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With the track and field athletes making waves recently, it’s going to be year-of-a-kind for them. Heading to the Paris Olympics 2024, a recently surfaced news may have them in a baffled state of mourning. Hubert Lawrence, the track and field author, analyst, and columnist, who has kept fans on their toes for all these years, took his last breath.

Also known as the Jamaican track and field encyclopedia, Lawrence left for the heavenly abode peacefully on Friday, 23 February 2024. The Paris Olympics will be the most anticipated, true. But there’ll be no trace of Hubert Lawrence and his exclusive coverage.

Track and field mourns the loss of a legend

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Sports journalist Kayon Raynor has taken to his X handle to post, Rest in eternal peace my colleague and friend, Hubert Lawrence. It was always fun and an honour to share the same space with you as we discussed a sport we both love. Fly with the angels, Hubie. A behind-the-scenes moment from TVJ’S coverage of Budapest 2023“. 

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Hubert Lawrence has not just covered the marquee games as it is, he also added his elements to amp up the already thrilling events. Also a columnist for Gleaner, Lawrence has not only garnered fan love but also respect from fellow columnists. On Saturday, the Gibson McCook Relays rolled in and Lawrence was one of the members of the TVJ’s coverage.

The impact of the veteran analyst

But even though there’ll be other sports analysts to cover the event, the absence of the 63-year-old would be hugely felt. This year, he would have been 64 and the prime focus at the Paris Olympics. 33 years ago, the track and field bug bit the veteran hard. Since then, his journey to the top has gotten better with each event. Kicking off his career in 1991, he didn’t just limit himself to being an analyst or a commentator at major games.

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He also expanded his career to being an author. In 2010, he published Champs 100. In 2012, his major work was The Power and the Glory: Jamaica in World Athletics, From World War II to the Diamond League Era. A decade later, in 2022, he co-authored/wrote 50 Days of Fire. In the wake of his passing, the track and field community bids farewell to a true legend whose passion and dedication enriched the sport for decades, leaving an indelible mark on its history.

READ MORE: Ahead of Summer Olympics 2024, USA Gymnastics Team Shares Unfiltered Insights on Paris City