Big plans for Brathwaite »

Brathwaite's mother Angela Young (third right) surrounded by workmates.

 Ryan Brathwaite's fan club of friends in his Hillaby, St Andrew hometown, though disappointed that he did not medal, are planning a big celebration for him when he comes home.

Yesterday, a few of them congregated at Carie’s Bar in Hillaby to watch on television the young Barbadian athlete as he took part in the 100-metre hurdles final in Beijing.

They were all excited about the possibility that he could medal. But their shouts and screams turned to disappointment when Ryan, who appeared to be running a close second, fell back 70 metres into the race and finished seventh.

But friends and family were still extremely proud of him.

“Everyone in the neighbourhood is proud of him and what he has achieved. We are going to have a big celebration for him when he comes back,” said one of the young men who said that Ryan seemed to have been injured.

Resident Ruth Cumberbatch, whose daughter Shari is also an athlete  studying in the United States, could not contain her joy.

 “I feel so good for him. I wanted him to get a medal even if it was the bronze, but he did good to get that far and I am so happy for him.”

Over at Grazettes Day Nursery, Ryan’s mother Angela Young was being congratulated by several of her colleagues.

Young, who also watched her son on television, said she was still very proud of him even though he did not medal.

“I spoke to him around 2:30 p.m yesterday [Tuesday] and he told me to look for him, but he also told me that his foot was sore.”

She believes that that was the reason that Ryan fell back with only about 30 metres to go after making a tremendous start.

“When I saw him pull up I remembered what he told me, but I prayed for him before I went to bed on Tuesday and I always tell him to pray. When I spoke to him on Tuesday he told me, “Mom I say a prayer and I will just do it.”

Young, a nursery attendant, said she was now looking forward to seeing her son before he returned to university in the United States.

• Related Stories

  • Bajan Brathwaite speeds to quarter-finals
  • Brathwaite - one more hurdle to finals
  • Festive welcome - Government makes plans to celebrate Beijing stars

• Videos

  • 200m Gold
  • 400m Silver
  • 9.72: Usain Bolt 100 meters world record
  • Analysis - Olympic 100m Finals
  • Analysis - Whats to come?
  • Asafa and Thompson Interview
  • Asafa Powell - 9.74s - 100m
  • Asafa's arrrival in Beijing
  • Beijing Interviews
  • Blazing Berlin