‘Mommy Rocket’ delivered again

THE EDITOR, Sir:

LAST SUNDAY afternoon, the nation held its breath in sheer anticipation as the inevitable was about to unfold at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. The stage was now set for the history books to be rewritten. The cynics who had written her off did so at their own peril.

In essence, the manner in which ‘Mommy Rocket’ announced her presence in the first round, as well as in the semi-finals of the 100 metres sprint for women, was truly an indication that even more and better was to come. Her stealthy guile and composure sent a chilling caution up the spines of her much-abled counterparts that she was back for good. Let us not forget her two countrywomen who also deservedly made the mouthwatering final.

Within a few seconds, the starter’s gun disturbed the stillness of the atmosphere with its loud report. The crowd roared in unison as adrenaline was now unleashed in the middle. Even more, the cacophony rocked the stadium in a rhythmic motion – urging on the runners in sheer excitement. Mommy Rocket was out of the blocks like a pit bull in heat – leading from start to finish. After the dust had settled, it was like an ordinary stroll in the park on a blissful Sunday evening. Not even a bead of sweat was evident on her brightly lit face – a scene of ecstasy and uncontrollable disbelief.

The script was finally inscribed. After the world of athletics held its breath for a mere 11.19 seconds, Mommy Rocket just needed 10.71 of those to deliver her fourth IAAF World Athletics Championship gold medal for women in the 100metre sprint. A true icon of the sprints – and one of the greatest to have ever graced the sports of athletics – has truly stamped her class in the annals of female sprinting history.