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• Serrette defeats Comissiong to regain NAAATT presidency

  Track and field administrator Ephraim Serrette returned to the helm of the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAATT) on November 30 with a comprehensive win over incumbent George Comissiong at the Annual General Meeting, at Five Rivers Secondary School, Arouca.

  Serrette, who had served as the NAAA president from 2007-2021 before exiting to take up a role as advisor to Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, defeated Comissiong by a 56-21 margin.

  Paul Voisin and Dexter Voisin were elected unopposed as first vice-president and assistant secretary, respectively.

  Michelle Stoute defeated Jozette McLean 57-20 to win the role of second vice-president while former World 400-metre hurdles champion Jehue Gordon won the role of general secretary with a 57-20 victory over Eileen Blackman.

  The role of treasurer went to Davina Washington 56-18 over Marlene Roopchansingh Williams.

  The directors include Cuquie Melville, Michelle Pennie, Kelsey Toussaint Reid, Donelle Stafford, Sherwin Joseph, Enrico Camejo, Sheldon Mason, Kelvin Nancoo and Samuel Jason Roach.

  The NAAA executive will serve a four-year term.

• "‘Give me time, and I’ll do magic’: Coach John Smith’s bold vision for Briana Williams’ sprinting legacy

  Veteran sprint coach John Smith has expressed confidence that, with time, he can help Briana Williams evolve into one of Jamaica’s greatest female sprinters. Williams joined Smith’s camp in California in March, following two challenging years in Jamaica where she struggled to make significant progress in her sprinting career.

  Smith, who has worked with some of the sport’s biggest names, acknowledged that the journey to unlocking Williams’ full potential would take patience and perseverance. “I’m not a magician, but give me some time, and I do do magic,” Smith said, emphasizing the long-term nature of their partnership.

  Williams’ decision to join Smith’s group, which includes elite athletes such as Marie-Josée Ta Lou, was not taken lightly. Initially hesitant about the move from her Florida base to the West Coast, Williams ultimately decided to make the leap, citing Smith’s proven track record and the opportunity to learn from a new coaching philosophy. Smith himself believes that their collaboration has the potential to be transformative.

  “She has the basis to become one of the most formidable Jamaican sprinters of all time,” Smith said, highlighting her natural speed, work ethic, and openness to new techniques. However, he stressed the importance of a holistic approach to her development. “It’s about sharpening the tools—mind, body, and soul. The tools need to be kept sharp and in harmony, and from there, it’s in God’s hands.”

  

  The adjustment period has been challenging but productive, as the Olympic gold medalist works to embrace Smith’s philosophy of rhythm, patience, and fitness. Smith noted that adapting to a new system requires not just physical adjustments but also mental recalibration. “It’s not about unlearning what she’s done before but adding to it. You don’t throw the stew out; you add to the stew.”

  One of the key areas Smith is addressing is Williams’ mindset in the latter stages of races. Williams has previously expressed concerns about feeling pressure from competitors in the final 30 metres, a hurdle Smith is confident they can overcome. “Fear stops you from buying into the final analysis,” Smith explained. “We’re working on manifesting a perfect finish, so she can run free to win, rather than running for a time.”

  Smith has been encouraged by Williams’ progress and her eagerness to learn. He remains focused on the process rather than setting specific time goals, emphasizing that success will come as she continues to refine her technique and build confidence.

  

  Looking ahead, Smith envisions Williams becoming a dominant force on the global stage, provided she stays committed to the journey. “Times will come, but first, she has to learn how to shift gears and feel her race. If we can piece everything together, she’ll be one of Jamaica’s best.”

  As Williams adjusts to her new environment and coaching philosophy, she remains a promising talent poised to add to Jamaica’s storied sprinting legacy. With Smith’s guidance, she could become a cornerstone of the nation’s track and field success in the years to come.

   

• Julien Alfred misses out on World Athletics Track Athlete of the Year as McLaughlin-Levrone takes top honour

  St. Lucia’s sprint sensation Julien Alfred missed out on the prestigious World Athletics Female Track Athlete of the Year award, as Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone claimed the title during the 2024 World Athletics Awards in Monaco. The event celebrated the year's finest performances across multiple categories, culminating in the crowning of Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo as the overall World Athletes of the Year.

  Alfred, who enjoyed a breakthrough year highlighted by her dominance on the track and consistent record-breaking performances, was among the standout nominees in the women’s track category. However, the honor went to McLaughlin-Levrone, who set two world records in the 400m hurdles—clocking 50.65 and 50.37—while claiming double gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the hurdles and the 4x400m relay.

  The awards ceremony was a celebration of excellence, with McLaughlin-Levrone joining an elite roster of winners that included Hassan, who won three medals at the Paris Olympics, including marathon gold in an Olympic record of 2:22:55. Tebogo made history as the first athlete from Botswana to win Olympic gold, taking the 200m title in a blistering African record of 19.46.

  Field athletes Mondo Duplantis and Yaroslava Mahuchikh were also honored, having set new world records in the pole vault and high jump, respectively, while marathon champions Tamirat Tola and Hassan took the out-of-stadium awards. Rising Stars Sembo Almayew of Ethiopia and Mattia Furlani of Italy were celebrated for their promising performances.

  Although Alfred did not clinch the track award, her achievements in 2024, including multiple podium finishes and record times, solidify her status as one of the sport's rising stars. Her remarkable consistency and ability to shine on the world stage have made her a source of pride for St. Lucia and the Caribbean. Fans and analysts alike anticipate her continued growth and potential to claim top honors in future seasons.

  The night served as a reminder of the incredible talent across athletics, with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praising all the nominees and winners for "redefining what is possible in terms of athletic performance." As the sport looks ahead to another exciting year, athletes like Julien Alfred remain key figures in shaping its future.