Seventeen-year-old Adaejah Hodge set a new national 100m record and won the 200m dash at the 2023 Corky/Crofoot Shootout in Lubbock, Texas on Saturday when Jamaica’s Demisha Roswell, Bahamian Antoine Andrews and the Virgin Islands’ Michelle Smith enjoyed victories.
It is not often that Hodge, the BVI’s sprint phenom, loses a race but even so still found a silver-lining when she finished second in the 100m behind Oklahoma’s Kennedy Blackmon, who took gold in 11.06.
Hodge’s 11.11 for second was a new personal best and a national record, eclipsing the 11.12 set in June 2011 by Tahesia Harrigan.
Success Umukoro of South Plains Junior College was third in 11.29.
Hodge would turn the tables on Blackmon in the 200m which she won in 22.31, which would have broken Harrigan’s national record of 22.98 had it not been for the five-metre-per-second trailing wind. Hodge, by the way, owns the World U20 200m indoor record of 22.33 set in Boston in March.
Blackmon finished second in 22.56 while Serena Clarke of Texas Tech was third in 23.07.
Anderson of the Bahamas ran out a comfortable winner in the 110m hurdles. The Texas Tech freshman clocked 13.46 as Justin Guy of South Plains and Taylor Rooney of Texas Tech ran 13.57 and 13.88 for second and third, respectively.
Roswell, the 2022 Big 12 100m hurdles champion Roswell was the only competitor under 13 seconds in the 100m hurdles taking the event in 12.89.
Her Texas Tech teammate Naomi Krebs, a freshman was second in 13.25. Nex Mexico’s Ese Awusa ran 13.57 for third place.
Smith, the 2023 Carifta Games U20 400m champion, had a battle on her hands but found enough to hold off Daneesha Davidson, clocking 56.66 to Davidson’s 56.69 in the blanket finish. Sylvia Schulz was third in 57.08.
Grace Obour of Western Texas College, by a wide margin, won the 400m in 52.71 over New Mexico’s Deshana Skeete, who took the runner-up spot in 54.02. Jamaica’s Rushana Dwyer who attends South Plains Junior College finished third after crossing the line in 54.43.
Zarik Brown of Oklahoma ran 45.38 for a comfortable victory in the men’s one-lap race with DeSean Bryce of Western Texas finishing in second place in 46.19. The South Plains duo of Kimar Farquharson and Jeremy Bembridge were third and fourth, respectively, in the same time of 46.28.
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.
Ashoka Road to be renamed Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive in honour of sprint legend
Ashoka Road in Waterhouse, Kingston, is set to be renamed Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive in recognition of the track and field legend's incredible contributions to athletics and her community. The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) approved the renaming during its council meeting on Tuesday, October 8, held at the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber in downtown Kingston.
The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) reported that Councillor Byron Clarke, who represents the Waterhouse Division, brought the resolution to the council, emphasizing that Fraser-Pryce’s achievements, both on and off the track, have had a transformative impact not only on Jamaica but also on the world stage.
Born and raised on Ashoka Road, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has become one of the most decorated athletes in history, boasting 10 World Championship titles and eight Olympic medals. She remains the only sprinter, male or female, to win five world titles in the 100 metres (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2022), a testament to her remarkable longevity and dominance in the sport.
Councillor Clarke praised Fraser-Pryce as an exemplary role model, noting her commitment to uplifting the Waterhouse community and her broader contributions through her charitable initiatives, including the Pocket Rocket Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships and grants to young athletes, helping to shape the next generation of Jamaican talent.
"Shelly-Ann is more than deserving of this honour," Councillor Clarke stated. "Her determination, commitment, resilience, and willingness to serve her country and community have made her a beacon of hope. Her true value transcends her accomplishments on the track, as she embodies the spirit of hard work, purpose, and passion for her country."
Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, echoed these sentiments and highlighted that further celebrations of Fraser-Pryce’s legacy are in the works. "Plans are under way to celebrate her incredible achievements," Mayor Swaby shared. He added that discussions have already begun with members of the Civic Committee, her alma mater Wolmer's Girls' School, and representatives from the Pocket Rocket Foundation.
The renaming of Ashoka Road as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive not only celebrates her record-breaking career but also honors her as a symbol of pride for Waterhouse and Jamaica. The new street name will serve as a constant reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
This recognition is expected to inspire future generations, particularly young athletes, as Fraser-Pryce continues to uplift her community and inspire her country with her tireless efforts both on and off the track.
Yohan Blake honoured with Keys to the Region as he launches Butcher's Barrel Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale
World-renowned Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake, the 2011 World 100m champion and double Olympic silver medalist, was awarded the prestigious Key to the Region on Wednesday, October 8, during the grand opening of his new restaurant, Butcher's Barrel, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite the looming threat of Hurricane Milton barreling toward the state, the event was a celebratory moment for Blake, who was honoured by city officials and members of South Florida’s Caribbean community for his outstanding contributions to both athletics and entrepreneurship.
The recognition ceremony, led by Tamarac Commissioner Marlon D. Bolton, saw the 34-year-old Blake receive the Keys to the Region, joining an esteemed list of previous honourees, including dancehall artist Spice, TV personality Miss Kitty, and reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley. Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis of Miramar and other local officials from the Caribbean diaspora were present to celebrate Blake’s new venture and his achievements as an athlete.
In an emotional speech, Blake expressed his deep gratitude, reflecting on his journey as one of the fastest men in history over the 100m and 200m distances.
"This brings tears to my eyes to recognize this moment. I have worked 20-odd years tirelessly, creating so much history around the world being one of the fastest men in the 100 and 200 plus the 4x100m, it is not an easy feat," Blake said. "To do something like this, just a simple award to recognize what we have been doing—I just want to thank you for this. It means a lot to me, from the bottom of my heart."
Blake’s illustrious career includes winning gold at the 2011 World Athletics Championships in the 100m, where he became the youngest 100m world champion ever, and earning silver medals in the 100m and 200m at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, behind the legendary Usain Bolt. His personal bests of 9.75 seconds in the 100m and 19.44 seconds in the 200m remain the fastest times ever recorded to place second in Olympic history.
(Alexandra Davis Instagram)
Miramar Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis and Jamaican Olympian Yohan Blake at the launch of his Butcher's Barrel restaurant in Ft Lauderdale on Tuesday.
The Key to the Region initiative, developed in collaboration with Caribbean elected officials, honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through excellence in their respective fields. Blake, who has continuously supported charitable initiatives, particularly in Jamaica, now adds the entrepreneurial launch of Butcher’s Barrel to his list of achievements.
The Butcher’s Barrel restaurant in Oakland Park, Fort Lauderdale, is Blake’s latest venture, as he looks to expand his brand beyond the track. The launch attracted local leaders, including Lauderhill Commissioner Denise D. Grant, Sunrise Commissioner Mark Douglas, and Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis, who shared her pride in the Jamaican sprinter on social media.
"At the Butcher’s Barrel in Oakland Park as Yohan Blake opened his restaurant and received the Keys to the Region from local elected Caribbean officials," Davis wrote on Instagram. "Yohan is a Jamaican sprinter who won gold at the 2011 World Championships as the youngest 100m world champion ever, and silver in the 2012 Olympic Games. We wish him well in his new endeavor!"
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Blake's success and recognition offer a bright moment of celebration and hope amid the challenging circumstances. His determination on and off the track continues to inspire many, and the opening of his restaurant marks a new chapter in his multifaceted career.
Blake’s legacy as a sprinter is solidified, but with the Butcher's Barrel, he is proving that his ambitions go far beyond athletics, bringing his passion and dedication to new ventures in the business world.
World U20 100m Champion Alana Reid named brand ambassador for Burger King Jamaica
World U20 100m Champion Alana Reid has secured a major off-track deal, becoming the latest brand ambassador for Burger King Jamaica. The deal, initially set for one year but with the potential for extension until 2028, sees Reid joining the fast-food giant in a partnership that includes public appearances and involvement in sports development initiatives.
Reid made her first official appearance as brand ambassador on Tuesday at the launch of the 2024 Burger King 5K and Relay at Jamaica College in Kingston. The event, slated for November 10, will see Reid actively engaging participants, including leading them through warm-up exercises before the race.
The young sprinter’s achievements on the global stage have made her a standout figure in Jamaican athletics. First, she was part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team that finished fifth at the Paris Olympic Games in August, and following that, she delivered a stellar performance at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru. Reid claimed two gold medals—first with an impressive 11.17-second finish in the 100m, leading a Caribbean 1-2-3 sweep alongside Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands and Kishawna Niles of Barbados. She later anchored Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team to another gold, cementing her place as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the region.
This partnership with Burger King not only highlights her rising star status but also represents a commitment from both Reid and the brand to inspire and nurture the next generation of Jamaican athletes. Reid’s involvement in events like the Burger King 5K and her upcoming clinics will provide valuable exposure and guidance to aspiring young sprinters, further solidifying her influence both on and off the track.
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