From left: JOA President Christopher Samuda, Archery Coach Angelo Baker, Volleyball Coach O'Neil Ebanks, Archer Emma Russ, Judo Coach and Athlete Steven Moore, Volleyball Player Chevonna Lewis, Motorsports Racing Driver Fraser McConnell and JOA First Vice President Jacqueline Cowan
It is common knowledge that the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) is fulfilling one its primary mandates of expanding and deepening Jamaica’s vault in competitive sport while enriching what some describe as “smaller sports” a term which does not exist in the developmental vocabulary of Jamaica’s apex body in sport.
Jerone Ennis, the 2022 American Light Heavyweight Boxing Confederation/Caribbean gold medalist and Commonwealth Youth Welterweight Bronze medalist is on board: “I am a proud representative of the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control and my goal is to represent Jamaica at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and thanks to the JOA which made it possible for me to represent Jamaica at the international level and for developing the ‘smaller’ sporting syndicates.”
Olympian Ricardo Brown, the 2019 Pan American bronze medalist in the men’s super heavyweight (91+kg) class who in 2021 turned professional, puts it in the context of transitioning to the big stage which all athletes envision. “Attending the Tokyo Olympic Games is a memory and an experience for a lifetime and the JOA was supportive in starting me in the right direction which has expanded more opportunities for me in my professional career.”
While Brown articulates the dream of athletes, JOA Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Foster, gives the perspective of his colleague Directors. “For the JOA family two is not better than too many; and while success in sport development is understandably qualitative, there is a numerical component that materially defines progress and validates the principle “sport for all, all for sport” which is our theme for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”
Foster’s comment strikes a chord with Weightlifting Federation President, Dr. Mark Broomfield whose sport has been creating history. “There is a parallel between educational professions and sporting disciplines. For years many thought that to have a meaningful career one had to be either a Lawyer or a Doctor, no other profession was respected or encouraged until reality proved otherwise. The same is true for sport in the Jamaican landscape. Many only saw football, cricket, track and field and netball, the female sport, as the only sport worth developing and promoting but “out of many one people” is a platform that promotes diversity and the belief that Jamaicans can represent their country in other sporting disciplines outside of the chosen three or four. Pioneers are known for their ability to pave new path ways and it’s time for new pioneers in sports.”
Fencing Federation President, James McBean, is also on the same page regarding the JOA’s “no sport being left behind” policy as he says “this really speaks to the effort that the JOA is making in terms of encouraging, honing and in many ways revolutionizing the sporting landscape of Jamaica and what’s also quite poignant is the way in which JOA seems to be going about this is very much in line with the spirit of the IOC in that all these new so called ‘smaller sports’ or new ‘family members’ to the sporting family are treated equally, given a voice, and being encouraged. Nurturing the so-called ‘smaller sports’ is so important because this is a wise investment in Jamaica’s sport and a brilliant use of resources and time.”
Many Olympic sports are now coming into their own and international representation across the board continues to be a driving force of the JOA. “Any governing body in sport or otherwise knows that the playing field must be level at all times for governance of members’ aspirations cannot be for some a valley and others a mountain-top experience. Enshrined in the Olympic Charter is the equal right of all to self-actualisation and to transition to the Olympic stage” JOA President, Christopher Samuda, said.
Olympian and the 2022 Commonwealth Games sliver medalist in the Women 70kg weight category, Ebony knows the immense potential of her sport. "I want to get to another Olympics and, with that, help Jamaica to improve the awareness of judo as a sport and get more persons to participate. Judo has given so much to my life and I want other people to experience the same - especially the youth. Ultimately, the Jamaica Judo Association is really helping to build the interest in the country as we have a great potential for international success at every age group."
2023 will witness two major games – the El Salvador Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and the Santiago Pan American Games - the predecessors of which in 2019 were historic for the JOA in terms of the most sports represented, the most medal haul and the largest contingent. “Our goal is clearly to surpass those milestones and our commitment to those sports who they call minor, is not only major but is mature” Samuda emphasised.
At the heart of sport development and success in sport and central to KPIs of any growth strategy is an understanding that is akin to the thought process that goes into any viable investment and revenue strategy: “Diversify, pluralise, economise and then monetise and don’t allow your eggs to be placed in one basket. The same applies to sport” Foster said.
In the last decade there has been, noticeably, an emergence of new Olympic sports with well-defined technical cohorts, fan bases and financial backers who are taking some icing and slices from the sporting cake which must necessarily and creatively be enlarged and enriched to accommodate new tastes and a widening diet of diverse ambitions.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce parts ways with Coach Walcott, to battle on in 2025 with new team
Five-time 100m world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is set to continue her illustrious track career for yet another season, despite facing significant injury challenges throughout 2024.
However, the sprinting legend will reportedly do so under new guidance. Sportsmax.TV understands that Fraser-Pryce will be leaving Reynaldo Walcott, the coach she helped establish at Elite Performance Track Club.
Fraser-Pryce, who has been hampered by a persistent knee injury over the past few seasons, made the decision to move on after a reportedly frosty relationship developed between her and Walcott during the 2024 season. Calls and a Whatsapp message to Coach Walcott went unanswered.
Though her next coaching destination remains unclear, Sportsmax understands that the two-time Olympic 100m gold medalist has moved to put together a team to guide her through the upcoming season.
The name of Andre Wellington has surfaced as the person who will be among Fraser-Pryce’s new coaching outfit. Wellington has coached World U20 100m silver medalist Bouwahghie Nkrumie at Kingston College (KC). He was a member of the Racers Track Club between 2011 and 2012.
Fraser-Pryce had been a founding member of Elite Performance Track Club, partnering with Walcott in early 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, The 37-year-old sprint queen achieved remarkable success, notably lowering her personal best from 10.70 to 10.60 seconds. In 2022, she became the first woman to run sub-10.7 seconds on seven occasions in a single season and secured her fifth 100m world title in Eugene, Oregon.
However, since that stellar 2022 season, injuries have taken their toll on the Jamaican icon. In 2023, at the World Championships in Budapest, Fraser-Pryce finished third in the 100m, a notable drop from her dominant form the previous year. Her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was further curtailed, as she withdrew from the semi-finals for reasons that remain undisclosed.
Fraser-Pryce’s decision to continue competing, despite these setbacks, underscores her determination to finish her career on her own terms.
As the first Jamaican woman to win an Olympic 100m title in Beijing 2008, she has remained a dominant force in global athletics for over a decade. Now, with a fresh team in her corner, the sprinting icon is focused on overcoming the injuries that have plagued her and making yet another remarkable run in 2025.
The news, if confirmed, followed a recent development this wherein Olympic 110m bronze medalist Rasheed Broadbell has also left Elite Performance for the MVP Track Club.
Yohan Blake set to take ownership of Butcher's Barrel restaurant in Fort Lauderdale
Yohan Blake, the 2011 World 100m champion and the second-fastest man in history over both the 100m and 200m, is gearing up for his latest business venture—this time in the United States. The Jamaican sprinting icon is set to take ownership of a Butcher’s Barrel franchise in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, expanding his entrepreneurial footprint beyond the track.
The highly rated Butcher’s Barrel is known for sourcing the finest USDA Choice, Prime, and wagyu beef. The restaurant’s dinner menu boasts a variety of premium dishes, including the Delmonico ribeye, foie gras burger, Colorado bison burger, and Nebraska wagyu burger, making it a go-to destination for steak lovers.
Blake, who in October 2023 launched the Revierie Purified Water brand in Kingston, has been venturing into various business opportunities as he plans for life after athletics. The Butcher’s Barrel marks his first major restaurant venture in the United States.
“If you’re in Florida, come have dinner with me on October 8th, reserve your table early or just come by,” Blake posted on Instagram on Sunday. The post accompanied a brief video where Blake personally invited patrons to the restaurant, saying, "You’re officially invited to my restaurant launch on October 8th in Fort Lauderdale. Come on down."
As he transitions from his illustrious career on the track to life as a businessman, Blake's latest venture signals his growing focus on expanding his brand and interests beyond sport. Fans and food lovers alike are now eagerly anticipating the launch of the Butcher’s Barrel in Fort Lauderdale, where Blake will bring his signature energy to the world of fine dining.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred gifted EC$1 million, highway to be renamed, monument to be erected in her honour
In a historic celebration of her unprecedented achievements, St. Lucia’s Olympic gold medalist Julien Alfred was honoured with a series of prestigious awards and accolades on Friday, September 27, officially designated as 'Julien Alfred Day.' The island nation’s government and its people came together to pay tribute to the 22-year-old sprint sensation, who has made history and brought immense pride to St. Lucia on the global stage.
The government, led by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, announced several significant honours for Alfred during a celebratory event on Friday night. Among the most notable was the announcement that the Millennium Highway would be renamed the Julien Alfred Highway. In addition, a monument will be constructed in her honour at the new Cul de Sac Roundabout, ensuring that her legacy will be a lasting part of St. Lucia’s infrastructure.
Alfred will also receive a government gift of EC$1 million, as well as a plot of land of her choice, measuring 10,720 square feet. Furthermore, the prime minister revealed plans for a Julien Alfred commemorative stamp and a commemorative exercise book featuring photos of the Olympic champion, cementing her place in the nation’s history.
These grand gestures came after a whirlwind year for Alfred, who became the first St. Lucian to win a medal at the Olympic Games. She captured gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further solidifying her status as a national hero. Earlier in the year, she won the 60m title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, and she recently capped her outstanding season by winning the 100m Diamond League title in Brussels.
The day of festivities began with Alfred receiving a special award from George Pagoulatos, the Greek Ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, added symbolic weight to the award, further emphasizing Alfred’s status among the world’s elite athletes.
Following this presentation, Alfred was honored by the St. Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) with a cash award of EC$75,000, a token of appreciation for her historic achievements and the pride she has brought to her country.
These latest honours follow a private dinner held Thursday night, hosted by the BodyHoliday Resort and First National Bank, where family and friends celebrated her remarkable success.
The day-long celebrations culminated in a special concert on Friday night, where fans, dignitaries, and fellow athletes gathered to celebrate Alfred’s achievements. The emotional occasion saw Alfred express heartfelt gratitude to the people of St. Lucia for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
The event also marked a defining moment in St. Lucia’s sporting history, as the island nation rallied around its Olympic hero, who was also named St Lucia's Tourism Ambassador
As Julien Alfred’s star continues to rise, 'Julien Alfred Day' will be remembered as a historic celebration of one of St. Lucia’s greatest sporting icons.
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