ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

Grenada's first Olympic medallist Kirani James was given a hero's welcome when he arrived home yesterday evening for a weekend of celebrations following his historic feat in London earlier this month.

Hundreds of jubilant fans flocked the Maurice Bishop International Airport to welcome James who demolished a field of seven other competitors on August 6 to win gold in the 400 metres.

James arrived on a chartered flight from Barbados around 7 p.m. Eastern Caribbean time to be given a red carpet welcome.

"This gold medal didn't just drop from the sky. The torch he has lit is a light that we all can see and we all must use ourselves to show others how they can get there," said Governor General Sir Carlisle Glean, who also hails from James west coast fishing town of Gouyave.

"As a proud Gouyave man, we congratulate Kirani for showing us that out of humbling beginnings great things can happen."

He was greeted by a delegation which included the Governor General, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, Sports Minister Patrick Simmons and his parents.

"It's good to see the faces of everyone here and the pride being displayed" said the 19-year-old who turns 20 on Saturday.

"It's really humbling seeing everybody here and I am really looking forward to a weekend of celebration and you know I really want it to be a weekend of celebration and nothing else."