1 week ago
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JUST LIKE the parting of the Red Sea, Jamaica’s history-making Olympic discus champion, Roje Stona, walked down the centre of throngs of supporters as he received a welcome to that akin to a hero’s at his alma mater, Rusea’s High School, on Friday.
Led by principal Donna Anderson, and former head boy, Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon, Stona and his mother, Sandra Brown, walked the road leading to the campus at the welcome-back ceremony.
“Obviously, it is a good thing to revisit where it all started. Always remember where you come from, so I am happy I was celebrated here as well. The saying is ‘always to where you are celebrated.’ The fact that they remember and celebrate who I am and what I accomplished for the school and the country, it is really a great feeling,” Stona told The Gleaner.
The ceremony was organised by former head girl Janet Richards, founder of the Janet Richards Foundation, who was happy Stona could make his presence felt.
Chants like ‘one Roje’ were shouted out loud by those happy to be a part of the ceremony.
HISTORIC THROW
The 25-year-old threw an Olympic record 70 metres to win gold in the men’s discus at the Paris Olympic Games over the summer, becoming the first Jamaican to win the event at that level.
He reasoned that student-athletes should remain focused and consistent to be successful.
“Honestly, I could give advice to any student-athlete who wants to do any sport. Believe in yourself, no matter the adversities. Just fight through those. It is a part of the journey and you will, one day, reach where you want to be.”
Stona started competing in the event at Rusea’s under the coaching of Rodrick Myles. He represented Rusea’s in the Class Two boys’ discus at the Western Championships, where he easily won the title for his school.
He, later, transferred to St Jago High School in St Catherine, where his career flourished.
Monday on National Heroes Day, Stona received the Special Mayor’s Award in Montego Bay.
As for his National Football League (NFL) aspirations, Stona says he is still undecided on what will happen next.
“It is a long process; it is not that simple but I am still curious to see what may happen in the future. For now, I am focused on throwing and representing my country and myself in discus,” Stona stated.
Stona was invited to a rookie minicamp hosted by NFL outfit, Green Bay Packers. He earned the invitation after impressing at the University of Arkansas NFL Pro Day in March.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Ashwayne Getten, track and field athlete at Rusea’s, said Stona’s success makes him interested in wanting to do discus.
“It kind of makes me feel a little bit nervous, but it is pushing me to do more track and field. I want the same success as him. I am grateful that he came here this morning to spend time with us. He was a student-athlete here too, so him coming here gave us some motivation,” Getten said.
Thirteen-year-old student-athlete Uneika Smith, a hurdles and 100-metre specialist, also said Stona’s visit to the school was an inspiration.
“Seeing him will push me to do better in my events. It is a sense of motivation and I will put in more effort moving forward. It felt pretty good seeing him here because I got a close-up opportunity to see an Olympic gold medallist for the first time,” Smith said.
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