It is with great pride and respect that I extend my congratulations to Usain Bolt. In him we have a young man who has measured up to all that was expected of him. Jamaica has produced a son who is, undoubtably, the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen.

Asafa must be given credit too. Let us not be too hard on him. A lesser man might have folded and quit long ago. When an athlete goes to the starting line, the loneliest interval in one's life is the interval between 'on your marks, get set and the gun'.

Asafa is apparently working on his mental weaknesses. Let us all, as Jamaicans, stand firmly behind him as if he was the world champion. To beat him down is a reflection on our own character as a people. We should always be mindful of the fact that our athletes are indeed human and can only get as far as their God-given talent can take them.

I am,etc.,

Anthony P. Matthes

percival111@aol.com

Florida, USA