The 2008 Beijing Olympics will forever be remembered as the Games where Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s 4×100 team made history not only by winning the gold medal but also by having the Official Pan version of the national anthem performed for the first time at an Olympic medal ceremony. The National Steel Symphony Orchestra with MITTCO’s very own Akua Leith as the conductor performed the anthem as the team of Keston Bledman, Marc Burns, Richard Thompson, Emmanuel Callendar and Aaron Armstrong stood on the podium, proudly wearing their gold medals.
The historic performance of the national anthem by a pan orchestra, only added to the significance of the moment for Trinidad and Tobago, as it marked the first time the country had earned a gold medal in the men’s 4×100 relay. The team’s victory was even more impressive given the level of competition they faced. The United States, Jamaica, and Brazil were all considered favorites to win the event, but Trinidad and Tobago’s team proved to be the superior squad. The Trinidad and Tobago team’s victory in Beijing was the result of years of hard work and dedication. The athletes had to overcome many obstacles to get to this point, including injuries and setbacks, but they never gave up, and their perseverance paid off in the end. The Trinidad and Tobago men’s 4×100 team’s victory in Beijing was not only a win for the country but also an inspiration to all the young athletes who aspire to compete at the highest level.