The anticipation for the 2024 track and field season is at an all-time high as reigning world champions, Shericka Jackson and Sha'Carri Richardson, gear up to kick off their campaigns at the prestigious Miramar Invitational on April 6.
Both sprinters have been eagerly awaited since their last appearance at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene last September. At that event, Jamaican sensation Jackson concluded her season on a high note by clinching the 100m title for the Diamond League Trophy, with Richardson securing a commendable fourth-place finish.
Jackson, a five-time Olympic medallist, and double world gold medallist Richardson have chosen the Miramar Invitational as their platform to launch their 2024 season. The significance of this event is not lost on either athlete, as they aim to make a statement early in the season.
Richardson, who captured the spotlight with her remarkable performances last year, particularly shone at the Miramar Invitational, where she blazed to a wind-aided 10.57 seconds in the 100m. This outstanding feat marked the fourth-fastest time in the history of athletics under all wind conditions, solidifying Richardson's status as one of the sport's brightest stars.
The American sprinter's dominance in 2023 culminated in two world titles at the Budapest World Championships in the 100m and 4x100m relay, in addition to a bronze in the 200m. Her nomination for the 2024 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year further underscores her exceptional achievements on the track.
Meanwhile, Jackson, a formidable force in her own right, made her mark at the 2023 Miramar Invitational with a third-place finish in the women's 400m. With five Olympic medals to her name, including gold in the 4x400m relay at the Tokyo Olympics, Jackson is poised to showcase her speed and prowess in the shorter distances this season.
As the Miramar Invitational draws near, all eyes will be on Jackson and Richardson as they prepare to set the track ablaze once again. Their return to competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle, igniting excitement among fans and athletes alike as they embark on their quest for further glory in 2024.
KC wins third straight Championship of America 4x400m title at Penn Relays; JC wins 4x800m
Kingston College made it three Championship of America 4x400m titles in a row with a comfortable win in the event on the third and final day of the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Antonio Forbes, Amal Glasgow, Roshawn Lee and Marcinho Rose combined to run 3:11.86 to win ahead of Excelsior (3:12.94) and Bullis School (3:13.10).
Elsewhere, Jamaica College won their second Championship of America 4x800m relay in three years.
Their team of Nellie Amberton, Samuel Creary, Rasheed Pryce and Kemarrio Bygrave produced a time of 7:42.37 to win ahead of St. John’s College (7:44.66) and Central Bucks West (7:45.99).
Excelsior leads Jamaican 1-2-3 in Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m at Penn Relays
Excelsior High emerged victorious in the Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m on the third and final day at the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Ryeem Walker, Damor Miller, Malike Nugent and Lennon Green combined to run 40.45 to secure the school’s first win in the event since 1967.
Kingston College (Daniel Clarke, Yourie Lawrence-Clarke, Nyrone Wade, Marcinho Rose) were second in 40.53 and Herbert Morrison (Ky-Mani Hemmings, Tavaine Stewart, Chance Segree, De Andre Daley) completed a Jamaican 1-2-3 with 40.56 in third.
Smith produces season’s best to win long jump at Texas Invitational
Texas junior Ackelia Smith produced an NCAA leading performance to take top spot on day one of the Texas Invitational at the Mike A. Myers Stadium on Friday.
The 22-year-old reigning NCAA champion produced a season’s best 7.10m, her first jump over 7m this season, to win ahead of Trinidadian Puma athlete Tyra Gittens (6.72m) and UTSA’s Ida Breigan (6.65m).
This is a welcome return to form for Smith who suffered a torn hamstring at the NCAA Indoor Championships in early March.
Smith was Jamaica’s national champion in the long jump in 2022 and was a finalist in both the long and triple jump at that year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
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