National Association of Jamaican Olympians honours sporting legends

The glitzy and glamorous event recognized trailblazing athletes whose careers laid the foundation for future generations of Jamaican Olympians. Among the honorees were Patricia Lue Chin, Janeth Ricketts, Marcia Swyer-Forbes, Allan Marsh, Belinda Phillips, Marie Tavares, Ludlow Watts, Leighton Priestley, Henry Jackson, Dorothy Scott-Genias, Leleith Hodges, and Ruth Williams-Simpson. 

Sports administrators and volunteers were also acknowledged, including Irwin Claire, co-founder of Caribbean Immigrant Services, Inc. (CIS), renowned for his work with Team Jamaica Bickle. 

The ceremony highlighted athletes from aquatics and track and field, showcasing Jamaica’s rich Olympic history. 

Belinda Phillips, a 1972 Olympic swimmer and 1974 Sportswoman of the Year, reflected on her historic journey. At just 13, she competed in the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle events at the Munich Games. 

“It was for love of sport. Swimming wasn’t a big sport in Jamaica but we did exist. Five decades later my story continues to resonate especially now as a recreational therapist,” Phillips shared. 

Her brother, Andrew Phillips, Jamaica’s first Olympic swimming finalist (1984 Los Angeles Games), recalled his bittersweet 200m individual medley race, where an uneven start may have cost him a medal. Despite this, his national record (2:05.60) stood for 34 years. 

"It is a good feeling to know that I still have my name down in the record books for a national record,” Phillips told Old Harbour News.  He still holds Jamaica’s 400m individual medley record (4:27.48). 

Dorothy Scott-Genias, who grew up in Old Harbour, competed in the long jump at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. Lelieth Hodges, a three-time Olympian (1972–1980), was part of Jamaica’s bronze-winning 4x100m relay team at the 1983 World Championships. 

Henry Jackson (long/triple jump) and Leighton Priestley (400m/4x400m) represented Jamaica at the 1972 and 1976 Games. Alan Marsh, a 1984 Olympian, swam in the 100m butterfly, 200m backstroke, and relay events. 

The NAJO also honored Marie Tavares and Ludlow Watts (JAAA’s Chief Starter) for their decades of service to Jamaican athletics. 

Since its Olympic debut in 1948, Jamaica has been a consistent presence at the Summer Games, with these legends paving the way for today’s stars.