The region’s tourism development agency on August 6th joined the rest of the Caribbean in celebrating the wins of Kirani James, the Grenadian teen whose win in the 400 meters as well as silver medalist, Santos Luguelin of the Dominican Republic and bronze medalist, Gordon Lalonde of Trinidad and Tobago.
The CTO also lauded the historic wins by other Caribbean athletes including Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who became the first woman in 16 years to successfully defend the 100 meters title, and Usain Bolt, who took another giant step on his journey to being a legend, by retaining his 100 meters title in an Olympic record.
Also praised were silver medalist Yohan Blake, also of Jamaica; Cuba’s Yarisley Silva, who captured silver in the pole vault; in judo – Idalys Ortiz, gold, Yanet Bermoy Acosta, silver and Asley Gonzalez silver; silver medallist Ivan Cambar Rodriguez in weightlifting; and Mijain Lopez Nunez who won gold in Greco-Roman wrestling; the Dominican Republic’s Felix Sanchez who won gold in the 400 metres hurdles; and Venezuela’s Ruben Limardo Gascon’s gold in fencing.
“They all have made their countries and our region proud. The Caribbean has produced some exceptional sports persons over the past several decades, and these ambassadors continue to represent us well,” said CTO officials. “Over the remaining days of these Olympics, there’s high expectation that the Caribbean athletes will continue to do well, will wow the world, and will win more medals. We will cheer them along, even from a distance.”
