The Netherlands Antilles' sprinter Churandir Martina can now be regarded as the fastest man in the Americas, after winning a gold medal in the 100m final at the Pan American Games on Tuesday.

It was the first gold won by Netherlands Antilles in this Games, and the fourth in the history of the event.

"It means a lot to the Netherlands Antilles. I am very proud. I am getting a lot of calls. People are getting wild there," said the runner, when asked about the thrill his victory may have caused back in Netherlands Antilles.

Martina, 23, was born in the island of Curacao, and currently studies and trains in the city of El Paso, United States.

In the press conference following the awarding ceremony, he revealed that he has already made the time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

According to his plans, the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous territory of the Netherlands, located southeast of the Virgin Islands, will continue to score high in international athletics competitions.

"My goal is to make the final and then, anything can happen," said the runner.

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