The Life of a trailblazer

Dr. Cynthia Thompson, 'West Indian Thunderbolt'

WHEN family and friends of the late Dr Cynthia Thompson, OD, gathered for a prayer meeting at Lyndhurst Methodist Church in St Andrew, there was no mourning. Instead, the congregation sang hymns and recalled the fond memories of a woman many referred to as a legend, icon or just simply auntie.

Thompson passed away on March 8, International Women's Day, at the age of 96. She was the first Jamaican to make a 100-metre final at the 1948 Olympic Games in London and Jamaica's oldest Olympian.

Sentiments of her graciousness and strength were expressed by members of the sporting community. The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said at the news of her passing, “This heroine of Jamaican sport and medicine has completed a remarkable journey and our country is so much better for her service.” ...

Dr. Cynthia Thompson was the first Jamaican to make a 100 meter final at the 1948 Olympic Games in London.

Jamaica Observer, Sunday, April 14, 2019