Jamaican Gold

Jamaican Gold, a book edited by Rachael Irving and Vilma Charlton, seeks to explain the reasons behind Jamaica’s sprinting prowess. In other words, it uncovers the factors that strongly influence the success or skill in sprinting of Jamaica’s athletes. This book came about because of the many questions, myths and hypotheses surrounding “Brand Jamaica” athletes. According to Jamaican Gold it says, “The editors and authors have sought to provide an overview of available data on the historical profiles, genetics, biomechanics, psychological factors, physical conditioning and the “speed agent” (yam) that might be linked to Jamaican sprinting prowess.” Many have asked the question about how a small country like Jamaica could outrun nations such as the United States and Britain and also that how is it Jamaicans are excelling in sprint events at the international level. Hence investigations were done to uncover this phenomenon.

Jamaican Gold also goes back to the history of Jamaica from receiving independence to being noticed on the world stage for being a remarkable country in the sprinting field. It highlights the important people that played a major role in the effectiveness that led to their success and also the very first medal winners that they had in their country. The book also contains a photographic image that shows and explains the Jamaica’s mastery in sprinting.

In chapter one of the book, the question was asked, ‘Why Jamaica rules in sprinting?” The university of Glasgow in Scotland and the University of the West Indies in the Caribbean have embarked on a collaborate study to examine the role of genetics, environment and physical education and training in Jamaica’s athletic success. It goes on to say that researchers carried out DNA analysis on 120 Jamaican Olympians which showed that 75% have strong 577RR variant of alpha actinin 3(ACTN3) gene which is a gene which established research has proved is associated with fast-twitch muscle fibers that...