Terrence Jones shares the Bahamian national record of 9.91 with Derrick Atkins.
At just 20 years old, Bahamian sprinter Terrence Jones finds himself on a meteoric rise in the world of track and field. Jones, a self-proclaimed "goofy middle child," has left his mark on the track with his astonishing speed, leading him to aspire to be like his idol, Usain Bolt. As he gears up to represent his country at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest from August 19-27, Jones reflects on his journey and dreams of Olympic glory.
Hailing from the Bahamas, Jones admits that he is still coming to terms with the incredible path his speed has charted for him. "I don't think me from five years ago would even believe that I'm a real person," he mused in a recent interview with Olympics.com. "If you go back to 10th grade me, I don't think he would have had enough confidence to say that I would reach this level."
Earlier this year, Jones achieved a remarkable feat by tying the Bahamas national record for the men's 100m, clocking an impressive 9.91 seconds. This time matched the record set by Derrick Atkins, who secured silver at the 2007 World Athletics Championships. Jones' achievements also include an indoor national and NCAA record in the 60m, where he clocked a lightning-fast 6.45 seconds.
From humble beginnings, Jones' journey took an incredible turn when Texas Tech sprint coach Zach Glavash identified his potential during a meet in the Bahamas. Jones recalled Glavash's unwavering belief in him, even during moments of self-doubt. This support ignited a fire within Jones, propelling him to dedicate himself to his training and aspirations.
For the past three seasons, Jones has been a proud member of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, competing in Lubbock, Texas. His determination and hard work paid off when he clinched the bronze medal in the men's 200m at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in June, achieving a personal best time of 19.87 seconds.
Despite his remarkable times, Jones maintains a focus on executing his races effectively rather than fixating on numbers. He believes that consistent execution will naturally yield impressive times. "How my coach explains it to me is, 'All you have to do is execute, and the time will come after,'" he emphasized.
As he looks ahead, Jones draws inspiration from the legendary Usain Bolt, who won his first Olympic championship at the age of 21. With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, Jones aims to follow in Bolt's footsteps. "I hope I see a little bit of correlation," he says with a smile. As he aspires to make his mark on the international stage, Jones remains focused on his journey, excited to see where his remarkable speed will take him next.
Grenadian Olympians Kirani James, Lindon Victor set to compete on different continents this weekend
As they continue sharpen their skills ahead this summer’s Olympics Games in Paris, France, Grenadian Olympians Kirani James and Lindon Victor are set to compete at separate meets on different continents this weekend.
James, the 2012 Olympic champion and three-time medalist, has been confirmed for the LA Grand Prix on Saturday, May 18, at the Drake Stadium in Los Angeles, California. This will be his second race of the season having opened at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix on April 28.
Meanwhile, Victor, a decathlete, will take part in the Hypo Meeting at the Mosle Stadium in Gotzis, Austria, from Saturday, May 18 to Sunday, May 19.
The Hypo Meeting is a World-Athletics organized combined events gold level meet that features the world’s top heptathletes and decathletes in two days of grueling competition.
Victor, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and the holder of several national records for Grenada has his sights set on the 2024 Paris Olympics where he will make his third Olympic appearance for the Spice Island.
Following competition in Austria, Victor will fly home to Grenada where he will contest the long jump and the 100m at the Grenada Invitational on June 6.
Olympic hopeful Tamarri Lindo faces deportation to Jamaica amidst Olympic dreams
Tamarri Lindo, a standout track athlete from York University in Canada, finds himself grappling with the looming threat of deportation just as his Olympic aspirations reach a critical juncture. Despite his impressive athletic achievements, including a recent bronze medal in the 60-metre hurdles for York University at the national collegiate championships, Lindo's dreams of representing Canada at the upcoming Olympics are in peril.
Tamarri's journey to Canada began in 2019 when he and his family fled Jamaica due to alleged threats and violence linked to his father George Lindo's political activism against gang influence in support of the opposition party. Tamarri, who has excelled both academically and athletically, earned a Ca.$2,500 scholarship after catching the eye of scouts while in high school.
"My goal was to make the 2024 Paris Olympics. But now, it feels like everything is being taken away," Lindo lamented in an emotional interview with CTV National News. "I feel like I could have a mental health breakdown. My heart is sinking."
Despite providing evidence of threats and violence faced in Jamaica, the Lindo family's asylum claims have been denied multiple times by Canadian immigration officials. The most recent pre-removal risk assessment, conducted in March 2023, upheld previous decisions, prompting the Canada Border Services Agency to issue a deportation order scheduled for next week.
Immigration lawyer Aidan Simardone, advocating for the Lindo family, has filed for a judicial review as their final recourse to remain in Canada. He condemned the decision, highlighting the potential danger awaiting the Lindos if forced to return to Jamaica.
"The fact that they are doing this is unconscionable," Simardone asserted. "It goes against our Canadian values of providing people their fair opportunities and protection to those in danger in other countries."
For Tamarri, who hoped his athletic achievements would bolster his family's case for residency, the uncertainty looms heavily. As he faces the imminent threat of deportation, he remains hopeful for a successful appeal while continuing to train and pursue his athletic goals amidst the uncertainty that surrounds his family's future in Canada.
As the legal battle unfolds, supporters have rallied behind the Lindo family, advocating for a reconsideration of their case and hoping for a resolution that allows them to remain in Canada and for Tamarri to pursue his Olympic dreams.
Elaine Thompson-Herah, Kirani James, and Anderson Peters headline star-studded field at 2024 Grenada Invitational, June 6
The stage is set for a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess as the 2024 Grenada Invitational gears up to welcome a star-studded lineup of track and field talents. Hometown heroes Kirani James and Anderson Peters, alongside the incomparable Elaine Thompson-Herah, lead the pack of 100 athletes confirmed to compete at the prestigious event, slated to take place on Thursday, June 6, at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada.
The excitement surrounding the meet was palpable as it was officially launched on Thursday at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort in St. George's. The presence of Olympic champions and world-class athletes promises an electrifying atmosphere for spectators and competitors alike.
Joining the illustrious lineup are Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles champion Rasheed Broadbell, set to make his season debut, and Olympic bronze medalist Megan Tapper. Their participation adds further depth and excitement to an already stacked field of competitors that will also include Grenada’s Olympic hopefuls quarter-miler Melenie Rodney, sprinter Halle Hazzard as well as decathletes Linden Victor and Kurt Felix. Both decathletes will participate in the long jump and 100m events.
The meet will also herald the celebration of a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary of Grenada's first participation in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984. To honor this occasion, all 51 athletes who have represented the country at the Olympics over the past four decades will be celebrated and honored at a special ceremony scheduled for 6:00 pm on the day of the event.
The festivities are set to kick off at 4:30 pm with national segments featuring local athletes across various age categories, from U13 to U20. This segment serves as a platform to showcase the budding talent within Grenada's track and field community and underscores the nation's commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletic stars.
As the sun sets and the international segment commences at 7:00 pm, spectators can expect nothing short of top-tier performances from some of the world's most elite athletes. From sprints to hurdles, jumps to throws, the Grenada Invitational promises a spectacle of athletic excellence that will captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on the global track and field stage.
The meet organizers say the full cast of athletes competing at the meet will be revealed over the next two weeks.
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