Deutche Welle interview of Jamaican track athlete at Gay Games VIII

Deutsche Welle looked at the experience of a Jamaican athlete at Gay Games VIII:

Deutsche Welle spoke to a Gay Games track athlete from Jamaica, one of the most homophobic places on earth. He said despite criticism that the Gay Games segregate gay and lesbian athletes, the event is still important.

As the shot rang out in the stadium, three men took off in the first heat of the 200 meter qualifiers, age group 45 to 49, at the eighth quadrennial Gay Games in Cologne. Seconds after the start, James had already taken the lead and he eventually crossed the finish line well ahead of his opponents.

"He is our personal Usain Bolt in Cologne, 29.05 seconds," shouted the announcer to a cheering audience.

James, whose name has been changed to protect his anonymity, is from Jamaica, the sprinting capital of the world. He later told Deutsche Welle it was his fastest 200-meter time ever.

Athletes line up on track at Gay GamesTrack is a popular event at the games

James started doing track and field about 10 years ago when his cholesterol and blood pressure were causing health problems. Now well into his 40s, he said he likes the challenges track presents.

"You're always testing yourself, you're always trying to do better or trying to maintain the level that you're at," he said. "So it's a good way to measure your progress and your fitness and how well you're aging."

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