Dear Editor,
I recall watching with pride as Jamaican swimmer and national record holder Alia Atkinson powered her way to a fourth place finish in the women’s 100m breaststroke competition at the London 2012 Olympics. It was a placing which far exceeded many of our expectations, so much so, it felt Jamaica had medalled in the event.
Against the backdrop of having to face a swim-off just to make the finals, a fourth-place finish in an event in which we are not celebrated, almost felt other worldly. Janelle Atkinson had started the movement a few years prior, and Alia had taken up the mantle. In both the swim-off and the finals, Alia recorded times of one minute and six seconds, times which she had never done prior to the 2012 Olympic Games. She proved herself then, a woman for the big occasion.
Two years later, this classy and rather exceptional Jamaican athlete blew our minds once more when she won gold at the Fina World Swimming Championships, recording a world record in the process. In so doing she became the first Jamaican and black woman to hold both the gold and the world record in a swimming event. Remarkable!
It has been four years since her memorable performances in 2012. Another final has passed, of which Alia was a part. Making the rounds were talks pertaining to her underperformance. Yes, like many, I too wanted Alia to medal. She did not. What she did, however, was to represent us with class, dignity and pride. She may not have an Olympic gold medal to show for such hard work, but Alia remains one of Jamaica’s gold. So true to the patriotic cause.
To Alia I say, hold your head high! We are proud of you. Jamaica stands with you. Shine on. Shine on.
Chris Ann
chrisannspals@gmail.com
I recall watching with pride as Jamaican swimmer and national record holder Alia Atkinson powered her way to a fourth place finish in the women’s 100m breaststroke competition at the London 2012 Olympics. It was a placing which far exceeded many of our expectations, so much so, it felt Jamaica had medalled in the event.
Against the backdrop of having to face a swim-off just to make the finals, a fourth-place finish in an event in which we are not celebrated, almost felt other worldly. Janelle Atkinson had started the movement a few years prior, and Alia had taken up the mantle. In both the swim-off and the finals, Alia recorded times of one minute and six seconds, times which she had never done prior to the 2012 Olympic Games. She proved herself then, a woman for the big occasion.
Two years later, this classy and rather exceptional Jamaican athlete blew our minds once more when she won gold at the Fina World Swimming Championships, recording a world record in the process. In so doing she became the first Jamaican and black woman to hold both the gold and the world record in a swimming event. Remarkable!
It has been four years since her memorable performances in 2012. Another final has passed, of which Alia was a part. Making the rounds were talks pertaining to her underperformance. Yes, like many, I too wanted Alia to medal. She did not. What she did, however, was to represent us with class, dignity and pride. She may not have an Olympic gold medal to show for such hard work, but Alia remains one of Jamaica’s gold. So true to the patriotic cause.
To Alia I say, hold your head high! We are proud of you. Jamaica stands with you. Shine on. Shine on.
Chris Ann
chrisannspals@gmail.com