Gareth Manning, Staff Reporter

Back-to-school shopping continued while the market vendors begged for customers yesterday afternoon even as Jamaican athletes in Berlin prepared to hunt gold medals in the 4x100 relays for men and women.

Maybe it was because Jamaica was no longer starved of golden victories, or maybe it was because for many shoppers it was a last chance to catch the bargains which are available on Saturdays in downtown Kingston.

But whatever the reason, many people went about their shopping even as it drew closer to the start of the golden run of the female 4x100 team.

Vivian Andrews had a television set in his stall on Beckford Street hooked up to loudspeaker boxes, but that seemed not to matter to passers-by.

National Anthem

However, for Andrews and his friends, nothing but Jamaica mattered as the athletes took to the bright-blue track.

"All when you hear the anthem, fi dem anthem no good like fi we," commented a Rastafarian who only identified himself as 'Rastafari Soldier' as he listened to the United States national anthem being played during the medal presentation for the men's 400 metres.

"But fi we anthem should a say Jamaica people we love instead of Jamaica land we love!" argued Andrews as he made the point that Jamaica had no better asset than its people.

The discussion abruptly came to a halt as the fabulous four women lined up for the big race.

"Race time now, Jesse!" a woman shouted as she ignored her customers so she could watch Simone Facey and company prepare for their date with destiny.

Finish line

Suddenly, the little stall became crowded as a vendors and shoppers stopped to catch a glimpse of the golden run.

"We want to get it back this time," said 34-year-old Winston Martin who paused his market shopping to watch the race. "US drop out! And we never get fi bun dem?" he questioned as he realised the US had not qualified for the final.

In just 42 seconds it was all over.

"It done! It done!" the crowd shouted as Kerron Stewart shot across the finish line to win the race for the Jamaican team.

"42.06!" Martin shouted. And members of the small crowd left with a smile as they continued their shopping.