Today is an extra-special day for Barbados. Around 2 p.m. all eyes will be fixed to a device whether it be a television set, cell phone, laptop or tablet, Bajans at home and abroad will be watching the Olympic Games in Paris.
Golden girl and record breaker Sada Williams has made the Finals of the women’s 400 metres.. This makes her the first female Barbadian athlete to make it to an Olympic Finals.
Williams, 26, ran 49.89s in semifinal 3, finishing third and sealing a spot in the final. Her time was the fifth-fastest on the day.
Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek was first in the heat in 49.45 seconds, while Amber Anning of Great Britain was second in 49.47 seconds.
Anning remained in front up until the 300m mark, only to be overtaken in the final quarter of the race.
Although she secured a spot in the Finals, the quarter-miler was critical of her own race.
“I don’t love it. I definitely have to work on finishing a bit faster and stronger; I think that has always been my weakest point. I think that as long as I work on finishing, I believe I could medal,” Sada told reporters after the race.
The positivity, excitement and eagerness of an entire nation was manifested mostly on social media over the past few days. On Wednesday when she qualified for the Finals, Bajans started to pay closer attention to the star athlete.
Things started to get viral when local journalist Anmar Boyce posted on his social media: “Spoke to Sada just now. She told me she wants another “SADA DAY” calling on the entire island to wear the national colours on Friday. Knows it’s going to be tough but will leave her all.”
From then, people rallied by reposting and encouraging people to get on board as the country shows full support for the athletic queen.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley gave the call her stamp of approval.
She urged all Barbadians to wear their national colours on Friday, August 9, to support her Olympics 400-metres finals.
“For Sada, we want to represent the Blue, Yellow and Black. And we want to make sure that … tomorrow, all of us, as much as possible, can let her know that we are with her in spirit. We have her in our prayers and we know that she will do her best, whatever that best is,” the Prime Minister added.
Since then, Export Barbados announced a Sada Williams Watch Party at Pelican Village starting at 1:30 p.m.
Support and words of encouragement have been coming from all quarters.
Barbados’ lone Olympic medallist Obadele Thompson is confident Sada will medal if she runs her best race.
Thompson said he is looking forward to something magical from his countrywoman. Currently doing commentary with SportsMax in Paris, Thompson, said he is looking forward to something magical from his countrywoman.
“In Tokyo, Sada had the unfortunate distinction of being the fastest ever nonqualifier for the finals. Since then, she has shown her championship pedigree. She is a podium level athlete at her best, and it’s great that she has given herself another chance to do that by making the finals.
“I have enjoyed the honour of being Barbados’ first and only Olympic medalist since we became independent. But I look forward to that changing. Hopefully, Sada can produce a performance for the ages and win another Olympic medal for Barbados,” Thompson said.
Andrea Blackett, a two-time Olympian, national record-holder for the women’s 400m hurdles, and a fourth-place finisher at the 1999 World Championships, shared her delight with Barbados TODAY.
“It seems to me as though she is rounding into shape at exactly the right time, which is very exciting. So I am really looking forward to seeing how she does in the final coming up later this week. I am so proud of her, carrying the Barbados flag in Paris, and we are all excited as Bajans to see what she does,” Blackett said.
Let us all rally and wear our national colours on the day dubbed: Sada Day!
We have seen her grow over the years. Sada has dominated the Barbados Schools’ Athletic Championships (BSSAC), CARIFTA, Commonwealth Games, Diamond League, the World Championships among others.
Through it all she has been persevering and gracious. We will be supporting Sada. Win, lose or draw we will use the pages of our publication to edify her and all she has accomplished thus far. Having a spot as one of the top quarter-milers in the world is enough cause for celebration. Hearty congrats and all the best to Barbados’ 2024 Olympian Sada Williams!!
