The Editor, Sir:

Success for Jamaica in the highly anticipated 2008 Olympics carries on a rich legacy of excellent performances and sportsmanship that all Jamaicans are proud of. Our athletes are challenged with the task of continuing a legacy that has been set before by the great ones who opened the door for our present athletes.

Considering the rich legacy we have set at the Olympics, Jamaica cannot afford to let disunity, enhancement drugs or bad sportsmanship threaten this legacy. The Beijing Olympics is another opportunity to show that we can compete and beat the best in the world.

In the spirit of celebration of the 2008 Olympics, let us not forget those who have set the stage by their excellent achievements in previous Olympics. Herb McKenley and Arthur Wint, who competed in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, are some of the pioneers of Jamaican track and field. Merlene Ottey was also a stalwart. Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and the rest of the Jamaican team now carry the baton in lifting Jamaica on to the world stage. In the spirit of celebration, let us remember those who have gone before.

I am, etc.,

NYRON BLAKE

nyronblake@yahoo.com

Brooklyn, NY

Via Go-Jamaica