Before the Bolt
Visiting the roots of the fastest man alive
With the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony only hours away, I wanted to share about a memorable experience in Jamaica. During a short trip, I was able to compete in an epic 100-meter race (more on that later) and see the World’s most accomplished sprinter through a new lens1.
Back in 2013, I led a small team of students on a short-term mission trip to Jamaica. The trip was an eye-opening experience on many levels as we served at the Montego Bay Boys & Girls club, led presentations at elementary schools, and served at 2 different orphanages that tugged on our heartstrings.
Before we get to the Usain Bolt connection, I have to say one of the most captivating observations from the trip was the zeal the Jamaicans showed for their country. On several occasions in a church or schools, our Jamaican hosts enthusiastically burst into their National Anthem “Jamaica, Land We Love”. The song is powerful and feels like a combination between a heartfelt prayer and a triumphant stadium chant. Check out the lyrics:
Eternal Father, Bless our Land,
Guard us with thy mighty hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours,
To our leaders, great defender,
Grant true wisdom from above,
Justice, truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love,
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love
Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call,
Strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish,
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above,
Justice, truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love,
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love2
What struck me was the passion in the last lines. They sang “Jamaica, land we love” with such force that I wouldn’t dare to question their patriotic love. By the 3rd or 4th time we heard the anthem, I couldn’t help but sing along.
On our last day of the trip, we were driving through the countryside, and I asked our driver if we could make a quick detour to William Knibb High School. Our bus driver proudly grinned when I told him I was hoping to visit Usain Bolt’s Alma Mater. We arrived as the sun was starting to set on a Saturday evening to find the school locked up for the weekend. I was determined to get a closer look and I kindly asked the security guard if she would let us explore for just a few minutes. She was very gracious and obliged. We made our way through the school grounds and back to the holy grail - the track. We were giddy with excitement.
This was THE track where the fastest man alive honed his craft and recently retained his crown as 100M and 200M champion 7 months earlier in the London 2012 Olympics. As we approached the track, we were shocked to see that it wasn’t made of rubber, concrete, or any kind of synthetic - but it was just … dirt and grass. How could it be that one of the most successful athletes of our time came from such a simple training ground? You can formulate your own interpretation, but I started to wonder if the humble beginning was more of a driving factor than an obstacle. After soaking in the atmosphere, there was only one thing left to commemorate the moment…race. After a quick stretch, we kicked off our flip flops, lined up, and raced barefoot down the grassy lanes separated by dirt dividers as the sun dropped below the mountains. Feeling fully accomplished and out of breath, we took a few pictures striking Usain Bolt’s signature pose on the track then headed back to Montego Bay.
As you enjoy the 2024 Olympics in Paris, I hope you enjoy the gritty background stories, cheer on the underdogs, and feel inspired by the performances. While I’ll be cheering for the USA in the Track and Field events, I will admit that I’d love to hear “Jamaica, Land We Love” again as proud Jamaicans stand on top of the podium3.
Thanks for reading and Go Catch the Olympics,
Zach
Usain Bolt’s legendary 100M final in the Beijing 2008 Olympics. His 1st of 3 Olympic Gold Medals in the event. Link: Usain Bolt Breaks 100m World Record In 9.69 Seconds - Beijing 2008 Olympics
Jamaican National Anthem lyrics. Link: Jamaica, Land We Love lyrics
Usain Bolt 100M medal ceremony in the London 2012 Olympics. Link: Usain Bolt Receives 100m Gold Medal - London 2012 Olympics