Hundreds of ordinary Jamaicans joined government
officials and sporting personalities in saying farewell to legendary sports
icon Herb McKenley.
Mr. McKenley, who died on November 25 at age 86, was accorded an official funeral in a ceremony at the National Arena.
Internment followed at the National Heroes Park.
The official service arranged by the government got underway at precisely 2 o'clock and ended just before 4:30.
A colourful throng of mourners, headed by Mr. McKenley's family, packed the National Arena to pay their last respects to a man admired the world over.
Speaking at the funeral service Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced that a shrine is to be built at the National Stadium in honour of the legendary athlete.
Several present and past athletes as well as students were also in attendance.
Former Prime Minister and fellow Calabar old boy P.J. Patterson delivered the eulogy.
Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller read the first lesson.
The honourable Herb McKenley began his track career at the Calabar High School in 1938.
In August of 1948 he mined silver behind compatriot Arthur Wint in the 400 metres at the Olympic Games in London.
He also anchored his team to gold in the 4x400 metre relay.
Four years later in Helsinki, McKenley again grabbed silver just a whisker behind George Rhoden, credited with the same time of 45.9 seconds.
The Jamaica team again blazed the track in the 4x400 metre relays grabbing gold in an Olympic record time.
Herb McKenley was also a coach, mentor and administrator and is credited with sourcing scholarships for scores of Jamaica's athletes.
His career won him accolades and awards from across the globe and many people believe that he was Jamaica's most famous and most outstanding athlete.
Mr. McKenley, who died on November 25 at age 86, was accorded an official funeral in a ceremony at the National Arena.
Internment followed at the National Heroes Park.
The official service arranged by the government got underway at precisely 2 o'clock and ended just before 4:30.
A colourful throng of mourners, headed by Mr. McKenley's family, packed the National Arena to pay their last respects to a man admired the world over.
Speaking at the funeral service Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced that a shrine is to be built at the National Stadium in honour of the legendary athlete.
Several present and past athletes as well as students were also in attendance.
Former Prime Minister and fellow Calabar old boy P.J. Patterson delivered the eulogy.
Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller read the first lesson.
The honourable Herb McKenley began his track career at the Calabar High School in 1938.
In August of 1948 he mined silver behind compatriot Arthur Wint in the 400 metres at the Olympic Games in London.
He also anchored his team to gold in the 4x400 metre relay.
Four years later in Helsinki, McKenley again grabbed silver just a whisker behind George Rhoden, credited with the same time of 45.9 seconds.
The Jamaica team again blazed the track in the 4x400 metre relays grabbing gold in an Olympic record time.
Herb McKenley was also a coach, mentor and administrator and is credited with sourcing scholarships for scores of Jamaica's athletes.
His career won him accolades and awards from across the globe and many people believe that he was Jamaica's most famous and most outstanding athlete.
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