sep.09.2008
It was a scene of great jubilation at Piarco International Airport yesterday as hordes of local fans turned out to greet their Olympic heroes-100 metres silver medallist Richard "Torpedo" Thompson and the men's 4x100m team that also won silver at the Beijing Games.
Thompson, Marc Burns, Aaron Armstrong, Emmanuel Callender and Keston Bledman were all part of the relay team, and were the centre of attention as the hyped crowd paid them the tribute they deserved.
Thompson was the man of the moment, and what a moment it was with hundreds of people, including numerous school children, screaming at the sight of the Olympic medallists.
"This is a great day in the history of our country," declared T&T prime minister Patrick Manning, who congratulated the local boys on a job well done.
"Their accomplishment did not happen by accident," Manning said, adding that T&T's success in Beijing was the culmination of the athletes' "training, discipline and determination to succeed".
Thompson thanked the fans for their support.
"This has been a great year in track and field for Trinidad and Tobago."
The Queen's Royal College old boy thanked his school for teaching him the importance of balancing sport and education.
"I urge you all to stay away from crime, violence, alcohol and drugs, and to lead a good life."
Thompson urged the country's youth to be inspired by the likes of Ato Boldon, Brian Lara and Dwight Yorke.
The 23-year-old sprint star also told the crowd he is looking forward to more success, hinting at even better performances at the 2009 World Track and Field Championships, in Berlin, Germany.
"If Lightning (Bolt) could strike twice, the Torpedo could explode again."