Paulton Gordon, Gleaner Writer

Gordon

During the Olympics, athletics enthusiast Paulton Gordon will be providing a fan's perspective from Beijing, China. Look out for 'From the Fanstand', starting next week in The Gleaner and listen out for his coverage in 'Eye on Beijing'...

As the Games of the 29th Olympiad approach, the expectation heightens as Jamaicans all across the globe begin to look forward to great performances from our athletes. Jamaica will be represented in four disciplines; namely equestrian, swimming, cycling and track and field. We applaud the efforts of all the athletes who have qualified to represent the black, green and gold, but the demanding Jamaican fans are expecting real cham-pionship performances from our track athletes.

I will be journeying to Beijing, China, from August 12 to arrive just in time for the track and field segment and will describe events from the 'fanstand'. From a Jamaican standpoint, this is where the fireworks begin. My prediction is that Jamaica should close the games with three gold, four silver and four bronze. If, however, the gods decide to smile on us, the athletes remain healthy and the relay teams are efficient, we may end up with a gold rush that is unprecedented in our Olympic history. Will Bolt become our most decorated Olympian? Will Asafa deliver the ultimate prize? Is the 4x100 world record beckoning? What of the stalwart Danny McFarlane? Will he give us as much joy as he did in Athens?

Left: Samantha Albert ... Jamaica's first Olympic equestrian. Right: One of Jamaica's three swimmers who have qualified for the Beijing Olympics, Alia Atkinson. The others are Natasha Moodie and Jevon Atkinson. - File photos

Big dance

The women are no less potent. Veronica seems to be rounding into the pink of form, just in time for the big dance. Her recent exploits over both 100 and 200 metres have the pundits engaged in a spirited debate about the merits and de-merits of the selection process. Sherone, Shelly-Ann and Kerron have had up and down performances since the trials but we are putting our faith in their coaches and management and therefore hoping that they will be peaking during the third week of August. A strong defence of our 4x100 title is expected and the female 4x400 squad will be extremely competitive. Expect some fireworks from our women in the hurdles as Brigitte and Deloreen seek to close their Olympic careers in a blaze of glory.

At the Olympics, I will give the fans at home perspective from enthusiasts as well as 'wagonists', both Jamaican and international. I will paint a picture of the spirit of the games, inclusive of the cultural blend, the buzz around the Jamaican contingent, the high and low points as expressed by fans, the social agenda and human interest stories that depict the true meaning of the Olympic movement.

Special moments, like the celebration in the stands after winning a gold medal, will be fully captured and you can listen out for coverage on 'Eye on Beijing', on Power106 FM.

Join me in the 'FanStand' as I bring you information from an angle that the fans can relate to and appreciate. Hang on for the ride.