Two-time Olympic women's 200m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown hugs her 11-year-old brother, Sean Bailey, after arriving at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston yesterday evening. - peta-gaye clachar

While there was not a traffic-blocking crowd at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston to welcome home the final batch of Jamaican athletes, the small group of family members who turned up was just as anxious to greet the stars last night.

When The Star arrived at the airport shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday, family members for Olympians Veronica Campbell-Brown, Kerron Stewart and Dwight Thomas were already standing outside, decked in the national colours. "I've been here since 4:30 p.m.," said Pamella Bailey, mother of two-time Olympic women's 200m champion, Veronica Campbell-Brown. "I haven't seen her since Beijing and I cant wait to hug her."

Similarly, Pearline Reid, mother of 100m sprinter Dwight Thomas, says it has been too long since she last saw her 'baby', and is dying for him to disembark

'Motherly hug'

The sentiments expressed by Kerron Stewart's mom, Winnifred Carnegie, were no different. She flew from Jacksonville, Florida, yesterday to see daughter, who medalled in both the women's sprints in Beijing. She too said she longed to give her offspring that "motherly hug".

After waiting for clearance at the security post for some time, the anticipated flight arrived and the anxious family members, media, security personnel and sports minister Olivia Grange all made their way to the jet walk.

It was all smiles as the golden soles of athletes Campbell-Brown and Stewart paced into the hall to flashing cameras and applause. Decathlete Maurice Smith and Thomas soon followed to a similar response.

Before the gathering could settle in the airport's VIP lounge, news came that another flight, this time having the likes of 400m hurdler Danny McFarlane and several others had arrived. Minister Grange, media and security personnel again scurried off to meet the stars. It was big smiles and warm hugs for them too.

Olympians Dwight Thomas, Kerron Stewart, Veronica Campbell and Maurice Smith smile after arriving at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.

Isa Phillips, Jamaican 400m hurdler, greets Howard Aris of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association after arriving at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.

Danny McFarlane, 400m hurdler, shares a moment with Howard Aris of Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association after arriving home yesterday. - peta-gaye clachar