My thoughts on…Herb McKenley’s death
Thank God! all the assignments are finished! I handed in my last two today. Now the rest of the week is study week. Time to relax with some blogging! Well, this post isn’t “relaxing” per se, but more of my tribute to Herb McKenley, who by the way passed away yesterday at the age of 85. I honestly thought the guy was already dead. But can you blame me? Its easy to think that when an old person has been out of the public eye as long as he has. The man was truly great.
For those international readers out there who need some clue as to how great the man was, he received the nation’s third highest honour, the Order of Merit, was the head of the list of world best times in 100 m, 200 m and 400 m (the only person to have ever done this) and the New York Times wrote an article about his death. And its not everyday the Times writes an article for a non-American, unless they’re of some importance. So it goes without saying that the man was a track and field god, and there’s little wonder why the entire nation is in mourning.
The loss of outstanding Jamaicans like him makes me look at my current generation and wonder if there’s any greatness left. My generation seems hellbent on destroying itself and getting rich no matter what the cost. Morals seem to be but a mere hindrance nowadays, to be adhered to only when its convienient. But Asafa’s performance on both the local and world stage gives me hope that there are still great athletes left, and just perhaps, great Jamaicans in other spheres of life as well. We need more great Jamaicans like Herb, especially in this age where Jamaicans have so little to be proud of. If I become half the man he was, then I would be happy with how I spent my life. Goodbye Herb. Race well run.
Nuff respect…Well ran
I’m with you, Leon! Big up to Herb! He will be well remembered. I see that the Observer seems to feel he should be made a national hero. What do you think?
Ponderous points yu raise — is his death symbolic of JA’s passin’ its prime (as in our best years’ past — in an ol’ before dem young kinda way… Naw! We got lotsa heroism left in our country.
I don’t think he should be made a National Hero. Don’t get me wrong, I respect his contribution, but National Hero is a bit much.
A True Calabar Lion and Jamaican Hero
http://www.calabarlions.com/a-true-calabar-lion-and-jamaican-hero/
So sorry to hear of his passing. His life was an inspiration to many, locally and overseas, especially our youth. Hope our young men will realise, from his life, what a true role model really is like.
asafa ???
mine how u a forget veronica tho! if asafa give u hope what veronica do then?
Thanks for the article. I had never heard of him to be perfectly frank.
Mr.Herb McKinley, a gigantic and tremendous human being, and a Jamaican nonpareil.Mr. McKinley’s journey can be characterised as a zealous,admirable,heroic,dignified,illustrious and exalted one throughout the various decades.The journey is now complete/over and Jamaica will definitely miss,lament,and mourn one of its most eminent,beloved ,and celebrated sons.Nonetheless,the fond memories and athletic accomplishments/achievements of Mr.Mckinley will endure perpetually in the consciousness and psyche of Jamaicans.A journey well travelled Mr. McKinley.Condolences to family, friends, and of course, the Calabar (LIONS) community.RESPECT to an august Jamaican and may GOD be with you.
And he did it all natrual
Another of Jamaica’s great icons passes on. He really did the country proud. Have no fear Leon despite the many thugs in our society, here are still a few people that make us proud.