Bolt weeps as friend Mason laid to rest
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Sprint icon Usain Bolt was among high profile members of the sports fraternity paying their last respects as Jamaica-born British high jumper Germaine Mason was laid to rest here Sunday.
Bolt, the multiple-time Olympic champion, was joined by the likes of Olympians Michael Frater and Nesta Carter, as well as former Reggae Boyz stars Ricardo Gardner and Ian Goodison at the funeral held at Hagley Park Road Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
Jason Pryce, the husband of former Olympic and reigning World 100 metres champion Shelly-Ann FraserPryce, was also present.
Bolt, a close friend of Mason’s, served as one of the pallbearers and wept openly during the service as friends and family recalled memories of the late athlete.
“I have never and will never forget the special times we shared together growing up … we shared so much joy together even though we had our separate journey,” Gardner, who racked over 300 appearances in a 14-year stint at former English Premiership club Bolton Wanderers, wrote in a tribute.
“Ger, I want to thank God for allowing you in my life, for being a part of the journey and for all the inspiration that you gave me.”
Mason died last month at age 34 when he crashed while riding his motorcycle along the Palisadoes main road that leads to the Norman Manley International Airport in the country’s capital here.
He won silver in the high jump at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after switching allegiance to Great Britain two years prior.