Time to Honour Sir Kirani James: Grenada’s First Olympic Medallist Nears the Finish Line

SIR KIRANI JAMES

Grenada’s First Olympic Medallist — Our Greatest Legend

by Michael Bascombe 

On Tuesday in Tokyo, Sir Kirani James bowed out of the men’s 400 metres at the semi-final stage of the World Athletics Championships, marking what may well be the end of an extraordinary era. It was his seventh appearance at the World Championships, spanning a career defined not only by medals but also by resilience, humility, and national pride. 

The one championship he missed, in 2017, was due to his battle with Graves’ disease — a fight that made his subsequent return to the podium even more remarkable.

Sir Kirani’s journey has been nothing short of historic. As Grenada’s first-ever Olympic medallist, he blazed the trail for the nation on the global stage. His golden moment in London 2012, silver in Rio 2016, and bronze in Tokyo 2020 placed him among the rare group of athletes to secure the complete set of Olympic medals in a single event. He also completed the triple in the World Championships, winning gold in Daegu in 2011, silver in Eugene in 2022, and bronze in the Beijing event in 2015.

His success has since been joined by fellow Grenadians Anderson Peters, who won a bronze medal in the javelin at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Lindon Victor, who won a bronze medal in the decathlon at the same event. Together, they have elevated Grenada into the ranks of nations with multiple Olympic medallists — a remarkable achievement for a small island state.

But this is not about retirement. It is about being proactive and intentional. Every great athlete eventually transitions, and when Sir Kirani makes that decision, Grenada must be ready. The Government of Grenada, the Grenada Athletic Association (GAA), and the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) should begin planning now for an official farewell worthy of his stature. Celebrations of this kind are not only a fitting tribute but also a source of inspiration for the next generation of Grenadian athletes.

Why Planning Must Begin Now

1. Preserving Legacy with Intention
   Sir Kirani’s career has already been written into history books, but without a carefully orchestrated farewell, the recognition may feel incomplete. An official programme of appreciation ensures his story is properly told and preserved — from “Gun Battle” to the Olympic stadiums of the world.
2. Inspiring the Next Wave of Athletes
   His path opened the doors for Peters and Victor, and the next generation is already watching. Grand farewells have ripple effects. Botswana’s Isaac Makwala and South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk helped transition their nations’ 400m programmes by staying involved in relays and mentoring. Both nations now boast a surge of quarter-milers inspired by their heroes’ transition. Grenada can achieve the same, especially if Sir Kirani is encouraged to lead mixed relay teams or guide younger sprinters through his vast experience.
3. National Unity and Pride
   Grenadians everywhere — at home and in the diaspora — see Sir Kirani as more than an athlete. He is a unifying symbol of resilience and excellence. A carefully staged farewell offers the nation a chance to come together in collective gratitude, showcasing Grenada’s pride to the world.
4. Maximising Global Visibility
   Formal recognition for Sir Kirani, timed with his final competitions or retirement announcement, would attract international attention. This spotlight offers opportunities to promote Grenada not only as the home of a global champion but also as a sporting nation poised to nurture future talent.

While he continues to compete on the international circuit, the focus should now shift toward transitional events — including relays, mentorship, and ambassadorial roles. These are not downgrades but natural evolutions for an athlete whose presence alone elevates every team and competition.

Grenada owes it to itself, and to Sir Kirani, to ensure the next steps are deliberate, celebratory, and enduring.

When the curtain finally falls, it must do so with a national farewell befitting the greatest athlete the island has ever produced, who inspired Peters, Victor, and generations yet to come.

PHOTO CREDITS: Haron Forteau Media