By Duncan Mackay

Veronica Campbell Brown on Beijing 2008 stampMay 5 - Jamaica has released a set of commemorative postage stamps to mark their groundbreaking success at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
 

The five stamps, launched by the Post and Telecommunications Department, are each valued at J$60 ($0.60/£0.40/€0.46) and feature Olympic champions, Usain Bolt in the 100 and 200 metres, Melanie Walker in the 400m hurdles, Veronica Campbell Brown in the 200m and Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce in the 100m.

Also included are Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart, silver medallists in the 100 meters, and the 4x100m metre relay team of Bolt, Michael Frater, Asafa Powell, and Nesta Carter, who set a world record. 

"Looking at the stamps, I am sure we will bask again in the glory of those tremendous Beijing days," said Natalie Neita Headley, Jamaica's Sports Minister. 

Jamaica finished fourth overall in the athletics medals table at Beijing 2008 with a total of 11 medals, six of them gold, only one less than the United States.

Jamaica release Beijing 2008 stamps 2Jamaican Sports Minister Natalie Neita Headley (left), discuss features of the commemorative stamps, featuring gold medalists and historic moments from Beijing 2008

Postmaster General, Michael Gentles, explained why the stamps were only being released now, more than four years after the event.

"Getting approval for the issuing of stamps is a rather lengthy and arduous process, and to use the Olympic rings and the athletes' images and so on, takes a lot of time," he said.

The athletes were nevertheless pleased to have their achievements marked.

"Having our images on the stamps is really good and I am happy that we have been recognised in such a way because I really think we try to represent our country and do our country proud," said Simpson.

"To have us on stamps going all over the world I think that is really good.

"We really appreciate it."

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