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On top of the podium - and the world
Barbadian gold medallist Ryan Brathwaite (center) during the medal presentation ceremony at the World Championships in Berlin, Germany yesterday. To his left is American silver medallist Terrance Trammell and to his right is American bronze medallist David Payne. (AP Picture)
Published on: 8/22/2009.
In Berlin
The Barbados National Anthem was played during a medal ceremony for the first time in the 26-year history of the World Championships in Athletics, at the Olympic Stadium, here in Berlin, Germany, yesterday.
The man responsible for the historic first, 21-year-old Ryan Brathwaite, soaked in the occasion from the top of the podium, his 13.14 seconds run in Thursday's men's 110 metres hurdles final earning him that right.
“The feeling was very amazing and great,” a proud Brathwaite told the Nation, following the medal ceremony. “I'm glad it was shown all over the world.
The medal draped around Brathwaite's neck was not only the country's first gold but the first medal of any kind for Barbados at the World Championships.
“I was surprised and shocked. It was a great moment watching my flag go up and the whole world watching me.”
Brathwaite said he did not get much sleep between his triumph on the track and yesterday's medal ceremony.
“I was up checking my mail. It was too much. I had to just turn off the computer, relax myself and get something to eat, and then I fell asleep. I'm just shocked. I'm just keeping myself humble.”
Brathwaite has become an instant celebrity here in Berlin. After receiving his gold, he was swarmed for autographs and photos. But the Hillaby hurdler handled the attention like a seasoned celebrity.
“It's comfortable, normal. That's my job, just to make everybody pleased - people who like me and support me.”
Brathwaite does not plan to return to Barbados immediately. The 2005 World Youth (under-18) Championship silver medallist has commitments in Europe, starting with next Friday's Golden League meet, in Zurich, Switzerland.
“I'll be home maybe in middle September.”
55 comment found!
NO FLAG : 8/26/2009
Where was his Flag! that is why he look disappointed.
Place more emphasis on Sports! : 8/26/2009
Congratulations to Ryan , you did us proud,it is too bad that all these years you are the first athelete to give Barbados a medal at these prestigous games. to fellow Barbadians stop boasting and acting all stupid .Let the Barbados Goverment spend some money on training, so that these sportsmen and women will be able to handle the competition. Barbadian in New York
congrats ryan : 8/24/2009
iam very proud of your achievement,you make every bajan here in boston very proud ,keep up the good work .
Gold Medal : 8/24/2009
Congratulations Ryan! So proud to see the flag raised and hear the anthem sung. I stood at attention and sang proudly. Keep up the good work. JD (Bajan in The Bahamas)
Gold Medal : 8/24/2009
Congratulations Ryan! So proud to see the flag raised and the anthem sung. I stood at attention and sang proudly. Keep up the good work. JD (Bajan in The Bahamas)
your forefathers sowed the seed : 8/24/2009
Ryan this moment not only brought tears to my eyes because you are bajan BUT because of the history of the country where you did it. Jesse Owens was smiling on you and you didn't disappoint him, me or your forefathers. WE as a people can do anything with God's help. Keep believing and you'll be forever in my prayers.
on top of the podium-and the world : 8/23/2009
The Thursday club (TTC) from Hillaby and all the Church Gap posse salute you.you have made us so proud
Ryan Brathwaithe : 8/23/2009
Perhaps now the Barbados Government would sit up and take note of the fact that track and field is the way forward for Barbados as in many other islands.Too much money has been put into cricket and football without any returns. It is high time that money be put into a new stadium so that the many young athletes in the island's clubs and schools can benefit from improved facilities and make Barbados proud.Ryan Brathwaithe, who hails from Rising Stars track club and who would only have attended a U.S college from last year, must credit most of his athletic ability to coach Alwin Babb, his local coach for many years. The U.S media are crediting his U.S college coaches for his talent, but as a Bajan living in the U.S I know that that is wrong and credit should be given where it is due. P.P
: 8/23/2009
congrats brav was very proud bajan in england well done it give me goose pimples
FROM BIM TO BERLIN : 8/23/2009
CONGRATS,YOU HAVE MADE ALL BAJANS PROUD AT YOUR VICTORY RYAN.KEEP YOUR HEAD ON. BE HAPPY AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU WITH GOOD HEALTH SO YOU CAN WIN MANY MORE. BRONX --NY
GOLD MEDAL : 8/22/2009
Hi Ryan congratulations to 2 and your coaching staff they must sure b proud of u all of Barbados has erupted over this achievement it is unbelievable. you have put us on the map in "medalling" May GOD Give u the strength to carry on trust him and he will help u
Knighthood : 8/22/2009
For Mr. Braithwaite's achievement he should be Knighted "Sir Brath."
congrats : 8/22/2009
i am form jamaica.i was watching him during the heats and semi and he was brilliant so i said he could bring home the gold for his country and he did congrats man and good work
Well Done : 8/22/2009
When the Cuban dropped out and the Jamaicans look like they would not make it I was will Brathwaite on, well done well done son!!!
Golden boy Ryan : 8/22/2009
Thanks for giving us some hardware and bragging rights Ryan B. Hard work beats talent, if talent don't work hard. Man you got both mah brotha.
Ryan Brathwaite - gold medal winner : 8/22/2009
I am very proud of Ryan Brathwaite. Congrats to you and your parents. I hope you get a piece of de rock too.
proud moment for us : 8/22/2009
this is a proud moment for us barbadians let us all share in his success and encourage him along this path as I am sure there is more to come for him and he will be an inspiration for many barbadian athletes
PURE JOY : 8/22/2009
BLUE YELLAH & BLACK!!! PUT IT UP!!!!!! WHAT A PROUD MOMENT FOR BARBADOS & A SIZZLING TRACK MEET FOR THE ENTIRE CARIBBEAN TO LIFT US OUT OF OUR TRIALS. WE'VE WAITED MANY DECADES TO BE ON TOP IN SPORTS AGAIN. LONG MAY IT LAST!!! WITH OUR CRICKET WHERE IT IS COMPARED TO WHERE IT WAS. CONGRATULATIONS TO RYAN & YOUR TEAM...PEOPLE LET'S LIFT HIM UP. KEEP WORKING BUILDING OURSELVES OUR NATIONS OUR WORK & OUR LIVES. WE'RE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE!!!!
Ryan : 8/22/2009
We are so proud of you. You have done a great job for our country. Congrats
GOLD!!!!!!! : 8/22/2009
'We" finally did it. Congrats. Never give up. You did our country proud
Fantastic : 8/22/2009
Gave me cold bumps!
Bravo Ryan : 8/22/2009
Congratulations Ryan. You've made us proud ! Keep up the hard work and the results will follow. BTW: to the commentator previous, there is no yellow in the Barbadian flag. It's gold.
BIGGEST CONGRATULATIONS : 8/22/2009
I hope you will be able to keep running for as long as you want and that you will try to win and WILL WIN as many GOLD medals as possible. You are the fulfilment of all the labours of love for the sport, over all the years, all of us other runners, coaches and administrators have devoted. KEEP GOING RYAN!!!!!! GO FOR GOLD! YOU CAN DO IT!!
ryan : 8/22/2009
congrat and congrats, well deserves, nothing happens before its time, God is in control. baje in toronto
On Top Of The World : 8/22/2009
Big-UP! To Ryan Brathwaite for his victory in Berlin. It's time that Barbados won a Gold Medal. Enjoy your victory.
: 8/22/2009
In Berlin - 8/22/09 : 8/22/2009
Congrats Ryan on a job well done. You have made all Barbadians pleased,and I dare say, all West Indians. Keep up the good work. Put God first in everything you do and achieve, and you will continue to be blessed. One love.
Blue Yellow & Black : 8/22/2009
I am proud to be a bajan, Ryan Brathwaite you made BARBADOS very proud. Bajan in florida.
: 8/22/2009
Proud Caribbean : 8/22/2009
This St. Lucian says congatulations to Barbados on this splendid result. You all must have been proud to hear your national anthem and see the Bajan flag held high on the international stage ! Brathwaite was very Bajan, handling himself with dignity and humility throughout. We wish him even more success in the future. Let his success be a beacon and example for all Caribbean youth. Success is about the age old formula - focus and hard work. Not for him the drugs and laziness of too many in this "me, myself and I" generation.
Spetacular Accomplishment : 8/22/2009
Congratulations to Ryan Brathwaite on his glorious achievement. He has made all Barbadians proud, and the athletic world will forever remember the tiny Island of Barbados. Pamerson Ifill
: 8/22/2009
Keep on keeping on Ryan,but don't forget to say a little pray of thanks daily to the wonderful Master for his small mercies. Barbados is waiting for you, come September. Retired CS
Ryan---Gold Medalist : 8/22/2009
Congrats Ryan, You came through for Bim. Your hard work has paid off and i wish you well in all your other commitments. I am so proud to be a Bajan. God Bless Bajan/Canadian
Great Job Ryan : 8/22/2009
You did us proud Ryan - continued success in your athletic career.
Shame on Government : 8/22/2009
It would seem that sports and this meet in Berlin in particular - is so un-important to the ruling DLP - that CBC did not even bother to buy the rights to show our athletes. It must be recalled that one of Mr. Thompson's first acts as PM was to impose a 25% withholding tax on lotteries which would cripple the BOA which sponsors sporting events. It was also the Ministry of Families and Sports that withdrew the stipend our older sportsperson received. Yes, they are mentors for young athletes. The government will now jump on the bandwagon. My advice, beware the greeks, even when bearing gifts.
good : 8/22/2009
He only went lester vaughn
:-) : 8/22/2009
So proud of you Ryan! Well done!
: 8/22/2009
Congratulations Ryan! Well done! What an example for other youngsters especially the males to follow. I wish you even greater success in your other commitments. Middle of September, hmmmm, that gives us some time to plan a national welcome and celebration! Keep going!
Well done! : 8/22/2009
Well done Ryan, keep up the good work... I wish you all the best and i know your looking forward to many more goal medals. Well done!!!!
On top of the podium - and the world : 8/22/2009
A memorable occasion for Ryan Brathwaite and Bajans on the whole - Congratulations, well deserved - you've made us all so proud !
Proud Barbadian. : 8/22/2009
what a feeling,i felt as good as if it was me up there on that podium well done just keep working hard.proud Barbadian in Pickering Canada.R.A
Focus on the Olympics : 8/22/2009
Congrats Ryan. Stay humble and focus on the the 2012 Olympics
Bim's Gold : 8/22/2009
Congrats to Ryan, his family and all of Barbados...you have made us all very proud.
Man with the golden touch - and flag : 8/22/2009
Ryan, you have made every Barbadian proud. Congratulations on your phenomenal success in winning Barbados FIRST EVER GOLD MEDAL at the World Championships – or any major meet for that matter. It is important that you maintain your humility and avoid scandal (doping etc). However, all champions must have “attitude” but not “an attitude.” Attitude suggests confidence that instills fear in their opponents. An attitude shows arrogance. Remember how icons such as Mohammad Ali, Michael Johnson, Garry Sobers and Viv Richards carried themselves while at the top of their game. Now that you are a world champion you must go on to be a legend. This can only be achieved by repeating similar performances throughout your career and assisting with the development of younger athletes, by passing on your knowledge and experience. Always be thankful to those who believed in you from the start and gave you full support before you were world champion. Plant you feet firmly on the ground and keep reaching for the stars, and when you hurdle, soar like the birds.
Ryan Brathwaite : 8/22/2009
Conrats to Ryan and family the people of Barbados i am proud to be from barbados keep up the good work
: 8/22/2009
Great! Proud to be Bajan. Amazing!! Keep up the good works.
Congrat. : 8/22/2009
I'm very proud of you my friend.Congrats to your parents/grandma & the coach(s) that work with you. You watch the games on tv. all you hearing is Bolt & the American , the the HUMAN BEING fr. African, that they trying to find out if it is a he or she. Enjoy your victory. Fort Lauderdale.
ryan braithwaite : 8/22/2009
congratualtions ryan, let's hope barbados treats you as well as they did oba in 2000. Jump up and wave de flag!!!!! kim , adopted bajan, london
CONGRATS!!!!! : 8/22/2009
THIS IS YOUR MOMENT...SHINE! YOU DESERVE IT, YOU'VE EARNED IT...CONGRATS!
: 8/22/2009
: 8/22/2009
BIG UP BARBADOS BUT we dont do enough for our people. We dont praise them enough, we dont reward them enough, we dont value them enough. Just look at how we treat our retired cricketers, prime ministers and people like Suki King, -even Obadele---The Europeans have poisioned our minds against each other from the days of slavery and we have not done enough to correct the situation
ON TOP OF THE PODIUM AND THE WORLD : 8/22/2009
Congratulations to Ryan, you have done the island proud. It is very nice to hear of a Barbadian winning the ultimate prize "THE GOLD MEDAL. Congrats again. Bajan in Canada
: 8/22/2009
"In plenty and in time of need When this fair land was young Our brave forefathers sowed the seed From which our pride is sprung A pride that makes no wanton boast Of what it has withstood That binds our hearts from coast to coast The pride of nationhood" It was so great hearing our anthem on the national stage for the frist time. And to see the blue and yellow with the black in the center being raised high above all others gave my chills.
Proud to a bajan : 8/22/2009
As the familiar drum rolled of our national anthem started, my eyes welled up and at the same time, a broad uncontrollable smiled was on my face. My heart was so light, and it was as if I was standing on the podium with him. WOW........AMAZING!
Blue Yellow & Black : 8/22/2009
Wave it! Wave it! Bravo & Congrats to Ryan, his parents, coach, and supporters.
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