When our athletes perform well, they fill us with monumental pride. Now a monument is to be erected in their honour.

The Government of Jamaica will be recognising the monumental achievements of its Olympics athletes with the inscription of their names on a monument to be raised in the Independence Park, St. Andrew on November 26, the anniversary of the birth one of Jamaica’s Olympians, Herb McKenley.

Proposals have already been made to honour Olympians Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown with the national Order of Distinction in October. However, this monument will extend recognition to all of the athletes participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Jamaican sculptor, Basil Watson, will undertake the creation of this monument. Watson has a repertoire of extensive work including several national monuments, including the Fountainhead piece featured at the University of Technology, the bronze statue of Merlene Ottey featured at the Independence Park, and the George Headley statue at Sabina Park.

Watson stated that a marquee (miniature representation) will be unveiled on November 26 as the larger, real monument will take a longer time to complete. The proposed monument will feature a race's finish line with eight athletes, including McKenley, who will be ahead.

Source: The Jamaica Gleaner