Commentaries, Cricket, Local News

44.36 – Zurich – 8th September 2011

By Nigel.M. Frederick

If anyone thought the appearance of Grenadian Kirani James on the international athletic circuit, including his triumph in Daegu was a fluke, Kirani “Jaguar” James has himself recently dismissed any development of that idea. The teenager continues to calmly stamp his authority on the 400m following his most recent win in Zurich on Thursday 8th September 2011.

What is most remarkable about this, his latest success is; Kirani won in a faster time of 44.36, quicker than his Daegu time of 44.60. Plus, Kirani’s triumphs are beginning to resemble effortless “strolls-on-the-lance” for him in each men’s 400m he participates in. But, what has made Kirani’s Zurich 2011 win exceptionally special for many Grenadians and his fans is; “The Jaguar” had a huge Grenadian flag draped over him, as he autographed memorabilia following his sprint through Zurich’s Letzigrund stadium. In addition, Kirani’s recent time of 44.36 puts him in the lead of the Diamond League points table with 12 points ahead of American LaShawn Merritt, who finished second in a time of 44.67. Jamaican Jermaine Gonzales was third in 45.39 and Grenadian Rondell Bartholomew placed fourth in 45.43.

While Kirani’s composed temperament might be far different from the flamboyant, expressive exuberance of other world reknown Caribbean track athletes, Kirani is doing a remarkable job at consistently winning in a composed, almost dignified mode. Added to that, Kirani is simply being himself, (as he said), “comfortable in his own skin”, doing what he loves doing – running and winning , and able to accept accolades in a way that coincides with the common, humble disposition of most of the people of his homeland Grenada.

While Kirani’s accomplishments are his own, he continues to say, he is representing his country. And, that raises a question that was asked recently, following Kirani’s outstanding performance in Daegu. This time, the same question is raised in a slightly different manner. With the world looking at Kirani “Jaguar” James of Grenada, West Indies, is this not a fantastic time for Grenada’s Board of Tourism to produce a television promo to appropriately showcase Grenada and so encourage visitors to Grenada?

In the meantime, some Grenadians believe that other Grenadian Sports men and women will  reach the top of their respective games in the wake of the outstanding accomplishments of Kirani James and Rondell Bartholomew.

In closing, while there are some of us who will always try to create mischief, let’s hope all Grenadians will encourage and support any effort geared at developing our local athletes. It is hoped that we can unite to support of youth regardless of  race, color, creed, political affiliation and or social stance. It seems logical that when we make conscious efforts to help our own, others will help us. Please allow the use of an old proverb to reiterate the latter sentence. “Charity begins at home”.

Finally, here is a question for all Grenadians. When we as Grenadians hear or sing Grenada’s National Anthem, do we hear and sing the Grenada National Anthem based on our race, color, creed, political affiliation and or social stance? Surely, the answer to that question is easy. So, shouldn’t we all as Grenadians simply try to do what is best for our country, regardless of our race, color, creed, political affiliation and or social stance?

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