Anthony Foster, Star Writer

Olympic 100 metres champion Shelly-Ann Fraser (left) is greeted by scores of friends and well-wishers at the Norman Manley Airport, shortly after she arrived home yesterday evening. Olympic 400 metres finalist Markino Buckley (centre) also returned to Jamaica yesterday. - colin hamilton

Shelly-Ann Fraser, the first Jamaican woman to win gold in the 100 metres at the Olympics, returned home to a rousing welcome at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday evening after her plane landed just past 6 o'clock.

Known as the 'pocket rocket' the diminutive Fraser surprised many to win the 100m in a fast 10.78 seconds, the second-fastest time ever by a Jamaican woman. Her time is second only to Merlene Ottey's 10.74 national record.

Welcoming party

The welcome party for the island's newest sprint star was led by Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange. Officials also included Jamaica Olympic Association president Mike Fennell, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association president Howard Aris and Member of Parliament Anthony Hylton. Also arriving on the same flight with Fraser was Markino Buckley, a finalist in the men's 400 metres hurdles in Beijing.

Meeting the PM

After being greeted by relatives, friends and other well-wishers, the athletes were taken away in a BMW convertible, provided by Stewart Motors, to Vale Royal where they met with Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

The very vibrant Fraser, who gave a touching speech about her early days in the inner-city community of Waterhouse, was met outside the airport by a huge gathering from her community and from the University of Technology.

She told the function, which was held in the airport's VIP Lounge that hard work was what brought her success.

"I had to train hard, because no-one knew that I had the talent ... I was like, behind the scenes and no one was noticing me," she added.

"That made me even more determined to work harder to achieve what I wanted," added Fraser, who said she always wanted to take good care of her mother.

She also hailed the support of her family, but made special mention of Asafa Powell, her MVP teammate and former world 100 metres record holder.

"I am close to Asafa, very close to Asafa. He is one that has been pushing me a lot," said Fraser, who won the IAAF World Athletics Final 100m on Sunday in 10.94 seconds.

Buckley, who also spoke at the reception, said he was not at the top as yet but promised that he would be among the greatest "... one of these days".

Shelly-Ann Fraser (right), the Beijing Olympic 100 metres gold medallist, and 400 metres hurdles finalist Markino Buckley at a reception, held for them late yesterday evening at the Norman Manley Airport, shortly after they returned home. Fraser closed an impressive season with victory in the 100m at the IAAF World Athletics Final in Stuttgart, Germany, on Sunday. - Colin hamilton