Deon Hemmings

Deon Marie Hemmings (born 9 October 1968) is a former female 400 metres hurdler. Hemmings was the first ever Jamaican woman to win an Olympic Gold when she won the 400 m Hurdles at the 1996 Olympics, breaking the Olympic record, which stood to 2004. Quotes One of the main things I remember was doing the victory lap and seeing the standing ovation and the people with the small flags,” says the 1996 Olympic 400m hurdles champion. It was just an overwhelming feeling. Up to this day, my mother still tells me that I don’t understand what I’ve done. It was a package deal, I went to the track club (after finishing high school) where my godfather took me in and realised my potential. It was great because I know how well I trained that year and I know I was mentally prepared to go out there and do my best, and my best gave me two Olympic records. I know most of them like Melaine and Kaliese (Spencer) who came after me, and looked at me and wanted to win a gold medal like me and it makes me happy. I taught her how to hurdle Aim high and set your goals, You have to be one of those who are going to make a difference. Hemmings still clearing barriers to lead the way for women in athletics, May 20 2018 Catch me if you can, I am going to die at the finish line. It was a great feeling, one that is very difficult to explain. They were the ones that ran really well the year before; but I knew them very well because we had all ran at college. I was really unhappy because I was not able to run as fast as they did. So, that was a motivation going into the Olympics. I trained extremely hard and I must thank my coach back then, Bev Kearney, for working with me and my country, and all the persons who supported me — because without them I would not be able to make it. It was because when you know it’s perfect is when you finish the race and you’re not tired. You know that it was almost a perfect race and I knew I trained extremely hard and I knew I had to do it to get there. For me it was a moment I will never forget because I knew what I had to put in to accomplish such an achievement. It was a very special moment. Then the pride to see the two Americans by my side in their country; I know they are still mad at me. I was really mad because they had beaten me back then and I am the type of person that never gives up, just go for it, and every time I step on that track I give 100 per cent. No. But I can imagine when you are in a drought…20 years ago, we had won an Olympic gold by Quarrie, you can imagine how the people felt. Knowing that it was in the US, so close to home, I kind of expected it. But I was a bit surprised when I saw all the people came out just to see me. It was really a great feeling. Hemmings-McCatty: Olympic gold medal trailblazer, July 31 2021 External links Category:Track and field athletes Category:Sportspeople from Jamaica Category:Women in sports Category:Women from Jamaica Category:1968 births Category:Women born in the 1960s Category:Living people