Eastern Caribbean Olympians Named 2024 Persons of the Year

Everybody’s magazine, a prominent Caribbean-American publication based in Brooklyn, New York, has bestowed its prestigious “Persons of the Year” title for 2024 upon a group of exceptional Eastern Caribbean Olympians. These athletes, hailing from St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, captivated the world with their remarkable performances at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, etching their names into the annals of Caribbean sporting history. Their collective achievements not only garnered medals but also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the region, solidifying their recognition by the magazine’s readership.

Julien Alfred, a 23-year-old sprinter from St. Lucia, blazed her way to victory in the women’s 100 meters, securing the nation’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. Her record-breaking time of 10.72 seconds in the final cemented her status as a national hero and a rising star in international athletics. Dominica also celebrated its inaugural Olympic medal, courtesy of Thea LaFond-Gadson’s golden triumph in the women’s triple jump. The 30-year-old athlete, who also clinched the 2024 World Indoor triple jump title, showcased her exceptional talent and athletic prowess on the global stage.

Grenada, a nation with a rich history of Olympic success, witnessed further glory with the performances of Lindon Victor, Anderson Peters, and Kirani James. Victor, a seasoned decathlete at 31, added an Olympic bronze medal to his impressive collection, which includes gold medals from the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games and a 2023 World Championship bronze. Peters, 27, secured a bronze medal in the men’s javelin throw, building upon his previous successes as the 2019 and 2022 World Champion in the same discipline. Meanwhile, Kirani James, Grenada’s first Olympic medalist, continued his illustrious career with a remarkable feat, becoming the first athlete to win a complete set of Olympic medals (gold, silver, and bronze) in the 400 meters. The 32-year-old’s bronze in Paris followed his gold in London 2012 and silver in Rio 2016, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarter-milers of all time.

Representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Shafiqua Maloney achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Vincentian athlete to reach an Olympic final. The 25-year-old middle-distance runner narrowly missed a podium finish in the women’s 800 meters, placing fourth in a tightly contested race. Despite missing out on a medal, Maloney’s achievement resonated deeply with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, marking a significant breakthrough for the nation’s sporting aspirations. Her performance, coupled with her national records in the 800 meters both indoors and outdoors, solidified her status as a role model for aspiring athletes.

The selection of these Eastern Caribbean Olympians as Everybody’s Persons of the Year underscores the magazine’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating Caribbean achievement. Herman Hall, the Grenada-born publisher of Everybody’s, emphasized the athletes’ profound impact on the region, highlighting their inspirational influence on Caribbean youth. The Olympians’ triumphs transcended national boundaries, fostering a sense of regional pride and unity. Their stories of perseverance, dedication, and exceptional talent resonated deeply with the magazine’s readers, who nominated them from a diverse pool of contenders, including US Vice President Kamala Harris and musical icons Machel Montano and Beres Hammond.

The annual Person of the Year selection process, initiated in 1978, reflects the evolving readership of Everybody’s magazine. Initially designated as “Man of the Year” and “Woman of the Year”, the award has adapted to encompass broader categories, including natural phenomena such as hurricanes. The magazine’s primarily first- and second-generation Caribbean-American readership often nominates individuals who have made significant contributions within their communities, both in the Caribbean and the United States. Past recipients include prominent figures such as Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, and Jamaican Olympic legends Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, as well as actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. The 2024 selection of the Eastern Caribbean Olympians showcases the magazine’s continued dedication to honoring individuals whose accomplishments resonate deeply within the Caribbean diaspora and beyond.