Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has paid tribute to Olympic champion Veronica Campbell Brown, who announced on Wednesday her decision to retire from athletics.

“There cannot be too many accolades for Veronica Campbell Brown, who has amassed three Olympic gold medals and three World Championship gold medals together with 21 other gold medals in her illustrious career,” Grange said in a statement from her ministry today (June 24).

Added the sports minister: “As Veronica takes her leave of the sport, I am pleased to announce that following the decision to rename Troy Primary School in Trelawny the VCB Troy Primary School in her honour, a multi-purpose court for the playing of Netball, Basketball and Volley Ball has been erected at the school. We all know that Troy Primary is where she attended before going on to Vere Technical High School for her secondary education.”

The Sports Development Foundation (SDF), which erected the multi-purpose facility, is also paving the entire front yard of the school as well as carrying out other minor upgrading work.

Grange said she would be opening the facility at a date to be announced.

“In 2019, the nation had also honoured VCB with the erection of her statue to join those of Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce at Statue Park at the National Stadium,” said the minister.

“UNESCO, we will also recall, recognised VCB for her advocacy for gender equity in sport by appointing her UNESCO Champion for Sport in October 2009. And in 2011, she launched her Foundation which supports the education of young women.

“VCB gave the sport all that she had, and it was a lot. She set the pace for Jamaica’s female sprinters who came after her. She exposed to us her immense talent from early when she won gold medals and the four-by-one relay at the inaugural IAAF World Youth Champions in 1999 and in the following year became the first woman to win the sprint double at the IAAF World Championships.

“As she departs international track and field, I wish on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica to express our sincere gratitude to Veronica Campbell Brown who made Jamaica proud with every stride she took and which put among the best female sprinters ever.”

In a statement earlier today, the People’s National Party also joined Jamaica in celebrating Campbell Brown’s career.

“As you take your leave from the track, know that you have inspired many with your tenacity, talent and humility. I wish for your continued success and happiness in all your future pursuits! Cheers to a job well done,” said Gabriela Morris, the Opposition spokesperson for sports.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding, who is also president of the PNP, said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Veronica Campbell-Brown on a phenomenal athletic career.”

He added: “As she takes off her spikes and leaves competitive track and field behind, I look forward to seeing the work she continues to do through her Foundation and business initiatives. Having competed during a time of exceptional national and international track and field prowess, VCB proved herself over and over again as a force to be reckoned with. We celebrate you and this outstanding legacy!”