On Saturday December 16, 2007, Kira James graduated from the University of Alabama and his mom was there to celebrate his achievement.
For almost 10 years, James has been the proud flag bearer for Grenada in the field of sports. At just 14, he ran the fastest 400m times for his age and won a series of gold medals at the CARIFTA Games and the Commonwealth Youth Games.
In 2007 he made the international stage with 400m silver medals at the 2007 World Youth and 2008 World Junior Championships. James became the first athlete to run a 200/400 double at the 2009 World Youth Championships and was the 2010 World Junior Champion. And then in 2011 he won the 400m at the World Championships, following up with a Gold medal in the 400m at 2012 London Olympics. That accomplishment gave Grenada its first Olympic medal in any sport.
In an interview just after he won the Olympics Gold medal in the 400m, James not only talked about his motivation to run and the pride this medal brought to his home country Grenada but also his potential life after the Olympics. Back then James was a part-time student at the University of Alabama.
Seven years ago Kirani James secured a full athletic scholarship to the University of Alabama. Offers were received from as many as 12 schools before the list was narrowed to University of South Carolina, Florida State and University of Alabama. At the University of Alabama he became a star performer, winning NCAA Outdoor Championship title in his first year of collegiate competition.
With his recent graduation from the University of Alabama, James has another achievement under his belt. This one will surely help this young man to prepare himself for the day when he retire from the sports.
In 2010 when Trans World Sport interviewed James, everyone knew that he was destined for greatness. Today, James turns a new chapter and Grenadians are proud of this young man.
