St. George’s, September 9, 2011 (GIS) – Kirani James has done it again. The 19-year-old Grenadian star athlete won the 400 meters on August 30 at the World Championships in South Korea in 44.60 seconds.

And on Thursday, September 8, not only did he win again but he bettered his World Championship mark, once again blowing away American LaShawn Merritt in a Diamond League race in Zurich, Switzerland.

“As a government and a nation, let us be inspired by the exploits of our national athletes, especially Kirani James, our home-grown world championship,’’ Prime Minister Tillman Thomas said Thursday in addressing to a town hall meeting at the Grenada Trade Centre.

The Prime Minister said there are three significant lessons in James’ “brilliant performance.’’

The first lesson, according to the Prime Minister, is that “greatness can come from humble beginnings; second, that with hard work and tenacity, we can accomplish our goals; finally, regardless of how you start, it is important to finish strong. Let us embrace these lessons as we strive to build our nation.’’

With Thursday’s win, James moved to the top of the Diamond League table with 12 points.

His time of 44.36 seconds is a personal best and a new Grenada national record, beating the previous 44.47 set by Alleyne Francique in 2004.

The world time is 44.35 and is held by Merritt.

Grenadian Rondell Bartholomew also competed in Thursday’s Zurich race. He was fourth in 45.43 second.

In other races in Zurich on Thursday, Grenadian-Canadian Phylicia George was third in the 100 meter hurdles for women.

George was born in Canada to Grenadian parents, Paul and Glenna George. Paul George is chairman of the Toronto Support Group of Grenada’s ruling National Democratic Congress party.

And Jamaican Yohan Blake, who won the 100 in South Korea, blasted his way to a new personal best in Zurich on his way to beating compatriot Asafa Powell. 

Blake won in 9.82 seconds – lowering his previous mark of 9.89. Powell was second in 9.95 seconds.