Jamaica Jammin

So here I am in the heart of Jamaica House at The O2 in London. As the Olympic gymnasts and basketball players compete within the stadium, Jamaica House sits outside rocking the planet Jamaican style! If you were thinking to yourself - where would be the coolest most awe-inspiring place to hang out at the Olympics? Ask no more, just get yourself down to The O2 and listen for the beats of amazing music...

Piers Morgan recently tweeted that he wanted to join the Jamaicans for the Olympics after party but there is absolutely no need to wait until after the Olympics because the party has already started and it will go on throughout the rest of the games. Just a few hours ago the venue opened it's doors to the public who have flooded in ever since.

The atmosphere is electric with the whole place decked out in the colours of the Jamaican flag - black, yellow and green. Music reverberates across the place as people mill about soaking in the sense of anticipation prior to the upcoming historic races, surely there couldn't be anywhere better in the world to watch that part of the Olympic Games. 

The Jamaicans have a lot to be proud of and it's not just the fact that they have some of the fastest men on Earth such as Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake. They also have an incredible musical history being the founders of reggae, dub and dancehall. A small country with a impressive amount of might.

Linford Christie, former Olympic gold medalist, came along this afternoon for an interview with Michael Fennell, President of the Jamaican Olympic Association. They talked about how Jamaica now fosters its inherent talent with a school system and coaching system designed to forward the development of it's athletes. Mr Fennell said in the past Jamaica was restricted by lack of planning and infrastructure but now they have handled those problems and the natural Jamaican talent is allowed to shine through. He also said that coming to Jamaica House was for him like coming home.

I spoke with Linford, a lovely guy who I remember vividly from a childhood spent glued to the TV every time he raced, donning his famous Great Britain blue cycling shorts. He recommended I try the Jerk Chicken at the 'Plantation Bar' which I did - it was delicious. Watch this space for regular updates from Jamaica House over the next few days... I wonder who will turn up next?