Palmer

Lovell Palmer, younger brother of 100-metre hurdles world champion, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, did not watch the entire race yesterday. Not because there was an intermittent break in the transmission from Berlin, but because he was too nervous.

"When the starter's gun went off I closed my eyes. I couldn't watch," he told The Gleaner yesterday, during a telephone interview.

"I reopened my eyes just when they got to the finish line and I saw the green and yellow blazer go across in front and I said 'yes, she did it'," he added.

Palmer, who is a senior member of the national football squad, said his sister's performance has left him "speechless".

"I am so happy for her, I can hardly express it, because I know how hard she has worked for this," he said.

FAMILY ELECTRIFIED

Foster-Hylton's superb run during Day Five of the 12th IAAF World Championships, which got her the gold medal, with compatriot sprint hurdler Delloreen Ennis-London copping the bronze, has not only electrified her family but has sent shock waves across her entire St Elizabeth community.

"I run three laps around the church," shouted Foster-Hylton's mother, Primrose Palmer, in excitement when The Gleaner finally contacted her via telephone yesterday.

Unfortunately, Mrs Palmer was unable to watch the race because she was busy cooking for a programme at her church in Manchester.

However, just moments after the race, hundreds of Manchester and St Elizabeth residents gathered in the yard of the Gospel Church of God to help her celebrate.

LONG TIME IN THE MAKING

The devout Christian said she was just giving God thanks for her daughter's victory because she knew it was a long time in the making.

"Last night I gathered with my church choir and the prayer group prayed for her and we asked God to guide her to the finish line," she said.

Mrs Palmer added that despite the many obstacles, the injuries and the disappointment at last year's Beijing Games, she never stopped believing in her daughter's ability.

"I always tell her 'Bridge, your day is going to come, your hard work is going to pay off, don't give up'," she said, as her voice quivered with emotion.

Foster-Hylton's father, Lovell Palmer Sr, who did not miss a minute of the event, said he was overjoyed at her outstanding performance. "She has done us proud over the years and I am really glad that she got the gold."

National Commercial Bank Managing Director Patrick Hylton, who joined his wife in Berlin, said: "I don't think anyone deserves a World Championship gold medal more than Brigitte. This is a lesson in the power of faith, perseverance and commitment. She is a true champion."

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com