SHAYNE FAIRMAN, STAR Writer

Natalie Neita-Headley, minister with responsibility for sport, has described joint-world 100m breast stroke record holder, Alia Atkinson, as a role model for women, a sterling example for sport professionals and a true inspiration for Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Neita-Headley was speaking at Grace Kennedy Money Services' welcome-home reception for the famed swimmer. The tribute was held at the Norman Manley International Airport last Friday.

The minister also credited Atkinson for eclipsing a 40-year international landmark and for putting to rest myths about people of African descent in the sport.

"You (Alia Atkinson) have inspired our young people to achieve greatness, not only in swimming, but in every sphere of life," she outlined.

"Your great humility, determination and fight are the hallmarks of a descendant of Nanny, our national heroine," the sport minister assessed.

Neita-Headley added that while Jamaica's swimming fraternity is proud of Atkinson, the sport sector, young people, children, and Jamaicans abroad will benefit from her stellar contribution to Brand Jamaica.

The 27-year-old Atkinson won gold and equalled the world record in the FINA Short CourseWorld

Championships 100m breaststroke event in Doha, Qatar, late last year.

This achievement she is happy for, after decades of commitment and enterprising work in the sport she loves.

With those dizzying heights reached, real doors of possibilities have been open for Jamaica in another sport.

"The Jamaican people, my sponsors that actually believe in me, it is humbling, and drives me to continue," she said at Friday's event.

"The world record is just the beginning," she noted, while noting that her best is yet to come, as she will be going after the world record by 2016.