Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Olympians Bobby Gaye Wilkins (left) and Olivia McKoy, the first to return to Jamaica from Beijing, China, yesterday, arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. Wilkins was a member of the bronze medal winning 4x400 relay team. She ran in the heats. McKoy competed in the qualifying round of the javelin. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

After the Jamaican team's spectacular performances at the Olympics in Beijing, China, athletes Bobby-Gaye Wilkins and Olivia McKoy arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston yesterday afternoon.

Wilkins, who ran in the heats for the 4x400 relay team which won a bronze medal on Saturday, said she was glad she got an opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Games.

"It was a good experience. I went out there with a good team. They were cooperative 'cause I was a junior on the team. I really enjoyed it," Wilkins told The Gleaner.

Impressed with discipline

Like Wilkins, McKoy, who represented Jamaica in the javelin, said she enjoyed being in Beijing. She said she was impressed with the discipline, organisation, efficiency and camaraderie of the Chinese.

Though she is toying with the idea of retiring, McKoy said she was pleased with her performance.

"I am pleased with what I did. I could have done better, but I am glad for what I have accomplished; my second Olympics," the 34-year-old athlete who represented Jamaica at the 2000 Sydney Olympics said. "I am not sure if I will retire, but I feel like I need to do something else."

More athletes, including Aleen Bailey and Herbert McGregor; coaches; and managers were expected to arrive later last evening.

Howard Aris, president of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association, said the majority of the athletes will arrive on September 8 and 9, while the remainder will arrive on September 26.

sadeke.brooks@gleanerjm.com