Sherone's uncle-in-law, Lloyd Henry, with cousins Aiyoka, Kevva-Gaye and Stacey watch the Olympics at their home in Devon, Manchester, recently. 0 Richar Bryan photo

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:

When Sherone Simpson comes back to Jamaica, she will have a silver medal from her second Olympics. There are many who wanted more, but there is a small community for whom Simpson continues to be a hero.

In a small, neatly packed room in Devon, Manchester, where Simp-son spent many a night, her 73-year-old grandmother, Iris Campbell, along with cousins Jeavon Adamson and Assauny, watched the Olympics intently.

Emotions

The emotions were far different from the 100m days earlier, when euphoria erupted whenever the commentator's voice screamed her name with every passing metre that she remained in medal position.

Next door, a mere 30 metres away, the quiet, attentive mood that had replaced the elation and excitement of previous days was also present as Sherone's aunt, Eileen Campbell, uncle, Lloyd Henry, and younger cousins, Aiyoka, Kevva-Gaye and Stacey, all decked in smart outfits bearing the colours of the Jamaican flag, watched the Games.

Jeavon best summed up the family's feelings on Simpson's performance when he spoke to Across the Nation after her sixth-place finish in the 200 metres.

"Overall, I liked the race; it's a Jamaican who won, even though Sherone never medalled. I thought Veronica would win it and I was looking for Sherone to take second or third," she said.

Citing Sherone's difficulties with injuries and subsequent battle with form over the last year, her cousin said:

"It's a fair result, as, obviously, she is not where she was a few years ago, but I hope this will be a motivating performance for Jamaicans to support her."

Iris mimicked Jeavon's sentiments saying she was more than satisfied with Sherone's latest effort.

"She gave us something in the 100m and we're still glad. She still have more chances," she said.

Feelings were the same just down the road where distinguished neighbour, Linton McKenzie, a household name in local long-distance and road-race championships, said Sherone had done well despite the odds.

"Sherone has come back a long way," McKenzie said.

"She struggled last year and I know from the performances, she has definitely gotten her confidence back and we can expect a greater performance from now."