It was an evening of pride, history, and heartfelt emotion as Jamaican Olympians were honoured during a moving tribute held at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston on Monday, June 30.
The event, organized by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians, brought together generations of athletes, administrators, and supporters for a night that celebrated not just medals and records, but resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of Jamaican sport.
Among those recognized were some of the country’s most celebrated names, as well as unsung heroes who shaped Jamaica’s Olympic story behind the scenes.
The emotional heart of the evening came through the powerful words of three-time Olympian Ruth Williams-Simpson, who competed in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the 1972, 1976, and 1980 Games. Reflecting on the significance of the gathering, Williams-Simpson spoke on behalf of the honorees:
“This tribute is an acknowledgement not just of medals or finishes, but of journeys, sacrifices, resilience, and the collective spirit that keeps Jamaica’s Olympic flame alive across generations.”
Dorothy Scott-Genias, Lelieth Hodges, Henry Jackson, and Leighton Priestley were among the athletics legends recognized for their historic appearances at multiple Games, while Jamaica’s swimming Olympians also took their place in the spotlight. Belinda Phillips, who competed in three freestyle events at the 1972 Munich Olympics, recounted the tense days following the tragic terrorist attack at those Games.
Other swimming standouts, including Alan Marsh and Andrew Phillips, both members of Jamaica’s 1984 Olympic team in Los Angeles, were celebrated for their contributions to the nation’s sporting heritage.
In her stirring address, Williams-Simpson reminisced on her humble beginnings in St. Mary and the fortuitous moment when Olympian Mike Fray spotted her at a local school meet.
“He saw me and said, ‘You with dem long legs, you must can run.’ That was all it took,” she told Sportsmax.
Her journey wasn’t without obstacles. Following her candid remarks about the difficult conditions faced by Jamaican athletes after the 1974 Commonwealth Games, Williams-Simpson faced a painful period of exclusion from the national team. It was Olympic great Herb McKenley who later restored her place in Jamaica’s athletic fold.
The evening also honoured the invaluable contributions of longtime sports medicine professionals Patricia Lue Chin, Janeth Ricketts, and Marcia Swyer-Forbes, alongside administrative figures Marie Tavares and Ludlow Watts from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).
Williams-Simpson’s concluding message resonated deeply with the audience:
“Being an Olympian has shaped my entire life. It taught me discipline, it forged resilience, it expanded my world. And to the younger generation, your story is still being written. Never doubt that from the quietest hills of St. Mary to the greatest stadiums of the world, you too can rise.”
Now chairing Friends of Jamaica Track and Field, Williams-Simpson continues to give back by supporting young athletes through meal programs and scholarships, ensuring the baton of opportunity and legacy remains in motion.
The evening was a testament not just to Jamaica’s remarkable sporting success, but to the indomitable spirit of those who have worn the black, green, and gold on the world’s greatest stages. As Williams-Simpson fittingly closed:
“Let us continue to run our race, not just for medals, but for meaning. And may our stories, together, continue to build Jamaica’s rich Olympic legacy.”
