DESPITE his exhausting schedule since returning from London, Olympic hero Keshorn Walcott had no problem spending most of his time meeting fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

He described his sudden stardom as "okay".

A man of few words, Walcott told members of the media yesterday he was "trying to cope with everything," and admitted to being "a bit tired."

When asked if being around eager fans was too much for him he replied, "I don't mind. It is for the people so I am going to do it."

However, Walcott said he would not be signing any national flags or money.

Yesterday, Walcott was honoured in the city of San Fernando with San Fernando Mayor Navi Muradali presenting the key to the city to him.

He also received a plaque and a painting. Walcott was accompanied by other Olympians past and present. All received tokens from the San Fernando City Corporation.

Hundreds of persons young and old waited for more than four hours at Harris Promenade just to get a glimpse of the 19-year-old.

He was supposed to arrive at San Fernando City Hall at 10 a.m. but did not reach until shortly before noon.

Supporters did not mind the wait. Many said "it was worth it."

Felina Joseph, 63, of Tacarigua, said, "I feel really proud. It has been a while since we got a gold medal and he came and made the country proud. He worked hard for everything he got."

Cynthia Wilson Lang, a retired nurse, said she came to San Fernando to pay a bill but instead found herself waiting to see Walcott.

Even after hours passed and still no Walcott arrived, she said," I want to go and pay my bill but I just don't want to miss anything."

Ten-year-old Tafari Springer said, "I feel proud because he brought home our second gold medal."

Upon his arrival there were screams and cheers and chanting of "Keshorn! Keshorn!" People stretched out their hands to touch Walcott and to catch bandanas and pins being given out.

At a brief formal ceremony that was held on the balcony of City Hall, Muradali invited Walcott and the other Olympians for the opening night of the city's Independence Cultural Village to be held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) South Campus car park.

The cultural village opens this Friday and ends on Sunday. Walcott's manager, Sean Roach, said there was a possibility Walcott may be able to attend the last night.

Walcott's brief message to the crowd:" Thanks for all the support. Thanks some of you all for leaving your jobs and coming out in the hot sun to support me. I am proud to represent my country, I am grateful for all the support and thank you."

After the ceremony, there was a 30-minute cultural show that was held on Harris Promenade.

Walcott also received a javelin made out of teak wood from cultural activist Junior Bisnath.

Walcott, after the celebrations at San Fernando, said, "The area is great the people is nice staying in the hot sun so I am thankful it was a long trip but it was worth it in the end."

After leaving San Fernando, he headed to Couva and Chaguanas to greet more fans.

Today, Walcott will be visiting Princes Town and Mayaro