Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle has doubled down on the federation’s decision to host the Jamaica National Championships from June 26-29, 2025, despite its clash with the final leg of the Grand Slam Track (GST) Series in Los Angeles from June 27-29.
The scheduling conflict has raised concerns, particularly among Jamaican athletes signed to Grand Slam Track, as it effectively robs them of an opportunity to earn up to US$100,000—the prize awarded to GST event winners. However, Gayle remains firm that the JAAA’s date selection serves the best interests of Jamaica’s top athletes and their preparation for the World Championships in Tokyo later this year.
Speaking recently on the matter with Sportsmax.TV, Gayle acknowledged that World Athletics had provided two alternative windows—one at the end of July and another in mid-August—for Jamaica’s trials but reiterated that the JAAA was under no obligation to follow these recommendations.
“We hold to our traditional end-of-June date for more than one reason,” Gayle stated.
“We believe as one of the powers in track and field, especially in the sprints, that we are doing what’s best for our athletes. We would have spoken with many of our senior coaches, and this fits into their programme.”
While several stakeholders have expressed frustration over the timing—given that the GST final meet was scheduled after the JAAA dates were set—Gayle revealed that discussions with Grand Slam Track officials have assured him that Jamaican athletes would not face penalties for prioritizing national selection.
“I have made contact with the Grand Slam officials, and they have informed me on more than one occasion that our Jamaican athletes would not lose anything. There would be no penalties given or presented to any of our athletes who have signed onto this programme.”
Despite Gayle’s assurance, the conflict puts some of Jamaica’s biggest stars in a difficult position. The final GST meet offers significant prize money, and Jamaican sprinters are among the frontrunners to win their respective events. However, competing in Los Angeles would mean missing the Jamaica National Championships, where selection for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships team will be finalized.
The GST series—modelled after Formula 1’s structure of premium, high-stakes meets—has been widely embraced by top sprinters as a lucrative alternative to the World Athletics circuit. However, Gayle insists that the national championships must remain a priority.
“The Jamaica National Championship is sacrosanct,” he declared. “Our date was set before Grand Slam Track finalized theirs, and while it presents a challenge, we are working together to ensure our athletes have the best possible path to success.”
With Jamaica’s reputation as a global sprint powerhouse, Gayle and the JAAA believe that the traditional late-June championship timing best aligns with athlete preparation cycles leading into the World Championships.
While Grand Slam Track offers a lucrative payday, missing trials jeopardizes an athlete’s chance to represent Jamaica on the world stage. The situation places some of the nation’s biggest stars at a crossroads, forcing them to weigh financial opportunities against national pride and championship ambitions.
Jamaica’s top athletes and their agents will now have to make a critical decision—pursue a potentially life-changing payday in Los Angeles or secure their spot on the national team for Tokyo 2025.
While Grand Slam Track has reassured athletes they won’t face contractual penalties, the financial implications remain significant.