One Caribbean? Missed Relay Opportunites.

I am not going to develop a big argument on these topics. But I will just point out that Jamaica is in the unbelievable position of leading the athletics gold medal tally for all countries--with five so far; by extension it leads the western hemisphere area, which includes the mighty USA (see table).

I want to extend my satisfaction to Cuba, whom we know has a very different political regime to most of the world and the region, and speaks Spanish so is often harder for us to to build good communications. But let us not forget or ignore that that country has done so much to put sports and athletics at the forefront of their development, and helps many other English-speaking countries in the region with their resources and expertise. Dayron Robles' (pictured) win in the 110 metres hurdles was expected and elegantly delivered as usual.

I also want to note that amazing performances have come from all the region's athletes, not just the English-speakers, though not with the satisfaction of medals. Bahamians have run and jumped their hearts for only a bronze by Leevan Sands in today's men's triple jump, so far, yet they held the region's hopes so high in the last World Championships and Olympics. I also shed a huge tear last night and again today for the Netherlands Antillean, Churandy Martina, over his disqualification and lost silver medal in yesterday's 200 metres, behind Usain.

There's a natural feel-good element from doing well in the Olympics and so many positives can be built on by the region after the Games are over.

I do not hold a smug satisfaction from seeing both US men's and women's relay teams dropping the baton on the last exchange and giving up any hopes of a medal. I hoped and prayed that this would not happen to any of the region's teams. The relays are beastly for tripping up pre-race favourites, who cannot pass the stick. Only 10 of 16 teams ran a legal race for the men--so no Nigeria or Great Britain--and 11 0f 16 for the women-including Trinidad & Tobago (see result). Really cruel for those team members who had no individual events and had this as their only hope of glory. I do not know why there were no Bahamian 100 metres relay teams entered. But let a proud battle begin between the Caribbean teams for golds tomorrow.