A father's pride - VCB's dad celebrates daughter's golden run with impassive adoration

Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:

He sat impassively as his son Errol and daughter-in-law Mavrine did the shouting. But behind this fa?ade was a father's pride as Cecil Campbell watched his daughter win the 200-metre gold medal for Jamaica.

Campbell had opted to watch yesterday's early-morning race at his son's house in Clark's Town, Trelawny, instead of staying by himself at his home nearby.

Man of few words

He seemed to be a man of few words, and had to be pressed for a comment.

"A feel good that God help her to make it. From she was small she was frisky, everything she did she run," Campbell told The Gleaner.

Veronica's brother wanted the world record.

"I felt good for what took place but I wanted the record. From (Usain) Bolt stimulated our ego, I just wanted a record. I know the gold is a must but I wanted the record. Nonetheless, next time, I love my little sister though."

The feat of taking the 200m Olympic gold is another feather in the cap for 'Brand Trelawny'. While Sherwood Content had just retired after celebrating Usain Bolt's historic win in the 200 metres on Wednesday, Veronica's birthplace of Clark's Town was awakening to another Olympic gold medal.

Her hallmark sprint on the backstretch was the talking point for Dr Patrick Harris, member of parliament for North Trelawny.

"She was poetry in motion going down the backstretch and has added to the pride the parish is now feeling," he said.

For Mayor of Falmouth Colin Gager, Veronica's golden run was expected.

"I knew this was going to happen but we are still overwhelmingly proud. I am glad for the nation and the many gold medals that will be coming home. We have big things planned for them.