Thousands of Jamaicans have packed the Caribbean island's national arena to honour the Caribbean island's Olympians and Paralympians.

Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt were again the star attractions at a cold and drizzly Diamond League meeting in Zurich.

Usain Bolt was upstaged by training partner Yohan Blake at the Athletissima Diamond League meeting in Lausanne last night.

Allyson Felix was able to put the disappointment of two consecutive silver medals in the women’s 200 meters to claim the gold medal she so desired last night.

Shrugging off economic hardships and high crime, people across Jamaica have proudly displayed the national colours of gold, black and green to mark the Caribbean island’s 50th anniversary of independence from Britain.

Former Ireland international long jumper Ciarán McDonagh will fly to Birmingham this morning to assist the Jamaican Olympic sprinters’ preparations for the London Games.