Home, The Conquering Hero

Today, those Barbadians who do not know of Ryan Brathwaite (pronounced 'Braffit' by many Bajans) and his exploits should hang their heads in shame and ignorance. Those Barbadians who did not know about him before his exploits in Berlin a few weeks ago should also bow their heads. While doing that penance, the rest of us will be cheering like crazy, just as we did when he ended the race and we did not need to see the replay to KNOW that he had won. Look at the finish: his dip at the tape is text book--chest forward (it's that which must cross the line first); head down; arms swept back (to give thrust and help keep the chest visible for the camera). Nice one, boy!

Today is not the day to berate anyone for Ryan succeeding DESPITE rather than BECAUSE. He has done the heroic deed. He represented his country at the highest level and cleared the bar (mixed metaphor) with ease. Now, he can look back and the records will show (because he has a few now) that he was THE VICTOR. Barbados' first world athletics champion. Savour the moment again (or for the first time, if you are still on hold with CBC about why your screen was blank during the championships). You get the full drama version, and if you understand the language you are a credit to your country. If you are not an athlete you will wince as he crushes the first hurdle. Look at how he paces nervously after the race; all the little bristles of expectation rising on his arm; fists clenched; lips bitten; earring twitching (look carefully). See how one of the American athletes contending for a medal on the line, Payne, quickly acknowledges the victor BEFORE the announcement. See the release of excitement as Ryan hears the result.



Today, I will not berate anyone when it comes to sports development. That I will save for another day. We will not go back to the flag issue.

Ryan has had a good amount of time to savour his win, and learn that he is now THE MAN in the 110 metres hurdles. European circuit racing must have been tiring and I'm sure he wanted to be home days ago. But, milk it, man! Now, as he sits in his plane waiting nervously to arrive and hear and see the adulation of his country, I hope that he has a heart so filled with pride and joy that he may get onto the tarmac and kiss it to show where he loves most.

My household has its own Ryan, but spelt Rhian (the Welsh way, and it means 'princess'), so we will not have to make any name changes to celebrate as a family. We are proud to hear that name sound out every day: R-eye-yan. My little daughter, bless her, thinks that school will close early to honour her. Now, that's the kind of sense of self that will take you places. I told her that she would need to share it with Mr. Brathwaite, and she seemed cool with that when she went to bed. She thought he was cute. Things may look different when she sees the bunting and so forth today, especially as her birthday is soon and celebration mood is already flowing.

I don't know when Barbados last had a day like this. If there is someone deserving of the title of Ambassador for Youth and Culture, Ryan Brathwaite is a good candidate. I wont comment about the rush of some in the private sector to ply him with land (but so far without the means to develop it). I will hope that the coat tails that trail behind the young man do not get tangled in any hurdles or get stepped up and make him fall.

As the national anthem is played today, I hope that every Barbadian will find it hard to hold back a tear or many in celebration of what its youth can do and how potential can shine through to great achievement.

Well done, Ryan. Welcome home!