WESTERN BUREAU:
Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St James, was transformed into a mini-stadium yesterday as scores of sport enthusiasts turned up to watch televised performances of the Jamaican athletes in Berlin, Germany.
They were among those gathered at the western leg of Digicel's 'Gold Concert' hosted in recognition of the country's success at the 12th IAAF World Championships.
It was sheer excitement during the men's and women's 4x100 relays, both won by the Jamaican teams. Old and young alike jumped in jubilation as they watched the events.
Ecstatic and elated
"I'm ecstatic and elated! We had to get the gold," Renea McFarlene told The Sunday Gleaner about 1:10 p.m. shortly after Simone Facey, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Aleen Bailey and Kerron Stewart ran 42.08 seconds to take gold in their race.
Later at 1:50 p.m., it was time for the men's team, which included double 2009 world champion and record-holder Usain Bolt, to compete.
Loud cheers erupted whenever images of the 23-year-old iconic athlete flashed across the television screens the sound of the starter's gun.
"We gone a lead!" shouted popular St James-based policeman District Constable Winston 'Chaw-fine' Campbell, as Asafa Powell anchored the team to victory. The men's relay team was completed by Steve Mullings and Michael Frater.
Live performances
Montegonians were also treated to live performances by Digicel Rising Stars alumni Nickeisha Barnes, Inga Stewart, Romeo J and Angele Smith. They preceded performances from entertainers Wayne Marshall, Tami Chynn and Busy Signal.
"The performance of our athletes in Berlin is amazing and we want to celebrate with Jamaica and send a message of congratulations to all of our athletes with these concerts," said Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, in a release.
Even Busy Signal, born Reano Gordon, is 'eyeing' a career change - obviously buoyed by the accomplishments of the Jamaican athletes - to track and field.
"Right now, me feel like me waan turn athlete to," he jokingly told the crowd during his performance.