Eastern Caribbean Olympians Named Persons of the Year for 2024

New York, CMC—a popular Caribbean-American magazine in New York has named Eastern Caribbean Olympians “Persons of the Year for 2024.”

Herman Hall, the Grenadian-born publisher and owner of Everybody’s magazine, which is based in Brooklyn, New York, said that readers of the 47-year-old publication have chosen Eastern Caribbean Olympians for their “triumphs at the 2024 Paris Olympiad.”

Nominees

They are Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, Thea LaFond-Gadson of Dominica, Lindon Victor, Anderson Peters, Kirani James of Grenada, and Shafiqua Maloney of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Medal Achievements

Alfred, 23, won St. Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal, attaining gold in the 100 meters at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and establishing a new national record of 10.72 seconds in the final.

In winning gold in the triple jump at the 2024 Summer Olympics, LaFond-Gadson, 30, also became the first-ever Dominican Olympic medalist. She was also the 2024 World Indoor triple jump champion.

Victor, 31, is the 2023 World and 2024 Olympic bronze medalist for the decathlon and a two-time Commonwealth Games champion (2018–2022).

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Peters won bronze in the men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics. He was also the 2019 and 2022 world champion in the discipline and a multiple CARIFTA Games champion.

Specializing in the 400 meters, James, 32, Grenada’s first Olympic medalist, won the 400m at the World Championships in 2011 and captured gold at the 2012 London Olympics.

Additionally, James won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He, therefore, became the first athlete to attain the complete set of three medals in the centennial annals of the Olympics.

Shafiqua Maloney’s Rise to Fame

According to Olympics.com, “In about a year, Shafiqua Maloney has risen from desperate lows to becoming the first Vincentian athlete to reach the final stage at an Olympic event in Paris 2024.

“On Monday [August 5] at the Stade de France, the middle-distance runner from St. Vincent and the Grenadines barely missed out on a podium finish in the women’s 800m final,” it added.

Maloney, 25, placed fourth in the final and holds the 800m national record indoors and outdoors for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Everybody’s “Person of the Year” Award

“All enhanced their nation’s stature and inspired the youth of the Caribbean,” Hall told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Sunday.

“Many nominated US vice-president Kamala Harris, Olympic gold and silver medalist Julien Alfred, Machel Montano and Beres Hammond. Others suggested persons in their community.”

Hall said Everybody’s also saluted the 2024 Jamaican Olympians.

“They brought home six medals – one gold, three silvers, and two bronzes,” he noted, stating that previous Everybody’s “Person of the Year” who are Jamaicans include Usain Bolt (2008 and 2016); Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce (2019); and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (2023), who was born in the US to a Jamaican immigrant.

History of the Award

Hall said Everybody invites its readers to suggest someone or an event for Person of the Year, which begins in September every year.

“There was a year when two hurricanes were our phenomenon of the year,” he said. “Remember, we have been announcing a ‘Person of the Year’ since 1978. It was then called ‘Man of the Year’ and ‘Woman of the Year’.

“In the old days, we had a dinner in their honor, with the proceeds going to charitable and educational institutions,” Hall added.

“Recipients who attended the Gala in their honor included Sir Arthur Lewis (late St. Lucian economist) when he won the Nobel Prize; Eugenia Charles (of Dominica), when she became the first woman to head a government in a CARICOM (Caribbean Community) state.”

Conclusion

The Eastern Caribbean Olympians have made a significant impact on the region and have inspired the youth of the Caribbean. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication.

FAQs

Q: Who are the nominees for the 2024 “Person of the Year” award?
A: The nominees are Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, Thea LaFond-Gadson of Dominica, Lindon Victor, Anderson Peters, Kirani James of Grenada, and Shafiqua Maloney of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Q: What are the criteria for selecting the “Person of the Year”?
A: The criteria include the individual’s achievements, impact on the region, and inspiration to the youth of the Caribbean.

Q: How can readers suggest someone or an event for the “Person of the Year” award?
A: Readers can suggest someone or an event by contacting Everybody’s magazine at [insert contact information].