Many Caribbean nationals in the U.S. turned to social network, Facebook for news on the race amidst delayed coverage by NBC television.
But not even the delay could stem the pride and joy that many are feeling following the performance of not just Usain Bolt, but many on the Jamaican team, including Yohan Blake, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce and Warren Weir.
“Traffic stops on the streets of Kingston to watch the 200-m race on the many big screens around the city. I GUESS ALL WORK DUN FI DI DAY NOW!,” posted Jamaican Richard Lue, just moments after Bolt reclaimed his 200-m gold medal in London while Blake took another silver medal and Weir claimed the bronze.
“Large and in Charge. #TeamJamaica,” boasted Air Jamaica on its FB page even as other Jamaicans added one word comments like “awesome” and “clean sweep,” immediately following the race on Thursday.
It’s been the same ever since the Olympics began on July 27th. The social network has become the place for many to get the latest news on Caribbean athletes’ performance at the 30th Olympiad amidst delayed coverage in the U.S.
The comments keep on coming, from Fraser Pryce’s victory to Bolt’s win and Kerani James’ 400-meters triumph.
And some of it is superb satire.
“Carl Lewis is in hospital suffering from serious injuries after being hit by a lightning Bolt, attacked by the beast and bitten by the weir wolf,” joked Janet Silvera.
“Who so ever wrote that a YARDIE is a JAMAICAN GANGSTER better retract your definition to publish the TRUE meaning of a YARDIE … YARDIES are WINNERS Originally from the island called JAMAICA,” added David Chen.
“Yes and wi mash up de Guinness book of record and we a go change de dial code to 123,”commented Sharon Angell Swaby.
The jokes keep on coming but there is no denying that through it all, national and regional pride is what is shining, tearing down barriers of country and race as the true spirit of the Olympics lives on.
