LAUSANNE, Switzerland:
Jamaicans can rise to any occasion worldwide and they are able to make a big impact in any situation they choose.
One Jamaican who is making a big and positive impact overseas is 26-year-old Alex Wilson, who is the fastest man in Switzerland. He is the National champion and record holder in the men’s 100 meters after posting 10.08 seconds last year.
Wilson has been in Switzerland for 10 years.
“I am here since I was 16 years old, and I am now 26. I came here to be with my mother, who had been living here since I was a little boy, and she filed for me,” said Wilson, who can still converse in Jamaican patois very well.
“At first, it was a culture shock for me as the language, school and everything else was so much different, but after getting involved in sports, things became much easier.”
Wilson, a former Kingston resident who had never participated in sport in Jamaica, stated that things all changed when he was 17. While competing at a school sports day, and running in sneakers, he defeated everyone, even the Swiss champion, and he was encouraged to go into track full-time.
HESITANT AT FIRST
“At first, I was hesitant as my focus was on girls and having fun, but after getting involved and attending the National Championships, I was whipped big time and that motivated me. I decided then to take it very seriously,” he said.
That decision made a big change in his life because he went on to become National champion and has represented the country at the Olympic Games.
“I went on to compete for Switzerland at two Olympic Games, in London 2012 and last year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
“After coming off injury last year, I finished seventh in the 100m metres at the European Championships and now I am a public figure, as everywhere I go in Switzerland, I am treated well,” he added.
LOOKING FORWARD TO LONDON
Wilson, who is looking forward to competing at next month’s World Championships in London, participated twice in the 100 meters at the Diamond League last Thursday. He won the local race in 10.25 and returned later to finish seventh, behind winner Justin Gatlin, in the Diamond League event in 10.17.
Wilson, who can now speak five different languages, is happy in Switzerland and stated that he will always represent that county when asked if he has ever harbored had any thoughts of competing for Jamaica.
“I will always compete for Switzerland as they have invested in me a lot. Why try to compete for Jamaica when I am number one here? In Jamaica, I would have a long wait in the line because there are so many fast sprinters there,” he concluded.
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