The term ‘Olympic Games’ brings forth mental images of competition, strength, and (hopefully) friendly rivalry, infused with determination, tenacity, strategy, as well as bolstered by individual and national pride. To commemorate the XXIX Olympiad 2008 which will be hosted by the city of Beijing, China, the Government of Jamaica through the Postmaster General has released three postage stamps.

These stamps feature:

• The women’s 2004 Olympic 4 x 100 m relay team
• Veronica Campbell
• Asafa Powell

Featured persons were decided on the basis of on their tremendous exploits. The se-tenant stamp shows Jamaica’s ‘Golden Girls’ – the Women’s 4 x 100m relay team that competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics final of that event. They are Tayna Lawrence, Veronica Campbell, Aleen Bailey and Sherone Simpson. Of note was the victory by Veronica Campbell in the 200m as she created history by being the first woman from Jamaica or the Caribbean to win an Olympic Gold in a sprint race. On that occasion (Wednesday August 25, 2004) Campbell ran her personal best of 22.05, beating her main rival, American, Allyson Felix, to the finish line.

Asafa Powell was chosen to highlight the incredible feats of speed for which he has received much acclaim. In 2005 he broke the 100m world record with 9.77 seconds, and stamped his mark on the title of ‘Fastest Man on Earth’ by twice repeating that feat. Then in 2007 he again smashed the world record: his time – a stunning 9.74 seconds.