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• Navasky Anderson, Jamaica’s national 800m record holder, graduates from Mississippi State University with Master's Degree

  Jamaica’s national 800m record holder, Navasky Anderson, can now also call himself a university graduate after graduating from the Mississippi State University with a Master's Degree on Friday.

  Anderson, who became the first and only Jamaican man to go sub 1:45.00 when he ran 1:44.70 at the DC Track Championships in July, began his collegiate career at the Essex Community College in 2019 before transferring to Mississippi State in 2020.

  “My time at Mississippi State University has been nothing short of transformative, thanks to the exceptional support from both the athletics and academia staff,” Anderson said in an Instagram post on Friday.

  “Juggling the demands of coursework and the rigor of track and field requires a delicate balance, and it’s collaboration between the athletic and academic realms that allowed me to thrive,” he added.

  During his time at MSU, Anderson claimed 800m silver at the 2022 NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships and represented Jamaica for the first time, with his best result being a bronze medal at this year’s Pan American Games in Chile in November.

  The 23-year-old former St. Jago student also donned the Jamaican colors at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships in Eugene and Budapest, respectively, as well as the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where he placed fifth in the final.

  “As I stand here today, wearing the cap and gown that symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work, I extend my deepest gratitude to Mississippi State University Athletics and the academic faculty. Their unwavering support and commitment to my holistic development have been the driving force behind this significant achievement,” Anderson said.

• Usain Bolt lights up the pitch against Brazilian legend Ronaldinho in CONMEBOL Legends Match

  In a star-studded spectacle just before the much-anticipated draw for the 2024 Copa América on Thursday, sprinting legend Usain Bolt took the field alongside football icons such as Ronaldinho Gaúcho in the South American Football Confederation’s (CONMEBOL) Legends Match.

  The electrifying game unfolded in the vibrant city of Miami, USA, at the Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.

  Bolt, known for his blazing speed on the track, showcased his skills on the football pitch as he joined forces with luminaries like Colombian maestro Carlos Valderrama and Argentine sharpshooter Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero. The Jamaican sprint legend documented the memorable experience, sharing snapshots with his teammates on Instagram, most of which were captured in the camaraderie-filled dressing room.

  Yet, it was Bolt's interaction with former Barcelona maestro Ronaldinho that set social media ablaze. The charismatic duo, pitted against each other on opposing teams, engaged in a quick chat, leaving fans thrilled. True to his flair, Ronaldinho managed to find the back of the net, securing his team's only goal in a closely contested match that ended with Bolt's team clinching a 2-1 victory.

    

  As the final whistle blew, capturing the essence of sportsmanship, Ronaldinho posed for photographs with Bolt, capping off a night of football camaraderie. The beloved Brazilian footballer even took a moment to sign Bolt's jersey before the sprint legend headed back to the dressing room.

  Adding to the spectacle, Kasi Bennett, Bolt's longtime spouse, shared glimpses of the Legends Match, posting a short video capturing Bolt's presence on the pitch. The event not only showcased the fusion of speed and skill but also celebrated the spirit of sport that transcends disciplines.

   

   

   

• Renowned coach Fitz Coleman, JAAA's Garth Gayle and Dr Warren Blake among several honoured at 2C2W World Awards Gala

  The 7th annual 2C2W World Awards Gala, which took place in the vibrant heart of New York City on December 1, 2023, was a grand celebration of excellence in athletics. The event, attended by renowned figures from sports, academia, and business, illuminated the city with its recognition of extraordinary talent and leadership.

                In the spotlight was Fitz Coleman, the esteemed coach of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics 110m hurdles champion Hansle Parchment. His remarkable guidance and mentorship in the world of track and field, culminating in Olympic glory, were celebrated with fervour. Coleman's acceptance of his award was met with resounding applause, a tribute to his impactful coaching career.

    Peter Zinno, recognized for his significant contributions as the team manager for Team USA at the 2004 Indoor World Championships, was another key figure honoured at the gala. Zinno's expertise in sports management and his strategic leadership in shaping world-class athletic teams were highlighted as exemplary.

    The gala also paid homage to Garth Gayle, the innovative President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), and Dr. Warren Blake, a trailblazer in sports medicine. Gayle's and Blake’s respective roles in sports administration and athlete health care were lauded, underscoring the diverse facets of excellence in athletics.

   

  

                A highlight of the evening was the prestigious honour bestowed upon the JAAA. The JAAA was recognized for its significant contributions to the development and promotion of athletics, both locally and internationally. This accolade was a testament to the JAAA's commitment to fostering talent and elevating the sport to new heights.

   Dr Dorothy Hudson-Gayle, Basset Thompson, Raphael Ney Jean Francois and Michael Higgins were also among the distinguished individuals who were honoured.

   The 2C2W World Awards Gala transcended being merely an award ceremony; it was a unifying event celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and leadership. Each story shared by the honorees echoed a legacy of hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, leaving the audience inspired and looking forward to the future of sports.