Roxroy McLean, Gleaner Intern

These two women pose in front of a mural of Shelly-Ann Fraser in Waterhouse, St Andrew, on Monday night before the start of a party to welcome the Olympic champion. - Photo by Roxroy McLean

JAMAICAN sprint sensation Shelly-Ann Fraser on Monday night came home to a spectacular welcome party with residents of Waterhouse, St Andrew, and top artistes.

The party was held in recognition of her brilliant performance at the Beijing Olympics, in China, where she ran away with the gold medal in the women's 100-metre final.

The lively patrons paraded in the national colours - black, green and gold - on Ashoka Road in Waterhouse.

Bugle and Serani gave impressive performances and the crowd sang along word for word with each of their hits.

Fraser's name went into the record books after she ran a lifetime best of 10.78s, the second-fastest time in Jamaica's history behind Merlene Ottey's 10.74 mark.

Fraser became the first female Jamaican athlete to win a gold medal in the 100-metre dash in an Olympic Games.

With the atmosphere at fever-pitch, even policemen were caught celebrating with the vibrant crowd, mixed with adult and children.

Shelly-Ann's mother, Maxine Simpson, was overwhelmed by the experience and said God had orchestrated everything. She was pleased with the support from the community.

"Thanks to the Almighty God ... He has been the one behind this. I'm so proud that he has blessed me with three wonderful children," said Simpson.

Shelly-Ann and the nation's other Olympic athletes will be honoured during a four-day celebration, scheduled to begin on October 3.

roxroy.mclean@gleanerjm.com

Olympic 100 metres champion Shelly-Ann Fraser (left) is greeted by scores of friends and well-wishers at the Norman Manley International Airport, shortly after she arrived home on Monday evening. Olympic 400 metres hurdles finalist Markino Buckley (centre) also returned on Monday. - Colin Hamilton/freelance photographer