At 19, Kirani James won the Olympic 400 metres gold medal in a time of 43.94 secs to earn the Caribbean island of Grenada its first ever Olympic medal. He was also the first non-US runner to break 44 secs. James described his win as ‘a huge step for our country in terms of stepping up to the plate in track and field and putting us on the map.’
His reception when he returned to Grenada was euphoric as thousands lined the street. Grenada president Tillman Thomas said a commemorative stamp would be created in his honour, a new stadium named after him and he would be appointed a tourism ambassador.
