When Donovan Bailey hangs out with Prince Albert

-File photo,
Donovan Bailey

Janet Silvera, Freelance Writer

Donovan Bailey may have held the world 100 metres record and stood atop the podium as Olympic champion. But even standing at 182 centimetres tall, he has never grown past knee height for one person.

His mother, Daisy Lewis's constant attention has led to Donovan being referred to as 'Momma's Boy' - a 'crown' the 83 kg 'gentle giant' wears with pride.

Like any mother who dearly loves her child, she still worries about him flying all over the world, he told Showbiz.

Donovan started running from age five, but never once felt he was a potential Olympian. It took him 20 years before he gave serious thought to being a professional athlete.

The country boy from the cool hills of Christiana, Manchester, was to make Jamaicans and Canadians proud when he set a world record in 1996 over 100m, clocking a time of 9.84 seconds and doubled the treat in the 4X100m to clasp the World Championship title for the third time.

With all the pomp and pageantry, Donovan said his early years in Jamaica were some of his best.

"Life was simple, without complications. I was very independent, had no problems. These are the memories I have of Jamaica... clean clothes and good food."

At 13 years old he emigrated to Canada to live with his father, George. Life in Canada was nothing like he had in Jamaica. However, the strong teachings of his mother kept him strong.

"My mother is a strong black woman, she would do any job in order that food would be on the table", he spoke proudly of his mother.

Being a lover of change helped him to adjust within a short space of time. By age 21, he was already financially comfortable through real estate. Before becoming an international track star he owned two cars - a convertible Porsche and a Toyota Supra - and his own house.

Donovan, who studied economics, told Showbiz his father would have preferred if he had done law. "Sports is something that was not encouraged by my parents", Donovan said.

This week we take a trip with Donovan to his favourite weekend spot in Monte Carlo, France.

"Monte Carlo is the richest place in the world. It's a very small place, about a 1/4 mile long. It costs about US$600 a month to rent a 400 sq. ft. apartment," he explained.

"It is in the South of France right next door to Nice, the flight from Toronto is seven exhausting hours. I usually sleep on the aircraft, after enjoying a couple glasses of red wine, preferably Australian or African. The plane lands in Nice and then I travel by helicopter to Monte Carlo, where I stay at the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel, the former Monte Loews hotel".

Friday

Accommodation

"My room overlooks the ocean, the hotel has lots of marbles, the rate is US$4,000 per night, a good size suite, with everything in it...jacuzzi, shower, two bathrooms, king-sized bed, marble tiles and blue Persian carpets".

Dinner

"There are very good restaurants and excellent cuisine. I go to an Italian restaurant which is very simple, but it serves good food and the atmosphere is fashionable. The crowd there comprises mainly older men and younger women and they wear nice clothes. The men usually don blazers and if you get there and don't have the proper clothing they'll give you a jacket."

Hanging out

"After dinner, we sit at a sidewalk cafe and just have conversation and expresso or cappuccino".

Nightclub

"Jimmy Z, is the hot spot. It's frequented by mainly locals. I go there with Prince Albert of Monaco, who is a friend of mine, the admission is US$100. It's like being in a different world. One Heineken cost US$50.00, the same Heineken is sold in Jamaica for US$2.00. I party until 4:00 a.m. because I don't need a tan. I can sleep until 2 or 3 in the afternoon."

Saturday

Attractions

"Princess Caroline's yacht, all the cars you see in the magazines and a Ferrari there would be as common as a Corolla in Jamaica. For me to witness things like this, it's good for me...people being oblivious to money because they have so much of it. Bill Gates' yacht is just like another yacht in the harbour.

"Prince Alberts' family palace is one of the attractions there as well."

Brunch

"I wake up late and have brunch on the Roof Top restaurant at the hotel. I like continental food; fruit, some sort of protein, cheese omelette or even a steak with whole wheat bread. I drink natural juices -- pineapple, orange, mango -- remember I am a country boy, so anything goes."

Evening

"I try to go to a new restaurant, such as Japanese and try the sushi. The raw fish is prepared at the table and served in front of you and whatever other meats you request with it. Then it's back to a sidewalk cafe for expresso and a good cigar, before hitting Jimmy Z."

Sunday

"After breakfast, I get into a helicopter and fly to Nice, before catching an early flight back to Toronto".

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