With Gratitude - Recognizing Dedication to Jamaica’s Olympic Journey
Dorothy Scott headshot
Citation in honour of Dorothy Scott Genias
Athletics – Moscow 1980 & Los Angeles 1984

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly acknowledges Dorothy Scott‑Genias, whose athletic prowess brought honor to Jamaica on track and field’s grandest stage.

You represented Jamaica in the long jump at both the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, after jumping 6.47 m in the qualifying round at the 1984 Olympics.  You then went on to earn  10th place—a milestone that makes you the first Jamaican woman to reach an Olympic final in the long jump since 1948 with Kathleen Russell . 

From your early dominance in CARIFTA and CAC regional competitions to leading Jamaica’s high school program to national titles, your dedication laid a powerful foundation for future generations of Jamaican female athletes 

On behalf of Jamaican Olympians past and present, we honor your trailblazing legacy and your continued commitment to athletics—both as a competitor and as a mentor to young Jamaicans through initiatives in Old Harbour and beyond.

Presented with gratitude by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
30 June 2025

Back to top
Dorothy Scott headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Leleith Hodges
Athletics – Munich 1972, Montreal 1976 & Moscow 1980

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly celebrates Leleith Hodges, whose outstanding achievements elevated Jamaica’s standing on the global track and field stage.  A versatile and determined sprinter, you represented Jamaica in multiple Olympic Games—first at Munich 1972, then Montreal 1976, and again at Moscow 1980—consistently demonstrating world-class speed and national pride. Your Olympic highlights include reaching the quarterfinals in the 100m sprint at the Montreal Olympics, and helping the Jamaican 4×100m relay team place in the top six during both the Montreal and Moscow Games. Your performances inspired countless young athletes across Jamaica, proving that dedication and talent can shine on the world’s greatest stage.  Beyond your Olympic success, you captured medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games and left an enduring legacy as a mentor and leader, committed to nurturing future generations of Jamaican sprinters.  It was in 1983 at the first World Championships in Helsinki where you shone brightest.  As you joined your team mates Jacqueline Pusey, Juliet Cuthbert, and Merlene Ottey in winning the bronze medal in the 4x100m in a spectacular time of 42.73.  One of the three medals won by Jamaica at those Championships.  In recognition of your commitment to excellence, your pioneering spirit, and your tireless service to Jamaican athletics, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians hereby honors you.

Presented with deep respect by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
30 June 2025

 
Allan Marsh headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Henry Jackson
Athletics — Munich 1972

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly commends Henry Jackson, whose extraordinary talent and dedication left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s track and field history.

Born 25 October 1947 in Westmoreland, you brought pride to the nation by competing in both the long jump and triple jump events at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, demonstrating exceptional versatility on the global stage

Your personal best marks – a leap of 8.06 m in the long jump and 16.44 m in the triple jump – underscored your status as one of Jamaica’s finest field athletes.  Your long jump of 8.06m in 1970 was the de facto Jamaican National Record for numerous years.  Likewise with your 16.44m triple jump which still ranks you among the top 20 all time among Jamaican triple jumpers.

In addition to your Olympic appearance, your athletic journey included notable achievements as an All-American at the University of Southern California, where you finished runner-up in the triple jump at the 1972 NCAA Indoor Championships

Henry, your discipline, passion, and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire future generations of Jamaican athletes competing in field events—a legacy of excellence that endures.

In recognition of your outstanding contributions to Jamaican sport, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly presents this citation.

 

Presented with profound respect by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
30 June 2025

Back to top
Allan Marsh headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Allan Marsh
Swimming — Los Angeles 1984

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly honours Allan Roy Marsh, a dedicated athlete, respected competitor, and proud ambassador of Jamaica, whose representation at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles stands as a testament to his commitment to excellence in sport. As a member of Jamaica’s Olympic swimming team, Allan Roy Marsh competed at the highest level of international competition, showcasing not only personal talent and discipline but also the indomitable spirit of a nation striving for recognition in all arenas of sport.

His presence at the Games contributed to Jamaica’s growing footprint in the global swimming community and helped inspire a new generation of athletes to take pride in the pursuit of greatness.  Allan Roy participated in an amazing FIVE events at the Los Angeles Olympic Games, the 100 meters backstroke, 200m backstroke, 100m butterfly, 4x100m freestyle relay, and the 4x100m medley relay. 

With grace, grit, and unwavering focus, Allan Roy Marsh upheld the values of the Olympic movement and brought honour to the black, green, and gold. His efforts in the pool reflected years of tireless training and a deep passion for representing his country on the world stage. In recognition of his outstanding Olympic achievement, his contribution to the advancement of swimming in Jamaica, and his enduring role as a role model for future Olympians, we proudly present this citation to Allan Roy Marsh.

Well done, Olympian. Jamaica salutes you.

Presented by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
June 30, 2025


Back to top
Andrew Phillips headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Andrew Phillips
Swimming — Los Angeles 1984

 

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly recognizes and honours Andrew Phillips, Olympic swimmer, national trailblazer, and lifelong ambassador of Jamaican excellence in sport.

As a member of Jamaica’s 1984 Olympic Team, Andrew Phillips represented our nation with honour and determination in the 200m and 400m Individual Medley, as well as the 4x100m medley relay and 4 x 100m freestyle relay at the Games of the XXIII Olympiad in Los Angeles. His presence on the Olympic stage signified not only personal triumph, but a historic moment for Jamaican swimming — breaking barriers and expanding the horizons of what was possible for athletes in aquatic sports across the island.

The highlight of Andrew’s and Jamaica’s swimming achievements was when Andrew became the first, and to date ONLY Jamaican man to swim in an Olympic Final.  This he achieved in the 200m Individual medley. 40 years later this adds to the magnitude of his spectacular achievement.

Andrew’s journey to the pinnacle of global competition was marked by unwavering discipline, resilience, and quiet leadership. At a time when swimming infrastructure and national attention were limited, he forged a path through sheer will and love for his craft. His Olympic legacy continues to inspire swimmers, coaches, and youth across Jamaica and the diaspora.

Today, we celebrate Andrew Phillips not only as an Olympian, but as a pioneer, a role model, and a patriot who continues to uplift the Jamaican sporting movement through his enduring example.

In recognition of his outstanding representation of Jamaica on the world stage and his lasting contribution to the Olympic spirit, we proudly present this citation.

Well done, Olympian. Your legacy is secure.

Presented by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
June 30, 2025

 
Back to top
Belinda Phillips headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Belinda Phillips
Swimming — Munich 1972

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly honours Belinda Phillips, a trailblazing swimmer, dedicated competitor, and a symbol of national pride, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Jamaican athletes.

At just 14 years old, Belinda Phillips represented Jamaica at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, competing in the women’s 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle events. In doing so, she etched her name in history as one of the youngest Jamaican Olympians and a pioneer in Jamaican swimming — boldly stepping onto the world stage at a time when few Caribbean athletes, particularly women, were seen in Olympic waters.  Of very important note, Belinda was the only Jamaican swimmer at the 1972 Olympic Games.  What makes this even more noteworthy is that Belinda Phillips is also the first ever Jamaican woman to represent Jamaica at the Olympics in swimming.

Belinda’s courage, discipline, and composure in the face of international competition exemplify the very best of the Olympic spirit. Her early achievements laid the groundwork for the development of swimming in Jamaica and helped redefine what was possible for female athletes in the region.

More than five decades later, her story continues to resonate — a reminder that determination, talent, and national pride can carry a young girl from the Caribbean to the highest level of sport.

In recognition of her outstanding service to sport, her groundbreaking Olympic journey, and her enduring inspiration to future generations, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians is proud to present this citation to Olympian Belinda Phillips.

Well done, Olympian. Jamaica salutes you.

Presented by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
June 30, 2025

Back to top
Leighton Priestley headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Leighton PriestlEy
Athletics – Munich 1972, Montreal 1976

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly recognizes and celebrates Leighton Priestley, whose dedication and athletic performance enhanced Jamaica's legacy on the international track.

Born 18 January 1951, Priestley represented Jamaica with distinction in the 400m at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1976 Montreal Olympics, also competing in the 4×400m relay on both occasions.  In 1972 he posted a personal best of 45.75s, reaching the quarterfinals, and again reached the quarterfinals in 1976—demonstrating remarkable consistency at the deepest level of global competition.  A little know statistic is that your time in the first round of the 1972 Olympics was fastest enough to qualify you for that Olympic final had you done so in the semifinals.

Your athletic prowess reached beyond the Olympics: in 1971, you secured a silver medal in the 4×400m relay at the Pan American Games, a testament to your teamwork and competitive excellence .

Leighton, through your discipline, resilience, and representation on the world stage, you inspired countless young Jamaicans to chase Olympic dreams. Your contributions laid a foundation for Jamaica’s storied history in the 400m and relay events.

In recognition of your enduring impact and outstanding service to Jamaican sport, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly confers this citation upon you.

Presented with deep respect by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
30 June 2025

 
Back to top
Ruth Simpson headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Ruth Williams Simpson
Athletics – Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly recognizes and celebrates Ruth Williams‑Simpson, whose dedication and excellence on the track have brought lasting distinction to Jamaica.

From her early success on the regional stage to her representation of Jamaica at three consecutive Olympic Games—Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, and Moscow 1980—you consistently demonstrated elite performance in the women’s 400 m and 4×400 m relay events 

You secured a bronze medal as part of Jamaica’s 4×400 m relay team at the 1971 Pan American Games 

Your impact extends beyond medals; at the 1978 Central American and Caribbean Games you earned silver in the relay, and your outstanding college performances, including runner-up honours in the 300 m at the 1980 AIAW Indoor Championships, reflect your sustained commitment and competitive spirit

Ruth, your resilience and trailblazing achievements in athletics have inspired future generations of Jamaican women to strive for excellence on the track and on the global stage.

In recognition of your outstanding contributions and dedicated service to Jamaican sport, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly presents this citation.

Presented with deep appreciation by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
30 June 2025

Back to top
Pat Lue Chin headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Patricia Lue Chin
Physiotherapist

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians extends its deepest appreciation and recognition to Patricia Lue‑Chin, whose expert care and unwavering dedication have been invaluable to our athletes’ success and well-being.

You have served Jamaica with distinction as a physiotherapist across multiple major international competitions, including as part of the support team at the, 1984, 1988, 1992, and 2008 Olympic Games, the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, and notably at the 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2023 Special Olympics Summer and Winter Games, where you attentively cared for our athletes in challenging conditions.

As a founding member of the Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine in 1978, you served as vice president, treasurer, and secretary at various times in your over 40 years there.

Your role ensured that our athletes recovered effectively and performed at their best, contributing significantly to the pride and achievement of Jamaican sport on the global stage. Your professional excellence, compassion, and dedication have profoundly impacted the athletes’ experience and Jamaica’s reputation for outstanding sports medicine support.

In recognition of your selfless service and unwavering commitment to our Olympians, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly honors you with this citation.

Presented with gratitude by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
30 June 2025

Back to top
Janeth Ricketts headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Janeth Ricketts
Physiotherapist

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly recognizes and honours Janeth Ricketts, whose expertise and steadfast service as a physical therapist have played a vital role in supporting Jamaica’s athletes on their journey to excellence.

Your work with Jamaica’s junior and senior national teams, including your service at multiple Central American and Caribbean Games, Panamerican Games, Commonwealth Games and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, reflects your deep commitment to the physical care, recovery, and peak readiness of our athletes. You have been a key figure behind the scenes—respected for your competence, admired for your compassion, and trusted by athletes and coaches alike.

Whether preparing a rising star for the rigors of competition or aiding in recovery from injury, your contributions have ensured that Jamaica’s representatives on the world stage could give their best. Your hands-on care has uplifted generations of Olympians—often when it mattered most.

In recognition of your outstanding professional excellence, selfless dedication, and lasting impact on the health and performance of Jamaican athletes, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians is honoured to present you with this citation.

Presented with heartfelt gratitude by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
30 June 2025

Back to top
Marcia Swyer Forbes
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Marcia Swyer-Forbes
Physiotherapist

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly honours Marcia Swyer‑Forbes, whose leadership and compassionate care have been instrumental in elevating the well-being and performance of Jamaica’s elite athletes.

As a veteran physiotherapist, you were recognized among those honoured at the 2010 Pegasus Awards banquet for your exceptional service to Jamaican sport. In January 2020, you were appointed President of the newly formed Jamaica Sports Massage Therapists Association, under the auspices of the Jamaica Olympic Association—reflecting your dedication to advancing therapeutic care for Jamaican athletes at national and international levels

Through your professional excellence and tireless commitment—from backstage support roles to strategic leadership—you have played a vital role in ensuring Jamaican athletes receive top-tier physiotherapy and sports massage before, during, and after competition. Your vision and service continue to contribute significantly to the health, recovery, and achievements of our Olympians.

In recognition of your pioneering contributions, exemplary leadership, and unwavering support to Jamaican sport, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly confers this citation upon you.

Presented with profound gratitude by the National Association of Jamaican Olympians
30 June 2025

Back to top
Marie Tavares headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Marie Tavares
JAAA Executive Member 2004—present

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly honors Marie Tavares, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to track and field administration in Jamaica.

On November 28, 2020, you made history by becoming the first female to be elected Honorary Secretary of the JAAA—an organization entrusted with nurturing Jamaica’s rich sprinting and field heritage. You had previously served with dedication as Assistant Secretary since 2004, and for decades you have been the vital link coordinating athlete welfare, international liaison, and travel logistics 

Your administration of numerous national teams—ranging from the CARIFTA Games through to multiple Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships —demonstrated your steadfast dedication to the health, preparation, and success of Jamaica’s athletes on the world stage. In your current role, you continue to uphold the highest standards of governance, communication, and athlete support.

Your trailblazing election represents a milestone for women in sport leadership, and your career embodies the values of excellence, service, and empowerment that the National Association of Jamaican Olympians holds dear.

In profound appreciation for your contributions and visionary leadership, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly presents this citation.

Presented with admiration and respect
30 June 2025

Back to top
Ludlow Watts headshot
CITATION IN HONOUR OF Ludlow Watts
JAAA Executive Member & Honorary Treasurer 2004—present, Starter

The National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly recognizes Ludlow Watts, whose exemplary leadership, financial stewardship, and dedication have been instrumental in sustaining and advancing Jamaica’s athletics program.

A retired retail and corporate banker, Mr. Watts has served as Honorary Treasurer of the JAAA for over two decades, overseeing all aspects of financial management, fundraising, and budget strategy for the organization.  His steadfast service has supported numerous Olympic, World Championship, and Commonwealth Games teams, ensuring athletes perform with full institutional backing.

Beyond his role as Treasurer, Mr. Watts has been a key technical official—serving as Jamaica’s Chief Starter and representing the country on the NACAC international starters’ panel, officiating at major meets including CHAMPS, the IAAF World Juniors (2002), and senior regional championships. He further contributed as Team Manager to multiple international competitions, including the Olympic Games, combining administrative precision with on-the-ground leadership.

Your multifaceted contributions have greatly strengthened Jamaica’s athletics infrastructure.

In heartfelt appreciation for your meritorious service to Jamaican sport, the National Association of Jamaican Olympians proudly presents this citation.

Presented with deep respect and gratitude
30 June 2025

Back to top