Photo by Noel Thompson
"Gwaan Usain, gwaan!" This was one of the cheers echoed across the tiny living room of Lillian Bolt (first right), Usain Bolt's aunt, as he throttled down to the finishing line at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China, yesterday, winning gold in the Men's 100 Metres - the first time ever for Jamaica in Olympic history. Sharing in the celebrations from left are Christine Bolt, Usain's eldest sister, and his father Wellesley (face partially hidden). Aunt Lillian's house was where some persons went to watch the race on television.

Noel Thompson, Sunday Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

THE DEAFENING sounds of celebrations reverberated across Trelawny when favourite son, 21-year-old Usain Bolt created history at the 29th Olympics in Beijing, China.

The jubilation spread from the rocky and hilly terrain of Sherwood Content to the flat plains of Water Square, Falmouth.

Bolt clocked a world and Olympic record of 9.69 seconds to win the men's 100 metres yesterday.

While Bolt reigned at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing, China, the celebrations were on in his aunt's living room in Sherwood Content. One could almost touch the excitement inside Lillian Bolt's 10x10 ft living room, shortly after 7 a.m. when Bolt won his semi-final race.

In that same room, Usain's father, Wellesley, his sister, Christine, a host of relatives, friends and a flurry of media persons crammed to watch the races.

Tossed and turned all night

"I was up until 12:30 a.m. I went to bed but I tossed and turned all night," related Wellesley. "Worse, I was alone in the bed. The start is what bothers me, because Asafa is gonna fly out that box, and Usain will have to follow him."

Added Wellesley: "If the other athletes get out the box, it is gonna be hard, but his top-end speed is very good, so 50 metres into the race he will be chasing them down," Wellesley remarked before the race.

Usain's Aunt Lillian was obviously nervous, as her feet trembled uncontrollably.

Wiped a tear

"Don't let us down boy, don't let us down," she said softly, as she wiped a trickle of tears from her eyes. As Bolt cruised into the finishing line in the semi-finals, she was more courageous. "He is just jogging the race. I am confident he's gonna win the 100 metres," she said.

And win he did!

At approximately 9:32 a.m. yesterday when Bolt literally throttled down to take the gold, the tiny room was enveloped in sheer joy and excitement, emotions climaxing. It was obvious that persons were fighting hard to hold back tears of joy as the reality of Bolt's feat was cemented.

Bolt's father was overwhelmed with emotions. He rubbed his eyes as he fought hard to prevent the tears.

"Is the Trelawny yam stand up in him, yes, di yam," remarked an elated Wellesley. "Once he gets going, I know they were not gonna catch him. He is such a strong young man.

"I know he will take more gold," the elder Bolt added. He said he was planning a massive welcome for Usain in September.

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com