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Riettie, a 42-year-old native of Jamaica, won the national title on July 3, the final day of the Jamaican national Olympic trials.
Her winning javelin throw sailed 49.89 meters, beating the national record holder, Olivia McKoy, who threw for 47.29 meters. Riettie threw her javelin just 12 meters short of qualifying for the Jamaican Olympic Team, which requires a score of 62 meters even.
“Jamaica is legendary for their world class track and field athletes, and I am extremely proud to have one of Bridgeport’s own, Police Officer Kateema Riettie, competing at such and international stage and at such a high level,” said Mayor Joe Ganim. “It’s also terrific for our police department to have such a qualified fitness instructor, and shows the greatness that can come from the city of Bridgeport. I congratulate her on her National Championship win, and look forward to seeing her future achievements.”
Bridgeport Police Chief A.J. Perez echoed that feeling.
“It is a true honor to have such an incredible athlete and person in our department,” said Perez. “Kateema works hard in everything she does and has achieved greatness both as a police officer and on the world athletic stage. She is a true example to her fellow officers, but also to our recruits and to young men and women growing up here in Bridgeport that you can really accomplish anything if you devote yourself to your craft and put in your best effort. She always gives 100 percent and is an inspiration to the Bridgeport Police Department.”
Kateema Riettie moved to Bridgeport in 1989. She attended Central High School, graduating in 1992, and later went to Southern Connecticut State University, graduating in 2003. There, she won two NCAA Track and Field Championships in 2001 and 2002, and placed second in 2003.
In 2007, Riettie moved to Stratford and started working for the Bridgeport Police Department as a fitness instructor at the Police Academy. She has also worked at Fast Fitness in Westport as a personal trainer and the Edge Fitness Club in Derby, teaching fitness classes. She competes for Central Park Track Club New Balance.
Riettie has an extensive history in track and field. She was the Jamaica Olympic Trials Javelin Champion in 2012. She also holds the title as the Jamaican National Javelin Champion in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2016. She held the USA National Club Champion and Meet Record holder from 2012 to 2015.
She was 2010’s Central American and Caribbean Games Champion. She is a two-time NCAA Champion for Southern Connecticut State University. Her personal best in javelin is 57.20 meters.
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