Grange praises superb McLeod
Rio de Janeiro, August 16, 2016 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has described the new Olympic 110 metres hurdles champion, Jamaica’s Omar McLeod, as “simply a superb athlete with a great future.”
Minister Grange was reacting after watching McLeod become the first Jamaican to win the 110 metres hurdles at an Olympic Games. McLeod clocked 13.05 seconds for the gold medal in Rio de Janeiro this evening (Tuesday).
Minister Grange said “It is just so great. Omar has been through a lot and to able to win in the way that he did tonight is quite amazing. I want to just give him a big hug when I see him and let him know how very proud we are as Jamaicans for the way he’s overcome all the hurdles he’s faced.”
McLeod’s victory improves Jamaica tally of medals to three gold and two bronze. “And there’s more to come,” said Minister Grange.
Also this evening, the Olympic 100 metres champion, Elaine Thompson, qualified for the final of the 200 metres but her compatriot Simone Facey did not, despite running a season’s best 22.57.
Leah Nugent ran her personal best time of 54.98 to qualify for the final of the women’s 400 metres hurdles along with Janieve Russell and Ristananna Tracey.
Annsert Whyte ran his career best time of 48.32 seconds to qualify for the final of the men’s 400 metres hurdles. However, Jahleel Hyde and Roxroy Cato did not advance pass the semifinals.
