Residents of Sherwood Content in Trelawny react as community member Usain Bolt won the men's 200m race in Beijing, China, yesterday. - Photo by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

From the hills of Sherwood Content along the winding patches of the Retrieve, Bellevue and Martha Brae main roads leading into Water Square, Falmouth, Trelawny, jubilation reached its height yesterday as many residents celebrated victory.

It was yet another historic day for the people of Sherwood Content, as 21-year-old Usain Bolt, now seen as their 'idol', had won another race - the men's 200m at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China.

Usain was slated to run at 9:25 a.m. However, from early morning, residents started trickling into a classroom at the Waldensia Primary School - Usain's alma mater, situated on the brow of a hill - to watch the sports icon.

Move to rename trelawny stadium

Usain Bolt of Jamaica reacts after breaking the world record with a time of 19.30 to win the gold medal in the men's 200m final during the track and field athletics event of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games yesterday. - contributed

In a swift reaction to Bolt's triumph, Jamaica Labour Party caretaker for Sherwood Content, Senator Dennis Meadows, announced that as soon as Parliament reconvened, he would be moving a motion to rename the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium in honour of Usain Bolt. Meadows received thunderous applause from the residents.

"In addition to recognising his super-human performance, naming the stadium in his honour will serve to market that facility for the purpose of sports tourism," Meadows noted.

Adults, children and even babies came out in large numbers to watch on a big screen and a 30-inch flat screen TV, sponsored by National Meats Distributors based in Lydford, St Ann. Some people perched on the ledge of the roof, on top of benches, while others sprawled out on the concrete floor to get a first-hand glimpse of the race.

Jamaica's Melaine Walker on her way to victory in the women's 400-metre hurdles final yesterday. Walker also broke the Olympic record held by her compatriot, Deon Hemmings. - AP

It was a party on Maxfield Avenue, St Andrew, after Melaine Walker won the gold medal. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer