Enthusiastic athletes, Jamaicans have also made significant achievements in boxing, cycling, weightlifting, track and field, and football (soccer). The women's netball and field hockey teams have consistently ranked among the world's top teams. Jamaica even managed to send a bobsled team to the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics; the team has performed increasingly well in the Olympics since then. In particular, Jamaican athletes have excelled at track and field. Sprinters Arthur Wint and Herb McKinley won three medals at the 1948 Olympics, the first year Jamaica entered the games. Since then, Jamaica's Olympic success in track has been added to by many other athletes, including Merlene Ottey and Don Quarrie.

Relaxation in Jamaica comes in many forms, from a day at the beach or a walk through the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Children enjoy watching television, playing electronic games and basketball. Adults like listening to sports broadcasts, music and watching television, and younger Jamaicans especially love dancing. A favourite game among men is dominoes, played with passion in rum bars and cafés. Jamaicans often visit public libraries and museums. Reading is a popular pastime, especially books by Jamaican and West Indian authors.

Did you know?

Jamaican Courtenay Walsh was captain of the West Indies cricket team and has played more matches (500 wickets) than any other bowler in the history of cricket.