Saturday, August 11 2012

BRONZE IS GOLD.

This is how local fans felt about the Olympic medal the men’s 4x400-metre relay team won in London yesterday.

The normal Friday after-work lime for Trinbagonians turned into celebration as men and women stood with their eyes glued to big screens in their favourite liming spots anticipating a win for TT. People were screaming and shouting praises to sprinters Lalonde Gordon, Jarrin Solomon and Ade Alleyne-Forte before the baton was passed to fourth runner Deon Lendore, who raced to the finish line giving the team and TT a third place win. In bars, fans sang and danced to celebrate Trinidad’s second bronze medal for the London Olympics after Gordon won the first medal in the men’s 400 metres on Monday.

Limers at Pancho’s Restaurant and Bar, Queen Street, Port-of-Spain, said they were there all day waiting for the final and were not disappointed.

“Bronze is excellent, that is like gold for us, they did their best and we have to celebrate that, and I believe there are more medals on the way for TT,” said Kevin Prudhomne.

Many patrons at the D Bocas, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain, sang praises as well.

Ashmeed Hamid, all dressed in his work suit, with a group of friends at a table lined with empty beer bottles said, “That win is well deserved for us, they worked hard and competed with the best, we are proud and we are celebrating it.”

He also commented on the women’s 4x100 metre relay team where Kelly-Ann Baptiste, on the second leg, was out of the transition area when receiving the baton from Michelle-Lee Ahye. He said maybe it was nerves but it was disappointing the women did not make a win.

Bernard Persad, who saw the race at MovieTowne, Mucurapo with friends, said, “Bronze is gold for us, this is very exciting, Trinidad is in high celebrations because of this.”