ALL HAIL! KIM COLLINS!
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - The hearts of all Kittitians and Nevisians were lifted and joy spread throughout the Federation when the news came early Sunday morning that Kim Collins had once again become a winner at the World Championships now being held in Daegu. Korea.
Eight years ago (in 2003) there was an explosion of joy in the Caribbean when Kim won gold at the IAAF World Championships and although this time he won bronze, the joy was no less for the first and third places were held by Caribbean athletes.
For who could have anticipated this when in 2009 Kim announced his retirement. But it was clear that there was a lot more drive and ambition in this role-model of a champion. Since coming out of retirement in 2011, he has been putting the icing on the cake and delighting his fans the world over.
For over 18 years Kim Collins has been making his country proud of him. World Champion, Commonwealth Champion and finalist in successive Olympic meets, he has defeated the odds and risen above the richest countries of the world who have been able to spend millions preparing their athlete for world fame.
Collins is a sparkling example to other athletes from tiny countries who have been awed by the might, size and sporting traditions of larger countries. His mind conceived victory; he believed it, worked hard and he achieved it.
Even though Collins’ win might have resulted from the elimination of Usain Bolt of Jamaica who was disqualified due to a false start, Collins felt his pain and voiced his disgust for the rule which calls for elimination after the first false start. Said Collins:
"The rule has to be looked at, and perhaps this will make sure that they do. No one came out to watch me race and they all wanted to watch Bolt. The fans lost out…."These things happen and you've got to give people a chance."
Rule 162.7 states: "An athlete, after assuming a full and final set position, shall not commence his start until after receiving the report of the gun. If, in the judgement of the starter or recallers, he does so any earlier, it shall be deemed a false start. Except in combined events, any athlete responsible for a false start shall be disqualified.'
OLDEST MAN TO MEDAL IN 100M
But according to Chistopher Clarey of the New York Tims, Kim Collins broke yet another record. He states in his report of Aug. 28, "Collins certainly proved something Sunday. This is his ninth world championship, and he is now the oldest men’s 100-meter medalist in meet history."
At 35, “Collins made the quickest start, bursting clear of Dix out of the blocks, and still led with 40 metres remaining. But Blake kicked on strongly, and the 21-year-old eventually moved comfortably ahead to cross the line first.”
Kim Collins claimed the bronze medal in a time of 10.09 seconds; Jamaican Yohan Blake won the gold in 9.92 seconds, while American Walter Dix came in second place, at 10.08 seconds.
It was reported that “Despite being defeated, Collins was upbeat - and will now target a strong showing at London 2012 next year.”
"It was awesome," Collins said. "I didn't think they would catch me but I'm still happy to be on the podium. Now I will definitely be there next year!"
No praise is too high for our local hero who has been bringing nothing but pride to the hearts of his countrymen from 2002 when he won gold at the Commonwealth Games to now 2011 when he has medaled once more at the World Championship Games.
Admiration for Kim Collins also extends to his character. Fazeer Mohammed of the Trinidad Express, calling him the 'evergreen Kim Collins' states: "His story reinforces the adage that form is temporary but class is permanent. That class extends not just to his running style but his overall demeanour on and off the track. "
He adds: "Collins is living proof that nice guys can finish first, or second, or third, even at an age when most would have hung up their spikes for good. More than his lengthening string of achievements (including World Championships gold in 2003 and the Commonwealth Games title the year before), the Kittitian will be remembered, whenever he finally calls it a day, as a decent, erstwhile competitor who brought honour and glory to himself and his tiny country."
Your country is really proud of you Kim! You have done your country proud.
