KELLY

There are three Jamaicans preparing for big events which I want to highlight this week; two adults and one child.

One is Zahra Redwood. Her religion, the corresponding dreadlocks and overall personality have made her a hit with the foreign press and hopefully the judges of the Miss Universe pageant. The other flag-waving adult is Asafa Powell who must have an eye on the Athletics World Championships in August in Osaka. The child I referred to (she's not 16 yet) is The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee champion, Regina Bish. It can't be easy spelling words which, if laid out might be taller than she is. To get through our local competition is hard enough much less to compete against over 270 other children.

Now apart from their obvious differences in gender, age and area of fame, the biggest difference between the ladies and the gent right now is that one is expected to win and the other two are being cheered just for being there.

It might seem unfair to Alfalfa (as I like to call him), but the World Championships is really important. Having the world record is great and the Commonwealth gold medal is wonderful for the trophy cabinet, but this is one title I feel he needs to win. Eventually, the world record will be lowered again. And despite its credibility, we have to be honest that the Commonwealth gold doesn't quite carry the same stigma as the World Champs or the Olympics. I'm not saying he has to win them both to be considered one of the all-time greats but they would certainly help.

Miss Jamaica Universe, Zahra Redwood.

As for Zahra, I don't know how many people would have bet their mortgage that she would have won our local contest much less the world title. And so for that reason, the average Jamrockian will be hoping for a win, but not necessarily expecting one. That's where it's easier for her. 'Alfalfa' will know there are many who expect him to win in Osaka, maybe even himself. That's a heavy burden. Like Zahra, we will watch Regina's progress hoping she'll win but even making it to the final round will be cheered long and hard by Jamaicans. But I don't know how many of us expect her to win.

Now the irony of this whole thing is that of the three, Asafa is probably the most likely to win just because his battle is of strength and technique. No matter how beautiful Zahra is, it's up to judges to decide and no matter how many words Regina knows, it only takes one to knock her out.

So we wait. But no matter what, they're ours.

Spread the patriotism@daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com