Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, the newly minted marathon world record holder, has opened up about how her daughter and Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have been key sources of inspiration throughout her journey. Chepngetich, who recently shattered Tigst Assefa’s world record by running an astonishing 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, spoke to Citius Mag about the forces that motivate her to keep pushing the boundaries of her sport.
Chepngetich, a three-time Chicago Marathon champion, became the first woman to officially break the 2:10 barrier, an incredible milestone that will go down in history. She revealed that the drive to give her daughter a better life has fueled her desire to succeed at the highest level.
“I am pushing so much because my daughter is motivating me to work harder. Now she is in Form One, so I should work hard for her to study,” Chepngetich shared. “Mothers always have a lot to do, so it is not easy. Our children are motivating us to work harder so that we show them the way and how life goes.”
Chepngetich’s commitment to being a positive role model for her daughter is paralleled by the inspiration she draws from Fraser-Pryce, a Jamaican sprinting icon who has continued to excel on the world stage while balancing motherhood. The Kenyan marathoner expressed her admiration for Fraser-Pryce’s longevity and resilience.
“Shelly-Ann motivates me and inspires me to do a lot,” she said. “She started her career a long time ago before me, so I am following in her footsteps to run for a long time like her and smart.”
Fraser-Pryce’s influence has been profound, not just on Chepngetich but also on other African athletes, including Faith Kipyegon, the three-time Olympic 1500m champion and world record holder, and Ivorian sprinter Marie-Josée Ta Lou. Both have publicly acknowledged the impact of the Jamaican sprinter on their own careers.
As a self-coached athlete, Chepngetich’s performance in Chicago was nothing short of phenomenal. Her marathon splits of 64:16 and 65:40 were unmatched by any of her competitors, with Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede finishing a distant second in 2:17:32.
With her Chicago victory and world record now in the history books, all eyes will be on Chepngetich as she prepares for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. As she continues to balance the roles of world-class athlete and mother, she’ll carry the motivation and inspiration from her daughter and Fraser-Pryce, two forces that have driven her to unprecedented heights in the marathon world.
Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke, Ackera Nugent sign with Grand Slam Track
Grand Slam Track™, the new global home of professional track competition, launched earlier this year by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, today officially announced the signings of Jamaican Olympians Ackera Nugent and Roshawn Clarke.
Both athletes competed at the Paris Olympics this past summer, and they will now compete in all four Grand Slam Track™ Slams in 2025, giving fans the chance to see them race on the world stage.
“Ackera and Roshawn are incredible talents who have achieved major success at such a young age,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner.
“Both of them have already made their mark on the global stage, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow in Grand Slam Track™. They represent the next generation of world-class Jamaican competitors, and I know they’re going to bring something special to the league.”
Nugent specializes in the 100m hurdles and is one of Jamaica’s top emerging athletes.
She holds the 2021 World U20 Championship title and set a national record of 12.28 seconds at the 2024 Jamaican Championships.
A rising star, Nugent competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and reached the final of the 100m hurdles. Nugent continued her international season after Paris and lowered her national record to 12.24 seconds at the Rome Diamond League making her the 4th fastest women in the history of the event.
Her progression from U20 champion to global contender has solidified her as one of the brightest young talents in the hurdles.
“For me, it’s all about growth,” said Nugent.
“I’m constantly looking for ways to get better, and Grand Slam Track™ gives me the platform to do just that. Racing at this level, over and over, against the best in the world, is what I’ve always wanted, and I’m ready to see how much more I can achieve.”
Roshawn Clarke, at just 20 years old, has already made a significant mark in the 400m hurdles.
After setting a world U20 record of 47.34 seconds at the 2023 World Championships, he went on to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaching the final.
His rapid rise has earned him recognition as one of Jamaica’s most promising young athletes.
“I like the idea of Grand Slam Track™ because it changes how things usually are in track,” said Clarke.
“I’m ready to jump into this and compete against the best while testing myself. This league gives me that chance. Racing in all four Slams means I’ll have the opportunity to show what I can really do.”
Nugent and Clarke join a stacked roster of talents announced so far in Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Melissa Jefferson, Masai Russell, Quincy Hall, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, Grant Fisher, Josh Kerr, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Nikki Hiltz, Cyrena Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Alison Dos Santos, Ronald Kwemoi, Muzala Samukonga, and Clement Ducos.
Montego Bay United surge to the top with dominant win over Molynes United in Jamaica Premier League
Montego Bay United delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night, blanking Molynes United 4-0 to take sole possession of the top spot in the Jamaica Premier League standings. The victory saw Montego Bay soar to 12 points after four matches, maintaining their unbeaten run in this season's competition.
Montego Bay’s dominance began in the 24th minute when Owayne Gordon confidently converted a penalty, putting his side ahead. Just two minutes later, Shaniel Thomas doubled the lead, putting Molynes on the back foot early. Thomas, in sparkling form, struck again in the 60th minute, completing his brace and further solidifying Montego Bay's grip on the match. The final blow came in the 75th minute when Brian Brown added his name to the scoresheet, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 win for the Montego Bay side.
The victory not only cements Montego Bay’s title ambitions but also highlights their attacking prowess, with their goal tally standing strong at 10 goals in four matches. Molynes, on the other hand, continue to struggle, remaining winless this season.
At the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex, Arnett Gardens FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Mount Pleasant in an exciting matchup. Kimani Airbourine gave Arnett an early lead, netting in the 13th minute, but Mount Pleasant found their way back into the game before halftime when Kimoni Bailey equalized in the 42nd minute. Despite both teams pushing for a winner in the second half, neither side could find the breakthrough, resulting in a hard-fought draw.
At Drewsland Stadium, Waterhouse FC overcame an early setback to defeat Vere Phoenix United 2-1. Daye Ewan put Vere in front with an early goal, but Waterhouse responded swiftly, with Atapharoy Bygrave scoring in the 19th minute to level the match. Bygrave was the hero once again, scoring his second and Waterhouse’s decisive goal in the 47th minute, ensuring his team secured all three points.
With these results, the Jamaica Premier League standings remain competitive as teams continue to battle for top honors in the 2024-2025 season. Montego Bay United's victory pushes them to the top, while Waterhouse FC and Arnett Gardens maintain their pursuit of the leaders.
Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden to switch allegiance to Jamaica, reports suggest
Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden is set to switch his international allegiance to Jamaica from England, according to a report from TEAMtalk. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has represented England from U16 to U21 levels, has never earned a senior cap for the Three Lions, making him eligible for the switch under FIFA regulations.
Hayden, who qualifies for Jamaica through his father, has agreed to join Steve McClaren’s Reggae Boyz as they aim to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in North America. The paperwork for his switch is reportedly being finalized ahead of Jamaica's November international fixtures.
This decision is part of McClaren’s strategy to boost Jamaica’s squad by incorporating English-born talents. Hayden, who joined Newcastle from Arsenal in 2016 and has made 171 appearances for the club, will be a key addition as the Reggae Boyz push for World Cup qualification. However, Hayden's future at Newcastle remains uncertain, with the midfielder not currently part of Eddie Howe’s first-team plans and spending last season on loan at Standard Liege and Queens Park Rangers.
Hayden’s decision to represent Jamaica follows his comments last year about not wanting to take the place of someone in Jamaica’s squad, but after over a year of consideration, he has now committed to the switch. This move comes after McClaren’s successful recruitment of other English-born players, including former Manchester United star Mason Greenwood, who is also reportedly switching allegiances to Jamaica.
As Hayden prepares to don the Jamaican colors, fans eagerly await how his experience and skill will contribute to the Reggae Boyz's journey toward the 2026 World Cup.
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