Merlene Ottey High can do better - Olympian’s mom wants school named in her honour to rise to the occasion

Despite being critical of the school named in her daughter's honour, Joan Bowen-Ottey, mother of Olympian Merlene Ottey, is, however, proud of the recent achievements of one student, sprint sensation Ackeem Blake.

Just over a week ago, Blake won a bronze medal in the NACAC Under-18 Track and field Championships in Queretaro, Mexico, equalling his personal best of 10.41 seconds.

Last month, he announced himself to Jamaica when he sped to his personal best to be crowned national Under-18 100m champion at the National Stadium.

Bowen-Ottey, who has only met current principal Joan Jackson-Cope once, is hoping she can lead the school in an upward trend to a point where it will be recognised for admirable reasons.

"What Ackeem has achieved is good for the school and good for Ackeem because at least it can be said that he came from Merlene Ottey High School," Bowen-Ottey said. "These children in the area, I wouldn't say they are really bad children, but you have the outside influence. I didn't like what was going on out there and I still don't like it. However, I'm not saying Mrs Cope isn't trying her best. I think she is. I just hope things will continue to get better for the school."

When asked about what her daughter thinks about the school, Bowen-Ottey told WESTERN STAR that she doesn't think Merlene really talks about the institution.

She also said she didn't know if the Olympian knows of Blake's exploits on the track as yet.

"I don't think she (Merlene) talk much about it (school)," Bowen-Ottey said. "I don't know if she hear as yet, so I'll talk to her about it (Blake's achievement) and see what she has to say. But I know she would be proud of the young man who is doing so well for himself, the school, and western Jamaica."