By KAREN CHEN, The Ottawa Citizen August 5, 2012
OTTAWA -- There were thunderstorm warnings acros Ottawa on Sunday afternoon, but all the lightning came from Jamaican-Canadians as they watched their men’s sprinting heroes Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake streak to a gold and silver finish at in the 100-metre sprint at the London Olympics.
Groovy’s Roti Hut in Ottawa’s east end was electrified with pride as Bolt roasted the Olympic record, clocking in at 9.63, with teammate Blake just 0.12 seconds behind.
About 30 Team Jamaica fans seemed like a small bunch until the TV announcer began counting down and the Ottawa crowd translated their enthusiasm into thunderous cheers.
“Speed, speed, speed, speed,” they chanted for all of the near 10 seconds it took for the race to end, striking up Bolt’s signature “lightning” pose and “running man” fingers.
For the country that looks forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence from British rule Monday, the Olympic win couldn’t have been a better bookend to the island coming into its own.
Groovy’s Roti Hut in Ottawa’s east end was electrified with pride as Bolt roasted the Olympic record, clocking in at 9.63, with teammate Blake just 0.12 seconds behind.
About 30 Team Jamaica fans seemed like a small bunch until the TV announcer began counting down and the Ottawa crowd translated their enthusiasm into thunderous cheers.
“Speed, speed, speed, speed,” they chanted for all of the near 10 seconds it took for the race to end, striking up Bolt’s signature “lightning” pose and “running man” fingers.
For the country that looks forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence from British rule Monday, the Olympic win couldn’t have been a better bookend to the island coming into its own.
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