These words were quoted by Chet Greene, the representative of the National Olympic Committee, as he summarised the mindset of local sporting fans about their hero Daniel ‘Bakka’ Bailey. In an afternoon of celebrations that carried into the evening, Antigua welcomed home the fourth fastest man in the world.

Daniel was given a heroe's welcome upon arrival at the V.C. Bird International Airport. The 22-year-old track star was escorted via motorcade through the roads of Antigua, ending at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds (SVRCG), the site of the official celebration. His fourth-place finishing time of 9.93 seconds in the 100 metre-race at the IAAF World Championship last month is a national record. Antigua is now tied second with Trinidad as the fastest country in the Caribbean, and third in the world, the first being Jamaica. To many Antiguans, the shock and disbelief that one of our very own has made it this far has yet to wear off.

Family, friends and supporters listened to speeches applauding Baileys worthy contribution. The Prime Minister proudly boasted of Bakka’s exploits, while pledging that his government would continue and even increase funding for sport development in the country. And, in an announcement that drew gasps from the crowd, Mr. Spencer bestowed on Bakka one-half acre of land, as a thank you for putting Antigua on the map in such a positive light.

Bakka’s two main sponsors Global Bank of Commerce (GBC) and Supreme Security pledged a combined $10,000 support to support his continued development. GBC’s representative, Jiliene James, promised the bank would keep Daniel on- track remarking, “With fame comes greater responsibility.” Lenroy Browne, managing director of Supreme Security and chairperson of the athlete’s homecoming committee, made known that his financial contribution to Bailey was one of sacrifice. He vowed to keep the sprinter at the international level and also encouraged other private businesses to support the rising star as well as other sporting youths as they too walk the path of success. Additionally, the Honourable Chester Hughes appeared onstage and announced his pledge of $5,000 toward Daniel’s future stating, “I was there when he was nothing, and I had nothing. Now that he is something and I have a bit more, I will certainly give.”

Former Olympian, Heather Samuel, presented Bailey with a plaque donated by King’s Glass. In a humble gesture, Daniel presented to the Antigua and Barbuda Museum curator Miss Henry, the jersey that he wore when he ran the historical race. Henry welcomed the gift, turned to the crowd and held up the jersey as she said, “This is now a part of our history.”

The man of the hour said very few words, seemingly very overwhelmed by the festivities. He smiled and thanked everyone for their support and promised that he would soon bring home a medal. Claudette ‘CP’ Peters performed for the crowd, followed by Antiguan national now residing in the British Virgin Islands, Drastic. The artist performed the ‘Bakka’ song and premiered the ‘Bakka dance’ to the approval of the crowd.

Daniel Bailey’s homecoming was fit for a king, and was rightfully deserved by the young athlete. We all look forward to the coming years, when he will hopefully stand on the podium to receive his medal. The whole of Antigua and Barbuda eagerly watches as he takes the world by storm; faster, higher, stronger.

Enjoy a photo gallery of the evening's events. Click here.

Follow Daniel ‘Bakka’ Bailey’s running career on this facebook page.