JAMAICA'S newest sprint sensation, Odean Skeen, says his historic gold medal achievements at the inaugural World Youth Olympic Games in Singapore will serve as an inspiration for greater successes in the future.
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The 16-year-old garnered two gold medals at the meet - the 100 metres title in a personal best 10.42 seconds; and as a member of the victorious Americas medley relay team, on which he ran the second leg (200m).
Along with other members of the Jamaican delegation, he flew into Kingston's Norman Manley Inter-national Airport close to 4 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Shortly afterwards, he got a big surprise from his parents as he was taken straight to Cherry Gardens to celebrate his 16th birthday, which had passed only hours earlier.
"I got a really big surprise as I thought I was going to a function put on by the athletic association, but when I reached there and saw most of my teammates from Wolmer's Boys it made me feel like crying," said Skeen.
Global titles
He further noted his happiness to join the ranks of Dexter Lee (World Junior and World Youth - 100m) and Usain Bolt (World Junior - 200m), who have won junior global titles.
"For me, it feels great and it is an honour to be in such company and this will surely be a big motivation for me in the future," he told The Gleaner in an interview.
Skeen, who has been unbeaten all season in both the 100 and 200 metres, was very excited about his performances.
"I am very pleased with my performances and it was a great feeling standing on the podium collecting my medals ... it was a great experience for me," said Skeen.
"First, I would like to thank God, my prep school coaches - Richard Johnson and Corey Bennett; my present coaches - Christopher Harley and David Riley; along with my family, who have all given me great support so far," he continued.
"When I arrived in Singapore the pressure on me was very big as there was a big hype about myself and the athlete from Great Britain (David Bolarinwa), as we were the two top athletes in the 100 metres.
"I was a bit nervous at first because I heard that he had done 10.39 coming into the meet, but after the preliminary round I was very confident that he could not have beaten me.
Click here to read moreSource: Jamaica Gleaner
