Antonio Watson wins the Class 1 boys 200m final at Champs 2021

Track and field legend Usain Bolt has warned fans not to “condemn and chastise” young Jamaican sprinter Antonio Watson.

Watson gestured in the shape of a gun and pretended to fire a shot at Edwin Allen High’s Bryan Levell as he crossed the finish line, came in for public criticism.

Bolt, who is arguably the greatest athlete of all-time, said people should not “condemn and chastise young Antonio Watson.”

“It important that we mold such talent so he can develop to maximize his full potential,” said Bolt.

Watson, who trailed Levell into the last 15 metres, got by to win the event in 20.74s. Levell finished second in 20.83.

Bolt, who won eight Olympic gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, is hoping fans will take a different approach to help the Petersfield student.

“Reason with him yes about his action but don’t crucify him. It’s a learning lesson & teachable moment for all. Youths be strong and remember anything is possible don’t think limit,” said Bolt, who holds the 100m (9.58) and 200m (19.19) world records.

Watson has apologised for his Saturday’s (15 May) Champs 2021 actions.

He admitted the “gestures could have been misleading” but was quick to make it clear that he has “no desire to negatively influence others.”

Meanwhile, Jamaica College (JC) won their 22nd title and the first in 10 years, while Edwin Allen made it seven straight and eight overall in nine years.


We want to hear from you, but before you do, HIT the share buttons below to share this and other stories with friends.
Join our lively discussion by leaving a comment below. Also, join OUR Message Boards (FORUM) for more discussions —- Please remember to follow us on social media – subscribe to our social media pages
 –
youtubeTrackalertstv facebookTrackalerts instagramTrackalerts TwitterTrackalerts

Previous articleJames, Kerley, Dibaba for Ostrava
Next articleISSA accept Antonio Watson’s apology
blank
Anthony Foster is a renowned Jamaican sports journalist, honored twice as the Jamaica sports journalist of the year (in 2004 and 2005). His journalistic achievements are globally recognized. Notably, he authored an award-winning article on Usain Bolt, the iconic 6-time Olympic champion, 11-time World champion, and record holder for the sprint double. This significant piece was published in the Jamaica Gleaner in 2004. Anthony's extensive coverage includes prestigious events such as the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. He has also provided coverage for seven (7) World Athletics Championships held between 2007 and 2022, alongside various other international sporting events. Noteworthy mentions comprise his coverage of the 2007 World Cup of cricket and his cherished experience reporting on the 2004 clash between his favorite football team, Argentina, and the USA.

108 COMMENTS

  1. Some of you on this thread is a bunch of hypocrites. This young man has done what many had done in the past at same occasion year after year after year, but we were so blind to see then. Thank God we can see young Antonio now to lambast him as if he is the reason for the crime figures today. But while you hypocritical self righteous woke-tivist are at it, I am sure many of you have some criminal in your family that the police would want to put behind bars. Do this country a favour, report them to the police and leave the young man alone.

  2. I have seen over the years of champs history where a lot of athletes have done the same thing. So my question to those who see it negatively is it because he directed the motion to another athlete? Or is it general criticism in regards to your opinion?

  3. Guys…while I don’t condone the gunplay. The “gun salute” has been entrenched into our culture. Notwithstanding, this particular display provoked a more sinister rendition. “Pointing, aiming, discharging discharge! discharge! Second gun; Pull from waist band, Selecting new round? Man know him thing sah. 😳
    Unfortunately too many of our gunmen are our youth and his direct gun-play discourse on a fellow athlete could have provoked a real pride-retaliation. 😢
    God forbid…but wi know how wi tan.
    Thank God the bleachers were empty…because there was a time He might not have made it back to his bus.

  4. In my opinion something to think about is his mind set on gun is he handling gun why just came out with that motion he didn’t see any other person done it maybe he needs a background check is gun on his mind or what it is a big issues why that gesture something to think about

  5. The same Jamaicans bawling about crime rate sees nothing wrong…. anyway your apology is accepted; I support you as a young athlete and I wish you all the best in your future career

  6. Si how fass unuh si dis kmt give d youth a break weh unuh fi si unuh nuh si big shout out to d Peter’s field youth that’s how jamaican celebrate when they’re excited I dont see nothing wrong wid it

  7. Stop the gun play all together.
    Disqualification for any unsportmanship behavior.
    Let’s learn to accept victory with grace and respect each other.
    That’s what makes us human.
    This is school time, molding time…let’s make the most of it.

    • Andre Rambana These are my children. They wouldn’t dare disrespect Usain or Shelly Ann although they won. Ask Stephen Francis.
      It’s about honor over pride.
      I hope you get one day…
      Keith won the class III 200m at Champs. The Palmers of Wolmers and I are still best friends and we met at the fishish line.

    • Keith Spence tbh sir, I apologize. It was just a joke and nothing to take personal. I use to attend wolmers and don’t know of palmers and such but hey i think it’s pretty cool you know these people. Respect g. P.S. I still don’t think it’s a problem with the gun gesture.

    • Life is a circle maybe our mistake was not a gun salute but we make mistakes everyday in this life… as adultswe don’t have it all figured out we don’t have it all together and until we die we’re still learning… talking away something someone worked for is not a solution to any problem.. good mentoring and guidance in the right direction is what will make him a better person…we have kids whatever we think is fair for them should be what we want for others…words have life careful what we put out there it will fall right back in our laps or our kids.

  8. JAMAICANS please wake up
    Stop allowing the law breakers to stop us from having fun.
    This past weekend at the Issa boys and girls championship a young runner upon winning his race made a jokingly jester to the runner up to his left and right and it was blown out of proportion to the extent that the athlete had to apologize.
    Now I think that the athlete having to apologize was a bag of crap it would seem as if some of us just sit around always thinking the worst of everyone trying to get ahead,because I would like for one person who honestly could say what was done wrong.
    Looking at the big picture right now I think all who think he was wrong for what he did could be consider to be a set of hypocrite because the student entered the race and before he could start the race he had to wait for a gun man by the name of the starter to fire a shot before he could run nobody said anything about that but a student with no guns just his hand making a jester is deemed to be in sighting violence , I just don’t get it.

  9. Low z bombart yute! A who him beat wid stool? Wey unu fi pay attention to unu naah do it! KMDT it’s just spontaneous in the heat of the competition .. the youth don’t meant one thing, suh mi Nuh know why unu a nyam up unu self bout!

  10. Just bcaz is a country youth why unno no bash kc jc cbar and others traditional school who doing the same look at the queen at world games she fly the clip too wow sad days for these boasty slaves

  11. I personally believe some of the criticisms are harsh, but i don’t believe anyone is really trying to tear down this young man, the criticisms are not about him personal but about the gesture. Sir Usain Bolt. Is a legend in the athletic world and he did not become a legend by gesture. Hard work and dedication, discipline, and the grace of God. That i believe got him there.

    • Joe, before the Olympics 100m race in London Bolt did the same gesture. And he was not condemn for it. Also at Camps 2019 the KC athletes fired nuff blanks at the C-bar supporters after winning their respective races and nothing was said. It seems as if we have a double standard here.

  12. There’s a reason for is action the likkle chattie mouth bwoy who he beat was yapping a lot before the race, fire blank ina him mouth yes dada👊🏾my OPINION & I’ve never seen no one get arrested for a gun finger action, low di youth 😶

  13. I don’t know why they all making a big deal out of that the man was just being joyful he didn’t mean anything by it and he apologized for the action…..its called habit. Give the young a break

  14. Who are these people who want to put the weight of Jamaica’s crime problems on this kid. The race start with a gun… Really….. What’s so wrong… we’ve always celebrated with gun finger…. Enjoy your winnings young man…. Everyone who have a problem hole a blank… Kmt

  15. Naah judge the youth, anybody would be happy in that situation and do something stupid, hope him reach far…. talent unleashed💯💯💯💥💥💥💥

  16. Black ppl loves gunning down each other. There is a love for negatively in our culture. Then b the same ones saying stop the violence in our community while worshipping & begging up violent ppl & violent acts against each other.our mind set toward ourselves is violent on just about any stage

  17. Yes y are these people seeking to tear down the youth especially big ole tvj. before Dem go do some positive research on the positive development that is taking place in the country

  18. Respect Bolt. I am glad that someone with sense speak up. The way they are treating this kid is wrong. They need to give him guidance and stop mentally destroying this kid.

  19. If the youngster from Edwin Allen was offended by Watson’s action then he should apologize. But if he wasn’t then Watson has nothing to be sorry about.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here