The Joy of sprinting

Updated:2013-03-31 09:58

(China Daily)

For a small island nation in the Caribbean, Jamaica has produced more than its share of world-beating sprinters

Jamaica is an island nation nestled in the Caribbean Sea, which could comfortably fit inside Beijing and still not touch the sides of the capital city. However, for such a comparatively small place, it sure has produced some giant sprinting talents. While most countries build professional running tracks and sporting schools, Jamaica, by and large, prefers a more holistic approach and people all over the island can be seen running down streets, in fields and at schools with huge smiles on their faces. Olympic double sprint champion in both 2008 and 2012 and the world record holder in the 100m and 200m, Usain Bolt, and 2008 and 2012 Games women's 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce head the current batch of Jamaican sprint stars. Now, the likes of them are providing inspiration for the next batch of dashers from a nation which was born to run.