Best” resort chain we got you w/ complimentary vacays when the Olympics is over in full VIP style back home. #TeamCaribbeanpic.twitter.com/lKzCLWdzQf
Online there was also an outpouring of love and pride for James from his fellow countrymen.
One Facebook commenter wrote:
“You NEVER disappoint me!!!! You could have been 1st or 9th I would be beaming with pride. Thank you for your dedication, poise, and determination even when the odds are stacked against you. Continue to show us its God not man.....your mom is smiling proudly at the attributes she has given her son. FOREVER my GRENADIAN hero 473 forever.”
On Twitter, reactions from Grenadians were priceless:
“Naming my first son Kirani. He better run out the womb with the same speed.”
“I feel to cry no lie lol. Kirani really bounced back from his sickness and was able to capture AN OLYMPIC MEDAL. We could never!”
Right now, Kirani is the champ cause 3 medals back to back Olympics …. Collecting his 3rd after battling Graves’ Disease and Laying his mom to rest????
— 🇬🇩 Olympic JabJab Champion 🇬🇩 (@_KaiiB_) August 5, 2021
Champ🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩🇬🇩
The Grenada Olympic Commitee also thanked Kirani James for flying the flag high.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram