Jamaica’s Beijing Olympic Team
July 1, 2008
Jamaica’s Nation Olympic Trials were concluded over the weekend with it’s purpose being to choose the best track and field contingent to represent Jamaica at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China. The three day event held at the national stadium was nothing short of spectacular with great performances all round.
Female Members of Jamaica Olympic Team
Veronica Campbell-Brown, Kerron Stewart, , Aleen Bailey, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Kenia Sinclair, Sherone Simpson, Sherri-Ann Brooks, Simone Facey, Chelsea Hammond, Nickiesha Anderson, Nickiesha Wilson, Rosemarie White, Novlene Williams-Mills, Vonette Dixon, Shericka Williams, Bobby-Gaye Wilkins, Olivia McKoy, Madrea Hyman, Korine Hinds, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Delloreen Ennis-London, Andrea Bliss, Melaine Walker, Shevon Stoddart, Shareefa Lloyd, and Anastasia Le-Roy.
Male Members of Jamaica Olympic Team
Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, McFarlane, Michael Frater, Marvin Dwight Thomas, Julien Dunkley*, Ricardo Chambers, Andre Wellington, Adrian Findlay, Michael Blackwood, Anderson, Sanjay Ayre, Maurice Smith, Marvin Essor, Lansford Spence, Maurice Wignall, Richard Phillips, Danny Nesta Carter, Markino Buckley, Isa Phillips, Herbert McGregor, Dorian Scott, Aldwyne Sappleton, Christopher Williams, and Allodin Fothergill.
Management Staff of Jamaica Olympic Team
Squad Manager - Ludlow Watts; assistant managers - Garth Gayle, Gregory Hamilton and Judith Ewart. Technical leader Donald Quarrie; head coach Glen Mills, coaches - Bertland Cameron, Edward Hector, Michael Clarke, and Fitz Coleman. Medical - doctors Herbert Elliott, Warren Blake and Michael Douglas; physiotherapists/masseuse Gaynor Downer and Everald Edwards.
Will Bolt take home the 100m gold?
The world set on fire from August 8th to 24th as Jamaica’s athletes continue to blaze with exceptional world toping performances. Jamaicapage.com will be on top of all news related to the Jamaica team leading up and during the Olympic Games in China. For a more detailed listing and schedule of the vents Jamaican athletes are participating in please see our Jamaica Events Schedule at Beijing Olympics.
Beijing Olympic Games
Jamaica Olympic Association
Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association
* Julien Dunkley - removed from Jamaica’s Olympic team after testing positive for the banned substance, Boldenone. Boldenone, is an anabolic steroid developed for veterinary use, mostly for treatment of horses. It is not indicated for use in humans and is only available through veterinary clinics - Source
There are alot of talented athletes from Jamaica that will be participating in the Olympics, but if we’re to take current performance into consideration Bolt is definately going to destroy the competition in the Men’s 100m.
This reminds me of the Jamaican bobsled movie. Haha
I’m seriously torn between Usain & Asafa. But Asafa gets the edge. I really want him to get the 100M Gold. But - a Gold for Jamaica would still make me happy. In the meantime, my eyes will be glued to Beijing.
I like the look of the team. Very strong sprinting wise and a decent blend of youth and experience.
What happened to Claston Bernard and long jumper James Beckford?
Looking forward to this Olympics like no other.
I am definitely looking forward to the ga,es this year.The jamaican squad is extremely talented and has the potential to do wonders in Beijing.I wonder is Asafa or Usain can produce a world record in the 100m…hmm..that would make me so happy.Veronica will also hopefully defend her 200 m title.She is a spectacular athlete and she has earned my hard won respect.Go for GOLD Jamaica!!! We need this positivity right now!
can anyone let me know whether Veronica Camobell will be runnint the 100m. I will be glued to be television. I know Jamaica athlete will do their best. Go for gold Jamaica.
What happened to Claston Bernard?
Jamaica have an EXCELLENT chance of sweeping the sprint relays this time around (NO USA) …. my only charge to the relay squads is Practice ,Practice, Practice… Practice the baton change…..that could be our only down fall.
Why is the chap that came second in the 110m hurdles not incuded in the team?
Do we have an Olympics song like previous years?..If not we most definitely need one.
I was reading the Bio of our fellow Jamaican sister Sanya Richards on NBC Olympics…after all she is still Jamaican.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=227/bio/index.html
The thing that really had me piss off was the last paragraph as seen below (copied from site), where it was said that the family migrated to the US because her parents thought the US would be a better place for here to continue her track career.
I am hoping that it’s just an other article where the US writer is just trying to throw some punches at us the true sprint factory, because if that was said by the parents then i guess they are NOT JAMAICANS and they have NEVER heard or met the GREAT MERLENE OTTEY who is one of the world’s greatest track & field female athlete and the most decorated female athlete as well …who had an EXECELLENT track career while representing the GREAT island of Jamaica.
It is obvious from the likes of Asafa, Bolt, Veronica, Frater, Sheron, Brigette (who retuned home after seeing the light),Wignal,Sinclair …. our Juniors Yohan, Asmeade, Ramone, Dexter Lee, Jura Levy etc who for most part are home grown and train esp the juniors….shows that we are a force to be reckon with. On a wider scale the Caribbean region is enjoying a success as well - Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados ,St. Kittes etc
I love Sanya because she is Jamaican but in the game of sport i want a Jamaican girl “fi give har ah good assin pan di field”. Which would have remind of the Jamican other Jamaican girls representing the US- Sandra Palmer-Patirck , Inga Miller to name a few …Haha
Anyway lets see what happens in Beijing.
Sister, sister
Born in Jamaica, Richards moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her family at age 12 because her parents thought the U.S. would be a better place for her to continue her track career. Her younger sister, Shari, is a sprinter and long jumper at Texas. The two sisters live together in Austin.
I am a Ugandan living in Kampala. I am a fan of Asafa. I always get disappointed especially when he does come first. sometimes he begines well but he ends his race slowly. can he improve on that?. other wise I wish him thebes in Beijing.
Yeah! mi a seh asafa all the way!!!
Good luck Korene — we are all rooting for you.
Ken and Vickey Francis — Jennifer Francis Bucher
I was born in Jamaica but now i live in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States and i just wanted to say I am so proud of the Jamaican Olympic team. I will be rooting for them no matter if i live in the U.S. or not so please make me proud when i watch the Olympics so i can say to my friends THATS MY COUNTRY!..THE BEST!! but good luck to all the athletes and i want to see GOLD! GOLD! GOLD!..NO! BRONZE OR SILVER..
Well hello to all my fellow jamaicans out there. As a former sprinter myself, I love watching the Jamaican team beat up the world. I was upset to hear that Asafa was happy he was no longer the favourite. I think that Usain is much more mentally tuff than Asafa. However, i think it wil be a great race. Usain: GOLD (WR) , Asafa: SILVER and GAY: BRONZE. as always Jah Bless.
Very good team. I wish them all the best. I know they will do Jamaica proud. For me, Usain will get gold and Asafa the silver in the 100m. Veronica is my girl. I really wish she were in the 100m because I know she would have won.
All the best guys!!!
i’m very confident of our prospects at this years olympic games. the athleteswe have selected are the very best in there feilds however everything we do and have can be improved on. jamaica must ensure that for the next games; as i see non in this squad, we have swimmers, boxers, cyclist, a taequando team, and equestrian riders, as our can produce gems in these areas. jam rock as always, have the talent we just need to invest a little in these valuable medal prospect areas. can someone tell me whats up with elva goldbourne and alleyne bailey.
I believe that usain, asfa and veronica will bring back the gold to us. i wish the full team god richest blesing. let them go in peace.
All the best guys
I believe that usain, asfa and veronica will bring back the gold to us. i wish the full team god richest blesing. let them go in peace.
All the best guys
bolt is the man to watch he’s the best for the 100m’s. but Jamaica will always get respect we deserve.
Hi
I am from Scotland and just like to wish all the team all the best in Beijing, as up to now am fed up with all the big teams hogging the headlines so here’s hoping that great wee teams can greate an upset.
Veronica Campbell-Brown you are my girl, no matter what! I love you to the end. I can depend on you to give the Jamaica a gold medal. Baby girl PLEASE ensure no runner from US beat you any other contry can but not US. just stay in good sharp and enjoy yourself. Big all jamaica man love, you are the best.
Jamaica olympic selection committee should wise up and let Veronica Campbell-brown run the 100m instead of sheronr Simpson. This would ensure the gold for Jamaica since she is the most consistent 100m runner in the world. She has also beaten her rivals more than once since the trials.
i think Veronica should do the 100m over that Fraser girl but hey rules are rules and you have to show up on that day. If she had come third I bet the JAAA or JOA would have no problem sending her to reserve the 4 x 100, but they dear not even venture to touching Sherone
well i just have to say to the guys go and do well. gold, silver or bronze u are all champions. i think that steven francis is getting a bit too cocky though. he should chill mvp club is good but they are too show off. be yourself and remember u are representing jamaica. BIG UP DANNY MCFARLANE UNUH A GWAAN LIKE THE MAN NUH GREAT ALL MI A HEAR A ASAFA AND USAIN DANNY U A DI BOSS, VER I LOVE U GIRL U ARE GREAT. ASAFA AND BOLF AND SHERONE NEED TO BE MORE HUMBLE. GOOD LUCK ANYWAYS
I became a track and field fan , i mean air conditioner, fr d 2004 olympics in Athens Greece, and i can proudly say I have continue 2 b loyal 2 my jamdung athletes. I know they will do well and my prayers go with them. anyways, Asafa and veronica r my athletes and i kow they will make us proud. Big up 2 them all!
i am from trinidad and i find that the jamaican olympic looks very promising and would do very well in Beijing this year.Also my country Trinidad and Tobago.(Word!)
Asafa will win the hundred metre final he is more mentally prepare go ASAFA GO FOR {GOLD}
Asafa will win the hundred metre final he is more mentally prepare go ASAFA GO FOR {GOLD}
Bolt is running hard he seem strong but Asafa is my boy and veronica is more consistent and this should be how we choose,not that there wont be upset but it is better to giver sure for unsure. Overall Jamaicans are the greatest in eveything. Big Up Jamaica athletics
I hope JAAA do the right thing and allow VC-Brown to run the 100m because she is di real champion. Danny, Veronica you guys are my favourite. you guys are di real deal…no hype just results. Sherone need some humilty still. anyway all di best in Beijing……..give USA a whopping.
THE JAMAICAN TEAM LOOKS GREAT THIS YEAR. IT ESPECIALLY HELPS THAT THEY HAVE A GREAT COACHING STAFF HEADED BY GLEN MILLS AND MICHEAL CLARKE, EVERY JAMAICAN KNOWS THOSE TWO CAN REALLY COACH. BEST WISHES TO ALL THE ATHLETHES AND BIG UP TO THE POTENTIAL MEDALIST IN THE WOMENS JAVELIN MS OLIVIA MCKOY. SHE WILL SURPRISE ALOT OF PEOPLE THIS YEAR. YOU GO GIRL. THIS OLYMPIC TEAM WILL RUN IN THE HONOR OR OUR LATE GREAT HERB MCKENLEY. WE ALL KNOW WHAT HE MEANT TO JAMAICA AND ALL JAMAICANS ALIKE. MY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL. MISTA WIGNAL, BRING BACK ONE FI WI INA OHIO ZEEN. YUH DUN KNOW SEY THE YARD TEAM A DWEET THIS YEAR ARITE. BIG UPS!!
I ma a Jamaican born living in the UK. can someone confirm for mr whether Veronica will be running the 100m at the olympic. Jamaican athlete i am rooting for you. Good luck to all of you.
Isn’t it funny how the how all the top athletes are Jamaican (both in the past and present)
Linford Christie - Jamaican
Ben Johnson - Jamaican
Donovan Bailey - Jamaican
Merlene Ottey - Jamaican
Sanya Richards - Jamaican
Usain Bolt - Jamaican
Asafa Powell - Jamaican
Veronica Campbell - Jamaican
And the list goes on and on…Jamaica is truly the SPRINT FACTORY.
We are going to do incredibly well at the Beijing Olympics. Clean sweep in the sprint relays and also the 100m men and women…among other surprises.
TONY, with regard to what you posted on 30 July, if Veronica had come in 3rd in the 100m, she would have been an automatic pick for the individual event as the top 3 athletes are allowed to participate in individual events. Remember Seoul? Jamaica and the USA each had 3 athletes in the 100m final and then there were 2 other athletes.
The top 6 finishers in the 100m form the squad for the relay, so Veronica will be running the relay.
I am very excited as usual about the olympic season, and I look forward to Jamaicans doing well. I will be rooting for them.
hi í’m horting you
what is the rumor going on in the jamaica camp all about?
it seems (and I hope) the problem is over. The MVP athletes headed by Asafa didn’t want to take part in relay practise as instructed by their coach.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080806/lead/lead2.html
I am so happy to be a Jamaican, we are great. absolutely
what is upsetting though, is that Frano- Stephen Francis would try to sabotage the team at this critical point over something that is triffling. He sounds like an egomaniac– an egomanic can’t possibly be that good of a coach. He is seeking to hold the interest of the team hostage in trying to prove a point. That’s straight up evil and vindictive.
i am a born jamaican live in london i wish all my fellow country- man and woman
good luck and god is going to grant us lots of gold medial.
i want us to take the 100m gold and silver i dont care who comes frist wether bolt are asafa.
Good luck to the Jamaican team, do your best that’s all that’s required.
I’m saddened though that VCB will not be in the 100M, but I’m not worried that Jamaica will mine GOLD, SILVER and possible BRONZE (”tri-nella”); ambitious am I, well without dreams you can’t have dreams come true.
I get goose pimples just thinking about the possibilities- GO FOR GOLD ASAFA, USAIN, VCB, KERRON, SHERRONE, DANNY, TRICIA AND EVERYBODY ELSE. We are Jamaicans and we stand proud.
Good luck to the jamaican team.But Asafa don’t let Usain be u and do not lets us down. JAH
Big up to the Jamaican team, you’re the greatest. VCB mek Felix see the back of your spikes ’cause you’re di original champion.
“Caroline on August 7th, 2008 5:24 pm what is upsetting though, is that Frano- Stephen Francis would try to sabotage the team at this critical point over something that is triffling. He sounds like an egomaniac– an egomanic can’t possibly be that good of a coach. He is seeking to hold the interest of the team hostage in trying to prove a point. That’s straight up evil and vindictive”
What beats illogical reasoning is that which is adorned by ignorance. Caroline get your facts straight before you start talking. Stephen Francis is nothing short of a great coach. I had the opportunity of being at Utech among frano and the athletes from 2002 to 2007. Majority of athletes in frano’s camp are athletes who were not big names at boys/girls champs but he enlisted them due to his exceptional eye for raw talent. Furthermore he develops very detailed, individual and specific training regimen for each of his charges. Five years ago when he was begging support from the JAAA for asafa and theit fell on deaf ears. Support was directed to the overseas based athletes. So only frano and mvp was there for them… until asafa started to mash up the place! Frano has not minced words in running the JAAA who tried to jump on the wagon to get some glory.
Now we are in bejiing. The highest medal count Ja has ever had is seven. This time around approx seven are expected to go to mvp athletes. Frano set up a camp in bejiing for his athletes which span trinidad, britain, jamaica etc. Britain and Trinidad have released their players to be properly prepared by frano but jamaica refuses! Arrangement has already been made for them to do relay practice with the rest of the ja team.
I am so proud of my country of birth and I just can’t wait for the track and field. There will be more reggae music in Beijing. We must note on the peace in Jamaica during the track and field event. Hope we can keep it that way. Please get your Jamaican colors and wear it proudly. ONE LOVE, ONE WORLD
We ( JAMAICA ) are poised to do wonders on the world’s stage this olympics and I can safely say GOLD & SILVER in the 100m either way( Asafa/Bolt , Bolt/Asafa ) and in the 4 X 100m as well. Asafa has a great start, if he starts well, he will win he just needs to run the last 30m as if he had 50m to go instead. Bolt does not have not as good a start as Asafa but an incredible finish, so if he starts well I think he will take it home, so if each does their thing, WE WILL DO WONDERS!!!!!!!!
My Jamaica team will do very well.Goal,Silver or Bronze will be great for me so long as we medal in all events that we participate in.Asafa,Usain and VCB,and Frater and how can i forget Keron.Jamaica is poised for greatness in 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China.I salute every single athlete that is on the Jamaica team.Go mine GOLD.
I am a jamaican living in Canada and would not trade my birth place for nothing or no one.. we are a PROUD NATION!! in everything that we do, so lets go out there and do what we know how to.. GOOD LUCK to you all while i pray for some MEDALS.. yea man!!!!! jam down all the way..
oh by the way i went to Vere Technical High school..can any one tell me where Michael McDonald is… oh, thats my boy!!!
I am feeling very good inside knowing that my fellow Jamaican are going to let us all feel proud. My prayers are with the team, therefore I jus ask do your best and we will be satisfy ok? All the best to you all.
am feeling very positive that my Jamaicans will do well in China. My prayers are with them,and i also know that we are going to show team USA what we are made of. Go Jamacia,one love
I honestly think the jamaican athletes are going to do well what i dont like is how stephen francis behaves he honestly think he is God’s gift to track and field he needs to humble himself the most decorated athlete that is in beijing right now on the jamaican squad is VCB and that girl is very humble stephen francis is too bitter and condescending he needs to realise that humble calf suck the most milk. i am a jamaican living in new york i did some track and field while at steths i wish all the jamaican athletes all the best especially VCB, Kerron, Brigette and Asafa Powell God bless…Jamaica all the way
Jamaica all the way!!
I feel so proud to be a Jamaican cant wait for the joy that u guys are going to bring to our country starting Saturday morning. God bless you all.
Jamaicans you are great you are the best you are champions of the world I am seven years and I ran at my school Kensington primary sports day I just want to be like Veronica Campbell have fun guys and get those medal.
I am particularly proud of the Jamaican Olympic Team this year. The team shows maturity, focus, purpose, humility and team-spirit. Many might misunderstand Usain’s playing around as ‘cockiness’, but I think he does it because he is nervous and trying so hard to appear unintimidated. Usain has matured a lot in four years. I regret that Asafa did not get a medal in the 100m but he does not seem to have the toughness of Usain to withstand stress and pressure under fire. I know that Asafa can deliver but he obviously does not like the stress placed on him. I understand that he was also recovering from injury. It’s not over for Asafa!
Oh Shit!!!!!!! we didi it congrats to Bolt.. loved the dance , the aeroplain, the point to the croud.. i am so sorry Powel did’nt get in on the action, but we are still SOOOOOOOOOO proud of you.. nerxt time…..LADIESSSSSSS big SWEEEEEP love the double wammy on the silver… great job..
I would ove to say i was so proud of Bolt interview with CBC the canadian coverage..he articulated himself verry well.. let the world know we do speak English and very well i might add!!
I work for a bank and certain attire is required SHT!!! i showed up in my yellow shirt with the flag right across my chest.. my JA rist band..and my JA slippers…Shit!!! iof they want to fire me this is the time as i am on top of the world!!
Jamaica is on huricane watch.. no sit, they watching hurricane all right it’s in Beijing!! with a lot of LIGHTING BOLT!!!!! Love you sweet sweet Jamaica..
if they fire me can i be your side kiick Kelroy???? reporting from Montreal Canada..not to worry i do speak French and English verry well.
Sure Tamara, we do need a link in Canada. Not sure if it’s a paid position though..lol
you got jokes ,i like that:)!!! u know how we Jamaicans love freeness!!consider it my contribution to my sweet Jamaica. Next Sept I will be studing mass commmunication at Concordia University full time.. looking forward to that..
If you have any Jamaica related information you’d like to contribute or events you’d like to cover in Canada I’d really like that.
will do…but for now i think all eyes are in Beijing!!
I want to say HAPPY BIRTH DAY !!! to Bolt when it comes, i know he having one hell of a B-Day.. Enjoy it!!.. I will be on vacation with limited acc to my mail, but for sure will check in whenever I can…. i’m glued to the TV..
asafa i jus want to let u know dat money will come n go but medals will stay for ever dont sell ur talent enjoy it.
bolt i love u jus keep doin ur thing happy b-day wen it comes you make me proud.
Re: Beijing Olympics 2008:
Well done Jamaican athletes in showing the world that we are a determined set of people who set high standards and have high expectations and when the chips are down, we know how to rise to the occasion.
It was great to see lightning Bolt winning Gold and shattering his own world record, with plenty more in the tank. He is the toast of us guys in England - hearty congratulations!
… but that girl Shelly-Ann (Fraser) and her colleagues Sherone Simpson, Kerron Stewart sweeping the 100 m (Gold & 2 Silvers) in such a great style was something special to watch and an historically moment to celebrate… the yam, banana and dumplin secret is now out… but who can do this better than the Jamaicans… Well done ladies we are proud of you over here in England.
Well done Sherica Williams for taking silver in the 400 m… very good run and you have potential to go one better.
Hardluck Macky, you did well, but it is a lot to ask everytime in breaking up the USA… You have made very proud and happy over the years.
Looking foward to what is to come from such a dynamic squad from Jamaica!
I am already looking forward to 2012 in London, which is in my backyard (less than 1/2 mile), you will never have seen a greater Jamaican gathering of supporters outside of Jamaica.
Asafa need to focus more on his performance than winning a gold medal, otherwise this can be a distraction and obsession and cause him to lose focus and underperform. He needs to be patient and keep working hard, as good things comes to him who waits. Now go and get that 4 x 100 m relay gold & world record. Remember to get the baton around safely!!!
Safe baton changes and good run can see the Jamican ladies breaking the world record as well.
A fe wi time now!
Best wishes to all the Jamaican olympic competitors in Beijing.
A true Jamiacan!
Asafa keep your head up. Even though your name avent mentioned much
You will be fine. Good luck to all the others, Even thou might not hear
I am a jamaican living in the U.S People speak very well, About your good
and refine quality And what a gentleman you are,
Asafa Just be patient,
I am PROUD to be Jamaican and I love my little island!
Asafa And others Just be yourself, And do the best you can.
hay from bulgaria!All of yours competotors are the best!CONGRATULATIONS!
proud to be Jamaican, i am so proud of the Jamaican Olympic Team, but one thing i know Bolt is proud to be Jamaican, but why is he not proud of his language. He can speak standard English and cut out the American Language. Love u still
our 2008 olympians have done all jamaicans proud,out of many we are one.God bless jamaica.
We’ve done it!! congratulation Jamaica!!! As Seymore, say yam & banana.. i was watching the race with some white friends of mine and they cant get enough of the JAMAICAN ASSSSS!! the girls were looking GOOOOODDD!!
I also want to take my hat off to all the other Jamaican athelites who were a part of Beijing, they have been over shadowed by Bolt, may not break records but did give it their all and thats what we ask of you guys.. AND YOU ALL DELIVERED!!!
o.k. Question? winter olympics!!! the only thing we do when it comes on to ICE is put it inna suggar an wata wid 2 lime!! but we do have bob sled, hey.. “cool runnings”. I heard that “Brown”..no relation to Kelroy Brown, I hope..lol will be competiing for the Canadian team, after the Canadian government offered him perminent status..
Is This true?..
@ Tamara thanks for being such a regular visitor and commenter on Jamaicapage.com
I am not sure about the Canadian team switch for one of our bobsled team members but i will look into it.
So, the world think it is over now huh? Nah, the names of our Jamaican olympians will always ring on. I am Jamaican with British and Caymanian citizenships, and I must confess, I know I might be looked at as a crazy Jamaican fanatic these lasts few days. I have been dressing daily in my Jamaican colours so much that they are calling me “The Walking Jamaican Flag” I don’t mean to flaunt loyality to Jamaica, but I am just being grateful to be a part of this historical moment. Now I can write my own tales of it, not just read of it. May God bless our Island home.
Peace
O.K. i want to know what is going on as far as the welcoming party that is suppose to take the island by storm… is it because of the hurricane or is it because half the athletes are still on the road..