The rambunctious enclave that covers the area just after the L’Anse Bridge to just outside the residence of former Parliamentarian Grace Duncan, is infamously known as Gun Battle. That locale of Gouyave, which straddles the Bay – the central port of fishing activity, although at times of dubious repute has given Grenada its most significant accomplishment since the Island gained Independence in 1974.
In 2004, former World Indoor 400m Champion, Alleyne Francique was only tenths of a second away from giving Grenada its first Olympic medal of any kind. His fourth place finish was still a source of joy for Grenadians, but for one Grenadian in particular, it was an immense source of inspiration, a very clear indication of the possibilities that existed through hard work and application.
The grooming of an eventual World and Olympic Champion was taking place in Gun Battle, with not only the Parents and siblings of Kirani Zeno James assuming a protective and supportive role, but also the residents of Gun Battle who recognized the makings of a very special young man and talented athlete.
Kirani’s boyhood was typical, with him being actively involved in all the sports that were played in his Town – cricket, football and basketball. There was a natural inclination to basketball, especially with an older brother and father who played competitively. He always took part in track events as was the norm for most pre-teen and early-teen students. At ages 11 and 12, Kirani sporadically trained with Speedzone, the athletic club of his first Coach – Albert Joseph.
In 2005 at age 13, Kirani started training as a full-time track athlete, competing in the 100m, 200m and of course 400m. In his first year Kirani’s wins were few and the defeats served as motivation to not only compete harder but to also push himself much harder.
The following year he competed for the first time, regionally, at the CUT Games in St. Lucia and won the 400m, while placing a surprising second in the 200m.
Thereafter it was a meteoric rise through the ranks of World Juniors and Youths while dominating locally at and for his Alma Mater GBSS.
With all this success there was now the unavoidable expectations that Kirani James will go just beyond Francique and provide Grenada with its first Olympic Medal.
The anticipation intensified with a stunning World Champs victory in 2011, a win that immediately made Kirani the gold medal favorite in the 2012 Olympic Games.
The very unassuming young champ, finds his motivation from not only winning but from being able to represent his Country, his Town and his Family in a most positive way – provide reason for all to be proud of him and his efforts.
The World Champs victory of 2011 took its full effect only after a few days had eclipsed and even so Kirani didn’t want to dwell too much on that one victory, since he wanted to stay hungry and accomplish much more.
Although spoken about in some circles, Kirani has never entertained the thought of not representing Grenada. He has never wanted to relinquish the chance to give joy to the people; Family and Friends and in fact the entire Nation, for their unrelenting support and devotion throughout his development.
Kirani has accepted his role as an ambassador for Grenada, a role he had undertaken even before having the title of Sports Ambassador officially decreed on him. In fact, as his athletic prowess allows him to travel the world, one of his favorite things to do is talk about Grenada and the Grenadian way of life. He is articulate and passionate about Grenada and considers it a blessing to meet fellow Grenadians who reside outside of Grenada and are thrilled to share the glory and limelight Grenada enjoys internationally because of the commitment Kirani made to be his best. A commitment readily and easily backed in every way by Family, Friends and Well-wishers. A commitment that eventually produced for Grenada its first-ever Olympic Medal of any kind. Well, as we all know – Gold!
Although he now has a very busy schedule, University studies at Alabama, training, commitments to sponsors etc. Kirani still finds the time to be home whenever possible. He enjoys the usual cooking and ‘liming’ with old school friends, time at home with his Family with one of his Mom’s home-cooked meals a must-have during that down-time.
He now tries his hand at cooking, his favorite dish to experiment with being macaroni pie and of course Mom is always just a phone call away to provide tips and recipes.
Outside of athletics Kirani list his favorite activities as Tuesday morning Jouvert in Gouyave, video games, music and watching Spanish La Liga team Barcelona play.
Kirani’s advice to young people in general is to be proud of whatever you chose to do and always aim to be the best…in other words let passion and pride guide you to your desired success.
Dexter Mitchell