Merlene 'statuesque': it's official

Kingston - A 2,4m bronze statue of eight-time Olympic medallist Merlene Ottey will be unveiled next week in her native Jamaica.

Ottey, a sprinter who competed in six Olympics for Jamaica from 1980-2000 and for her adopted home of Slovenia in 2004, is expected to join Jamaica Prime Minister PJ Patterson at the December 28 dedication ceremony in Kingston.

“We welcome every opportunity to honour our athletes and Merlene certainly has been an outstanding performer for Jamaica,” said Jamaica Olympic Association president Mike Fennell on Wednesday.

The statue, by Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson, will be in Independence Park in front of the National Arena.

Ottey, 45, was born in rural Hanover parish, and first competed for Jamaica at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, taking the bronze medal in the 200m.

In five more Olympics for Jamaica, she won four bronze medals and three silver medals.

Ottey hurt her thigh during the 200m semifinals at Athens in 2004.

Her 14 medals at the World Championships make her the most decorated athlete in that event’s history. - Sapa-AP

a 2.4m merlene!!! she can throw me around anytime what a way to go.