Jamaica Olympic 100m hurdler Dionne Rose Henley is gravely ill after reportedly battling late-stage cancer.
Rose-Henley, who celebrated her 49th birthday last month, remains hospitalised in serious condition.
As part of a crop of trailblazing female hurdlers, which included the likes of Delloreen Ennis-London, Vonette Dixon and Gillian Russell, Rose Henley represented Jamaica at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona where she made the semi-finals, before reaching the final four years later in Atlanta. The hurdler placed fifth in that final.
Rose Henley, a two-time national champion then went on to represent the country at the 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2001 World Championships and twice claimed gold at the CAC Games. The athlete was part of a one-two finish ahead of Russell at the 1998 Games in Venezuela, before claiming the title again in El Salvador 2002.
After retiring from the sport, Rose Henley took up coaching at her alma mater Middle Tennessee State University for two seasons before moving to Tennessee State University. She then journeyed to Central Michigan where she spent seven years. Last summer Rose Henley was named Coastal Carolina assistant track and field coach, where she focused on the sprints, hurdles and relays.
*The post was updated and she is now dead*
She graduated a few years ahead of me in high school, our alma mater Vere Technical High School. Rest In Peace Dionne.
She graduated a few years ahead of me in high school, our alma mater Vere Technical High School. Rest In Peace Dionne.
I don’t know of her, but sad news just the same. I hope her family and friends find strength in these trying times.
I remember her. RIP lady.