 Golden Moment for Barbados
When Obadele Thompson finished third in the Olympics 100 metres final, he ignited explosive joy in the hearts of his fellow Barbadians. Oba's inspirational performance was not only a case of a beloved son of the soil taking third place in the premier "Fastest Man on Earth" event in athletics; it was also the first time that Barbados had ever won a medal in the history of the Olympics.
It had been a long wait for a nation of avid sports lovers; and this first, dramatic Olympic success released an unprecedented outpouring of national pride and patriotism in Barbados. To put matters into perspective, Barbados has a population of 270,000 about the size of a small town in most countries. Compare that to the majority of competing nations, who count their populations in tens or even hundreds of millions.
Oba's success was all the sweeter because he is such a well liked and respected young man. He is a deeply spiritual person who openly applies a strong Christian commitment to all aspects of his life. Oba has always carried himself as an honest and humble sportsman with a sense of dignity, ever since he first started winning medals as a schoolboy at Harrison College.
An ideal role model, Oba was recognised in the United States by the NCAA, when he was chosen as one of "Today's Top Eight", an award reserved for the eight most outstanding scholar athletes who have shown exceptional character and leadership qualities. Oba was the only non-American on the list.
In addition to his Olympic 100m bronze medal and 4th place in the 200 metres, Oba has in the past also held the world junior 100m record, and a world record 5.99 seconds for 55m indoors. Today he still holds the world record for the fastest ever 100m under any conditions. He ran a 9.69 seconds 100m in El Paso, Texas, but the record could not stand because the wind was blowing at more than 5m/sec.
Obadele is aYoruha name which means 'The King arrives at home'. And anybody who witnessed Obadele's overwhelming and emotional national reception welcoming him back to Barbados after the Olympics would tell you that no name could ever have been more appropriate.
Photo compliments of http://www.obadele.com/
Article written in 2001 and compliments of "Ins and Outs of Barbados" Magazine
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