Jamaica’s Omar Mcleod (right) embraces teammate Hansle Parchment after winninggold in the men’s 110m hurdles at the 2017 IAAF World Championships at the London Stadium, yesterday. (Photo: AFP)
LONDON, England — Omar McLeod has brought back that sparkle in the eyes of Jamaicans after he struck gold in the men’s 110m hurdles at the London Olympic Stadium after the island spectacularly lost the title as the fastest nation on Earth.
McLeod gave Jamaica a much-needed psychological boost after both Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson lost the coveted 100m crowns.
The sprint hurdling king, who won in 13.04 seconds and became only the second man in history, along with American Allen Johnson, to hold the World Indoor, Olympic and World titles simultaneously.
And, even before collecting the medal, McLeod has selflessly dedicated to others.
“I am overcome with emotions. It was a hard race, probably one of the hardest line-ups in history. But I really wanted to bring that spark back in the Jamaican camp,” said a beaming McLeod.
“It was really daunting, and I think it was up to me to really set that momentum again, especially after what happened to Usain Bolt and Elaine (Thompson) and I specially wanted to dedicate this win to Usain Bolt’s retirement,” he added.
“I had to do it the Omar McLeod way in order to win (as) I had to dominate from the start and take control of the race. It was a greatly executed race. I have been struggling with my start the whole championships, so I really had to have fun with it, let loose and make it happen,” he explained.
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