PAUL
Every time I think about Arthur I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful example for a grandfather. It seems the only thing he did wrong was leave this world before I had the chance to meet him. It’s somewhat strange to say I’ve looked up to a person that I’ve never met, but I genuinely do. Signs of his achievements are inescapable, whether it’s plaques in London or statues in Jamaica, we’re constantly reminded of his incredible achievements.
Unfortunately I wasn’t as adept on the track, but even within my basketball career I looked for ways to emulate his actions, always trying to be graceful yet focused. Friendly yet competitive. Now - as he did before - I am embarking on my own diplomatic career. Mum (Alison) always says he hated being a diplomat, so they must both think I’m crazy for choosing this path. However, so far it’s going well .
Ultimately, I want to thank him for showing us what’s possible. For someone to come from a small island and win gold, showcase himself, and our family, on the world stage, is a monumental achievement which I will be telling my kids and their kids about. And if things got to plan, they will all have his name, just like I do.
Paul Arthur Cottam