Alexis James (left) beams after signing her sponsorship agreement that was witnessed by Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange (second left). Dr Thalia Lyn, founder of Island Grill and Chairperson of the NCB Foundation and Tanya Waldron-Gooden, CEO of Island Grill signees to the agreement share in the occasion.
Edward Massias
In a heartwarming ceremony held at the MICO University College campus on Marescaux Road in Kingston, Island Grill, the renowned chain of fast-food restaurants, awarded Carifta 100m hurdles champion Alexis James a four-year scholarship. James, a former student of Petersfield High School in Westmoreland, is pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree in Physical Education and Sports.
The MICO University College freshman will also be Island Grill’s first ambassador.
James, who has turned professional and will train with the Racers Track Club, has made her mark as a rising star in Jamaican athletics, notably as the 100m hurdles champion at the 2023 Carifta Games and as a silver medalist in the 100m. Her impressive journey also includes winning a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2022 World U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.
During Wednesday’s ceremony, Dr. Thalia Lyn, the founder of Island Grill and Chairperson of the NCB Foundation, expressed her pride and excitement over sponsoring James’ academic journey. She highlighted the significance of the occasion, not only in empowering a remarkable young athlete but also in reinforcing Island Grill's commitment to nurturing future leaders who will contribute significantly to Jamaica's betterment.
Dr. Lyn commended James not only for her athletic prowess but also for her dedication to academic excellence. "My Island Grill family is honored to gather here with you today along with my NCB Foundation colleagues because our hearts are bursting with pride and excitement, we're bookmarking this occasion that not only empowers a remarkable young athlete we had the pleasure of launching with at Island Grill today."
She continued, "It reinforces Island Grill's commitment to nurturing future leaders who will contribute significantly to the betterment of our nation. Jamaica has always stood tall in the world of athletics. Our island is known for producing legends and Alexis, you are swiftly joining those ranks. She continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of competitive sprinting, plus a demonstrated demonstration of heart, spirit, and determination. Yet it is not just your athletic prowess that impresses us, Alexis. Your desire to pursue academic excellence at MICO is equally inspiring, and we celebrate your balanced pursuit of excellence."
As a demonstration of their commitment, Island Grill announced the inaugural Island Grill Athletic Scholarship, valued at J$500,000 annually. This scholarship will cover tuition and board, and discussions will be held regarding nutrition support.
Dr. Lyn assured James, "And we will provide this annually until you graduate with an understanding that you maintain that lovely B average that we're proud of. Okay, and we'll help you. Don't worry, we're not just going to give you the money and, you know, leave you alone."
Dr. Lyn highlighted the importance of sending a message to young Jamaican athletes that they can excel both on the track and in the classroom. James’ scholarship embodies this message and encourages other aspiring athletes to believe in their ability to achieve greatness not only as athletes but also as scholars.
Nicole Robinson, Vice President Marketing Communication at National Commercial Bank (NCB), also played a pivotal role in supporting Alexis James's journey. Robinson revealed that Dr. Lyn approached her, requesting sponsorship support for James, which Robinson wholeheartedly embraced.
Robinson gifted James a brand new laptop and emphasized the natural synergy between NCB Foundation and James’ promising future.
She emphasized the importance of financial literacy in athletes' lives, ensuring that they have a solid financial plan for life after athletics. Robinson added, "She told me about Alexis's promise, right. She believed in her. There is a spark that I, I think all of us saw here today. It was a natural synergy for us because we're really, really focused this year on driving financial literacy. And that was really the angle that we spoke about because a lot of athletes, you know, it's, it's sad to say, they make all of this money during their career and then there's no focus on the life after athletics. So we had a conversation about her potential.”
Robinson expressed confidence in James’ immense potential and thinks she can be an advocate for NCB campaign to improve financial literacy among emerging athletes.
"I think all of us saw it today. She's passionate and she has places to go. I don't think anybody has a doubt in their mind that her name is not going to be right there beside Shelly's (Fraser-Pryce), beside Elaine (Thompson-Herah and beside Shericka's (Jackson),” Robinson remarked.
"So we're really excited to support her journey. We want to add the financial literacy or integrate the financial literacy component because we think that it's important. We want to have those types of conversations, not just with Alexis, but with young upcoming athletes. We're very involved in programs like MVP Grassroots Programme. That's a sponsorship that we have maintained over the years where we do some level of financial literacy and that's going to be a major focus for us this year.
"Through this partnership, she can become somewhat of a financial literacy advocate. So we want to pour into her. We know that she has a far way to go, and we want to be part of her journey from the very beginning."
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Jaydon Hibbert delighted with strong showing at USATF Bermuda Grand Prix
Jamaica's triple jump sensation, Jaydon Hibbert, delivered a stellar performance at Sunday's USATF Bermuda Grand Prix, securing victory in the men's triple jump event with a leap of 17.33m (+4.3m/s) on his first attempt. Hibbert's remarkable achievement came using an unconventional eight-step run-up, demonstrating his exceptional skill and readiness on the field.
The world U20 record-holder continued to impress with a jump of 17.01m (+3.4) in the third round, showcasing his consistency and form. Competing for the first time since the Budapest World Championships in 2023, Hibbert opted to forego the fourth and fifth rounds, having achieved his desired performance.
Hibbert topped the field ahead of Bermuda's Jah-Nhai Perinchief, who reached 17.13m, and fellow Jamaican Jordan Scott, who secured third place with a jump of 17.05m.
Reflecting on his strategy and performance, Hibbert expressed satisfaction with his approach, stating, "I wanted to ease back into the jumps, so I started with an eight-step run-up today to reinforce muscle memory. I've been aiming for this personal record, especially after my last eight-step jump indoors at 16.7m last year. Now, I'm excited and looking forward to the rest of the season."
Fans can anticipate seeing Hibbert in action next at the highly anticipated Jamaica Invitational on May 11 and the Racers Grand Prix on June 1, where he aims to continue his impressive form.
Pinnock opens outdoor season with wind-aided 8.44m at LSU Invitational; Nugent wins sprint hurdles
A pair of Jamaica’s representatives at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Wayne Pinnock and Ackera Nugent, were among a number of Caribbean winners at Saturday’s LSU Invitational in Baton Rouge.
Pinnock, who took long jump silver in Budapest, produced a wind-aided 8.44m (5.8 m/s) to claim victory in his first outdoor competition this season.
The 23-year-old Arkansas star, who won gold at both the SEC and NCAA Indoor Championships earlier this year, opened his competition with 8.15m in the first round before producing his winning distance in the second.
He had one more jump in the third round (8.25m) before passing on his final three attempts.
Florida State’s Curtis Williams was second with 7.99m while Florida’s Malcolm Clemons was third with 7.94m. Another Jamaican, Florida State’s Jordan Turner, produced 7.84m for fourth.
The women’s long jump was won by Bahamian Florida sophomore Anthaya Charlton with a best jump of 6.74m. Arkansas’s Nia Robinson was second with 6.70m while Georgia Tech’s Ameia Wilson was third with 6.56m.
In her fourth 100m hurdles race of the young season, Ackera Nugent, who was fifth in the final in Budapest, produced 12.57 to take victory ahead of Canada’s Mariam Abdul-Rashid (12.69) and LSU’s Leah Phillips (12.71).
Nugent’s season’s best, which currently stands at 12.52, was done in a fourth-place finish at the Tom Jones Invitational on April 13.
Arkansas also prevailed in the men’s high jump through another member of Jamaica’s team at last year’s World Championships, Romaine Beckford.
Beckford, the reigning NCAA indoor and outdoor and Jamaican national champion, had a best jump of 2.23m to win ahead of Georgia’s Riyon Rankin (2.20m) and his Arkansas teammate Kason O’Riley (2.20m).
Guyana’s Natricia Hooper produced 13.92m to win the women’s triple jump ahead of Mylana Hearn (13.78m) and LSU’s Morgan Smalls (13.17m).
Arkansas’s Apalos Edwards jumped 16.43m for second in the men’s equivalent won by Air Houston’s Chris Carter (16.70m). Florida State’s Kyvon Tatham jumped 16.00m for third.
The women’s 400m saw Vincentian 800m record holder Shafiqua Maloney and reigning Jamaican national champion and Arkansas star Nickisha Pryce run 51.29 and 51.35 for second and third, respectively, behind American Alexis Holmes who ran 50.80 to win.
Jamaica’s Lashanna Graham ran 58.16 for third in the women’s 400m hurdles behind American Anna Cockrell (54.74) and Georgia’s Dominique Mustin (56.52).
Florida’s Jevaughn Powell ran 20.28 to take second in the men’s 200m behind Arkansas’s Makanakaishe Charamba who won in 20.11. Arkansas’s Lance Lang ran 20.36 in third.
Powell also represented Jamaica in Budapest, running in the heats of the 4x400m relay.
Caribbean athletes shine at USATF Bermuda Grand Prix as Noah Lyles takes 100m dash
Caribbean athletes showcased their exceptional talents at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix on Sunday, delivering outstanding performances despite challenging conditions marked by heavy winds.
Perhaps, the most impressive of those performances came in the men’s triple jump where Jaydon Hibbert of Jamaica delivered a remarkable leap of 17.33m, claiming first place using an unconventional eight-step run.
Jah-Nhai Perinchief from Bermuda secured second place with a jump of 17.13m, and fellow Jamaican Jordan Scott took third place with a jump of 17.05m.
On the track, in the women's 400m, Stacey-Ann Williams of Jamaica surged to victory with a commanding time of 51.71 seconds, outpacing her competitors to claim first place. Behind her, Jessika Gbai from Ivory Coast secured second place in 53.00 seconds, followed closely by Paola Moran of Mexico in third with a time of 53.21 seconds.
The men's 400m event saw Kirani James of Grenada exhibit his prowess with a winning time of 46.00 seconds, leading the charge for Caribbean athletes. Behind him, Alonzo Russell from the Bahamas claimed second place with a time of 47.05 seconds, followed closely by Demish Gaye of Jamaica in third with 47.15 seconds.
Shian Salmon displayed sheer excellence in the 400m hurdles, triumphing with a swift time of 56.59 seconds. Cassandra Tate of the United States secured second place with a time of 57.04 seconds, while Aminat Jamal from Bahrain finished third in 57.94 seconds.
In the men's 200m dash, Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago blazed to victory in 20.39 seconds, showcasing his speed and skill on the track. He was closely followed by Matthew Boling of the USA in second place with a time of 20.42 seconds, while Udodie Onwuzrike from Nigeria secured third place with a time of 20.61 seconds.
In her first 200m run in a year, the USA's Abby Steiner blazed to victory in 22.71. Her countrywoman Kynnedy Flannel took second in 23.01. Ashanti Moore of Jamaica was third in 23.12.
While Caribbean athletes shone brightly, world champion Noah Lyles of the USA stood out in the men's 100m dash, overcoming challenging wind conditions to clock 9.96 seconds and secure first place. Aaron Brown of Canada was the runner-up in 10.09 followed closely by Pjai Austin of the USA who ran 10.10.
Tamari Davis of the USA also impressed in a dominant victory in the women’s 100m. The young American stormed to a time of 11.04. In her wake was compatriot Kortnei Johnson who ran 11.27 just ahead of Jamaica’s Alana Reid (11.29).
Amber Hughes of the USA comfortably win the 100m hurdles in 12.57 with Ebonie Morris of Liberia and Yanique Thompson of Jamaica finishing second and third, in 12.80 and 12.86, respectively.
Monae Nichols of the USA jumped an impressive 6.91m to win the long jump. Jamaica’s Chanice Porter took second place with her effort of 6.62m while Jasmine Moore finished third having jumped 6.60m.
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