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Cheers and tears greet Ryan
Published on: 9/17/2009.
An outburst of cheers, tears and applause greeted World Championship gold medallist Ryan Brathwaite immediately on his return to Barbados just a short while ago.
Brathwaite, who won the 110 metres hurdles at the World Championships in Berlin, Germany, stepped off of a Virgin Atlantic flight at the Grantley Adams International Airport just after 1 p.m. (Barbados time).
He was met at the foot of the stairs by his mother Angela Young and father Eugene Brathwaite, who embraced him warmly for several long moments.
Speaking to CBC's Pearson Bowen, Brathwaite said he was delighted, surprised and shocked at the reception.
Scores of Airport staff gathered just off the edge of the tarmac and cheered Ryan lustily as he passed through to enter the VIP lounge for a press conference.
Head of the Amateur Athletic Association Esther Maynard, in her comments, said that the AAA could see from as many as five years ago that Brathwaite would achieve great things.
A touching moment came from First Vice President of the Barbados Olympic Association Ralph Johnson who became openly emotional as he delivered his statement. Johnson's voice broke and he paused tearily as he spoke of how proud the association was of Brathwaite's achievement.
Henry Innis, chairman of the National Sports Council noted that from the time he first met Brathwaite, he was always struck by the youth's calm and confident nature.
Acting Minister of Sports, Irene Sandiford-Garner, who like Brathwaite, hails from St Andrew, paid an emotional tribute to Brathwaite and his family as she spoke of the effect his victory has had on the people of the parish.
"Here you have not just a phenomenal athlete but an incredible human being," declared Sandiford-Garner.
"I was in Church Gap last night and I had to say this is is like Christmas. Everyone was debushing and painting. I had to tell someone 'Christmas is coming in the form of Ryan'."
In his comments, the man of the moment, Ryan Brathwaite praised his parents and his first coach, Alwyn Babb.
"There are so many things to say. First I'd like to thank my mum and dad -[you have] always been the best for my whole 21 years.... If it wasn't for Mr. Babb, I wouldn't even be doing hurdles - I wouldn't even have a technique so I thank you Mr. Babb a 100 per cent... not even 100 per cent [but] 200, 300 per cent. I'm elated that everybody came and shared their love. Keep praying and hopefully 2011 is trouble and 2012 is another gold medal too," said Brathwaite.
Brathwaite, who won the 110 metres hurdles at the World Championships in Berlin, Germany, stepped off of a Virgin Atlantic flight at the Grantley Adams International Airport just after 1 p.m. (Barbados time).
He was met at the foot of the stairs by his mother Angela Young and father Eugene Brathwaite, who embraced him warmly for several long moments.
Speaking to CBC's Pearson Bowen, Brathwaite said he was delighted, surprised and shocked at the reception.
Scores of Airport staff gathered just off the edge of the tarmac and cheered Ryan lustily as he passed through to enter the VIP lounge for a press conference.
Head of the Amateur Athletic Association Esther Maynard, in her comments, said that the AAA could see from as many as five years ago that Brathwaite would achieve great things.
A touching moment came from First Vice President of the Barbados Olympic Association Ralph Johnson who became openly emotional as he delivered his statement. Johnson's voice broke and he paused tearily as he spoke of how proud the association was of Brathwaite's achievement.
Henry Innis, chairman of the National Sports Council noted that from the time he first met Brathwaite, he was always struck by the youth's calm and confident nature.
Acting Minister of Sports, Irene Sandiford-Garner, who like Brathwaite, hails from St Andrew, paid an emotional tribute to Brathwaite and his family as she spoke of the effect his victory has had on the people of the parish.
"Here you have not just a phenomenal athlete but an incredible human being," declared Sandiford-Garner.
"I was in Church Gap last night and I had to say this is is like Christmas. Everyone was debushing and painting. I had to tell someone 'Christmas is coming in the form of Ryan'."
In his comments, the man of the moment, Ryan Brathwaite praised his parents and his first coach, Alwyn Babb.
"There are so many things to say. First I'd like to thank my mum and dad -[you have] always been the best for my whole 21 years.... If it wasn't for Mr. Babb, I wouldn't even be doing hurdles - I wouldn't even have a technique so I thank you Mr. Babb a 100 per cent... not even 100 per cent [but] 200, 300 per cent. I'm elated that everybody came and shared their love. Keep praying and hopefully 2011 is trouble and 2012 is another gold medal too," said Brathwaite.
14 comment found!
Barbadian Gem : 9/17/2009
Ryan today Barbados salutes you, cheers with you, smiles with you, shed tears with you and say prayers for you. From the belly of our small rock you conquered the world, you are our gem! We look to the future with you, and support you in your efforts for excellence.
Proud Bajan in Baltimore : 9/17/2009
This is and example of a young positive person doing something other than shooting or robbing.To you Mr Brathwaite thank you for making Barbados and all BAJAN throughout this World Proud to be Barbajans.
Ryan Brathwaite : 9/17/2009
Good fortune and success to you,may the whole of Barbados give you the support thats needed for you to continue to reach greater heights. You are an inspiration for the young youths, Success in the future.
Cheers to Ryan : 9/17/2009
Congrats to you,i am very proud,,keep on keeping on,i know u will continue to do well,God bless you. Baje in Mississippi.
: 9/17/2009
Congratulations Ryan! You are an inspiration to many! May you always be blessed.
You Go Ryan! : 9/17/2009
I couldn't help but to become teary-eyed while reading your success story. Stay focused, and remember the Lord God blessed you with this victory for your parents and all of us proud Barbadians to share. Now, upward and onward for Olympic Gold. Congrats! Mary, NJ
Congrats, Go for the Gold in 2012! : 9/17/2009
Congratulations Brathwaite! You have done all Barbadians Proud. We are with you all the way to London in 2012. Keep the Barbados Flag flying high and the National Anthem playing on world stage. We are all Proud of you!!!!!!!!!! We Love You Ryan!!!!!!!!!!!
RMB for 2012 : 9/17/2009
Great going Ryan. Knew you could do it since last year Olympics. continue your winning ways, you have an entire country on your side.
Golden Boy : 9/17/2009
Congrats Ryan, I am so proud of you. Watched you at the Worlds in Germany. Stay focussed and keep up the good work. Proud Bajan in The Bahamas
ryan : 9/17/2009
what u did not gain with your head u gain with your hands and feet so proud of u go a gain
Ryan : 9/17/2009
Congrats, son and all the very best. Blessings to you and all those who encouraged and inspired you.
Ryan Brathwaite : 9/17/2009
Congrats Ryan, we are all very proud of your achievement. Keep up the good work and continue to stay focussed. Proud Bajan in The Bahamas
Cheers and tears greet Ryan : 9/17/2009
A big CONGRATULATIONS to you Ryan for doing Barbados and the Caribbean proud. I have goose bumps constantly everytime I think about that proud moment. Keep up the good work and stay positive. Proud BAJAN in Barbados
: 9/17/2009
Congrats Ryan, you have made Barbados proud!
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