Hours after Petersfield High athlete Antonio Watson issued an apology for his controversy-filled celebration at Boys’ and Girls’ Champs this weekend, Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt urges the wider public not to crucify the young talent.

Bolt, in a brief statement on his Twitter page and Instagram story on Monday (May 17), pleaded with Jamaicans to use the now-viral ‘gun salute’ as a teachable moment for Watson, who copped gold in the Class One 200m finals.

“Ppl, don’t condemn and chastise young Antonio Watson. It is important that we [mould] such talent so he can develop to maximise his full potential. Reason with him yes, about his action but don’t crucify him. It’s a learning lesson & teachable moment for all,” he said.

The undisputed fastest man alive also dropped words of encouragement for young Jamaicans to strive for nothing less than excellence.

“Youths be strong and remember anything is possible, don’t think limit[s],” Bolt added.

Antonio Watson apologises

Watson, who also competed in the Boys’ 100m final, returned with a vengeance on Saturday to claim the 200m final gold and got somewhat carried away with overly exuberant showboating when he claimed victory.

His remarkable achievement was overshadowed by Watson’s celebration as some Jamaicans on social media slammed the star athlete for mimicking a ‘gun salute’.

So much conversation swirled around the incident that Watson was a trending topic on Twitter for much of Sunday.

After a full day of heated arguments for and against Watson, the self-proclaimed Petersfield speed gad took to Instagram to offer the country a heartfelt apology.

See Watson’s statement in full below:

“Good evening,
Champs 2021 is over, and I must say it was a success and I must thank ISSA, the sponsors, the Ministry of Health and all other stakeholders that have worked together to make it possible.

However, I am now aware that my actions and gesture at the end of the Class 1 200m finals could jeopardize all that. I, therefore, want to unreservedly apologize to all stakeholders, my school, fans and family for my actions.

I have taken full responsibility for such actions as it is [in] no way a reflection of the ethos of my school, the principles of my coach or the position of ISSA or any of the sponsors.

Upon reflection, I recognize that my gestures could have been misleading and I have no desire to negatively influence others. In fact, going forward, I aspire to demonstrate positive behaviours and attitudes that will inspire countless young Jamaicans to strive for excellence and make our country a true beacon of what is good in this world.

Antonio Watson
Petersfield High School
Student-Athlete”

• See related article: In defence of Antonio Watson: Don’t punish young athlete for viral ‘gun gesture’