The Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) is among six federations nominated for World Athletics’ Member Federation Award.
The Member Federation Award honours a national governing body that has gone above and beyond to serve its athletes, fans and greater community. The shortlisted federations were nominated by each of the six area associations.
According to World Athletics, Jamaica, in the face of difficult health and economic circumstances, stepped forward to host the 49th Carifta Games that were held in April.
The record-breaking performances at the event were reflective of the preparations and commitment of the local organizing committee, which was put in place by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).
The country’s athletes – particularly the women – produced outstanding performances at the elite end, namely at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 22, the Commonwealth Games, and on the Wanda Diamond League circuit.
Jamaica’s O’Dayne Richards, meanwhile, was elected Chair of the NACAC Athletes’ Commission.
Also among the nominees is Brazil that hosted six international events successfully in 2022, including the South American U18 and U23 Championships, the South American Cross Country Championships, the Pan-American Cross Country Championships, a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting, and an international grand prix.
The federation secured two revolutionary sponsorship deals, benefitting the country’s elite athletes as well as providing a boost to the sport at grass roots level.
Guam’s significant governance reforms at Guam Track and Field have led to an athletics resurgence within the country, as underlined by the country’s performance at the U18 and U20 Oceania Championships, as well as at the Pacific Games.
Guam will host the Oceania Cross Country Championships at the end of 2022, the country’s first area championships for more than 10 years and a direct result of the hard work the federation has done in governance over the past year.
The federation has also signed multiple sponsor and partnership agreements for the national kit and local competitions.
Kenya was also among the members nominated as it was the first member federation to sign the Sport for Climate Action Framework, underlining the governing body’s position at the forefront of climate action in Kenya.
Since August 2021, when it signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Athletics Kenya has installed four air quality sensors in the Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi National Park and Nakuru Athletics Club, with more to come.
As well as staging the only Continental Tour Gold meeting in Africa, Kenya also hosted a media development programme for the African region in 2022.
At the elite end of the sport, Kenya topped the medals table at the African Championships, winning 10 gold medals, five silver and eight bronze. Eliud Kipchoge also lowered his own marathon world record, while Faith Kipyegon and Emmanuel Korir added world titles to the Olympic gold medals they won last year.
Korea’s years of investment finally paid off for the Korea Association of Athletics Federations in 2022 as high jumper Woo Sanghyeok won world indoor gold – the country’s first global indoor title. He went on to take silver at the World Championships in Oregon and performed consistently on the international circuit.
The country is preparing to host the Asian U20 Championships in June next year and is bidding for the 2025 Asian Championships.
They also continue their fine work in the grass roots of the sport, including building and launching their own national development centre which aims to host training camps for national and international athletes.
Spain hosted the inaugural European Off-Road Running Championships, a continental championship that combined trail and mountain running and which took place in El Paso on the Spanish island of La Palma in July.
Despite the odds – including a volcano eruption in the lead-up to the event – the championships was a tremendous success.
Spain also hosted the inaugural Dynamic New Athletics (DNA) European U20 Clubs competition, where more than 200 athletes representing teams from 11 countries took part in what was billed the ‘Clash of the clubs’.
Showcasing all they learned in the hosting of these events, Spain staged an international conference in October entitled ‘Team Athletics: The Sport’s New Offer’.
The winner will be announced in early December on World Athletics' social media platforms.
Fitness athlete Deidre Lewis thrilled with third-place finish at Mr. and Miss Argentina Pro, eyes further improvements for Chile
Jamaican fitness athlete Deidre Lewis is celebrating a well-earned third-place finish at the IFBB Pro Mr. and Miss Argentina competition, where she competed in the Bikini Fitness Professional category. Lewis stood proudly on the podium behind Brazilian competitors Larissa Dick, who claimed the title, and Flavia Carneiro, who placed second. Rounding out the top five were Franziska Lohberger of Germany in fourth and Anna Wozniakowska of Poland in fifth, completing a competitive lineup of elite pros.
Competing against a field of nine accomplished athletes, Lewis expressed her satisfaction with her performance, crediting her success to adjustments she made based on judges’ feedback from previous competitions. Earlier this year, she competed in the Roger Boyce Classic in Barbados, where judges advised her to work on tightening her glutes. Taking this feedback to heart, Lewis dedicated herself to refining her physique, increasing both muscle definition and overall balance.
"I am pleased, elated, and satisfied," Lewis said. "I made major improvements based on the judges' feedback and where I want to be in the sport, and it paid off. It was a tough lineup with nine competitive pros, and I am happy I represented my country well."
For her Argentina showing, Lewis maintained her size from the Barbados competition and focused on making her legs slightly bigger to enhance her shape and symmetry. Her efforts paid off, and she left a strong impression on the judges and audience alike. Still, she remains determined to push her performance to even greater heights.
Reflecting on feedback from Argentina, Lewis shared that the judges suggested she could benefit from presenting a more shredded look. With her next competition, the Mr. Universe Chile Pro on November 23-24, just weeks away, Lewis plans to dial in her conditioning to meet this goal and present an even more refined physique on stage.
With her dedication to continuous improvement, Deidre Lewis is proving herself to be a force in the Bikini Fitness Professional category. Her podium finish in Argentina highlights her growth in the sport, and her sights are now firmly set on achieving even greater success in Chile.
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas reveals career-saving surgery, eyes return to top form
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas, a promising talent who has seen his career hampered by injuries, on Sunday revealed that he underwent surgery on October 21 to address a persistent foot issue. The procedure, known as an osteophytectomy, involved the removal of a bone spur that had been causing severe discomfort and pain in his Achilles tendon and lower heel, limiting his ability to train and perform at his best.
Thomas, who has made significant strides in his athletic career despite facing recurring injuries, expressed gratitude for the medical support he’s received. Under the guidance of Dr. John Thompson, a specialist who has overseen his rehabilitation since March, Thomas has worked through rigorous physical therapy and orthopedic care to manage his injury. However, as the pain continued to affect his performance, surgery became necessary to give him the best chance at a full recovery.
“This past year working with Dr. Thompson has been monumental,” Thomas shared on social media. “Since March, Dr. Thompson’s overseeing of my injury through physical therapy, orthopedic care, and lastly surgical procedure has been a driving force in allowing me to finish the previous season and set myself up for a new future. I am thankful.”
The 24-year-old hurdler, who specializes in the 110m and 60m hurdles, has a decorated history in athletics. A former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout, Thomas won the 2021 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdle title, setting a school record and becoming the fifth-fastest hurdler in NCAA history. In 2018, he equaled the junior world record of 12.99 seconds in the 110m hurdles, a feat that positioned him as one of the most promising young hurdlers globally. Thomas also represented Jamaica at the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 13.39 seconds in the 110m hurdles.
In early 2024, Thomas was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Despite his impressive achievements, ongoing injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential on the international stage.
With the surgery now behind him, Thomas is focused on recovery and a strong comeback. His determination to overcome setbacks highlights his commitment to his sport, and fans are hopeful that the procedure will enable him to return to peak form in the coming season.
Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson awarded nation’s highest honour
Paris Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson was conferred with Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Honour Award, on Sunday in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in 2024. LaFond-Gadson, who made history by becoming Dominica’s first Olympic medalist with her gold in the triple jump in Paris, also won the triple jump title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier in March. Each of these remarkable victories marked a historic first for a Dominican athlete, solidifying her legacy as one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt had previously announced that LaFond-Gadson would be honoured with the Dominica Honour Award during her visit to the island shortly after the Olympics. The formal recognition took place during the National Parade, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation, and all honorees were celebrated for their contributions to Dominica.
The Dominica Honour Award is presented annually during the Independence Day Rally to individuals who have significantly impacted the nation’s landscape. This year, LaFond-Gadson was one of 18 Dominicans and international honorees recognized. The award was presented by Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, in a ceremony that highlighted LaFond-Gadson’s exceptional achievements and the pride she has inspired across the nation.
Speaking to the media after receiving the award, LaFond-Gadson expressed that the honour was her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraged young Dominicans to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion.
The celebration of LaFond-Gadson’s accomplishments does not end with Sunday’s parade. A luncheon hosted by a private sector organization was scheduled for Monday in her honour, extending the nation’s gratitude for her contributions. Her recognition comes in addition to being named a Sports Ambassador two months ago, along with receiving a $400,000 gift and a land grant from the government.
Prime Minister Skerritt, in his address, acknowledged the immense pride that LaFond-Gadson has brought to Dominica, calling her achievements a source of inspiration for the entire nation. With her historic Olympic victory and her continued dedication to her country, Thea LaFond-Gadson has undoubtedly secured her place as a Dominican icon.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
