Saint Lucia’s Levern Spencer won the island’s first gold medal at the Pan American Games on Wednesday. The 31-year-old from Babonneau cleared 1.94 metres to capture gold in the women’s high jump event at the XVII edition of the Games in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, extended his congratulations to Levern on her historic feat. Levern, along with NCAA champion Jeannelle Scheper, will represent Saint Lucia at the IAAF World Championships in August. Both are in the world’s top 10 for 2015.
Said the Prime Minister, “Levern and Jeannelle are exemplars for us as Saint Lucians, and we should applaud them for their achievements. The heights to which they have soared deserve our praise and admiration. Their momentous deeds show that as a people we can compete with the best in the world, in so very many fields of endeavour.
“I am proud of Levern, Jeannelle, and all who continue to represent us in international competition. Government has put facilities and programmes in place to help foster the growth and development of our athletes. But it is up to all of us as patriotic Saint Lucians to recognize, celebrate and honour them. We must continue to inspire them to even greater accomplishments.”
Levern is eligible to compete at her sixth World Championships next month, and her third Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next year. Jeannelle cleared 1.96m earlier this season and is expected to compete at her second World Championship and first Olympics.
It is rather sobering to identify with with our young , talented and honest athletes who continue to make us proud. While some are turning to questionable means to achieve victory and prominence, our girls are doing it the old fashion way; they are earning it legitimately. Go girls, go! we are so proud of you.
Massive congrats Levern! Keep soaring to higher heights girl :).