Volunteer who helped Parchment at Tokyo Olympics arrives in Jamaica

Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics volunteer who gained global attention for assisting 110m hurdles champion Hansle Parchment, is now in Jamaica.

The Olympics volunteer gave Parchment taxi fare to get to the track and field stadium to compete in the semi-finals, after he accidentally boarded the bus to the aquatic venue.

Stojkovic, who hails from Japan, arrived in the island on February 17 with her family and was greeted at the Princess Grand Hotel in Hanover with a warm reception.

Tourism regional director, Odette Dyer, said Jamaica will “never forget her selfless gesture towards our eventual gold medallist Hansle Parchment, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”

“Without her act of kindness, Hansle would have more than likely missed participating in the 110 metres hurdles final, missing out on his chance at glory,” Dyer said.

The invitation for Stojkovic to visit Jamaica was extended by the Ministry of Tourism nearly four years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the trip.

President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Robin Russell, noted that  Stojkovic’s selflessness exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie that the Olympics are meant to represent.

“This was one of the most heartwarming stories that came out of the 2020 Olympics. We have been wanting to say thank you since then, and…as we all know…we as Jamaicans, never forget to show our appreciation,” Russell said.

Chief strategist and senior adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, Senator Delano Seiveright, who was also on hand, called it “a day to celebrate,” while noting Jamaica’s shared history and friendship with Japan.

“This is also a reaffirmation of that great bond we share with the Japanese people…an unbreakable bond of friendship,” he said.

Parchment, who publicly thanked Stojkovic in a heartfelt three-minute video shortly after the Olympics, spoke about the significance of her gesture.

“Had it not been for her selflessness, I probably would not have run in the race. I saw this volunteer and I had to beg, because of course she is not allowed to do much, and she actually gave me some money to take one of the taxis. That’s how I was able to get to the warm-up area and venue in time,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett expressed admiration for Stojkovic’s actions, stating, “it is selfless what she did”.

“As we celebrate the bond forged through this act of kindness, the story of Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic will undoubtedly remain etched in the hearts of many, serving as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on another’s journey,” Bartlett said.

For her part, Stojkovic expressed her gratitude for the warm reception she and her family have received.

“I just want to thank everybody who is responsible for this beautiful reception. Everyone has been so kind…thank you all,” she stated.