Veronica Campbell-Brown has reflected on the honor of being cast in bronze in Jamaica alongside other legends like Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Merlene Ottey.
Jamaican sprint legend Veronica Campbell-Brown has shared her heartfelt thoughts on being honoured with a statue in her homeland, following years of elite performances on the global stage.
Unveiled in October 2019 at Statue Park in the National Stadium, the statue was sculpted by Basil Watson and captures Campbell-Brown with her arms raised in celebration and thanksgiving, mirroring her victorious 200m finish at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The ceremony drew a diverse audience, underscoring the widespread admiration for one of Jamaica’s greatest sprinters, who represented the country at the senior level while still a junior in 2000.
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has handed a lifeline to the South African-based defender after including him in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking on Justin Gatlin’s Ready Set Go podcast, Campbell-Brown reflected on the privilege of being immortalised alongside Jamaican track icons. such as Usain Bolt, Herb McKenley, Dr Arthur Wint, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
“It is a blessing. ” she remarked. “I am very honored to be in that company.”
Campbell-Brown, who retired in 2021, also offered words of encouragement to young Jamaican sprinters aiming to restore the nation’s dominance after a challenging 2024 season, where injuries sidelined Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, and Elaine Thompson-Herah.
As a result, only teenage star Tia Clayton was able to get to the final of the 100m dash at the Paris Olympic games, settling for seventh.
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Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo has shared a post from a fan linking him with a move away to Tanzanian giants.
Kishane Thompson, Ackeem Blake and Oblique Seville are also emerging as formidable male sprinters,with Thompson narrowly missing out on the gold medal to Noah Lyles in the 100m final.
Ackeem Blake was named the Diamond League champion for 2024 to wrap up his season in style. On the women’s side, Krystal Sloley is another name to watch, balancing her promising track career with demanding architecture studies.
Clayton’s twin sister Tina is also another to watch. These athletes, nurtured by experienced coaches like Stephen Francis, are poised to carry Jamaica’s sprinting legacy forward, ensuring the nation’s continued dominance in athletics.
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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is among African players plying their trade in Qatar and he also ranks highly when it comes to those earning big money in the Gulf nation.
“The sport continues to evolve. There are talented athletes emerging all the time. I would advise them to be humble and mentally tough because there will be challenges,” Campbell-Brown said.
Campbell-Brown further stressed the need to listen to coaches, take care of physical and mental health, and enjoy the journey while maximizing their short careers.
Her timeless wisdom reinforces her legacy not only as a champion sprinter but also as a guiding light for the next generation.
