Half-Way Tree

It has become a regular part of the local celebrations for international championships - for Jamaicans to lock down Half-Way Tree.

Though yesterday's festivities were a bit more low-key than previous times, the track and field enthusiasts that gathered in the square did not fail to bring their own brand of excitement to what was going to be a superb run by Shelly-Ann Fraser and Kerron Stewart.

Traffic, as usual, came to a standstill. Buses unloaded pas-sengers and the green light no longer signalled go. Even a police squad car came to a halt in the middle of the roadway. No one was interested in movement - just the action, which was taking place on the track in Berlin.

"1-2-3-4, all o' the Jamaican dem a go come in first," shouted a peanut vendor.

"Stop chat foolishness!" repri-manded a woman beside him, who was clad in the colours of the Jamaican flag from top to bottom. "That cyaah happen, the Jeta gal look firm, she look like a threat," she added, in reference to the American athlete Carmelita Jeter.

The woman, who later identified herself as Marlene Wright, was dressed in a yellow dress, emblazoned with the Jamaican flag. She was wearing a matching pair of strap-up slippers and her hair was braided in bright yellow and green extensions.

"Mi do this style from two weeks now. I do it for Independence and for the World Champs," she told The Gleaner.

Although the debate over the apparent threat of the American athlete continued, it was clear that there was no doubt in the minds of everyone that gathered in Half-Way Tree yesterday that it would be a Jamaican who would bring home the gold.

Many had their bets on veteran track and field giant, Veronica Campbell-Brown, but most were predicting it would be Kerron Stewart. But just seconds after the starter's gun sounded, it was clear who would emerge the winner.

Waterhouse

Throngs of people flocked Ashoka Road, just in front of Shelly-Ann Fraser's house where she grew up.

The moment she crossed the finish line the community erupted.

The residents of the sometimes troubled inner-city community of Waterhouse, who were mostly clad in black, green and gold, clanged pot covers and knocked pans in celebration of her victory.

They screamed "that's my girl", "she is the best", among other things, while some performed different dance moves in the middle of the street.

New Kingston

"Please do not beat on the counter," a worker requested from the three male patrons sitting at the bar as he anticipated the celebration the women's 100m final would bring.

"Okay, boss," they conceded.

But as soon as Shelly-Ann was out of the blocks, it seemed they had temporary memory loss as they beat the counter loudly.

It would be a memorable meal for the persons who turned out to watch the race and have lunch at Cuddy'z Sports Bar and Restaurant yesterday.

Patrons made sure they were there before 2:15 and as if rehearsed at 2:33 when the girls lined up in the blocks, all orders ceased, waiters paused in reverence, not even a bottle was raised to the mouth, as patrons paid keen attention to one of the many television screens.

Downtown Kingston

This man gets as much exercise as the athletes on the track as he watched the excitement of the women's 100m final in Half-Way Tree yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

While the footage wasn't the best, the fans didn't mind, and crammed themselves into the Burger King by the bus park downtown to catch a glimpse of the winners. There were no betting shops open but yesterday bets were being placed left, right and centre!

The Gleaner ran into performer Brushy One-String engaged in a heated debate with social worker Edward Dixon and Nicky Brown, manicurist, on their lunch break, and the other patrons loudly endorsing and declaring that Shelly-Ann Fraser would win the upcoming women's 100m race.

"Right now mi can predict the race, right now," he said, face animated.

"You see the American girl? She ah come second. Shelly-Ann Fraser first, Jeter second, Veronica Campbell third, Stewart fourth!"

This last, he said, with a pointed look at his 'betting' opponent, Dixon. "Shelly-Ann, she ah go nyam the food!"

"No, man, at least you haffi give Stewart the second!" fired back Dixon, who had long pegged Stewart for number-one glory.

With a minute to go to the race, it was standing room only, and it was obvious they weren't here for the food.

One bewildered female cashier asked the crowd unavoidably clogging the queue, "Nobody nah cash?" Snickers were the only reply she would get.