By Stuart Wilson
Caymanian Olympian, Kareem Street-Thompson is Digicel’s new brand Ambassador in the Cayman Islands and has been busy making the rounds at schools around Grand Cayman.
On Thursday 14th December, Kareem visited the John Gray High School to address an assembly hall filed with students brimming with enthusiasm to meet the track star.
The world champion gold medalist and long-jump record holder told the youngsters that it was important to follow their dreams and that each one of them had something special to offer the world.
“In 1984 I was watching the Olympics and saw Carl Lewis compete in the long jump and I decided right then and there what I wanted to do with my life,” he told the students.
Kareem would go on to win gold medals in the Central American and Caribbean Championship, as well as the silver in the Pan American Games and World Indoor Championships and represented the Cayman Isladnds in three Olympic Games.
You can accomplish the things you dream and each one of you has a special gift that is unique to you,” he remarked.
Through hard work and dedication Kareem explained that he began to compete and would eventually have to opportunity to face-off agains Carl Lewis; the man who had inspired him toward a career in professional sports.
He explains that upon realising that he had actually jumped farther than Lewis during that competition, setting a personal best in the process, he said he was overwhelmed with emotion.
“It couldn’t believe it,” he said, explaining his surprise at jumping that far.
Now retired and coaching at the University of Texas San Antonio, where he is the Associate Head Coach (Sprints/Jumps/Relays), Kareem says he wants to give back as much as he can to inspire the next generation of athletes.
He spoke with the Caymanian Times about his role as Brand Ambassador for Digicel.
“I spoke with Lance Barnes about returning to the Cayman Island for the Christmas and reconnecting whilst at home and he noted that Digicel would like to partner in welcoming me back to the Island,” said Kareem.
He added that from there, things developed into him becoming a Brand Ambassador for the company.
“I’ve since gotten with the team to hash out a plan, starting with John Gray today and Clifton Hunter tomorrow, (15th December).”
A photo campaign is also scheduled for the Olympian, who will be in Grand Cayman until January 3rd, after being away for the past 5 years.
Kareem noted that during his time away from the Cayman Islands, “….Things have changed a lot,” and with the onset of Covid-19, which he called a ‘defining moment for history on the planet’, he said his focus was mostly on family.
“The infrastructure has changed here and there are buildings where there were none before. The new school is unbelievable and the students have all the tools they need,” he said.
“My hope during this time is to get into the community and also get to the track to see the future in athletics,” added Kareem.
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