Merlene Ottey, considered by many within the English-speaking Caribbean as the greatest of our female track and field athletes, of all time, returned to her native Jamaica recently and continued to demonstrate the kind of class she has been known for.
Before Jamaica became outright the greatest sprinting nation in the world, Ottey was a leading light for that island and its sister nations. She is an awesome figure of Caribbean sports. At 53, she talks about continuing to compete for her new country, Slovenia, and this is OK.
For Jamaica and the Caribbean however, she represents the spirit of determination, zeal, quality character, extreme talent and poise that ought to be emulated by the young female athletes of the region.
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, she visited and inspired athletes at Vere Technical, lauded the national stars, such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and generally endeared herself to Jamaicans all over again. She has been forgiven for the most part, for becoming a resident of Slovenia.
A cart full of Olympic (nine) and World Championship (14) medals would certainly result in forgiveness. Rare talent was always evident in Ottey, but it was the stately way in which she carried herself, that as much as her exploits on the track, exemplified the true essence of the lady.
She functioned always with dignity and her majestic style was ultra special to world track and field.
Her visit should be a reminder of the significance of sports ambassadors. They, once given the opportunity, can do as much (by touring and speaking to young athletes) for nation building within the region as they did with their athletic talents. Governments ought to ensure that funds are allocated to enable this kind of connection with the young boys and girls in the countries, those expected to take over leadership roles in the future.
I salute Merlene Ottey!
I believe also that here in The Bahamas a strong effort should be made to keep former prominent athletic ambassadors like football's Ed Smith, basketball's Mychal Thompson and track's Dominic Demeritte in the mix.
Those former athletes and others ought to be subsidized to go throughout the country to give inspirational speeches to our youth.
Long after they are no longer at their competitive prime, they can make a difference positively, by reaching out to younger athletes and also boys and girls who are not athletically inclined.

o To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.

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