I can hear the pots and covers being banged together in jubiliation
By cynthiann
@cynthiann (18612)
Jamaica
August 22, 2009 1:24pm CST
Jamaica is creaming the rest of the world in the Athletic competitions that are now taking place in Berlin. The Jamaican women have just won the relay.
No one told me this. I know because when we celebrate our victories people take to the streets whooping and yelling and making noise by banging a saucepan and saucepan lid together.
This is what we do. Very noisy but very exhilarating and exciting. From my office I can hear the jubilation on the streets. The rum bars will do good business tonight as in each village the people will gather and talk about today's races.
We have the fastest runner in the world, Usain Bolt who has now broken his own world record from the Olympics. So much talent in a little Island that is 120 miles long and forty something miles wide.
These young people do not come from privileged backgrounds but they have made it through grit and determination. We are all feeling so proud of them.
Tell me, what do you do in your neck of the woods to celebrate when an athlete from your country wins an international heat?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@tjades (3590)
• Jamaica
22 Aug 09
Hey Cynthiann 
. Its really great isnt it. Since we are from the same country I would only be echoing your statement on how we celebrate such events here. I'll just add the blaring or constant tooting of the car horns and the flashing of the headlights. Love it all.
I was outside with my brother and a girlfriend of mine who had stopped by with her niece, when I heard the potcovers go off next door. That signaled that the race was about to be run (they have been doing this since the start of the championship). All we were talking about was set aside as we dashed inside to capture the moment. Great.
The men's relay brought no less jubilation. Its so nice to hear the celebratory squeals and various noises go off around the community. Great. I would have liked to have seen the matchup between us and the Americans in both races. It would have been tougher but i enjoy the challenge.
Its all GREAT. Inspite of all the upheavels we always find our way onto the world scene in one positive light or the other.
TO the strength and determination of the Jamaican people.... CHEERS*****
. Its really great isnt it. Since we are from the same country I would only be echoing your statement on how we celebrate such events here. I'll just add the blaring or constant tooting of the car horns and the flashing of the headlights. Love it all.
I was outside with my brother and a girlfriend of mine who had stopped by with her niece, when I heard the potcovers go off next door. That signaled that the race was about to be run (they have been doing this since the start of the championship). All we were talking about was set aside as we dashed inside to capture the moment. Great.
The men's relay brought no less jubilation. Its so nice to hear the celebratory squeals and various noises go off around the community. Great. I would have liked to have seen the matchup between us and the Americans in both races. It would have been tougher but i enjoy the challenge.
Its all GREAT. Inspite of all the upheavels we always find our way onto the world scene in one positive light or the other.
TO the strength and determination of the Jamaican people.... CHEERS*****1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
23 Aug 09
I am raising my glass and drinking to you toast. Here's to a great little nation. I tis hard ot believe that we have at this moment 7 gold medals. What a triumph for us all. They have done themselves and the nation proud.
@tjades (3590)
• Jamaica
24 Aug 09
They have indeed.... Seond cynthiann, we are second in the overallmedal standing and was even leading at one point******* Unbelievable. The jamaican athletes starting at the veterans have been knocking on this door for sooooooooooo long now. Finally it is here.
It all happened during my life time. ***WOW***
What are we going to do with Bolt? He has the world talking not just about his speed but his general playful attitude.
You know thumbsup , to him I have new found respect and understanding for hyperactive kids. Its a laugh to hear his parents speak of his antics has a child. Just cant keep still can he?
Love those guys (all of them) and admire strength.
You know thumbsup , to him I have new found respect and understanding for hyperactive kids. Its a laugh to hear his parents speak of his antics has a child. Just cant keep still can he?
Love those guys (all of them) and admire strength.1 person likes this
@Joniel20 (195)
• Philippines
22 Aug 09
He's the fastest runner i've known I watched hes competitions and he reakky is fast..That takes a lot of practice..
I'm from the Philippines and when our boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has a boxing match all people here watch his fight cheering and prayng for him to win.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
22 Aug 09
I feel sure the athletes do better and are inspireed when they know that their countryment are behind then and supporting them. Yes, Usain is really fast and they are saying that he hasn't reached his full potential as yet. Carl Lewis of the USA was also great in the 80"s but Bolt is faster.
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
25 Aug 09
Well I am not a sports fan myself, but as for what people do here in the USA I can only guess. One guess would be to get drunk, and while I am sure I'm not far off, I can also assume that some give cook outs, though when it comes to the super bowl, cookouts are usually done anyway! lol!
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
24 Aug 09
Normally when there's some sort of huge competition everyone gathers at sports bars to watch on TV, or people will throw big parties to watch on their own TV's. If you're downtown during one of these events you may see the celebration afterwards, there will be hooting, hollaring, and people beeping their car horns, but that's about it. When the victors return home there's usually a parade in their honor too.
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
24 Aug 09
I had forgotten to mention the car horns and flashing lights etc. Kat, these kids came from homes that did not have running water or electric light. The father of the girl who did the hurdles used to put pout empty oil cans in the road fro her to practice and all the neighbours would stop the traffic from passing when she practiced. They had nothing and overcame all their adversities to win at the Olympic games and now at Berlin. I am sure that they will receive a great welcome when they return.
@gossipzz (498)
• Canada
22 Aug 09
Well congratulations. No I am not jamaican but good for them. What happen the U.S ran out of steriods. I remember the time when it used to be U.S winning every thing. After winning years after you hear they were charged with being on steriods. I guess now it was a fair race. Happy lotting
