ForeverMissed
Large image
The Jamaica Olympic Association celebrates and honour the memory of 
Arthur Wint, OD, CD, MBE.  May 25, 2020 marks 100 years since his birth. Join us in paying homage to Jamaica's first Olympic gold medallist by sharing your tributes on this website.
May 25, 2022
May 25, 2022
Today is Daddy's birthday. He would be 102. Sometimes I don't remember his voice, but more the feelings of being with him. Birthdays were made special with family and close friends coming to celebrate. So today, especially, I celebrate and give thanks for feelings of being listened to, guided, of being cherished and loved. Happy birthday Daddy!
October 19, 2021
October 19, 2021

An Olympic spirit left us twenty-nine years ago but his legacy lives on in the annals of athletic history and sporting icons of Jamaica and, surely, it will remain alive for generations to come. Today I salute Arthur Wint, an esteemed son of the soil.


Christopher L. Samuda
President
Jamaica Olympic Association
Jamaica Paralympic Association
October 19, 2021
October 19, 2020
October 19, 2020
The death of a legend creates life for generations which follow for the human spirit and soul lived meaningfully on earth will always inspire those to live well and triumph.

Olympian Arthur Wint in death gives value to the lives of others for he was an exemplar of courage,  determination, sportsmanship and patriotism.

The Olympic and Paralympic movements honour his memory and celebrate his life with abiding respect.

Christopher L. Samuda
President
Jamaica Olympic Association
Jamaica Paralympic Association
June 18, 2020
June 18, 2020
Honouring the memory of Dr. Arthur Wint. an Olympic Champion who truly embodied the Olympic values.
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
As the Jamaica Olympic Association celebrates the 100 years since the birth of Arthur Wint, Jamaica’s first Olympic champion, we are paying tribute to this Gentle Giant and true Olympic hero. He paved the way for so many Jamaican athletes who continue to bring home Olympic medals and most importantly, bring so much joy and pride to all Jamaicans.

Thomas Bach, IOC President, Olympic Champion, Fencing
June 9, 2020
June 9, 2020
Thank you for the opportunity to share in this very thoughtful gesture. It is my pleasure to share on Sir Arthur Wint, though a little differently. A tribute based on the experience of my own father who ran and beat both Calabar athletes Wint & McKinley as a Happy Grove schoolboy athlete competing in the development meets at Sabina. He of a Physical Education Teacher/Coach and they of the great G. C. Foster Coaching fame.
These Calabar young men were stars in their own right and were priviledged to have a motor vehicle transport them to and from St Mary a number of times over the two summers to convince my father to come and run once more with them. He declared training "too hard" and declined again and again. While Herb McKinley gave up on him, Arthur Wint did not. He continued to go and would spend the day with him.
Sir Arthur even then invited competition, lived for the challenge, was kind, courageous, conscientious, caring and consistent. With characteristics like this it is little wonder he accomplished as magnificently as he did throughout his life. The rest is history and we are all proud beneficiaries and share in his legacy. Specifically the Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine founded by Dr Arthur Wint in June 1979 and now celebrating 40 years in this the year of his centenary. May we like him be superb visionaries turning distinct dreams into reality.
June 2, 2020
June 2, 2020
A physician and surgeon, Jamaica's first individual Olympic gold medalist, founding member and first president of the Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine (JASM), Dr. Arthur Wint has left a great legacy for aspiring student athletes and medical professionals.

Three weeks before the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, while preparing for his second Olympic games during his final year of medical training, Dr. Wint pulled a hamstring muscle and had to rehabilitate himself in order to optimize his chances of winning a medal. His silver medal in the 800 m, 5th place finish in the 400 m after winning his semifinal in the fastest time of the games up to that point, almost one second faster than his final time and his lead of leg on the gold medal winning, world record breaking 4 x 400 m relay, are testaments to his early application of medicine to optimize sporting injuries and performance. This undoubtedly helped to lay the early frame work for the establishment of the JASM in 1979. His unselfish service to our national athletes over the years served as a great motivator for his colleagues and those of us who have followed in his footsteps and his legacy lives on in the services provided by JASM members to both national and regular athletes. 

It is so fitting that the celebration of 100 years since his birth coincides so closely with the celebration of 40 years of an association that he helped found and serve whole heartedly through out his life......

Dr. Kevin Gwyn L. Jones
JASM President 2019-2021
May 28, 2020
May 28, 2020
It is indeed refreshing when we look back on the lives of those who have gone before us. The inspiration comes from the challenges they conquored to realize the success they achieved. Rest in Peace Sir. Your legacy lives on!

Senator the Hon. Fortuna Belrose
Regional Vice President (Caribbean)
Commonwealth Games Federation
May 27, 2020
May 27, 2020
Arthur Wint is part of an amazing array of Jamaican and Caribbean sporting, but more particularly, athletics talent that shook the world at the Summer Olympics in London, UK, in 1948.

Wint's successes will never be forgotten, especially by his native Jamaicans. His gentle nature belied the sterling commitment to any assignment as evidenced in his years as an outstanding student athlete at Jamaica's Calabar, as a pilot in the air force, then as an athlete and student of medicine.

Those who had the pleasure of meeting Arthur Wint, could never miss his eagerness to remain humble.

I had the pleasure of being in the company of Arthur Wint, Herb McKinley and the USA's Mal Whitfield, at the then Hilton Hotel in New Kingston some years ago. Whitfield was something of Wint's nemesis since he defeated him in the 800m at the Summer Olympics in 1948 and repeated the feat four years later at the Games in Helsinki, Finland. Being in the midst of the awesome trio was something special. They were brought together by Neville 'Teddy' Mc Cook, as part of a special celebration.

Today marks 100 years since the day on which he was born.

It is of immense pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet Arthur Wint and to share today, something of the immense pride and passion that all Jamaicans and indeed Caribbean athletics enthusiasts have as his enduring legacy to us all.

Keith Joseph
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
Dr Authur Wint - The gentle giant of a man. Our (Jamaica) first Olympian who has made our little island proud by conquering great nations and has laid the foundation for other great Jamaican athletes seen and to come. Surely, he has been an inspiration to me as an athlete with his exploits on the track. Happy 100th birthday!
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
Happy Birthday to the first "great one" in Athletics.
Sir Arthur Wint put us on the World stage in 1948 and things have never been the same since, success after success.
The Ja. Olympic Association salutes you and will always be eternally grateful for what you have done for Jamaica, land we love.
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
He was a great student athlete, who returned home and made his contribution in Linstead, St Catherine as a medical doctor. Our first Olympic 400m Champion beating his school mate and good friend Herb in a stellar final in 1948.
His alma mater Calabar High School can be proud of his achievements.
I am proud and privileged to manage a Track and Field meet in his honour along with another Jamaican great Herb McKenly.
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
Saluting the Memory of Arthur Wint

By The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport

Today, as the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, I invite the nation to join with me and with the daughters and relatives of Arthur Stanley Wint in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of his birth.

Arthur Wint led the way literally, and we might say set the pace, for Jamaica's track athletes. His winning the first Olympic medal for Jamaica gives him a place in our glorious track and field history that no one can ever take from him. And it was indeed a wonderful bonus the fact it was a gold medal in the 400 metres at the Summer Games in London in 1948.

Arthur Wint again won gold at the 1952 Olympics as part of the 4×400 relay team.

His golden exploits at the Central American and Caribbean Games are also matter of record. Four golds between 1938 and 1946.

Arthur Wint excelled on and off the track. A fighter pilot in World War Two; a medical doctor in England and in Linstead, Jamaica; a diplomat twice over; a recipient of the Order of Distinction and inclusion in various sports Halls of Fame.

Dr. Arthur Wint was a humble man, a man of impeccable integrity who took a cold beer and a game of dominoes in his stride.

Today, May 25, 2020, he would have been 100 years old. Let us salute the memory of one who represented the first indication of the track giant Jamaica was to become. Through him, Jamaica demonstrated that our size would not hold us back.

Arthur Staney Wint, a son of Manchester and a giant of a man for Jamaica in any way we look at him.

We salute you.

Honourable Olivia Grange, CD, MP
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
We truly appreciate all the tributes being paid here to our father. As children growing up, we often did not realise the extent of the accomplishments and sacrifices of our parents. We would hear stories, e.g. of the War (WW2) more so than of athletics. He was a doctor and he was Daddy. As we matured, we better understood the importance of his contribution in his various spheres of life. Many of you, sharing in this space will have known him differently, and so we are grateful to the Jamaica Olympic Association for hosting this site. Thank you all, and as we celebrate and honour him on his 100th birthday, we pray that we can all measure up, in even small part, to the legacy he has left us.
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance. ~ Samuel Johnson

The Kingston and St Andrew Table Tennis Association would like to acknowledge the life and work of this landmark of a true Jamaica icon, Dr Arthur Wint OD MBE. A man of great stature, at 6 feet 5 inches tall, who because of his quiet demeanour was affectionately referred to as the “Gentle Giant”.

Dr Wint has compiled an immense body of work on and off the track. He was one of the greatest and most respected athletes and administrator in the Olympic history of Jamaica.

WE SALUTE YOU!

Tamika Osbourne, BA
Director,
Kingston and St Andrew Table Tennis Association
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
Arthur Wint was one of the pioneers of modern athletics through his participation in the Summer Olympic Games. His 'track' record is worthy for generations to come. As a young JAAA official, I had the opportunity to interact with him and he was always happy to share his experiences and offer great advice. As we celebrate his century we should ensure his work lives on. His daughter, Valerie recollects in a book called The Longer Run, life of her father, who stood way above us (physically), but lived his life simply for others. Sir Arthur, we salute you!
May 23, 2020
May 23, 2020
The Jamaica Olympic Association salutes the life and the historic achievements of our beloved son of the soil, Dr. Arthur Wint. His achievements have been storied and have been a part of Jamaica’s rich history at the Olympic Games, especially in Track and Field. Dr Wint was one of the greatest and most respected athletes and administrator in the Olympic history of Jamaica.

We acknowledge Dr. Wint’s’ dedication to and passion for the Jamaican Olympic journey. He has left an enduring legacy for which we all can be proud of and one in which we all can seek to emulate. His life has had a far-reaching impact on the Jamaican and global landscape and his name will always resonate as Jamaica’s first Olympic gold medalist. We are so thankful for what he accomplished and for his dedication, loyalty, and tenacity brought to our country that will forever live on.

Ryan Foster
Secretary General
Jamaica Olympic Association
May 23, 2020
May 23, 2020




The Olympic Spirit in Wint

The length of his stride was not just in yards but in measureless value.

The depth of his footprints was not just earthbound but commanding.

The height of the man was not only imposing but inspiring.

The breadth of his integrity was not merely wide but all-embracing.

In Arthur Wint stood not only an Olympian but a gentleman whose character and scholarship went beyond his athletic achievements which were indeed august.

In Arthur Wint resides history and, at the same time, the future for his earthly run was historic as it was pioneering.

Statisticians will continue to record the times of his life with laser precision and historians will scribe, with homage, his athletic pedigree and pilgrimage. But it is in the stature and honour of the man that we find his quintessential bequest.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth, we reflect, as an Olympic movement, on his life spent not only in sport but generally with humanity and are inspired beyond the centenary.

In Wint, the Olympic spirit ascends. In Wint, the Olympic spirit transcends generations.


Christopher L. Samuda
President
Jamaica Olympic Association





Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
May 25, 2022
May 25, 2022
Today is Daddy's birthday. He would be 102. Sometimes I don't remember his voice, but more the feelings of being with him. Birthdays were made special with family and close friends coming to celebrate. So today, especially, I celebrate and give thanks for feelings of being listened to, guided, of being cherished and loved. Happy birthday Daddy!
October 19, 2021
October 19, 2021

An Olympic spirit left us twenty-nine years ago but his legacy lives on in the annals of athletic history and sporting icons of Jamaica and, surely, it will remain alive for generations to come. Today I salute Arthur Wint, an esteemed son of the soil.


Christopher L. Samuda
President
Jamaica Olympic Association
Jamaica Paralympic Association
October 19, 2021
October 19, 2020
October 19, 2020
The death of a legend creates life for generations which follow for the human spirit and soul lived meaningfully on earth will always inspire those to live well and triumph.

Olympian Arthur Wint in death gives value to the lives of others for he was an exemplar of courage,  determination, sportsmanship and patriotism.

The Olympic and Paralympic movements honour his memory and celebrate his life with abiding respect.

Christopher L. Samuda
President
Jamaica Olympic Association
Jamaica Paralympic Association
His Life

Dr. Arthur Stanley Wint, OD, CD, MBE

May 21, 2020
Dr. Arthur Stanley Wint,  Jamaica’s first Olympic gold medallist was born in the parish of Manchester, Jamaica on May 25, 1920. He was a schoolboy athlete (Jamaican Boy Athlete of the Year -1937), then a club and Olympic track athlete, a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot, a surgeon, and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ambassador to Sweden and Denmark. He was inducted in the Black Athletes Hall of Fame in the US (1977), the Jamaica Sports Hall of Fame (1989), and the Central American and Caribbean Athletic Confederation Hall of Fame (2003). He was a founding member and first President of the Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine (JASM).

Dr. Wint was the second of five children of a Presbyterian Minister and a School Teacher; he was a husband, a father and grandfather, a domino player; he loved music and sang bass in a choir (listen to him on BBC’s “Desert Island Discs” recorded in 1953), loved track and field, cricket, caring for his garden, and enjoyed an ice cold beer and quiet evenings on his veranda. He was a man whose accomplishments were securely underpinned by many gifts of character – he was caring, honourable, humble, and disciplined, a man of great integrity.

His three daughters, Valerie, Alison and Colleen live in Toronto, Canada, Bristol, UK and Kingston, Jamaica respectively. Two grandsons are athletes (track, basketball) and a great-grandson is a middle distance runner in Canada.
Recent stories
May 25, 2023
I met the great very well known Author Wint "Doc. Author " when I was a young man living in Falmouth Trelawney Jamaica and he was the Chief Medical Officer and Surgeon for the Parish,and having no reason for going to hospital I did not know of Him being there for quite a while until Mr. Forbes a very close friend of Assad Wint my  Father who knew Doc. Informed me and took my to meet him.
Can you imagine how big my head became on meeting in person one of the World's greatest Athletes, a Pilot and the Chief Medical officer and Surgeon for the Parish I lived in; my head became so big it has not been able to recover and return to normal since then. 
GOD rest his Soul, love you Doctor Author. 

Always remembered

October 19, 2021
National Heroes Day does not go by without a special memory of Daddy. He was being honoured by a few additional entities and Mummy and I had to represent him as he was in hospital.
But he is remembered in so many ways all the time within our family and among friends. So while it was a sad day, we still celebrate all that he stood for and how he still influences us all today. In loving memory,
Colleen and family <3

Invite others to Arthur's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline