Grange hails Hyde, James

KINGSTON:

Sport minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange has extended congratulations to men's 400-metre hurdler Jaheel Hyde and Tiffany James who gave Jamaica its first ever gold medal in the women's 400m at the recently concluded IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Poland.

Grange said: "Jaheel (Hyde) is a special athlete who will be going to his first Olympics next month. I am expecting great things from Jaheel who has a very bright future. His performance was breathtaking and augurs well for him and the country," she said.

She added: "Tiffany's (James) achievement is also very special for us as a country. Overall our athletes did exceptionally well, and I am eager to meet them and let them know how proud they've made us all feel."

The minister further commended all the participating athletes and said they would have gained invaluable experience that will prepare them for stronger competition at the senior level.

"Our athletes did their best and we are really proud of them. Getting to the championships means that every competing athlete is amongst the very best in the world, including those who did not medal. Their performance is an indication that the future of our track and field programme is strong and can only get stronger."

Jamaica finished with a total of eight medals - two gold, three silver and three bronze and ended fifth on the medal table behind the United States, Kenya, Ethiopia and Cuba.