Adrian Frater, News Editor

Montego Bay's mayor, Charles Sinclair (left), presents a citation to Dexter Lee, who won the 100-metre-gold at the 12th IAAF World Junior Championships two months ago in Poland. The presentation took place during yesterday's monthly sitting of the council. - photo by Adrian Frater

WESTERN BUREAU:

DEXTER LEE, who won Jamaica's lone gold medal at the 12th IAAF World Junior Championships in Poland, just over two months ago, was yesterday honoured for his achievement by the St James Parish Council.

In a citation, over the signature of his Worship the Mayor, Councillor Charles Sinclair, the affable Lee, who won the 100-metres in Poland, was hailed as an exemplary young man whose sporting success and academic inclination should serve as a source of inspiration to other youngsters in the parish.

Olympic prediction

"He is going to be our next great Olympian and he is from right here in St James," said a smiling Mayor Sinclair in welcoming the 17-year-old Lee to the chambers of the council. "I am sure this prediction I am making will come true."

Lee, a student at the Herbert Morrison High School in Montego Bay, said he was humbled by the accolades showered upon him in the citation and noted that the kind sentiments will inspire him towards future glory.

"I feel very proud of myself and it is good that the parish council remembers that I did something great for Jamaica," said Lee, whose previous gold medal-winning effort at the World Junior level was also recognised in the citation.

In looking to the future, Lee said he continues to work hard as an athlete as he hopes to follow in the footsteps of the likes of triple Olympic gold medal winner Usain Bolt and the other athletes who have served Jamaica with distinction over the years.

Train harder

"It is my intention to train harder and stay more focussed because I am aiming to achieve at the highest level one day," said Lee, whose impressive track resume includes many notable achievements at the Boys' Championships. "My intention, at this time, is to bring more glory to Jamaica," he said.

Lee's father, Devon, who accompanied him to the function, said he was overwhelmed by the recognition his son had received and said he would continue to encourage him to give of his best in his future endeavours.

"I feel extremely proud that the council has decided to do something like this for him," said Lee. "The recent Olympics in Beijing have shown us the kind of impact success can have on a nation, so I will continue to guide and encourage Dexter so that he can realise his fullest potential," he said.