Jamaican teammates Asafa Powell (right) and Usain Bolt celebrate their gold-medal win in the men's 4x100m relay, during the athletics competition at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, recently. - AP

THE EDITOR, Sir:

In spite of our good showing in Beijing, many are undermining us due to jealousy and hate. The agony of defeat is painful. Bolt has done the Americans a displeasure and disservice they will never fathom for years to come. We are large and in charge. Not only are the Americans envious of our success, but other Caribbean rivals find the time to hammer our athletes to the ground. Ato Bolden, the great bragger, is not too pleased with the solid achievement of our athletes and their celebratory mode.

The Americans have shown great disregard for fellow athletes and we don't consider it to be any way less dehumanising. Maurice Green is one man who brags out of season and in season. Ato is a protégé of Maurice Green and they together equal one.

In other words, they are not one in flesh but one in spirit. Many athletes use drugs and all sorts of cheating schemes to gain victory, but the good yam is all we have.

People must be solid in victory and humble in defeat. When our heroes and heroines return, we are going to have a grand celebration. The four corners of our island will converge as one in harmony and love, as Melaine Walker begged during her victory speech. This is the appropriate moment for the athletes to speak up against crime. Their voices will be heard now more than ever.

All hail to our forerunners who have done us proud. Remember Herb Mckenley and the quartet, Merlene, Grace, Bertland, Donald, Juliet, Dion, Lennox and Raymond. They have carried us so far, we will not forget them.

I am, etc.,

Paris Taylor

Greater Portmore

bighot43@yahoo.com