Skip to main content
Jamaican Olympians Honoured in Night of Tribute and Reflection
Written by Leighton Levy. Posted in Olympics. | 02 July 2025 | 4129 Views
Tags: National Association of Jamaican Olympians

The Alhambra Inn in Kingston was the setting for a poignant evening of honour and reflection on Monday, June 30, as the National Association of Jamaican Olympians paid tribute to several of the country’s Olympic heroes—both on the field of play and behind the scenes.

In a night rich with gratitude and history, it was Ruth Williams-Simpson’s acceptance speech that served as the emotional centrepiece of the ceremony. A three-time Olympian, Williams-Simpson represented Jamaica in the 400m and 4x400m at the 1972 Munich Olympics, the 1976 Games in Montreal, and the 1980 Moscow Games. Her words echoed the sentiment of an entire generation of athletes who paved the way for Jamaica’s global sporting legacy.

Jamaican Olympians from left to right: Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby, Christine Day, Shericka Williams and Kaliese Spencer, who were guests at the ceremony on Monday night.

“On behalf of the honorees, I express heartfelt thanks for this tribute—an acknowledgement not just of medals or finishes, but of journeys, sacrifices, resilience, and the collective spirit that keeps Jamaica’s Olympic flame alive across generations,” she said.

Among those recognized was Dorothy Scott-Genias, who competed in the long jump at both the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. Lelieth Hodges, a two-time Olympic finalist, represented Jamaica at three Olympic Games—Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, and Moscow 1980—and was a member of the 4x100m relay team that claimed bronze at the inaugural World Athletics Championships in 1983.

Henry Jackson, a versatile athlete in both long jump and triple jump, also competed at the 1972 Munich Olympics, while Leighton Priestley took part in the 400m and 4x400m relay events at both the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games.

The evening also celebrated Jamaica’s swimming Olympians. Belinda Phillips swam the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle at the 1972 Games in Munich. Her memories of those Games included the harrowing experience of the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 11 Israeli athletes. The Games were suspended, then resumed in what could be described as the enduring spirit of Olympism.

Also honoured was Alan Marsh, who represented Jamaica in the 100m butterfly, 200m backstroke, and the 4x100m freestyle and medley relays at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He was joined on that Olympic team by Andrew Phillips, who swam the 200m and 400m individual medleys and both 4x100m relay events in Los Angeles.

- YardieSports photo

Honorees (l-r) Alan Marsh, Ruth Williams-Simpson, Andrew Phillips, Belinda Phillips, Ludlow Watts, Leleith Hodges, Henry Jackson, Marcia Swyer-Forbes, Leighton Priestley, Patricia Lue Chin, Janeth Ricketts and Dorothy Scott-Genias.

In her speech, Williams-Simpson reflected on her own humble beginnings in Three Hills, St. Mary. “We walked four miles daily—barefoot—to Retreat Primary School, and when we complained, Mother would remind us, ‘Children from that school pass exam.’”

Her journey to the Olympics began with a chance discovery. “The late Mike Fray, himself an Olympian, came scouting for our school’s Sports Day. He saw me and said, ‘You with dem long legs—you must can run.’ That was all it took.”

But her career also encountered serious challenges. Following a successful outing at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, Williams-Simpson spoke to the media about the difficult travel conditions faced by Jamaican athletes on their return home. “I shared my story with the Gleaner, and the fallout was swift—I was blacklisted, excluded from the 1975 CAC Games despite qualifying times that would’ve won medals.”

Eventually, it was Olympic legend Herb McKenley, who brought her back into the national setup. “Under his guidance, I became national champion in both the 200m and 400m, made the team for the 1976 Olympics, earning my place once again.”

Three physical therapists were also acknowledged for their long-standing contributions to Jamaican athletes at the Olympic Games: Patricia Lue Chin, Janeth Ricketts, and Marcia Swyer-Forbes.

The National Association also paid tribute to two administrative stalwarts from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) - Marie Tavares, and Ludlow Watts, who has served as Jamaica’s Chief Starter.

Ludlow Watts

Williams-Simpson reminded the audience that the value of sport goes far beyond medals and world rankings. “Being an Olympian has shaped my entire life. It taught me discipline, it forged resilience, it expanded my world. It gave me friends across continents, a sense of mission, and a commitment to give back.”

That commitment remains strong. She currently chairs Friends of Jamaica Track and Field, which provides meals to young athletes facing food insecurity, supports scholarships through the Mico Old Students’ Association and the Batch 1969–72 Foundation, and remains deeply involved in community and civic life.

“To the younger generation—your story is still being written,” she said. “Never doubt that from the quietest hills of St. Mary to the greatest stadiums of the world, you too can rise.”

Her final words captured the spirit of the evening, one that honoured not just what these Olympians achieved, but what they endured and continue to inspire.

“Let us continue to run our race—not just for medals, but for meaning. And may our stories, together, continue to build Jamaica’s rich Olympic legacy.”