Adrian Frater, News Editor

World Junior Championships 100-metre gold medallist Dexter Lee proudly displays the Gleaner front page that highlighted his accomplishment in Poland, shortly after his arrival at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, yesterday. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

Despite the conspicuous absence of city officials and members of the sporting fraternity, star athlete Dexter Lee, who won the coveted 100-metre gold medal at the 12th IAAF World Junior Championships, in Poland last week, got a hero's welcome on his return home to Montego Bay, St James, yesterday.

As the smiling Lee, with his two medals - also won silver in the 4x100 metres - emerged through the doors of the arrival area at the Sangster International Airport, family members, school-mates and teachers from Herbert Morrison High School smothered him with hugs and kisses.

"I am delighted, I feel so proud of myself," said Lee, savouring the loving embrace of his mother Charlene Campbell. "I am happy that I have managed to make so many people happy here today."

Long flight

While Lee's dad seemed content with one hug, his mother was unable to get enough of him as she stroked his face and questioned him about the long flight home from Poland via London, England.

"I feel so proud of him - words can't express the feeling," said Campbell. "I have something very special for him when he gets home, but I am not telling anybody just yet."

Herbert Morrison's vice-principal Frederick Haughton, who was a member of the welcoming party, brushed aside the fact that no officials were there to meet Lee and recognise the major contribution he has made to sports in Jamaica.

"He belongs to all Jamaica but he belongs to us more at Herbert Morrison," said Haughton.

"Words cannot describe our happiness, because we have been watching his development with great pride over the years."

Regally treated

Newly elected president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lloyd B. Smith, told The Gleaner yesterday that he was only aware that Lee was coming home "from a news perspective".

"I believe he deserved to have been regally treated based on his accomplishment and, hopefully, we will still be able to do something to honour him," Smith said.

As Dexter posed for the camera, his older brother and fellow athlete Keniel seemed all but oblivious to everything but the medals around his sibling's neck.

"My little brother is not just a champion, he is a world champion," said Keniel. "I believe in him and, although I was nervous just before the race, I knew he could do it."

Lee's father, Devon, used the opportunity to shower praise on his son's coach, Claude Grant, who has been guiding his career at Herbert Morrison and was part of the Jamaican coaching staff in Poland.

"I want to thank the coach for the work he has been doing with Dexter because the result is there for all the world to see," said the elder Lee. "I hope this is the beginning of what Dexter will accomplish for Jamaica."

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com