Jamaican quarter-mile star Zandrian Barnes sent a clear message to the world on Saturday night at the Camperdown Classic: he’s coming for it all. The Olympian delivered a jaw-dropping performance in the men’s 400m, clocking a world-leading 44.97 seconds in his season opener at Kingston’s National Stadium.

As he crossed the line in the fourth of five heats, Barnes glanced at the clock and was visibly stunned, clutching his face in disbelief. His time, just 0.07 off his lifetime best of 44.90 set last June at the same venue, was the fastest of the night and the quickest opening run of his career.

“I didn’t expect to open that fast,” Barnes admitted. “Sub-45, I didn’t expect that one. I was thinking more like a 45-low or something like that. But I am well pleased, and I just want to continue to stay healthy, injury-free as long as possible, and keep working hard.”

The performance was a massive confidence booster for Barnes, who credited his sharp execution, strict adherence to his coach’s instructions, and his faith. Barnes is coached by Maurice Wilson at the Spanish-Town-based Sprintec Track Club.

“This has boosted my confidence a lot,” he said. “Right now, my main focus is recovery and staying healthy because without that, I can’t compete.”

The statement run also set the stage for what Barnes envisions as a career-defining season. The 23-year-old, who has steadily built momentum over the past few years, has made his ambitions clear—he’s aiming for gold on the global stage.

“I’m coming for everything, on the big stage as well,” he declared. “I’ve been putting in some really good times in training, so that has also boosted my confidence coming into this season opener. Now, I just have to keep it on the right track.”

With the Paris 2024 Olympic champion Antonio Watson making his return to competition after nearly a year out with injury—winning his heat in 46.03s, the second-fastest time of the night—it’s clear that the battle for supremacy in Jamaica’s 400m ranks is heating up.

Barnes, however, has his eyes locked on the ultimate prize. “I want to medal this year at the World Championships—that’s the biggest objective for 2025. I’m coming for the national title, the World Championships, everything.”

If his season opener is anything to go by, the world had better take notice.