When it comes to sports and Jamaica, they go together like a bird on a feather.  Just the same with sports in Jamaica and the former first family, The Manley family. Norman Washington Manley was a star athlete at Jamaica College. Interestingly enough, Douglas Manley who was Michael’s older brother ran track and field for Munro College in Jamaica. Douglas ran against Herb McKenley of Calabar High School and Leroy “Coco” Brown of Wolmer’s Boys School Championship in 1941. 

Overall, Jamaica has produced some world class athletes over the years. We will take a look at the past Seventy-five (75) years in sports.  The idea was to find the 25 Greatest Athletes From Jamaica (#12 is My Favorite). Then find out who were the greatest athletes from Jamaica. Then method used to identify the greatest athletes was not scientific. There were no Supercomputer or AI (Artifical Intelligence) involded to figure-out our list of great athletes. We are talking about the 25 Greatest Athletes from Jamaica and ranking them against the world’s best. This ranking would cross all sports which is extremely difficult.

Jamaican Sports

Sports play a significant role in the lives of the people in Jamaica and Jamaican sports fans around the world. The challenges on this topic got the best of some people. While some people get crazy when they talk sports, others are just passionate. Sports has always been near and dear to many people’s heart so we were up for the challenge.

We knew this topic was controversial, what we did not expect was the immediate buzz it would generate. We did raise some blood pressure base on the topic. People were making phone calls to family and friends all over Jamaica, US, UK and Canada. The reactions and over-reactions made it clear; this topic was near and dear to people’s heart. 

Land of Sprinter and Dreamers

We came across the loudest voice trying to force their favorite athlete on the list. Contributing to this article Barry Sanders said, “Sports is big and has been extremely successful in Jamaica. Therefore, it’s important to remember those who helped to put us on the map. This would include our past and present athletes.” Jamaica have had their fair share of champions in just about all sport categories. In the early days, some athletes did it for the pride and glory of their family and their country. Now in the 21st Century, sports is a big business. Sports in Jamaica is more than just a past time, it’s an opportunity, it’s a life changer. Sports Illustrator Magazine wrote an article about 33 years ago, titled “Land of Sprinters and Dreamers“. Today, many athletes have turned that dream into their reality.

Sports world wide is a business and athletes realized that exceptional talents are always in demand. Sports is a business, unlike other businesses in that competitiveness never-ending. The competitiveness continues on the street corner, in the arena, bars, barbershops, and in the homes. Sports is a never-ending conversation. AJE set out to talk to the super fans and the fans not so super. The goal was to complete a list of the 25 Greatest Athletes.

 

No Scientific Measures in Ranking

 We compiled several lists that were submitted then cross reference the names from each list. Some of our personal favorites did not make the list. Again, because the list covers all sport over the past 75 years, there were no scientific measures. The next roadblock was the ranking. How do you rank a Jockey vs a Boxer or Netball Player vs Track and field? It’s an impossible task and there are no scientific or artificial intelligence (AI) formulas. So, we left the ranking to the people and some great sport minded people. Below is the list of the 25 Greatest Athletes from Jamaica (#12 is My Favorite). We have three athletes that came in at number 25 because other say, they MUST be there. 

#25 Connie Francis – Jamaica Netball Player.

Connie was Captain of Jamaica Netball Team for six years. Her 17 year career has helped Jamaica to compete in many international netball tournaments. From 1985-1999 and 2003, Connie was a national player. During Connie’s playing days she played in five World Netball Championships. Francis was a hard worker throughout her career. Her playing style was aggressive as she plays goal attack. If Connie were playing goal defense or goal shooter, her will to win made her the greatest netball player.

Over that period, Jamaica increased there netball ranking in the world. In 2003, Connie and the Sunshine girls won bronze in the 11th World Championships. Francis hard work alongside her teammates to put team in uncomfortable position. Netball is the number one female sport in Jamaica. The Sunshine Girls is the name of Jamaica national netball team. Connie Francis is in the top three most Test Cap. She Francis made the list of accomplish netball players world wide.

#25 Simone Edwards 6’4″ born in Kingston, Jamaica

Simone Edwards a 6′ 4″ Netball Player from Kingston Jamaica. Seminole State College in the USA offer Simone a basketball scholarship. However, she needed to learn how to play basketball. At that time, Simone didn’t know what basketball was, but she had what you can’t teach “height.” In hoping for a brighter future, Edwards took on the challenge to learn the game of basketball. Simone ranked in the top 10 during her first year at Seminole State College in Oklahoma. Edwards went on to achieve All-American status. She became Regional Player of the Year and received the Most Valuable Player Award. Simone received the First Kodak All-American award. She was also the first player in Seminole State school’s history to receive the award.

After Seminole State College, Edwards continued her college career at the University of Iowa. This college is a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I college, which is the highest division. Simone became co-captain playing for legendary basketball coach Vivian Stringer. After completing her college career, Simone Edwards signed a contract with the New York Liberty. The New York Liberty is one of the WNBA (Women National Basketball Association) in the USA. Edwards became the First Jamaican WNBA Player. While playing in the WNBA, Simone was starring in Italy, Hungary, Israel, and Spain during the off season. Edwards helped to lead her teams in the Israeli Cup and the Spanish Copa de la Reina to championship winners.

WNBA Seattle Storm in 2000

Simone Edwards signed with the Seattle Storm in 2000. Her career with the storm filled with dominance. She was indeed the “Jamaican Hurricane.” Simone career stats with the Storm included over 600 career points and 405 career rebounds. Edwards became the All-Time Leader in Games Played and a fan favorite with her “Shimmy Shake.” Simone Edwards helped the Seattle Storm to win the WNBA Championship Title in 2004. After retiring from WNBA basketball, Simone became captain of the Jamaica Women’s National Basketball Team.

Simone helped the Jamaica Basketball Women’s National Team to win their first championship gold medal.  Today Simone Edwards is an NCAA Women’s Basketball Ambassador. She will forever be in the Seattle Storm Legend Fraternity and a member of the Seattle Storm All-Decade Team.

#25 Allan “Skill” Cole – Born 14/10/1950 Footballer / Soccer.

Allan Cole regarded by many as the most gifted football player to come out of Jamaica. He remains the youngest Jamaican football player who played for the national team at 15 years old. His promising career took center stage playing for Vere Technical in 1965. During that period, Allen made his debut playing in the DaCosta Cup. That year, Cole led all scores with 38 goals. Skill Cole was a gifted football player that many Jamaicans often compared to Pele, the legendary Brazilian Footballer. Skill Cole dazzled many fans with his fancy footwork.

Allan went on to played for Santos Football Club and received the “Willis Isaac’s Trophy” in Jamaica’s National League. Many Jamaicans idolized him because of his exceptional “skill” with the football. Allan took his career to North America and played two seasons for the Atlanta Chiefs. By the 1970’s, Cole was one of the most popular sport figures in Jamaica. His popularity had risen to cult legendary status.

Brazil team Nautica

In 1971, Cole signed with Brazil team Nautica. A year later, he helped Nautica to the National Championship which they did not compete in since 1959. In the National Championship, Skill Cole played against some of the greatest Brazilian players. Including the great Pele who played on the 1970 World Cup Team. By this time Cole was at the top of his game. He has always felt he could have done better on the international scale.

After leaving Nautica, Cole came back to Jamaica and played for Santos.
He helped them to win National League Title three years in a row. Skill also played professionally for the Ethiopian Airlines team for three years. They won the Ethiopian Winter Football League in 1977. Sepp Blatter awarded a plaque to Allen in September 2010. He was the former FIFA President in recognizing his contribution to Jamaican Football.

#24 Authur “Gentle Giant” Wint – OD, MBE – 25/05/1920  – 19/10/1992, Manchester, Jamaica – Track and Field.

During the 2012 Olympics in Britain, Arthur Wint was described in two words as, “The Originator“. The Voice Newspaper Published that information in the United Kingdom. Arthur Wint won the “Jamaica Boy Athlete of the Year” award in 1937. 1938 at the Pan Am Games in Panama, Wint had his first major success at 28th years old. During that competition, Arthur won gold in the 800 m race. Arthur Wint was a Flight Lieutenant of the Royal Air Force Pilot division in WW II. He served in active combat duty. Arthur Wint left the Royal Air Force to study medicine in 1947. In 1953, he was qualified to practice medicine as a doctor.

What’s amazing about athlete in these times are that they all had jobs and or in school. While Arthur Wint was winning gold and silver medals and setting world records, he was studying to become a doctor.

Jamaica’s first Olympian

Arthur Wint was Jamaica’s first Olympian. Wint won gold medal in the 1948 Olympic in London. At the first Olympic in London in 1948, Wint won Jamaica’s first gold medal. At that event, fellow Jamaican Herb McKenley came in second place and a won silver medal. During the race, Arthur Wint matched the world record in the 400 m at 46.2 sec. at Wembley Stadium.  Wint accepted his medal while the anthem “God Bless the Queen” was playing. Jamaica did not gain independence from Great Britain until 1962, but there was no question, he was running for Jamaica.

In 1952 in Helsinki, Wint won his second gold medal in the 4×400 relay. His team ran the 4×400 m race in world record time of 3:03.9. The amazing part of it all was that Arthur Wint track and field career was part-time. Arthur Wint was a medical student studying to become a doctor. At the same time, he had to practice various technique of track and field race to become the best. Furthermore, Wint ran at a time when most tracks were dirt or clay. Also, the training methods and equipment were not as advanced as they are today.

Arthur Wint Drive

“Arthur Wint Drive” is the name of a street in Kingston to recognize his accomplishment. Wint statue stand tall outside National Stadium in Kingston Jamaica. Jamaica appointed Arthur Wint as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1973 – 1978. He was also an ambassador to Sweden and Denmark from 1974 to 1978. Black Athlete’s Hall of Fame in the United States inducted Wint in 1977. Jamaica inducted Wint into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. The Central American and Caribbean Athletic Confederation Hall of Fame him in 2003. There’s a photo of Authur Wint’s at the National Stadium.

#23 Omar Walker 1983 – Portmore, Jamaica – Jockey

Omar Walker began riding in 2006 at the age of 23. As an apprentice, Walker won his first race riding the horse Supernatural. Omar was a natural talent when it came to horse racing. Omar credits his success to hard work which he learns from his mother Karen. During his first year of riding, Omar won 10 races. Omar Walker won “Champion Jockey of The Year”, four straight years from 2007 – 2010. Walker joined George HoSang, Winston Griffiths, and Arthur Jones as the elite group of jockeys. They have all won four straight Champion Jockey Titles.

Arthur Jones holds the record as Champion Jockey of The Year for a record of ten times. This includes seven straight titles from 1946 – 1952. The following year 2011 when Omar was not champion jockey with the most wins, he second among Jamaican jockeys. In 2012 Walker finished third in wins. In by 2013, he had the second most wins for the Champion Jockey of the Year.

Won over 700 races at Caymanas Park

So far in his career, Walker has won over 700 races at Caymanas Park. On 6 separate occasions, Omar Walker has won 5 races in one day. Walker has had 4 winners in the same day, 16 separate times. On Saturday October 20th and Wednesday October 24th, 2007, Walker rode 5 winners both days on back-to-back race days. Between June 25, 2008, and July 5, 2008, Omar Walker won 3 races on 4 consecutive race days. Walker has won the 2009 Caribbean Sprint Championship and the 2011 Red Stripe Mile.

On Saturday April 12, 2014, Omar Walker won his first Classic race. He rode Talented Tony K to victory to win his first Classic race, the 2,000 Guineas. In April 2015, Walker won the 1,000 Guineas on Puddy Pooh. Omar won his first Derby riding Seeking My Dream. Omar Walker expanded his riding jockey service to Canada. In Canada, he has been racing at the Downs Track. Walker had his best racing day in 2014 in Canada on Queen Victoria’s Birthday Celebration. Omar had his first triple win in Canada on Victoria Day. Since he started racing in Canada, Omar Walker was in the top 5 jockeys in earning in 2014.

#22 Winston “Fanna” Anthony Griffiths OD – Jockey

Legendary Jamaican Jockey

Winston Griffiths, legendary Hall of Fame horse racing career started in the mid-1970’s. Over the years, the veteran jockey has ridden more winners in Jamaica and have more than 1600 wins. Fanna was the people’s champion, Jamaicans were in love with him. Winston total wins at Caymanas Park, put him ahead of any other jockey in the history of Jamaican horse racing. He had the gift to read the pace of the race and be patient before making his move. Once he saw an opening, he would make his move. Winston “Fanna” Griffiths is one of the greatest Jamaican jockeys of all time. Griffiths fanning style of riding is how he got the name Fanna.

Caymanas Park first Triple Crown Winner

According to CAL’S Manufacturing Ltd, Winston Griffiths is, “The best Classic race rider ever produced in Jamaica”. CAL’S Manufacturing Ltd made this statement on June 13, 2015. They have sponsored more than 95th Jamaica Derby. Griffiths have won 11 Jamaican Derby since 1981. His first derby win came riding Royal Dad, Caymanas Park first Triple Crown Winner.  Griffiths have the honor of winning the Jamaican Horse Racing Derby three times-in-a-row on two separate occasions. Griffiths won his first derby triple in 1988 – 1990. He was riding Lui Chie Poo, then Viceroy and Distinctly Native respectively

Then in 2002 – 2004, Fanna won riding Simply Magic, A King Is Born and Distinctly Irish. Griffiths had the distinct honor of riding five of the 7 Triple Crown winners at Caymanas Park. He rode Royal Dad in 1981, Viceroy in 1989, and Milligram in 1992. To close out the seven triple crown winners, he rode I’m Satisfied in 2000 and Simply Magic in 2002.

Champion Jockey 5-times

Winston Griffiths was Champion Jockey 5-times, with the most win in each of those years.  Griffiths won “Champion Jockey of The Year”, four straight years from 1978 – 1981 and his fifth in 1995. George HoSang, Omar Walker, and Arthur Jones are the three other jockeys in Jamaica in this elite group. They all have four straight champion jockey titles. Arthur Jones holds the record as Champion Jockey of The Year for seven years. He accomplished this from 1946 to 1952 by winning ten times, including seven straight titles.

Griffiths had been called a giant of a Jockey over the years. In 2013, Winston won the Gladiator Trophy at Caymanas Park for his win in a seven-furlong race. He won the Chairman’s Award at RJR Sports, the Foundation’s National Sportsman Award, and the Sportsman of the Year Award. The all-time winner with 1663, now have a race in his honor with the Winston Griffiths Classic.

#21 Romelda “Shebron/Diddy” Aiken – 19/11/1988 Kingston, Jamaica. Professional Netball Player.

Jamaica’s Netball Team

Romelda Aiken played a huge role in helping Jamaica’s Netball Team. She has won one silver medal and two bronze medals in three Major competitions. She won the World Youth Netball Championships in 2005 and 2009. Netball World Cup Championships in 2007 and 2011 and Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014.  In 2008 she signed a contract to play in Australia and New Zealand’s ANZ Premier Netball League.

She has been called “SheBron” in Australia because of her Netball Skills. While the name came from her basketball hero, American NBA Basketball legend, Lebron James. Aiken has represented the name Shebron well.

So far, Aiken’s professional career span over 100 games. Romelda has won three Most Valuable Player Awards. This includes two straight years in 2008 and 2009 and again in 2015. So far in her professional career, she has won two Championships, one in 2011 and the other in 2015. Her team has been to the ANZ Grand Finals in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The Sunshine Girls

While representing Jamaica’s Netball Team in 2014, Romelda shot 44 goals on 52 attempts. She did this in the Commonwealth Games in GLASGOW, Scotland. She helped Jamaica’s Netball Team, the Sunshine Girls, to win a bronze medal. Aiken became the first player to score 4,000 goals in the ANZ Championship Games. Romelda accomplished this in the Premier Netball League in Australia and New Zealand.

She has won top Category Awards at the RJR Sports Foundation National Sportsman and Sportswoman Awards Gala for 2015.  She has won the “Players’ Player Award” multiple times for her Mission Queensland Firebirds Team. Her dominating play continued in 2015, which helped her team to thirteen straight wins. Firebirds when on to win the ANZ Championship.

#20 Devon Markes “Devo” Whyte (White) 29/12/1962 – Kingston Jamaica MLB (Major League Baseball) Player.

The immigration authorities misspelled Devon White’s name when he first came to the USA. His birth name is Devon Whyte. After his baseball career was over, he changed the spelling of his name back to Whyte. To his beloved fans, he will always be Devon “Devo” White. The position Devon Whyte played in Major League Baseball was center field. Devon had a 16-year baseball career.

During his career, Devon won 7 Gold Glove Awards, because of his superior fielding skills at his position. He played Center Field for the Toronto Blue Jays from 1991 – 1995. During that time, Devo won 5 Gold Glove Awards for each of the 5 seasons. This includes back-to-back World Series Championships in 1992 and 1993.

Lifetime Batting Average

Overall, Devon Whyte played in 1941 games and had a lifetime batting average of .263. His runs batted in totaled 846, runs scored 1125, 346 stolen bases and 208 home runs. Devon Whyte was a 3x All-star (1989, 1993, 1998). Devon and his teammates won three Major League Baseball World Series Championships. The World Series Championships in 1992 and 1993 were with Toronto while the 1997 Championship was with Florida Marlins.

Devon White is 1 of only 40 baseball players.

According to Baseball-Almanac, there have been over 18,400 Major League Baseball Players since baseball started in 1876. Amongst 40 players in the history of Baseball, he’s most likely to get on 1st base and steal second base. Then he would steal third base, then steal home all in the same inning. Devon is one of the forty players, to accomplish that with the California Angels in 1989.

In 1990, Devon Whyte was a member of the dominant Toronto Blue Jays Baseball team. This team won back-to-back World Series Championships in 1992 and 1993.  Jays Journal, played tribute to the core players on the championship team by giving them a nickname. They used the first letter from each player’s last name and called them, “WAMCO”. WAMCO were made up of Devon White, Roberto Alomar, Paul Molitor, Joe Carter and John Olerud.

Table Setter

Devo White is the Table Setter on the team. He always gets on base and gives his Team a chance to score runs. Over his career as had an effortless glide as he tracked down the ball in center field. Because of his golden glove, Whyte made a magnificent catch in the 1992 World Series. This catch and throw by Devon helped the Blue Jays to complete the second triple play in World Series History.

The referee made a wrong call which the replay shows he did. In the Blue Jays history books, that play will always be remembered as a bad call. John Thorn a baseball historian says the most sought-after attribute of a ball player is their “Fielding skills”. Devon Whyte was that skilled player. He was the big money player who raise his performance level in the big games.

#19 Sean Jones (Dwight Andre Sean Oneal Jones) – 19/12/1962 Kingston Jamaica. American Football Player.

Sean Jones, 6ft – 7″ inches, 270 pounds NFL (National Football League) American Football player. The Los Angeles Raiders drafted him in 1984. Sean played 13 years in the NFL with Green Bay Packers, Huston Oilers and the Raiders. For his career, Sean played in 201 games and had 113 sacks (knocking down the quarterback). Jones had 13 fumble recoveries and 1 interception over his career. Sean was a crushing Defensive End bruiser, pressuring quarterbacks and making plays.

In only his third year in the NFL, Jones had his career high in sacks and 74 tackles. His total sacks for the 1986 single season ranked him fourth in the NFL. For his career, Jones had 15.5 sacks. Similar to Hall of Fame players Lawrence Taylor with 20.5, Dexter Manley with 18.5, and Reggie White with 18. In 1993, Jones was selected to the Pro Bowl. Sean Jones earned All-Pro ranking in 1993 and 1994 as one of the best players in his position.

Super Bowl XXXI Champion

In 1994, Sean Jones dominant play continued as he and his Green Bay Packers teammates were Super Bowl XXXI Champion. Sean Jones had a very good career and was dominant at his position. Sean played 13 seasons in the NFL making him one of the greatest athletes from Jamaica.

#18 Charles Theodore “Chili” Davis – 17/01/1960

Chili Davis played Major League Baseball player in the USA. He was born in Kingston Jamaica and moved to Los Angeles, California at the age of ten. His professional career lasted 19 years playing outfield and DH (Designated Hitter). During those years he played for 6 baseball team. Chili Davis started his career with the San Francisco from 1981-1987. He went on to play for the California Angels from 1988-1990, then the Minnesota Twins from 1991-1992. From 1993-1996, he played for the California Angels. Then to Kansas City Royals 1997. He played for the New York Yankees from 1998 to 1999, to close out his career.

Over his career, Chili Davis’s stats include 2,380 hits and 350 home runs. He had 1,372 runs batted in with a batting average of .274. Chili appeared in 3 All-Star Games (1984, 1986, 1994) and won 3 World Series Championships (1991, 1998 & 1999). In 1982 Chili led all National League outfielders in assists. Then in 1984, he ranked 3rd with a .314 batting average. Chili had a dominant year In 1982 Chili led all National League outfielders in assists. In 1984, he ranked 3rd with a .314 batting average. In 1991, Chili had a dominant year for Minnesota and led the Twins in several major categories.

MLB All-Star Team.

With Chili’s and his teammate’s great performance, the Twins went from last to first in their division. They went on to win the American League Title. That year 1991, the Twins went on to win the World Series Championship. Davis hit 2 home runs in the series. In 1993, Chili went back to the Angels. During that year he had a career year with 27 home runs and 112 runs batted in. The greatness continued into 1994 when Chili made the MLB All-Star Team. In 1995, Chili Davis hit for a .318 batting average with 20 home runs and 86 runs batted in. For 1996, Chili continued his dominance hitting for .292 batting average, 28 home-runs and 96 runs batted-in.

Kansas City Royals traded for Chili in 1997. During this stage in Chili Davis career, his baseball bat was for hired. If a team needed help with scoring runs, they traded Chili Davis as the Royals did in 1997. Davis played one year with the Royals. His batting average was .279 with 90 RBI and a career-high 30 HR. In 1998 and 1999 he played with the New York Yankees. Davis played with the Yankee for the final two seasons of his career.

Chili Davis 3rd World Series Championship

Chili Davis helped the Yankees and himself when they won back-to-back World Series Rings. The New York Yankees were Major League Baseball World Series Champions in 1998 and 1999. This was Chili Davis 3rd World Series Championship to go along with his 19-year baseball career. In 1999, Chili Davis finished his career hitting .269 with 19 HR and 78 RBI and ranked 7th overall in home runs for switch hitters. Davis talent allowed him to pitch once in a game. The Oakland A’s hired him as their hitting coach from 2012 to 2014 after his Davis career was over. As of the end of 2015, Chili Davis is a hitting Coach for the Boston Red Sox.    “Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional”, by Chili Davis

#17 George Joseph HoSang   –   1954 – Jockey.

Hosang dominated racing at Caymanas Park

George HoSang started racing since the age of 15. During the early to mid-1970’s, Hosang dominated racing at Caymanas Park Racetrack in Jamaica. He was “Champion Jockey of The Year”, four years in a row. In 1972 HoSang had 99 wins and 64 wins in 1973. Then in 1974, HoSang holds the record for the most wins in one year with 167.

HoSang won 167 races in 65 days. In 1975, George had 131 wins to win his fourth straight Champion Jockey of The Year. The other two jockeys to win four straight champion jockey title was Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths and Arthur Jones.

Champion Jockey of The Year

Arthur Jones holds the record as Champion Jockey of The Year from 1946 – 1952. Recently, Jockey Omar Walker joined that elite group of champion jockey to win the title four straight year. George Hosang went on to achieve international success racing horses in Canada and Florida. After HoSang migration to Canada in 1976, he had many victories.

George riding skills earned him the title of Champion Jockey of The Year in Canada in 1979 and 1981. Mr. Hosang international success was very special to him as well as many people in Jamaica. His championship victory in so many ways gave additional credibility to other great jockeys coming out of Jamaica.

Legendary Jamaican Jockey

George HoSang was not just a legendary jockey at Caymanas Park Racetrack. He was a Jockey that could win anywhere. George HoSang winning record stand at more than 2,100 wins. His 642 wins were at Caymanas Park and the other 1500 was on the international stage in Canada and Florida. His wins at Caymanas Park put him in eight places behind Winston Griffiths. He had over 1600 wins on the all-time winners list.

Mr HoSang won the Burger King Superstakes twice in 1992 and 1995. George HoSang is a Hall of Fame inductee of Thoroughbred Racing in Jamaica. HoSang is the thirteen recipients to receive the prestigious “None Such” Award for his lifetime achievement in Thoroughbred Horse Racing. None Such was a sprinter. Jamaica Thoroughbred Horse Racing now have The George HoSang Trophy Race. This trophy celebrates and honor the great Jockey, George HoSang and his contribution to horse racing in Jamaica.

 #16 Michael Anthony Holding Born 16/02/1954 – Cricket.

Whispering Death

Mike Holding was a West Indian Cricketer who was an exceptionally fast bowler. In fact, Mike was described as one of cricket’s fastest bowler, ever. People say that umpires called him “Whispering Death” because of his bowling speed. So, its not surprising that Whispering Death is the Name of his first book. Other described Mike as the ” Rolls-Royce of fast bowlers”. Holding was Super Extraordinary, he was the Muhammad Ali of cricket, according to Barry “Barrington” Saunders. Saunders played amateur cricket and was a member of Melbourne Cricket Club with Holding. He was smooth”. Holding was a mentor to Courtney Walsh another great cricketer.

West Indies Cricket Team of the ’70s and early 1980s were dominant. As Holding was a leading force in driving fear into the opponent batsmen. During one of the West Indies tours in England in 1975, Holding took 14 wickets for 149 runs. This broke the record for West Indian bowler in a Test Match as stated, Mike bowled “exceptionally fast”. Michael Holding was known for his bowling skills, not his batting skills. But that did not stop Mike from holding the record for the most sixes in a Test match. With a career of 36 sixes, that puts him at 32 on the all-time list.

The Five Cricketers of the Year

The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack has selected “The Five Cricketers of the Year” since 1889. In 1977, Michael Holding was Wisden Cricketers of the Year. The $2 Stamp in Jamaica had a Holdings photo. The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations inducted Michael Holding into the Hall of Fame in 1999. Hartford, Connecticut inducted Holding into the Cricket Hall of Fame. Holding exceptional career was not without injuries and caused him to retire after twelve years. For Holding’s career he played for the Jamaica, West Indies along with several international teams.

His career stats include 60 Test Match with 249 wickets on 8/92 bowling. 102 ODI (One Day International) Matches with 142 wickets on 5/26 bowling. 222 FC (First Class) Matches with 778 wickets on 8/92 bowling. And 249 LA (List-A Cricket) Matches with 343 wickets on 8/21 bowing. Wisden Cricketers’ viewed Mike Holding’s over to Geoffrey Boycott, one of the great batsmen in cricket. They see him as “The finest, fastest, most ferocious gambit of all time” in 1981. His exceptional excellence as a cricketer made him one of the most decorated players on the West Indies Cricket Team. Holding has the utmost respect in the international cricket circuit arena.

 #15 Veronica Campbell-Brown – OD, Born 15/05/1982 – Track and Field.

Jamaica Sportswoman of the Year

Veronica Campbell-Brown (VBC) is the 5x winner of the “Jamaica Sportswoman of the Year” Award. She received The Austin Sealy Trophy Awarded for most outstanding athlete of the 2001 CARIFTA Games in 2001. Barton County Community College inducted her into Hall of Fame in 2005. The community unveiled her statue in 2008, in her hometown of Trelawny. The University of Arkansas inducted her into the Hall of Fame in 2009. UNESCO Champion for Sport appointed VCB as their Sports Ambassador. She received the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence in 2012.

She’s one of the most celebrated track and field athletes out of Jamaica and around the world. VCB has had a magnificent career and it started from an early age. Veronica did not allow her track and field career to interfere with her schoolwork. She was an extremely bright student. At the World Youth Games in Poland, Veronica Campbell won two gold medals while she was still in high school. She became the first IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Youth Championships in Athletics games. The games were first established in 1999. Veronica Campbell became the first woman in history to win gold in the 100m race.

Setting Several Records

Veronica Campbell continued her hard work by winning many titles and setting several records. This includes four national junior college titles. Her titles include indoors and outdoors wins in the 60 m, 100 m and 200 m. VCB currently holds the record at Barton County Community College in the outdoor 100 m and 200 m.

Veronica Campbell closed out the 20th Century in style and started the 21st Century in fashion. At the 2000 Olympic Game in Sidney Australia, she became the youngest Jamaican female to win an Olympic medal. Campbell-Brown became the first female to win the 100m and 200m race at the same event. This was done at the World Junior Championship game in Chile.   Veronica graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in 2006. In 2007, Ms. Campbell won three medals at the World Championships game. She won a gold and silver medal in the 100m and 200m. Then she added a silver medal in the 4x100m relay.

2008 Olympics China

VCB was given the honor of carrying the Jamaican flag at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing China. She defends her 200m title with a personal best time of 21.74 seconds. VCB became the 2nd woman in track and field history other than Barbel Wockel of Germany in 1976 and 1980. To date, Veronica Campbell-Brown have won a total of 7 Olympics medals. VCB time of 10.76 seconds is ranked 9th in the top ten all-time best times in track and field. This was accomplished in the 100 m race. Her personal best time of 21.74 seconds in the 200 m race ranked her in the top 10th all-time.  According to All-Athletics VCB ranks 18 overall in women track and field ranking world wide. Veronica Campbell-Brown have won more than 45 medals in her career.

hauls.

#14 Courtney Andrew Walsh OJ born 30/10/1962, Kingston Jamaica – Cricket.

Walsh a cricketer, played with the West Indies Cricket team from 1984 – 2001. Courtney was an international cricketer. He was captain of the West Indies Cricket Team for twenty-two Test Matches (The highest major cricket standard). Walsh was an outstanding fast bowler. Walsh played in 132 Test Matches and 205 ODI (One Day International) Matches in his career. And 429 FC (First Class) and 440 List A (List A Cricket) Matches. As a magnificent Fast Bowler, Walsh held the record for the most Test Wicket from 2000 -2004.

Courtney Walsh was the first cricketer to reach 500 wickets in a Test Match. Walsh had a distinguish cricket career. During that period, Walsh received Cricket highest award and gained entry into the world’s most famous sports reference book. Wisden Cricketer named Courtney Walsh Cricketer of the year in 1987. The Indian Cricket Cricketer name Walsh cricketer of the year in 1988. Walsh received the Jamaica Sportsperson of the year award from 1998-2000. Courtney Walsh is one of the Top Five Greatest Jamaican Cricketers named in 2004. This recognition came from Wisden Cricinfo ESPN. ICC Cricket Hall of Fame inducted Courtney Andrew Walsh in 2010.

#13 Bertland Cameron – 16/11/1959 – Spanish Town, Jamaica. Track and Field.

Bertland ran track and field for Jamaica. He specialized in the 400 m event. Cameron was a member of Jamaica’s 4×400 team that won a silver medal in the 1988 Olympics in South Korea. His dominance in the 4000m started from his college days at the University of Texas El Paso in 1980.

In 1982, at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Havana Cuba, Bertland won gold in the 400 m race. A month later, Cameron went on to win The Commonwealth Game in Australia. After winning the World Championship 400 m in 1983, that was Cameron’s fourth gold medal between 1981 to 1983. As a result of his success, Bert Cameron won the Jamaican Sportsperson Award three times from 1981 to 1983.

1984 Olympic in Los Angeles

Going into the 1984 Olympic in Los Angeles was a feel-good moment for Cameron. He had recently won gold medal in the 400 m with championship time of 45 Sec. Cameron was not able to compete in the Olympic final race due to injury. However, a legend was born from his efforts.

During the semi final race, Bert pulled up limping holding his left leg at the 120m. At that point all the other runners past him heading for the finish line. Within a split second, he realized he could continue and started picking up speed. Bertland Cameron ran a super human extraordinary comeback race and finish fourth. His fourth-place semi-final finish qualified Bert to compete in the final race for medals. But his injury was too severe and he had to withdraw. Bert was the silver medal winner at both events in 1985 and 1987 in Central American and Pan American Games.  Bert Cameron’s big competitive hart made him a big man in track and field.

 #12 Herb Henry McKenley OM- OD – CD    10/07/1922 – 2007    Track and Field.

International Meet Held in Jamaica

 During the first international meet held in Jamaica in 1941, Herb McKenley won 5 out of 6 races. Herb McKenley of Calabar High School had to beat legendary schoolboy rival Leroy “Coco” Brown of Wolmer’s High School. Brown had beaten McKenley on numerous occasions. After beating Coco Brown in the 100 m and Arthur Wint in the 200 m, McKenley got his payback. He achieved a great deal of recognition. Herb In 1942, McKenley was the first Jamaican to get an athletic scholarship to an American University at Boston College.

McKenley transferred to the University of Illinois in 1945 where he earned a bachelor’s degree. It was their Herb met his mentor and Coach Leo Thomas Johnson. Coach Johnson continued the development of Herb athletic skills. In 1946 and 1947, Herb won the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Championships in the 200m and 400m respectively. He was AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Champion in the 400 m in 1945, 1947 and 1948.

Herb was Athlete if the Year in 1947

McKenley set a world record in 1947 for the 400 m with a time of 46.3 seconds. Herb was Athlete if the Year in 1947 for Central & South America. He beat his 400m world record in 1948 and set a new world record with a time of 46.0 seconds. That same year, Herb beat his 400m record with a time of 45.9 seconds. In the 1948 Olympic game in London, Herb McKenley won silver medal in the 400m behind fellow Jamaican Arthur Wint. Allison Danzig with The New York Times, wrote, “The man who couldn’t be beaten, …one of the greatest 400-meter races ever run.” 

In 1951 at the Pan-American games, McKenley won bronze medals in the 100 m, 200 m, and the 400 m. Herb McKenley was the only athlete ever to qualify for three Olympic sprint finals in 1952. He did it in the Helsinki Olympic game where he came in second in the 100m and the 400m race. Then McKenley won gold in the one-mile relay race and recorded a world record time. This was accomplished in his leg of the race running 44.6 sec. These spectacular world record times were accomplished at a time when the training methods and equipment were not as advanced.

Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association

Herb’s exposure while competing in track and field in different countries gave him the vision to develop athletics in Jamaica. In 1950, Herb submitted his idea to JAAA (Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association) to open athletic clubs around the island. Arthur Wint was once described as the “Originator” in track and field. Mr. Herb McKenley is the “Pioneer” of Jamaica’s track and field dominance worldwide. As a direct result of the programs put in place, Jamaica continues to reap the rewards of track and field. McKenley coached the national team from 1954 to 1973 and also served as president of JAAA. Ever year, college scouts from American Universities visit Jamaica. They visit the Island to recruit and offer scholarships to track and field athletes.

First coach in 1964

Herb McKenley was the first coach in 1964 to enter a Jamaican athlete in the Penn Relays games in Philadelphia. Herb McKenley was the first coach in 1964 to enter Jamaican athletes in the Penn Relays games in Philadelphia. Today, over 25 high schools out of Jamaica send about 700 boys and girls a year to the competition. This is according to Mr. Irwine Clare Sr. OD and founder of Team Jamaica Bickle. Over the years, Jamaica High Schools have achieved great success at Penn Relays. This is the result of the programs that were put in place by Herb McKenley. As a result of his contribution to track and field, McKenley has received the highest honors. His recognition is not only in Jamaica but on an international scale.

In 1983 he was inducted into The America’s Black Hall of Fame for sports. MeKenley was honored in 1986 and 1987 with “Shore Athletic Club Hall of Fame” Award. As well as the International Amateur Federation with a gold medal. Herb McKenley was inducted in Jamaica Hall of Fame in 1989. In USA on April 29, 1990, Herb McKenley Day was declared. He received the Norman Washington Manley Award of Excellence in 1991. In 1992, Herb Mckenley received the silver Olympic order from the International Olympic Committee. This award was in recognition of his continued interest and contribution over the past fifty years to sports. In 2006, he was given by the International Olympic Committee and Olympic rings that are presented to outstanding Olympians.

#11 Donald Quarrie CD 25/02/1951 Track and Field.

In the 1970’s, Donald Quarrie was one of a few Jamaicans who was keeping Jamaica in the spotlight. Quarrie was a top sprinter in track and field marquee 100 m sprint competition. During the 1970’s, Quarrie won Jamaica Sport Persons of the Year five times.  Quarrie first Olympic medals came in the 1976 Montreal Olympic. Overall, Donald Quarrie competed in five Olympic Games and won 4 medals. He won 1 gold and 1 bronze medal in the 200m. He also won 1 silver in the 100m and another in the 4x100m.

Before Montreal, Quarrie was already winning gold medals in major competition. In the 1970 Commonwealth Game, Donald won 3 gold medals in Edinburgh Scotland. In 1971, Quarrie won another 3 gold medals in Cali Columbia. Then in 1974, he won 2 gold medals in Christchurch New Zealand. Interestingly enough, between 1970 thru 1978, it was all gold for Donald Quarrie in the Pan American and Commonwealth Games. During those competition, he won 9 gold medals.

Donald Ran a magnificent race.

In 1974, Quarrie became the first track and field athlete in history to retain both his 100m and 200m title. His track and field career were not injury free. At 17 years old, he made Jamaica National Team, but miss the 1968 games due to injury. In 1971 Donald, ran a magnificent race that tied the 200m world a record time of 19.8 sec. He matched his world record time in the 200m in 1975 and in 1976. Quarrie also matched the 100m world record time of 9.9 sec at the time.  His best time running the 100m is 10.07 sec and 19.87 sec in the 200m.

During Quarrie’s career he held 1 world record in the 100 m and 3 in the 200 m. As of 2015, Usain Bolt of Jamaica, holds the World Record 9.58 (2009) and 9.63 (2012) in the 100m.  Bolt also holds the 200m World Record 19.19 (2009). The injury continued for Quarrie in 1978 at the Commonwealth Games. Donald won the 100m race for the third time. However, due to injury, he withdraws from the 200m race. Many Jamaican Reggae artist sang about him in their music. There is the Donald Quarrie High School in Kingston. At the entrance of Jamaica’s National Stadium, there’s a statue of Donald Quarrie.

#10 Asafa Powell CD Spanish Town, Jamaican. 23/11/1982 – Track and Field.

Asafa Powell is a Jamaican track & field sprinter. He specializes in the 100 m marquee match. Powell is a five-time winner at the IAAF World Athletes Final. Asapha was the 100 m World Record holder from 2005 – 2007 with times of 9.77 and 9.74 seconds. Currently, Asafa has ran under 10 seconds in the 100 m sprint competition more than 94 times as of 2015. He also ran under 9.90 seconds 44 times. After running eight times under 9.80 seconds, he is one of only five people in history to have done so. And in 2008, he held the record for running under 10 seconds fifteen times in one season.

9.72 seconds in the 100 m is Asafa Powell personal best time. He accomplishes that goal in 2008 in Switzerland. He holds the world record for running the fifth fastest time in track and field history in the 100m race. So far in his career, Asafa Powell has won five gold medals, two silver and two bronze medals. Throughout Asafa’s career, he battled all types of injury and faced many obstacles. However, Asafa Powell will go down in history as one of track and field greatest sprinter of all time.

#9 Merlene Joyce Ottey – OD May 10, 1960

My favorite athlete out of Jamaica is Merlene Ottey. Ms Ottey is the poster child for hard work. Unfortunately, for many great athletes out of Jamaica during Merlene’s track & field era, they had to compete against her. The Jamaican Sportsperson of the Year Award because their timing crossed Ottey’s legendary path. In the History of track and field, she was described as the “Greatest female Sprinter”. From 1979 thru 1997, Merlene Ottey dominated track and field. She won The Jamaican Sportsperson of the Year Award for a record thirteen times. Merlene track and field career as an international sprinter span over twenty-four years.

Merlene Ottey, the “Queen of Track” as she is affectionately called, has won 9 Olympic medals. She has the record with 14 World Championship medals and 46 in total of which 29 medals. This occurred during the highest level of track and field competition. Merlene holds the World Indoor Championship track and field record. This was accomplished in 1993 for the 200m in 1993 with a time of 21.87 sec. Ottey is the first woman to run the 60m indoor under seven seconds. She did that in the 200m outdoors under 22 sec. for a record 18 times.

Merlene Ottey Extraordinary

Ottey ran the 100m under 11 sec for a record 65 times. Her extraordinary career was appreciated by her many fans. She received a three-minute standing ovation at the 1993 Stuttgart World Championships after winning 200m gold medal. This was after winning 200m gold medal. Merlene is one of only thirteen Olympians in the world, who have competed in five Olympics in the same sport. Of the five, she won eight or more medals.

Merlene has the best 100m and 200m time in one day of 10.90 sec and 21.77 sec respectively. She was the first woman to win an Olympic medal from the English-speaking Caribbean at the Moscow games in 1980. She received the Order of Distinction (OD) medal for her services in sports.

Decorated Female Athletes

She holds the record for the most World Championship Medals in individual events with 10. A statue of Merlene Ottey is at Independence Park at the National Stadium. Her statue is next to other athletes such as Arthur Wint, Herb McKenley and Donald Quarrie. She the oldest woman to win an Olympic medal. This was accomplished at the Sydney Games in 2000. Merlene Joyce Ottey who was born in Cold Spring Hanover and achieved legendary track and field dominance.

#8 Christopher Henry Gayle – 21/09/1979 – Cricket.

Christopher Gayle, Jamaica’s Sportsperson of the year for 2010 is one of Jamaica’s greatest cricketers of all time. When Chris is playing cricket and you compare his statistic numbers, you can see the legendary status. You come to realize that he is walking in the footsteps of some of the greatest cricketers of all time. Mr. Gayle on field play in international competition is second to none. Cricket has been in existence since the 15 century and international matches since 1844. Amazingly, Chris Gayle is one of only four players to have scored two triple centuries in Test Matches. He scored 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010 and 317 against South Africa in 2005. Gayle was captain of the West Indies Test Cricket Team from 2007 – 2010.

One Day International

As a big hitter who has set numerous world records, Chris has played for many international teams. In the ODI (One Day International) competition, Chris has scored over 9100 runs, with over 160 wickets and a five-wicket best. His scores came with 22 centuries, 47 fifties with his top score at 215 runs. That score made Chris the fourth cricketer in the ODI to score double century. He’s also the first cricketer to hit a double century in Cricket World Cup History.

Christ Gayle was the marks batsman who terrified many bowlers. In 2012, he became the first batsman in Test Cricket history to hit a six off the first ball. Throughout his career, Gayle crucified bowler with record setting performance. He’s the only player to hit a hundred in Twenty20 Internationals match. Gayle also had a double hundred in ODIs and hit a triple hundred in Test Matches.

#7 Lawrence George “Yagga” Rowe – Jamaican Cricket.

Lawrence Rowe was a member of the West Indies Cricket Team. He was one of the greatest batsmen to play the game. These great cricketers include Sir. Garfield Sobers from Barbados, Sir Viv Richards from Antigua, and Michael Holding from Jamaica and others.

His career started in an outstanding manner. He made history in 1972 in front of a home crowd at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. During his first Test Match, he scored 214 runs and 100 not out which is a world record. Mr. Rowe scored 302 runs against England in 1974 and with a double century. Over his career, he had five single centuries.

Bowlers of the World

As Lawrence Rowe excelled to the top, newspaper headlines read, “Bowlers of the World beware, Lawrence Rowe has arrived.” He was a natural a catalyst and bowlers feared him.

There are only four West Indies cricketers to score a triple century in runs. They’re Lawrence Rowe and Chris Gayle from Jamaica, Garfield Sobers from Barbados, and Brian Lara from Trinidad and Tobago. Lawrence Rowe only played in 30 Test Match due to injuries. His total runs scored were 2,047. Rowe was a gifted player and a great batsman.

#6 Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. – 08/05/1962 Kingston, Jamaica – NBA Basketball.

He is an NBA Basketball Hall of Fame Legend. Patrick Ewing came to the USA at the age of 11 and grew to He is 7 ft tall. He attended Georgetown University for four years and graduated in 1985. The 16th Greatest College Player as per ESPN is Patrick Ewing. He was twice a Big East (College Team in East) player of the year in 1984 & 1985. Patrick was a three-time First Team All American player (1983-1985). The NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player was Patrick in 1984 in addition to him winning the NCAA Championship. He was National College Player of the Year in 1985 and called the “Hoyer-Destroyer” at Georgetown University.

In the 1985 NBA Draft, Patrick Ewing was the first player in the Draft. The New York Knicks picked Ewing with their first Pick. He was name Rookie of the Year in his first year in the NBA. Patrick Ewing went to have a Hall of Fame NBA career.

11-Time NBA All-Star

He is an 11-Time NBA All-Star. He is the Knicks all-time leading scorer and finish his career with 24,815 points, 11,617 rebounds and 2,894 shots block. The NBA rated Patrick 18th in all-time scoring. The Knicks retired Patrick Ewing’s jersey number 33.

He is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner in 1984 and 1992. Patrick was a member of the Basketball Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Patrick Ewing is a two-time inductee into the NBA Hall of Fame. The NBA selected Patrick Ewing as one of the 50 Greatest Players in 1996. The NBA selected Ewing as one of the 75 greatest players of all time.

 

 

#5 Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce OD (Order of Distinction) 12/27/1986 Kingston, Jamaica – Track and Field.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce graduated from Wolmer’s High School in Kingston, as a track Star. Now the track star has been introduced to the world at the 2008 Olympics.  During the 2008 Olympic at the age of 21, Shelly-Ann won the 100 m marquee event in track and field. She became the first Caribbean women to win Olympic Gold in the 100 m. Shelly-Ann mastered her craft as a sprinter and now she is the “Fastest Women in the World”.

Shelly-Ann won the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) 100m World Championship Gold Medal in 2009 in Berlin. She became the second female athlete to hold both the Olympic and World Championship at the same time. Yolanda Gail Devers of the United States was the first. As of 2015, Shelly-Ann is the only female athlete in the world to hold the World Championship in the 100m. She did it in 2009 in Berlin, 2013 in Moscow, and 2015 in Beijing which is a record three times.

World Championship game in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m Race.

Shelly-Ann won three gold medals in 2013 at the World Championship game. She did it in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m track and field event. She became the first female sprinter to accomplish that honor.

She’s the first female to hold a world title in the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100m races. She’s the only female to hold these titles at the same time. Shelly-Ann holds the fourth fastest 100m record in female track and field history. She trails Florence Griffith-Joyner, Carmelita Jeter, and Marion Jones all from the United States.

#4 Mike “The Body Snatcher” McKenzie McCollum, Kingston Jamaica – Boxing

Mike McCollum was a professional boxer born in Kingston Jamaica. During his sixteen years boxing career, Mike held three championship belts in three separate divisions. Mike held the title as WBA Light Middleweight Champion and Middleweight Champion and WBC Light Heavyweight Champion. Mike McCollum professional boxing career total 55 fights. His fighting record is 49 wins of which 36 were by knockout with 5 losses. Mike had one draw and one no-contest. Mike was the first Jamaican to win a major boxing belt. McCollum was Jamaica Sportsperson of the Year seven times which includes four years in a row from 1984- 1987.

The Body Snatcher

McCollum ranked 17th in boxing history. He won Boxing Triple Crown or Three Division Champion major titles. He accomplishes that goal in three different weight class and holding three major titles. What’s more impressive, The Body Snatcher skipped a division to get to his Triple Crown. Mike fought in weight class starting at 154, 160 and 175. McCallum skipped the super middleweight 168 division to become WBC Light Heavyweight Champion. The International Boxing Hall inducted Mike McCollum into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Mike amateur records were 240 wins and 10 losses. This includes winning a gold medal in the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Montreal. Then he won a silver medal in 1979 in the Pan-American Game. in San Juan. Mike “The Body Snatcher” earned that nickname because of his ability to attack the midsection. McCollum was one of the most avoided fighters during his career. Most champions avoided The Body Snatcher because they did not want to risk losing their belt.

#3 O’Neil Gordon “Collie” Smith 03/05/1933 – 09/09/1959 Kingston Jamaica. Cricketer.

O’Neil Gordon “Collie” Smith was a superb cricketer. He died on his way to play a charity match. He died at the age of 26 in a car accident in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England while playing in Lancashire leagues. Incidentally, it was during that league play, Smith had a triple hundred while playing for Burnley.

His close friend and fellow cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers was at the wheel. Fellow Jamaican cricketer Tom Dewdney was also in the car. Ever-so-often exceptional greatness is born, uncertainties happens and a chosen few live to witness and talk about it. O’Neil Gordon “Collie” Smith was one of lives great natural talent and one of Jamaica’s favorite sons.

They described him as having an outstanding personality with a huge smile. Collie was a spin-bower who gained valuable wickets with his off-breaks. He was a great batsman who played for the West Indies Cricket Team. As a youngster, Collie became captain of his St. Albans School team by the time he was 12. His teammates were about 15 years old. At 15, he played for Boys Town in Kingston and got notice. OG Smith was the legendary former Boys Town and Kingston College Cricketer.

First Test Match

In 1949, Smith received a bat for the best cricketer on his team that won Junior Cup.  In his debut First Test Match against Australia in Kingston, Collie scored 169 runs. The following year in his first regional, he had 109 against Guyana at Bourda. Collie sent down 61 overs in Guyana’s first innings. This was the second most by a Jamaican bowler since Alfonso Valentine’s 90.5 overs in the same innings. In 1957 in the Edgbaston Test in England, he scored 161 with 19 fours and a six. He became the first batsman to score a century on their first appearance against Australia and England. At Trent Bridge, Smith’s third meeting with England, he was at bat for 7 hours. In doing so, he had his highest score 168 in a Test Match which helped to deny England a victory.

During that 1957 England Tour, Collie Smith was the first batsman to reach 1,000 runs. He was magnificent on the field. Smith scored more runs than any of the West Indies’ big batsmen. Such as the three W’s Walcott, Worrell, and Weeks as well as Ramadhin.  As a result of his great play and his entertaining style, Smith became very popular. After a sensational season in 1958, Collie Smith was Wisden Cricket Almanac “Cricketer of the Year.” Wisden wrote about Smith saying, “There is no finer sight than that of a player enjoying his cricket. His infectious enthusiasm and huge grin make him such an outstanding personality.” The sports body rated Smith alongside Garry Sobers as an all-rounder. They said, “his potential to develop into one of the very best as Sobers did”.

Greatest Cricketers of all time

Sir Garfield Sobers is one of the greatest cricketers of all time. He said, “Collie Smith was a greater allrounder player than he was”. In Smith Test debut against the Australians in Kingston in 1954-55 he was 44 and 104. His off breaks bowing brought him 48 Test wickets, including 5 for 90 at Delhi in 1958-59. Between 1955 and 1959, Smith played in 26 Test Matches and scoring 1,331 runs with four centuries.

In fact, Mr. Sobers dedicated an entire chapter titled “Collie” in his book Cricket Crusader. Sir Garfield says, “He had the heart of a giant, an unquenchable ecstasy of spirit. He was joyous and had an unmatchable zest for living – and for cricket.” Mr. Sobers described Collie Smith as special and said “Collie was a great all-rounder than I.” At the age of 21 during the 1954-55 seasons he scored centuries in consecutive games against Australia.

It was Collie’s First-class and Test debut. Sobers described Collie Smith at the age of 24 when he scored one hundred in his first appearance against England. The game was special because Collie Smith, the brilliant batsman, was facing England’s Jim Laker in whom he idolized. During the course of the match, Smith hit a six off Jim Laker. That ball broke the tiles on the lady’s balcony.

Exceptional fielder, Awesome Batsman

Many viewed Collie Smith as an “exceptional fielder, awesome batsman.” Hugh Sherlock was the priest who wrote Jamaica’s National Anthem. He was also the one who started the Boys Town Cricket Club and Football Club. Collie Smith’s success was the result of the Cricket Club. O’Neil Gordon “Collie” Smith’s final statistics were 1331 runs (Avg. 31.69) took 48 wickets for 1625 runs (Avg. 33.85) in 26 Tests.

Today, there is a Collie Smith Drive Street in Kingston. There’s also a “Collie Smith Day” Celebration at Boys Town in South St. Andrews. Because of his accomplishments, he became a mentor and role model to all who followed him at Boys Town. A “Collie Smith Scholarship” and “Collie Smith Challenge Trophy” were set-up to recognize his contribution to sports. His teammates called him “Mighty Mouse, and Wayside Preacher”. His memories will live on forever.

 #2 John Charles Bryan Barnes – MBE – 7/11/1963 Kingston Jamaica – Football / Soccer

John Barnes one of the best players in the world most popular sport, football. John played football in Jamaica up to the high school level. Then he moved to Watford England at the age of 12. The Watford Football Club signed him five years after he moved to England. He was 17 years old. Six years later in 1987, Barnes signed with Liverpool. In his first year with Liverpool, they were undefeated for the first 29 games. John finished the season with 15 goals.

In 2007, FourFourTwo (FFT) Magazine voted John Barnes as Liverpool’s “Best Player of the All Time.” John Barnes played in an incredible four of the “Best 100 Matches” in England’s best league while playing for Liverpool. This was listed in the FFT Magazine list of “The Best 100 Premier League Matches” in football. The 3rd Finest Match in Football was the New Castle against Liverpool game. The FFT Magazine did the voting on “Finest match of the Premier League’s first decade”. Barnes played at the highest level in football during the 1986 World Cup game against Argentina.

Perfect XI

According to football great Peter Beardsley who was picking his “Perfect XI” squad for FFT Magazine. After picking John Barnes at his Left-Midfield position as “Perfect XI”, Beardsley referring to Barnes said, “The best player I ever played with, bar none.” “For three or four years at the end of the ’80s, John was the 3rd or 4th best player in the world. This which includes the goal he scored in the Maracana game.  He drifted inside that night and destroyed Brazil, but he rarely had that freedom.”

John destroyed many defenses using his raw power and gifted athletic ability. Over his career, Barnes had some spectacular goals. This exceptional athlete, achieved excellence, he was one of the very best footballers in the world. During the 80’s and 90’s, John was consider one of the most dominating football players.

In 87-88 & 89-90, John won the PFA Player’s “Player of the Year” Award. This Award given to the best player in the League. By winning the title game at Liverpool in 1990, John completed his best season scoring 22 league goals. The Football Writers Association chose Barnes as the “Footballer of the Year” in 1987-1988. He won the League Cup Award in the 1994-95 season. John Barnes represented England National Team 79 times.

Top-Flight First Division

John won Top-Flight First Division twice. He won the Football Association Challenger Cup twice. Barnes won the FA Charity Shield in 1988, 1989 and 1990. His achievements did not come without challenges. During many games, Barnes was battling players on the field and racist remarks from some opposing fans but that did not stop Barnes from greatness.

John Charles Bryan Barnes scored 165 goals for his professional career on both the Senior and National Team. In 2005, Football Hall of Fame inducted John Barnes. The Liverpool fans in 2006 voted that Barnes were their 5th favorite player to play on the team. In 2007, FourFourTwo Magazine named John Barnes as the Best Player of All Time to play for Liverpool.

         Usain ‘Lighting Bolt – Olympics Champion and World Record Holder.

 #1 Dr. Hon. Usain St. Leo “Lightening” Bolt Born August 21, 1986 – Track and Field.

Holds two honors in Jamaica – OD, OC (Order of Jamaica, Order of Distinction). A Jamaican track and field sprinter and holds the title as the “World’s fastest man.” He holds the World Record 9.58 sec in 2009 (Actual time 9.572 sec. rounding up) which is like 23.34 miles per hour and an Olympic Record 9.63 sec. (2012) in the 100 m. According to Australian physiologist and coach Jeremy Richmond, Bolt hit top speed of 12.34 meters/second (27.61 mph). Bolt holds the 200 m World Record 19.19 sec. in 2009

Bolt ran with the relay team and help to set the world record in the   4X100 m. He is the winner of eleven (11) IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) World Championship Gold Medals. Voted Jamaica Sportsperson of the Year five times was Usain. He won in 2008 to 2009, then three years later in 2011 to 2013.

Six Olympic Gold Medals

Usain is the first person to win Six Olympic Gold Medals in sprinting. He has won back-to-back or “double, double” title in the 100 m and 200 m in consecutive Olympics 2008 and 2012. Bolt, superior talent made him the first track & field Olympian to win three gold medals in each of his two Olympic appearances. His third gold medal in each Olympic, came as a member of the relay team in the 4X100 m. According to ESPN 20th Anniversary poll, Usain Bolt ranked 16 in the world. They looked at the Top 20 Athletes for the past 20 years from (1995 – 2015). The Multi-Purpose stadium in Trelawny was renamed to Usain Bolt Sports Academy.

Dr. Hon Usain St. Leo “Lighting” Bolt is in Jamaica’s top two icon of all time in the true meaning of the word. Robert Nest Marley is the other. Bolt is by far the greatest and the most accomplished Track and Field star in track and field marque 100 m and 200 m event. He’s the greatest sprinter in the world, the greatest Jamaican Athlete of all time. We salute Usain Bolt and his signature “lightning Bolt” pose.

In Runners Magazine, Australian physiologist and coach Jeremy Richmond observations and physical reaction times to predict the ultimate human running speed for 100 meters is 9.27 sec. Who known if that specification can ever be achieve. For now, Usain Bolt holds the World Record 9.58 sec.

Honorable Mention

Cricket

Geroge Alphonso Headley – “Born in Panama in 1909” but represented Jamaica. He was considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. This article was intended to list the top 25 Greatest Athletes Born in Jamaica. If Headley or one of his parents were born in Jamaica, he would be in the “Top 10“.

Peter Jeffrey (“Jeff”) Leroy Dujon – Wisden Cricket of the Year 1989. Nineteen years career scoring almost 10,000 runs and playing in 200 First-Class matches for Jamaica and the West Indies.

Balfour Patrick Patterson – Known as one of the fastest bowlers in the international game. Patterson took seven wickets on debut. His career strike rate of 51.9 is amongst the best of all time. Plus 93 Test wickets came in 28 Test Matches.

Football / Soccer

Lloyd Lindbergh “Lindy” Delapenha the first Jamaican to play professional football in England but not the first non-white. Lindy played in the late 1940s and 1950s. Delapenha played for English Division, Portsmouth, Mansfield Town and Middlesbrough. He would later represent Jamaica in golf. He attended the prestigious boys school Munro College.

Arthur Wharton of Ghana was the first non-white football player to play for England Clubs in 1894. As an all-rounder, he did track & field (sprint), cricket and cyclist. His father Arthur was born in Grenada.

Monica DeSouza – Table Tennis – She became the first three-time winner and makes Table Tennis the most successful sport of the 60’s with three female and one male win.

Jockey

Arthur Jones holds the record as Champion Jockey of The Year for a record ten-times which includes seven straight titles from 1946 – 1952.

Emilio “Bimbo” Rodriquez won the Caymanas Park Jamaica Derby three times. Jamaica’s Racing Commission Hall of Fame as one of the greatest Jamaican Jockeys of all time. The legendary jockey had 1080 winners at Caymanas Park. 15 classic winners and 3 in the Derby. Bimbo inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ of Thoroughbred Racing in Jamaica in 2004.

Dane ‘Spaceman’ Nelson – 3X Reigning Jamaican Champion Jockey took his riding to Winnipeg Canada in 2015. In his first five mounts he had two wins and two seconds place finish.

Boxer

Donovan “Razor” Ruddock – Boxer – Ruddock got his big fight in 1991 against Mike Tyson. The fight was dubbed as the fight between the two best heavyweights in the world. Even-though the referee controversially stopped the fight, both fighters praised each other.  To this day Mike Tyson saying, “He punches like a f@#%& mule kick.” They had a rematch that went the full 12 rounds. Tyson knocked Ruddock down twice and won by unanimous decision.

George Leslie “Bunny” Grant – Boxer won the first event at the new National Stadium in 1962. Grant won the Jamaican lightweight and welterweight title. Also, the Central American light welterweight Title and Latin American junior welterweight title and the British Commonwealth lightweight title.

Joy Foster – Table Tennis – Made the Guinness Book of Records as the youngest ever senior national sporting representative at age eight (8) from any country, as also the younger of the only pair of siblings to win the award.

Javelin

Mr. Excell – Men Javelin Throw at 1968 Summer Paraplegic – Won gold medal.

Ms. Baracatt – Men Javelin Throw at 1968 Summer Paraplegic – Won gold medal.

Swimming

Meikle – Swimming at 1968 Summer Paraplegic – Won two swimming medals, she won gold in the women’s 50 m breaststroke and silver in the 50 m freestyle.

Hall – Weightlifting at 1968 Summer Paraplegic – Won the bronze medal in the men’s lightweight lifting.

Olympics

Grace Jackson – Won silver medal at 1988 Summer Olympics. Bronze medal in IAAF Indoor World Championship in 1987 and silver in 1989 IAAF Indoor World Championship.

Deon Hemmings – The first Jamaican woman to win an Olympic Gold medal.

Brigitte Foster-Hylton – In 2009 won the World Champion at 100 meters hurdles.

David Weller – Track cyclist and first Jamaican to win Olympic medal in those sports.

Winthrop Graham – He won two Olympic medals and three World Championship medals competing in the 400 m hurdles.

Una Lorraine Morris – Track and Field sprinter in 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics. in eight sprint events in total, with the best achievement of fourth place in the 200 m in 1964.

Marilyn Fay Neufville – Women’s AAA titles as a junior in the 100 yds and 150 yds in the under 15. She won the 220 yds in the under 17. In 1969, she was second at the Women’s AAA Championships behind in the 200 m.

George Ezekiel Kerr – First Jamaican athlete to have the Jamaican flag flown in recognition of winning gold medals in the 400 m and 800 m at the Central American and Caribbean Games.