All focus was on the men’s 100 metre match-up between Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin, but in the interim, O’Dayne Richards was quietly making history for himself and his country.
O’Dayne Richards, the Calabar High School past student equalled the distance he achieved at the Pan Am Games in Canada, and posted a new Jamaica National Record of 21.69 metres. This was enough to claim bronze for Richard, and made history in that it was the first shot put medal won by a Jamaican at the senior level.
Richards achieved the mark on his 3rd throw. At that time, it put him in 1st place with an eye on the gold medal. However, the 2 favourites obliged and in subsequent throws, the American Joe Kovas won the gold with a throw of 21.93m. The German David Storl took silver with his effort of 21.74m.
Usain Bolt won the second medal for Jamaica by defeating Justin Gatlin and winning the gold in the 100 metres event.
Beautiful team Jamaica, We love you no matter you guys run and come. Making us so proud
This is a super special medal for Jamaica. It means we are moving away from the track and challenging in the field events. That is growth and expansion.