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Grenada declares holiday for 1st Olympic medal

Last updated on: August 07, 2012 10:14 IST

The island of Grenada has erupted in celebration over the small Caribbean nation's first-ever Olympic medal.

People danced, cheered and waved flags in the streets Monday after Kirani James won the gold medal in the 400-meter run with a time of 43.94 seconds. Hundreds had gathered at outdoor viewing sites to watch the race.

Krani JamesThe 19-year-old is the first non-US runner to break the 44-second barrier in the race. His time is the fastest ever by a Caribbean athlete in the 400-meter.

The government of Grenada has declared Tuesday afternoon a holiday to mark the feat. Prime Minister Tillman Thomas calls James' victory an inspiration to the country.

Photograph: AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza

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