G. Michael Reid on Belizean athletes
G. Michael Reid always seems to find plenty to talk about when it comes to the topic of sports. Tonight he looks back at the loss of international track and field star Florence Griffith Joyner and forward to the growing potentialof Belize’s own track and field star Marion Jones and basketball player Milton Palacio.
“First in the order of this week’s affairs, is an apology for the lip slip in last week’s last word. The lady’s name was not Florence Joyner Kersey, but in fact Florence Griffith Joyner, but then again, you knew didn’t you? Florence Griffith Joyner, more widely and affectionately known simply as Flo Jo, was the flamboyant track star who opened a Pandora’s box of dark rumors when she died suddenly in her sleep last September twenty-first. We in Belize were of course, wrapped up in the celebration of Independence but the sad loss to the world of professional sports and fashion was not lost on everyone. Many still remember Flo Jo’s blazing speed and the aesthetic athletic prowess, which catapulted her to stardom.
She shone brightly at the 1988 Olympic games in Korea, setting world records in several events, a couple, which are still standing to this day. She won several gold medals in the process and carved for herself a space in the history books. Her extraordinary talent, accented by outrageous costumes, long nails and glamorous lifestyle captivated sports fans around the globe and made her an immediate media sensation. The demand for her performances were such that she became one of the highest paid athletes in the world.
The only woman, who comes close to matching Joyner’s talent and appeal, is track and field star Marion Jones. Jones, whose roots originate in Belize, is said to be at 23, still a far way from her full potential and already is projected to not only equal Flo Jo’s accomplishments, but to actually surpass them at the 2000 Olympics in Australia. We in Belize will be glued to the boob tubes, rooting for this, a daughter of our sod. More on Jones later.
While celebrity deaths normally trigger an onslaught of media attention, the mystery surrounding Flo Jo’s demise, generated copious international interest and it didn’t help that explanations, which were being given, were for the most part, murky. The California Coroners Office conducted a month long investigation sorting through theories of steroid use, dairy allergies, pesticides, Lyme disease and even murder. A homicide investigation was launched the very day of her death, but autopsy reports later listed the cause of death as choking, a result of epileptic seizure.
Notwithstanding that throughout her career, Flo Jo had never failed any of the many random drug tests conducted on her, rumors persisted that she had used steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. The rumors were said to have been started by former Olympic sprinter Darrell Robinson who claimed to have her sold some drugs. Flo Jo denied the rumors to the end calling Robinson a compulsive, lying lunatic. Ironically enough, this same Darrell Robinson is currently undergoing psychiatric care in Seattle, Washington, having twice attempted suicide.
Now even in death, Florence Griffith Joyner still holds the world records in both the 100 and 200 meter track events but gaining fast on her domain, is a lady who has a direct link to Belize. Marion Jones, while seemingly not always proud of the fact, is the daughter of Belizean parents and even if Jones never acknowledges our home as her home, her accomplishments will show that something
world class can come from Belize. It also goes to show just how far we can go with the proper training and motivation. Jones has predicted that she will win five gold medals at the 2000 Olympiad in Sidney and if she accomplishes just a fraction of what the experts are predicting she can, she will make Belize very proud. Most Belizeans understand that as a country, we can never offer Jones the financial rewards that she will receive running under the stars and stripes but we can only hope that she will someday acknowledge her ancestry and big us up in front of the world.
Interestingly enough, Colorado State basketball star Milton Palacio who was not even born in Belize but represented us so honorably during last years CARICOM victory, does not miss an opportunity to proclaim his Belizean heritage. Belizeans will once again be privy to his talents when Channel Five airs a Colorado State basketball game live next Thursday. Go Milt and know that we at home are all rooting for you.
Now, the American sports cornucopia does not only welcome but actually seeks out talent from other countries; Patrick Ewing is a Jamaican and Olajawon an African. While neither makes any bones about their heritage, they are still considered two of the best basketball players in the world and are paid no less despite their non-American origins. All Belizeans should be proud of Marion Jones and hopefully one day; Marion Jones will also be proud Belize.
With the Last Word, G. Michael Reid.”
The opinions expressed on the Last Word are those of G. Michael Reid and not necessarily those of Channel Five. Comments are welcome.
