By Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
George Rhoden (left) and Herb McKenley, members of Jamaica's 1952 4x400 metres Olympic gold medal relay team, watch a netball game at the new indoor court facility on Saturday. They, along with teammates Les Laing and Byron LaBeach will be honoured at the VMBS/JAAA Hall of Fame ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel tonight. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
THE PAST week has been a hive of activity and a grand reunion of sorts for the members of Jamaica's 1952 4x400 metres Olympic gold medal winning team.
Les Laing, George Rhoden, Byron LaBeach and Herb McKenley have not seen each other in the last 10 years and have been enjoying every moment spent in each other's company.
The Helsinki reunion would be apt to describe the occasion but they are here for an equally important occasion.
Tonight the men play dress-up for the VMBS/JAAA inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel at 7:00 at which they and Olympian Dr Cynthia Thompson will be honoured.
Late 4x400 metres team member Arthur Wint, the Hon. Norman Manley and coach Joseph Yancey will also be honoured posthumously.
"I can't begin to tell you what the feeling is like seeing them all after so many years. The only thing missing from this celebration is Wint. He would have really enjoyed this. The opportunity we have had to be together has been so few," Laing said.
"It has been pure elation since we reunited. It's been about 10 years since I've seen them and right now I'm still enjoying the get-together. In spite of what is planned for us, we are using the occasion as a reunion.
"This is very important to us, not only because of the camaraderie of the team but the significance of the occasion," he said.
Rhoden agrees. "This occasion is significant. 1952 is still fresh in my mind and for us to meet up like this and celebrate is nothing less than wonderful," he said.
As for McKenley, "Our seeing each other again has been going very well. It's a worthwhile reason for us to celebrate. We miss Arthur."
