Team Grenada’s feat fills our country with pride

The Tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique which is usually identified by a dot on the map has gained significant momentum and created history by having two track blazers compete in the men’s 400-meter Olympic finals on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016.

Defending his championship, Kirani established the tone for the 400-meter final by leading the semifinals in his season-best 44.02 seconds. Bralon Taplin with his fourth-fastest qualifying time, won the third heat in 44.44 seconds.

Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016 will always be a memorable day for Grenadians in the diaspora and friends and supporters of Team Grenada, as we flocked the Tropical Paradise Ballroom in New York to witness the repetition of history once again. It was such a testament to witness the diaspora shouting, clapping and pushing Kirani and Bralon forward to the finish line.

Kirani went on to finish the men’s 400m final with a 43.76 seconds, bringing home the Olympic silver medal for Grenada, while Bralon completed the men’s 400-meter final in 44.45 seconds.

We salute the Spice Boys for mastering this event that contributed to the fastest time in Olympic history of the Men’s 400-meter race. Also performances in decathlon of Kurt Felix and Lindon Victor, our swimmers, Corey Olliverre and Oreoluwa Cherebin and to our 400 meter specialist Kanika Beckles.

We laud all our athletes who participated in the Rio Olympics 2016 and for continuing the fine tradition of showing the world the depth of world class talents and athletes our country possesses.