Glen Mills

The meet, which was originally scheduled for June 13, 2020, in Kingston, was one of 10 meets in the new series designed to accommodate athletes from several disciplines cut from the Diamond League for 2020. The events - the triple jump, discus, 3000m steeplechase and 200m. are thee core disciplines for which ranking points would have been allotted at the same level as the Diamond League.

 Meet organiser Glen Mills, in a letter to World Athletics,  said the ferocity of the virus, the local and global restrictions on travelling and gatherings, quarantine procedures, as well as the inconclusive timeline of the impact of the virus were the reasons behind the postponement of the Continental World Series gold standard meet.

 “It is now clear that our only choice is to postpone the date of this year’s meeting of the Racers Grand Prix – Kingston Continental Tour Gold meeting,”  said Mills in the letter dated April 2.

“We are now hoping to be able to reschedule the meeting for a date in the latter half of August. Of course, this is subject to the agreement of World Athletics, in keeping with your overall schedule. It is also subject to the availability of the stadium and the hotel on this new date.”

The meet was intended to be a major boon for the Racers Grand Prix that over the past four years has established itself as one of the best track and field meetings in the Western Hemisphere.

 “We remain grateful that the world body recognised the type of meet that we were putting on, which has been of the highest quality,” said Mills. “And though the postponement of the event is unfortunate, once we receive the all-clear, we will ensure the meet delivers on every level.”

 “We encourage athletes to follow the World Health Organisation guidelines and those of their local leadership to reduce the risk of catching the coronavirus. And we also encourage them to focus on their wellbeing and to find innovative methods to stay fit during this period.”

 The Continental series was set to begin on May 10 in Tokyo, Japan and would also include the Fanny Blankers Koen Games in Hengelo, Netherlands; the Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland; and the Skolimowska Memorial in Silesia, Poland.

The time shocked the world as Bolt shattered his own world record of 9.69s set at the Olympic Games in Berlin the year before.

What is even more alarming is that the eight-time Olympic gold medallist actually predicted he would run faster.

While speaking with British hurdler turned broadcaster Colin Jackson on Instagram, Bolt said he, his coach Glen Mills and massage therapist all believed he could have gone faster. According to Bolt, he predicted a time of 9.52s while Coach Mills predicted 9.54.

His massage therapist Everald Edwards was perhaps closest to the actual time with his prediction of 9.56.

Incidentally, that was the year when Bolt had all Jamaican holding their collective breaths that he would make it to Berlin after he crashed his BMW along the PJ Patterson Highway in April that year. However, Bolt said he was in great shape even after he walked away unscathed from the crash save for a few prickles in the sole of his feet.

“Even when I came back from the accident, I was training, I was feeling such good shape,” Bolt said. “So, for me, when we got to Berlin, I was on fire.”

Bolt would go on to set a new world record of 19.19 in the 200m. Both records still stand today, almost 11 years later.

So far, the IOC has resisted calls from several high-profile athletes, coaches, and even athletics associations, to postpone the games in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.  In the latest twist, the IOC has flatly rejected the idea of cancellation but is expected to take a decision on whether to postpone the Games, set to start on July 24.

Mills, however, admits that he cannot see the event being staged before next year, following the already massive disruptions to the schedule.

"I can’t see the Olympics going ahead; taking persons from all over the world and bringing them to one central point,” Mills said in a recent interview with Reuters.

"My recommendation would be to postpone the Olympics until next year,” he said.

“This would be unprecedented, but we are in unprecedented time. Move everything up one year and then everything will eventually fall back in place,” he added.

"But I don’t think that the Olympics will take place at the time that is specified (July and August) because the outbreak is worldwide and, in some countries,, it is just starting to accelerate.”

The Olympics has only been canceled on three occasions 1916, 1940 and 1944 in all those cases the scrapping of the Games was due to World wars I and II.

Glen Mills, Chairman of the meet’s organising committee, made the announcement at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston on Thursday. During the four previous years since the meet began in 2016, the Racers Grand Prix has seen the participation of several Olympic and World champions as well as world-record holders in editions that we of the highest quality, Mills said.

The meet has earned high praises from World Athletics and its president Lord Sebastian Coe, who was at the 2017 renewal in Kingston, the year when Usain Bolt retired from the sport. It has also been commended by a number of world-class athletes and coaches as well as managers and agents.

So it was no surprise that it was selected among the 10 Continental Tour Gold Series meets as World Athletics began to overhaul the sport to make it more appealing to old and new fans alike.

“I am proud to announce that the administrators of World Athletics have selected the Racers Grand Prix to be part of the Continental Tour Gold Series for the next 10 years,” Mills announced on Thursday.

The Gold level is the highest in the competition series, which is only one level below the Diamond League and Kingston, Jamaica is the only city in the western hemisphere chosen to host a gold series.

With 2020 being an Olympic year, Mills said that a number of the world’s leading athletes have already expressed their intention to compete at the meet.

“Presently, I have received the names of over 200 athletes from agents, managers and coaches who have expressed their interest. Most notable are multiple Olympic and World champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Olympic champion Elaine Herah, World and Olympic champion and world record holder Wayde van Niekerk, World Champion Tajay Gayle, Commonwealth champion Akini Simbine, World Champions Yohan Blake and Noah Lyles, world-record holder Kendra Harrison, and world medalists Danielle Williams and Rushell Clayton,” Mills said.

“Promising athlete Christopher Taylor, Akeem Bloomfield and Demish Gaye are also some of the leading persons who have expressed interest.”

Mills said that because the championship points that will be awarded for the core events of the meet, he is expecting a lot more interest as the meet draws closer.

The Continental Series will replace the World Challenge events as the second tier of competition under the Diamond League, and the four events that have been controversially cut, either partially or completely, from the latter competition for next season will have senior status within the new format.

The four events - triple jump, discus, 200 metres and 3,000m steeplechase - will be part of the core events in the top, or Gold level of the Tour, which will also have Silver and Bronze levels.

All four events dropped from the Diamond League final, or in some cases, the Diamond League itself will retain a wild card to the Eugene World Athletics Championships for the winners.

Held at the Faith Centre in Sunrise, Florida, the black-tie red-carpet affair, sponsored by the Housing Foundation of America, not only celebrated exceptional individuals and organizations within the community but also paid tribute to luminaries in the music industry and sports.

Coach Glen Mills received special recognition for his contributions to the world of track and field, along with Consul General R. Oliver Mair, who was honored with the President's Award.

Mills, whose career as a track and field coach, has spanned five decades, developed some of Jamaica’s greatest sprinters including 100/200m world record holder Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history who is also an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and 11-time world champion.

Mills also developed Yohan Blake, the youngest man to win a 100m world title in 2011 and Warren Weir, the 2012 Olympic 200m bronze medalist.

Mills also coached Raymond Stewart to the Olympic 100m final at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles while he was fresh out of Camperdown High School where Mills helped cement a legacy for the school that would eventually be dubbed ‘The Sprint Factory’ having produced such luminaries like Leroy Reid and Remaldo Rose.

Mills is currently the coach of Oblique Seville, who was fourth in the 100m finals in 2022 and 2023.

Founded by Lecturer/Businessman Dr. Allan Cunningham in 2015, the People Profile Awards aim to recognize individuals whose stories inspire, motivate, or educate others while supporting charitable causes.

Under the theme "Together We Are Stronger," the People Profile Organization collaborated with the University of Fort Lauderdale, aligning their vision to prioritize people, education, and community. This partnership is set to create a lasting impact on the community.

The People Profile Awards 2023 featured an evening filled with entertainment, promising an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The awards ceremony encompassed 16 categories, including "Humanitarian," "Media," "Sportsman of the Year," and "Courage" Awards.

Norman Hemming assumed the role of host for this grand celebration of excellence.

Mills, 74, is a legendary figure in the world of athletics, having guided numerous athletes to global success. Among his most notable accomplishments is coaching Usain Bolt to three consecutive Olympic golds in the 100m and 200m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2012 London Olympics, and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Under Mills’ tutelage, Bolt also set world records in both events at the 2009 Berlin World Championships—records that still stand 15 years later.

In addition to Bolt, Mills has also coached other elite sprinters, including Yohan Blake, who became the second-fastest man in history with times of 9.69 seconds in the 100m and 19.26 seconds in the 200m, and Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis, who won gold in the 100m at the 2003 World Championships in Paris.

The seminar in Nanterre, which took place on August 12, was part of the first initiatives under the official City Twinning agreement between Nanterre, France, and Spanish Town, Jamaica. This agreement, signed on the margins of the Paris Olympics, aims to foster cultural and athletic exchange between the two cities. The signing was officiated by Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott, and his counterpart in Nanterre, Raphael Adam, during a ceremony coinciding with Jamaica Day celebrations in Nanterre.

Yann Edu, a track and field coach based in Nanterre, expressed his deep appreciation for the seminar, highlighting the invaluable insights he gained from Mills' vast experience. "It was very nice to see coach Mills. I benefited from his experience, and nobody runs faster than his athletes, so obviously it was a big opportunity for us to meet him and to learn from him," Edu said during an interview conducted by officials from Jamaica's Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport (MCGES).

The seminar provided French coaches and athletes with a rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest minds in track and field coaching. Mills shared his expertise on training methodologies, athlete management, and the nuances of sprinting techniques that have led his athletes to extraordinary success on the world stage.

Mills' influence on the sport of athletics is undeniable. He holds the distinction of coaching both the fastest and second-fastest men in history—Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, respectively. His ability to develop athletes to reach their maximum potential has made him a revered figure in the sport, not only in Jamaica but globally.

Seville, who finished fourth at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest where Lyles clinched his first 100m world title, is optimistic about his chances this season, having managed to steer clear of injury thus far. Seville's coach, Glen Mills, revealed earlier this year that an injury at a crucial stage last season hindered Seville's performance in Budapest, where he clocked 9.88 seconds, narrowly missing out on a medal.

Reflecting on his preparation for the upcoming races, Seville expressed confidence in his improved health and training regimen this season. "This year I have taken some drastic steps with regards to my injuries and injury management. I am cautious with what I'm doing so I am healthy at this point, and everything is going well," Seville explained at Tuesday's launch of the Racers Grand Prix at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.

Seville's recent performances, including a 47.44-second 400m and a 20.17-second 200m, demonstrate his dedication and hard work leading into this pivotal season. "The 47.44 and the 20.17 that I ran show my dedication and hard work, so it is a possibility that I can make it onto the medal podium if things work out as planned," Seville remarked.

 “Last year, I didn’t get to train the way I really wanted to but this year I got to train the way I wanted so everything is working out. I am stronger because I have got more chances training wise to do things I didn’t get the chance to do last year because of some niggles that I had.

“I had some issues with my back and stuff which caused me not to be able to lift weights as much as I could but I got it sorted out now and I am good.”

Looking ahead to the Racers Grand Prix, where he will face off against Lyles and training partner Zharnel Hughes, Seville expressed excitement about the opportunity to race against the world's best. "The last time I competed against Lyles was at the World Championship finals, so it's good to run with him before the Olympics to get a feel of what is to come," Seville emphasized.

The clash between Seville, Lyles, and Hughes at the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston, promises to be a thrilling preview of what's in store for the Olympic Games in Paris, as Seville aims to secure his first global medal.

The JOA’s clarification comes after widespread speculation and disappointment over allotment given to the JAAA, which was said to have resulted in the exclusion of renowned coach Glen Mills from the officials list.

According to the JOA, the JAAA was advised that a 14-member management team for track and field could increase if more athletes qualify. Following that notification, the JOA in a recent release stated that the JAAA submitted a 17-member official list which did not include Mills.

The list comprises; Ludlow Watts (manager), Ian Forbes (assistant manager), Julette Parkes-Livermore (assistant manager), Maurice Wilson (head coach), Lennox Graham (coach), Paul Francis (coach), Mark Elliott (coach), Julian Robinson (coach), Reynaldo Wallcott (coach), Marlon Gayle (coach), Lacena Golding-Clarke (coach), Warren Blake (doctor), Pier-Ann Brown (physiotherapist), Troy Evans (massage therapist), Everette Rowe (massage therapist), Damion Rowe (massage therapist), and Okeile Stewart (massage therapist).

“The JOA must again point out that the JAAA further made a specific request of the JOA for seven personal coaches, in addition to the fourteen primary team officials, and this was granted by the JOA without any reservation whatsoever. Essential to consensus and trust are transparent conduct and a readiness to admit when one falls into error. The JOA, therefore, awaits courtesy,” the JOA release dated June 27, declared.

Though the JOA release was aimed at clearing the air against statements made by Gayle, it also sheds light on why Mills tore into the Olympic body about the fact that they allotted only 14 slots to the JAAA for team officials, a figure he cited as woefully inadequate given that the country is expected to field at least 60 track and field athletes at the global multi-sport showpiece.

“It is a disgrace that you have to be fighting to get the required number of coaches, the required number of therapists and doctors to go with an Olympic team that is probably rated number two or three in the world,” Mills said during a JAAA’s press conference last Monday.

“I find it very unfortunate that track and field, and what it represents in the Olympic movement, not just in Jamaica but worldwide, along with Jamaica’s history (has come to this). We are not beggars, we have earned it,” he added.

While expressing his annoyance, Mills, who has been instrumental in the development of some of Jamaica's most successful sprinters, including the legendary Usain Bolt, revealed that he could have opted to travel with another country.

“I could have gone to the Olympics with other countries. I was offered two full accreditations, full funding, but I could never see myself wearing another country’s colours, but if I am forced to, then I will have to,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the JOA said Gayle was well aware of the process.

“For clarity, in his role as Chairman of JOA’s Games Commission, he had full knowledge of team size calculators (which host cities of games use to determine the sizes of country delegations), including that contained in the Olympic mandate regarding Olympic games. The JOA does not control at all the team size calculator for games. In meetings with several associations and federations Mr. Gayle emphasised this and explained JOA policies as they relate to games management,” the JOA statement said.

Glen Mills, Chairman, Racers Grand Prix Organizing Committee, made the tough decision after careful observation of global sporting trends in relation to the novel coronavirus, as highlighted in a letter to the World Athletics (WA) dated Thursday, June 11, 2020.

“We are deeply disappointed to announce that the 2020 staging of the meet has been cancelled,” noted Mills.

“Especially after receiving such a great commendation from the WA. However, for the health and safety of all participants and stakeholders, we must look ahead to 2021 for the return of Racers Grand Prix. Hopefully, by then we will have sustainable engagement protocols for large sporting events in light of COVID-19.”

The meet, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2020, in Kingston, was one of ten meets in the new series designed to accommodate athletes from several disciplines cut from the Diamond League for 2020.

Racers Grand Prix is currently in dialogue with World Athletics, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), the Kingston and St Andrew Metropolitan Corporation (KSAMC), sponsors Adidas and Richard Mille, and other key partners to confirm the proposed date of Saturday, June 5, 2021. 

The move is in tandem with the rationale of the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, now tentatively slated for July 23, 2021 - August 8, 2021.  Fans of athletics can look forward to an exciting year of track and field events.

Chairman Mills expresses unwavering confidence in Mr. Blake's ability to significantly contribute to the growth and triumph of the Racers Grand Prix. In a statement to the organizing committee, Mills asserts, "I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Devon Blake as the Chief Executive Officer of the Racers Grand Prix. This move aims to streamline responsibilities and tasks, allowing Mr. Blake to operate under my supervision, reporting directly to me throughout his tenure."

Devon Blake, a highly regarded figure in sports administration and management, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As a Motivational Speaker, Customer Service Trainer, and Selling Skills Trainer, Blake has already made substantial contributions to the Racers Track Club, serving as the Technical Director since 2020 and Social Media Manager since 2022. His previous role on the Racers Grand Prix management team saw him overseeing social media operations, ticket management, ushers, gate management, and magazine production.

Mr. Blake boasts an impressive academic background, holding a Diploma in History/English from the Mico University College and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and Management from the University of the West Indies, Mona. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Administration/Management at UWI, Blake was also a Volunteer Lecturer in the Mico Pre-University Men’s Program.

As CEO of the Racers Grand Prix, Mr. Blake's responsibilities include enhancing revenue from sponsorship and gate receipts, providing recommendations for cost reduction in event staging, supervising ticket production and sales promotion, integrating technology for improved fan engagement, and undertaking specific assignments within the Technical Committee.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Mr. Devon Blake states, "I am honored to take on the role of CEO for the Racers Grand Prix. This event holds a special place in the world of track and field, and I am committed to working closely with Chairman Mills and the entire organizing committee to elevate the meet to even greater heights."

Chairman Mills echoes this excitement, stating, "Mr. Blake's wealth of experience and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead the Racers Grand Prix into a new era. I have full confidence in his ability to enhance the event's success and contribute to the development of athletics in Jamaica and beyond."

The Racers Grand Prix, conceived by Chairman Glen Mills, stands as a premier Track and Field Meet showcasing top talents from the Racers Track and Field Club, Jamaica, and around the world. The event plays a pivotal role in the development of Jamaica's athletics and the Racers Track and Field Club.

The most recent staging on June 3, 2023, witnessed exceptional performances from athletes like Noah Lyles, Shericka Jackson, and Wayde Van Niekerk. The next edition is scheduled for June 1, 2024. The Racers Grand Prix holds the esteemed status of being a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver level event, attracting top-tier athletes globally.

The ceremony, attended by esteemed guests and honourees, including US Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nickolas Perry and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology Ali McNab, paid tribute to individuals who have played pivotal roles in Jamaica's track and field success over the past three decades. Among those recognized were 2009 World Champion Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Olympic gold medalist Michael Frater, Earl Jarrett of Jamaica National, and renowned entertainer Tony Rebel.

Unfortunately, Frater was unavoidably unable to attend. Both he and Foster-Hylton were recognized for their invaluable contributions as athletes representing Jamaica at the Olympics and World Championships. Jarrett was awarded for his role in Jamaica National’s partnership with TBJ. Tony Rebel, meanwhile, has been a worthy ambassador the organization over the years.

However, the spotlight shone brightest on veteran track coach Glen Mills, who received a special award for his exemplary service spanning five decades in the sport.

Mills, renowned for coaching multiple world and Olympic champions including Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Warren Weir, was honored with a proclamation from the United States House of Representatives, facilitated by New York congresswoman Yvette Clarke. Presenting the award, Irwin Clare expressed gratitude for Mills' profound impact on Jamaican athletics, both locally and globally.

"Tonight, Team Jamaica Bickle is honored to present a proclamation from the United States House of Representatives courtesy of Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke, for the work you have done not only here in Jamaica but across the world. Congratulations, Sir!" Clare exclaimed, acknowledging Mills' significant contributions to the sport.

In response, Mills expressed his surprise and gratitude for the prestigious recognition, emphasizing the honour it held for him. Reflecting on his enduring relationship with the Penn Relays, Mills highlighted his coaching tenure at Camperdown High School, where he achieved remarkable success.

“During my days at Camperdown, we were able to win something like 10 national titles in 15 years and we held a sprint record for 17 years, which is still a record, so I, too, enjoyed the delicious meals provided by Jamaica Bickle. The athletes were always in a hurry to get to the tent to before the food finished so it was always a good incentive to run fast so that they could get there quickly and so we had some really great times at Penn Relays.”

In closing, Mills commended Irwin Clare and Team Jamaica Bickle for their dedication over the past three decades, emphasizing the profound impact of their hospitality services on Jamaican athletes. He underscored the importance of TJB's mission in nurturing and supporting athletes, ensuring they perform at their best on the international stage.

"For you to recognize what they are doing, you have to be there to experience it; to see the Jamaican athletes how they gravitate towards that tent to get Jamaican meals," Mills remarked, acknowledging TJB's invaluable contribution to Jamaica's athletic success.

The four will be among several coaches to be honoured at the ceremony that will be held at the Medallion Hall Hotel in Kingston. Awards will be presented in four categories - Silver (20-25 years), Gold (26-30 years), Platinum (30-40 years) and Lifetime Award (Over 40 years).

A total of 192 nominations, which represented 38 individuals, were recently received by the association.

October 6 is recognized as National Coaches Day across many of federations in North America and the Caribbean. On the day, coaches across all sports are recognized and issues and challenges facing coaches are brought into focus.

On September 27, 2022, the Governor General, Sir Patrick Linton Allen, declared by proclamation that Oct 6 be recognized and celebrated as National Coaches Day in Jamaica and encourage all citizens to “join in year-round efforts to recognize the involvement and impact of coaches on the development of our people and the national psyche, provide encouragement and support for their continued sacrifice and dedication to the development of their charges and encourage a general attitudinal change towards the profession.

The Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association is an internationally recognized body which serves Jamaica’s track and field coaches, covering Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Club and Elite athletes.

The association is an affiliate of the JAAA and is endorsed by World Athletics. It is also the representative body for all Track and Field coaches in Jamaica.

Mills didn’t hold any punches, as he tore into the JOA about the fact that they allotted only 14 slots to the JAAA for team officials, a figure he cited as woefully inadequate given that the country is expected to field at least 60 track and field athletes at the global multi-sport showpiece.

In fact, Mills was not shy about declaring that besides diver Yona Knight-Wisdom, uncertainty surrounds whether or not the country will have athletes in any other sporting discipline, and this he believes makes the case for the track and field contingent to be given the respect it deserves.

“I have been to nine Olympics. It is a disgrace that you have to be fighting to get the required number of coaches, the required number of therapists and doctors to go with an Olympic team that is probably rated number two or three in the world,” Mills said.

“I find it very unfortunate that track and field, and what it represents in the Olympic movement, not just in Jamaica but worldwide, along with Jamaica’s history (has come to this). We are not beggars, we have earned it,” he added.

Even as he recommended that the JOA reconsiders and up the JAAA’s allocation to 17 team officials, Mills believes that figure is still insufficient, and further suggested that 21 would be the right fit.

According to Mills, his experience as the Jamaican technical director and coach at several international competitions in the past gives him expert knowledge on what it takes to manage an Olympic delegation.

“Seventeen persons for a team of 65 to 70 is totally inadequate. I know that. I have been there and I’ve done that. I have done at least six or seven Olympics as the technical director and coach,” Mills declared.

“I know what it is to go there and work with so many different athletes and so many responsibilities, So, I cannot see why the number is a problem. How can track and field be struggling to get 17 persons when the minimum based on the requirements should be about 21,” he questioned.

On that note, Mills, the former coach of sprint legend and world record holder Usain Bolt, pointed out that he could have opted to take his expertise elsewhere, but declined offers from two other Olympic associations to join their team for this year’s Olympic Games.

“If it is forced that I recognise the necessity for other coaches who have numerous athletes, I could have gone to the Olympics with other countries. I was offered two full accreditations, full funding, but I could never see myself wearing another country’s colours, but if I am forced to, then I will have to,” he noted.

Meanwhile, JAAA President Garth Gayle explained that efforts to get the Christopher Samuda-led JOA to reconsider, have proved futile, even as he highlighted the need for additional personnel to support athletes across various disciplines.

“We believe this is a reasonable request considering the wide range of disciplines, horizontal jumps, vertical jumps, throws, as well as medical personnel and therapists, we are requesting the JOA to increase the number by three to make it 17. Their response has been 14 and that’s it, but we are asking that they review it," Gayle shared.