Hubert Lawrence
By Kayon Raynor
The track and field fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of veteran track and field analyst, author, and columnist Hubert Lawrence.
Lawrence is reported to have died peacefully at home sometime on Friday.
The veteran scribe, who is considered the encyclopedia of Jamaican track and field, has been a staple in TVJ's track and field coverage of the Olympics, World Championships and other regional and local meets.
He was also a columnist with The Gleaner.
Prior to Friday night's shocking news, Lawrence was due to be a member of TVJ's coverage during Saturday's staging of the Gibson McCook Relays.
Lawrence got bitten by the track and field bug and started providing commentary 33 years ago in 1991.
He has written and co-authored books to include Champs 100 in 2010, The Power and the Glory: Jamaica in World Athletics, From World War II to the Diamond League Era in 2012 as well as 50 Days of Fire in 2022.
Born in 1960, the St. Jago alumnus would have been 64 years old this year.
PM's tribute
Reacting to news of Mr Lawrence's passing, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he was a distinguished sports journalist whose contributions to the nation's sporting landscape were invaluable.
Mr Holness said, with a career spanning more than three decades, Mr Lawrence played a crucial role in television coverage of prestigious athletic events such as the Olympics and World Championships, as well as local meets.
He noted as well that Mr Lawrence's contributions as a columnist for The Gleaner showcased his profound knowledge and passion for the sport.
Mr Lawrence's last column was published today, and in it he focused on Jamaica College's chances of winning a third consecutive 4x800 metre title at the 2024 Gibson McCook Relays, which is underway at the National Stadium.
Mr Holness says news of Mr Lawrence's passing, on the eve of his scheduled participation in TVJ's coverage of the Relays, comes as a shock to many.
He has extended condolence to Mr Lawrence's family, friends, and colleagues and expressed hope that his outstanding legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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