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In a crucial development leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) Ad hoc Division is expected to rule on the dispute between hammer thrower Nayoka Clunis and the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, by Sunday, July 21.

Clunis, who earned her spot with a national record throw of 71.83m in May, was initially selected by the JAAA to represent Jamaica in the hammer throw. However, her name was not submitted to World Athletics by the JAAA, leaving her Olympic status in jeopardy. In response, Clunis has sought a ruling from the CAS Ad hoc Division to ensure her inclusion in the hammer throw competition at the Paris Olympics.

The panel of arbitrators, comprising Honourable Annabelle Bennett QC, SC of Australia as President, along with Ms. Carline Dupeyron of France and Olympian Ms. Kristen Thorness of the USA, will hear the case on July 20, 2024. The panel's decision is expected to be announced the following day.

The urgency of Clunis' appeal stems from a lack of response from the JAAA. On Tuesday, Clunis instructed her lawyers to contact CAS if no response was received from the JAAA by 5 p.m. that day. Despite the CAS setting an 11 a.m. Friday deadline for the JAAA to file materials, they reportedly failed to meet this requirement.

Sportsmax.TV sources did indicate that the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), World Athletics (WA) and the IOC have all filed submissions in the dispute.

Clunis' bid for inclusion in the Olympic roster has been fueled by frustration over the JAAA's handling of her case. Her throw, placing her among the top 32 hammer throwers globally this year, underscores her qualification and readiness to compete at the highest level.

A favorable ruling would rectify the administrative oversight and allow Clunis to showcase her talent on the Olympic stage, fulfilling her dream of competing in Paris.

 Clunis is represented by attorneys Dr Emir Crowne and Sayeed Bernard.

In a publication, World Athletics stated that the series is "aptly named JOA/JAAA ‘Olympic Destiny’. The Washington Post newspaper in the United States also had the event on its radar with a report on the explosive world-leading 10.63 performance of sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in the 100 metres.

Performances during the series were also captured in traditional and new media entities worldwide.

Although only in its first year, ‘Olympic Destiny’ has already earned a reputation locally and internationally as a standard-bearer in track and field, which the JOA and its member association, the JAAA, intend to guard jealously.

Contemplating current health challenges and risks and looking to the future, President of the JOA, Christopher Samuda, in a post-event interview, stated that, "Olympic Destiny gave athletes a new and inspired lease on life amidst the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and the national senior trials will be the 'Olympic Verdict' as athletes vie for coveted places at the pinnacle multi-sport the Olympic Games”.

The description, ‘Olympic Verdict’, of the national senior trials, is on point as several events, including the 100m, 200m, 110m hurdles and the triple jump for both men and women, as well as the discus for men, are expected to be competitive and showstoppers.

Secretary-General and CEO of the JOA, Ryan Foster, in anticipating keen contests, remarked that "on D-day at the national senior trials, diplomacy will somewhat give way to assertive rivalry for at the end of it all there will be one verdict, which performances will deliver.”

This year's national senior trials between June 24 and 27 at the National Stadium is indeed the ‘Olympic Verdict’ as "emerging generations will meet experienced campaigners in a decider that will be healthy for the sport, thrilling for the fans and ensure succession," Foster said.

The jury will certainly not be out where the staging of future Destiny series is concerned as the JOA intends to roll out ‘Olympic Destiny’ in 2022 and beyond in athletics and other sports.

"Olympic Destiny is now a staple on the calendar as we have earmarked the summer and winter Games as dramatic watershed events of exciting times ahead of us,'' Samuda declared.

If the significant turnout of athletes and the notable performances are anything to go by, the ‘Olympic Destiny’ Series will become not only a local product of Olympism but an international asset.

Unlike footballers, who get paid a salary, athletes, outside of their endorsement contracts, depend solely on performing for their bread.

With sport shut down, these athletes cannot earn but the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association will not be able to help them.

“With the resources that we have, we are just not able to compensate athletes for lost income,” said Blake in an interview with local newspaper, The Gleaner.

“We have spoken about it at the local level, and we do not have the resources to do so.”

Blake painted a grim forecast for the athletes, saying that based on the way they get paid, there would be no making up for lost income.

“I am not sure they will be able to make up for the lost earnings because they are paid to appear at meets, and if they win, there is prize money,” said Blake.

Thus far, the Jamaican government has not included athletes in its allocation of J$25 billion earmarked for COVID-19 relief, however, Blake is not opposed to speaking to the country’s relevant ministries about providing relief.

Following the decision of Shericka Jackson, Natasha Morrison and Stephenie-Ann McPherson to withdraw from the Jamaican contingent, the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) sought clearance from the Commonwealth Games Federation to bring Williams in to compete in the 100m.

However, by the time the GCF gave that clearance, it proved challenging to get a flight out from the United States that would get the Jamaican sprinter into the UK on time.

A disappointed Williams made the announcement on social media on Monday.

“Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the Commonwealth Games. The race is tomorrow (Tuesday) and I would’ve be getting in extremely late,” she said.

“Thanks to those who helped to try to speed up the process. Really wish I could have been there. Good luck to all the athletes competing.”

The 20-year-old Williams ran 10.94 to finish fourth at the Jamaica National Championships in June. She was a member of the island’s sprint relay squad that won the silver medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships that concluded at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on July 24.

In light of this claim, they have called upon the relevant authorities to immediately authorize the resumption of track and field that will allow the country to maintain its standing in global athletics.

The last track meet was held on March 20, 2021, and with the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships and the World Relays in Poland looming, Jamaica’s athletes will be at a significant disadvantage.

“The current delay is destructive. The psychological and mental damage to our athletes and coaches is almost irreparable. As a nation, we cannot afford a cancellation of ISSA Champs 2021, which the delay will cause. Not only is the competition a major pillar for our world-renowned track and field prowess, it provides the platform for student-athletes to earn athletics scholarships to overseas colleges and universities.”

JATAFCA said that the available data indicates that Jamaica’s student-athletes earn scholarships valued at over J$2 billion. This is a stark contrast to the J$85.791 million allocated in the 2019-20 Estimates of Expenditures for the Ministry of Sports for Athlete’s insurance. No other line item was identified as applicable.

“We, therefore, call upon the authorities to recognize the importance of track and field to the overall national development, the psyche and contribution to the young people of our nation. We implore them to partner with the JAAA, ISSA and their sponsors, to stage these competitions safely and successfully,” they said.

The inactivity, JATAFCA said, is due to the absence of approval by the authorities for the additional competitions organized and managed by the governing body the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA).

“We are made to understand that the authorities are concerned about the spike in COVID-19 cases and the stress on the public health system,” the JATAFCA said in a statement Thursday.

“Let it be clear that we too are equally concerned. We are, however, of the opinion that concern for public health is not diametrically opposed to the staging of COVID-19 safe track and field competitions. It is all about striking a balance, minimize the fallouts, and pursue the things we are best at.”

The coaches’ association said that over a three-week period from February 27 to March 20th, the JAAA staged 20 competitions that saw 39 junior athletes - 27 boys and 12 girls - making the very rigorous qualifying standards for the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi Kenya.

In addition, there was at least one world-leading performance from a senior athlete.

“With some 1500 juniors and close to 300 senior athletes competing in the Qualification Trial Series (QTS), there was no reported positive COVID-19 case(s) among athletes, officials or athlete support personnel,” the coaches said.

“The JAAA executed well and established a blueprint that several countries across the NACAC region, including USA and Canada, have now adopted.

 “We also make the call for authorities to provide clear and immediate responses, within 24 hours, to the applications for permits now in their possession. Further delay would be tantamount to assisting our global competitors in making light of our efforts when we meet on the track or in the field later this year.

“As an association, we will continue to play our part in encouraging our members to practice all the COVID-19 protocols for mask-wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene. They know we hold them to a high standard of compliance, a similar standard that has resulted in us being ranked third in World Athletics.”

Dr. Emir Crowne and Sayeed Bernard represented Clunis, while Ben Cisneros appeared for the JAAA, Ian Wilkinson (KC) for the Jamaica Olympic Association, Catherine Pitre for World Athletics, and Antonio Rigozzi for the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Clunis, who secured her spot for the Paris Olympics with a national record throw of 71.93m in May, was initially selected by the JAAA to represent Jamaica in the hammer throw. However, an administrative oversight led to her name not being submitted to World Athletics, jeopardizing her Olympic participation. In response, Clunis sought a ruling from the CAS Ad hoc Division to ensure her inclusion in the hammer throw competition.

The panel of arbitrators, led by Honourable Annabelle Bennett QC, SC of Australia as President, along with Ms. Carline Dupeyron of France and Ms. Kristen Thorness Oly of the USA, initially aimed to announce their decision on Sunday, July 21. However, the complexity of the case necessitated an extension to Monday.

Clunis' appeal highlights the urgency of the situation, particularly given the lack of timely communication from the JAAA. After receiving no response from the JAAA by a specified deadline, Clunis instructed her legal team to escalate the matter to CAS. The JAAA was subsequently given until 11 a.m. on Friday, July 19, to file materials, a deadline they reportedly did not meet.

Orville Byfield has been appointed head coach and will have Dwayne Jarrett, Michael Vassell and Grace Bourah as his support staff that will marshal the squad that mainly features US-based collegiate field-event athletes.

The 13-member men’s team includes, hammer thrower Daniel Cope, long jumper Jordan Turner, triple jumpers O’Brien Wasome and Owayne Owens as well as high jumper Raymond Richards and javelin thrower Elvis Graham.

 Giano Roberts and Odario Phillips will compete in the 110m Hurdles while Jevaughn White is the lone representative in the 100m. Rajay Hamilton and Tarees Rhoden are down to contest the 800m and Troy White is set to take on the 400m hurdles. Zidane Brown will participate in the 400m.

Among the women, Adrienne Adams and Marie Forbes will contest the discus throw while Danielle Sloley competes in the Shot Put.

Erica Belvit and Forbes will contest the Hammer Throw.

Lashanna Graham has double duty in the 400m and 400m hurdles while Yanique Dayle will challenge for medals in the 100m and 200m.

The delegation is also comprised of a support team that includes team manager Brian Smith, assistant manager Marva Samuels, physiotherapists Dionne Bennett, Kamla Forbes and Rockecia Wynter.

Williams set a world-leading time of 7.75 at Clemson on February 11, which makes her a medal favourite for the championships. Anderson, 21, ran a lifetime best of 7.82 in Louisville, Kentucky, making her fourth-best in the world this year. Besides her compatriot, only Americans Kendra Harrison and Alia Armstrong, who have both run 7.81 have gone faster.

Goule, who ran world-leading times twice so far this season, has the second-fastest time in the world over 800m this indoor season. Her 1:58:46 set in France on February 17, is only bettered by Keely Hodgkinson's 1:57.20 set in Birmingham on February 19.

The 19-member team also includes Briana Williams, whose 7.09 makes her the second-fastest Jamaican and sixth-fastest in the world over 60m this year and Shericka Jackson, whose personal best of 7.12 makes her the third-fastest Jamaican and tied for 14th in the world for 2022.

The female dominant team also includes Danielle Thomas-Dodd for the shot put, Kimberly Williams in the triple jump as well as Roneisha McGregor and Stephenie-Ann McPherson for the 400m.

 Junelle Bromfield, who is an alternate for the 400m, Tiffany James, Tovea Jenkins, Janieve Russell as well as McPherson and McGregor comprise the 4x400m relay squad.

Christopher Taylor has been named for the 400m while Ronald Levy will go in the 60m hurdles and Nigel Ellis will compete in the 60m dash.

Quarrie, 69, is campaigning to become the next president of the association when votes are cast at the JAAA Annual General Meeting in late November. Incumbent president Dr. Warren Blake has said that he will not seek re-election and General Secretary Garth Gayle is said to be favoured to replace him.

That has not gone down well with Quarrie, who believes it is time for change.

“It’s the same people who are going to be in. The same deck of cards, only shuffled a different way,” the six-time Commonwealth champion said, indicating that the current torpidity is proving to be detrimental to Jamaican athletics.

An indication of the stagnation, Quarrie said, was the JAAA’s inability to capitalize on the success eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt, when he was at the peak of his powers.

“It’s not even about taking advantage, we didn’t know how,” Quarrie declared on Saturday during an interview on Sportsnation Live on Nationwide Radio in Kingston.

“We didn’t have the personnel to do it.”

Quarrie revealed that there was a plan was in place to capitalize on the remarkable success Jamaica was experiencing just over a decade ago when athletes like Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Yohan Blake, were the best in the world in what was arguably the most dominant period of the country’s track and field history.

However, that plan died along with then president Howard Aris.

“I was on the board up to 2011 after Howard passed. At that period there was a move to do so but Howard passed. After that, everything stood still and we never reached out to get the experts who could market the association, experts who could guide us,” the 1976 Olympic champion said.

“Instead, we were holding to something that had great value but we couldn’t see it and we didn’t capitalize on it. That is why we are in the position we are now.”

Quarrie said his love and dedication to Jamaica’s athletics is what has motivated him to try and make a difference.

A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, where she shared the track with compatriot Kevona Davis and St Lucia's track sensation Julien Alfred, Lanae-Tava Thomas boasts impressive personal bests of 11.06 in the 100m and 22.38 in the 200m. Born in Jamaica and educated at Vaz Prep, she migrated to the United States over a decade ago and pursued her studies in Human Biology at the University of Texas.

Thomas's desire to represent Jamaica led her to initiate the complex process of transferring allegiance from the United States. However, administrative roadblocks threatened to shatter her dreams, as she discovered last July after the Jamaica national championships to select a team for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Devastated after finishing third in the 200m, Thomas believed she had secured a spot on her first national team for the World Championships, only to learn that her transfer had not been completed. In an exclusive interview, Thomas recounted the emotional turmoil she experienced during that tumultuous period.

“I was informed (by World Athletics) that whenever I sent through the transfer, it was completed. I was informed that it was already completed by the time I started competing (at the national championships). So then we got there they said that I needed to get a passport or something like that for the transfer to be… I don't even remember the term they used,” Thomas revealed.

The confusion persisted as Thomas, armed with the belief that her transfer was complete, faced further setbacks at the national stadium after advancing to the finals of the 200m.

 “They (meet officials) kept leaving me off the finals board, saying that I couldn't compete in the finals because of something to do with the transfer. And I said ‘No, my transfer was already completed, I have the passport and everything was already set, which is what both I and JAAA had thought."

Yet, the twist of fate unfolded when World Athletics emailed her coach Eldrick Floreal, revealing the transfer was not completed due to a scheduling change. Thomas, left in the dark, faced the harsh reality that she would miss the World Championships despite her outstanding performance.

“It was traumatic. After the national championship, I was so excited. I feel like as a track and field athlete, the two things you look forward to are World Championships and Olympics," she said. "So competing and making it into the World Championship, not because of any technicality but because you actually run and place, that's like a great thing for you to achieve, it's just something that is very hard to do, especially for Jamaica."

Reflecting on the moment she discovered she wasn't on the team to Budapest, Thomas shared, "It was very devastating. They didn't notify me whatsoever when they posted the list online of all the athletes competing for Jamaica, and I wasn't on it. That's when I was notified. No one, no one like World Athletics, nobody had told me personally that I wasn't competing."

Despite the heartbreak, Thomas remained resilient. The completion of her transfer of allegiance in October 2023 opened the door to a renewed sense of hope and determination. As she anticipates the Jamaica national championships in June, where a top-three finish secures her spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Thomas, who signed a professional contract with PUMA following the Jamaican trials, is eager to make a statement.

“It feels so great. All I will say is that they better be ready for me. I already competed last year and proved that we can do what we can do. They're not supposed to expect nothing less. I'm just going to get there and do what I've been doing, what I can do, and what I have done in the past. Nobody can stop me from there," she declared with confidence.

Speaking with Sportsmax.TV, an emotional Weakly expressed his gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on his journey from a small community in Montego Bay to the global stage. “I feel very honored to be recognized among my fellow Olympians and friends for accomplishments on and off the track. As you might know, my career started in a small community in Montego Bay, St. James, at Barnett Oval. I took part in cricket and football but found success in track and field at St. Elizabeth Technical High School," said Weakly.

Weakly's illustrious 15-year career saw him compete in two Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games, and two World Championships. His notable achievements include winning the 400m hurdles at the Jamaican Athletics Championships in 2001 and achieving his personal best time of 48.55 seconds at the 2003 Trikala Super Grand Prix in Athens, Greece.

Reflecting on his early years, Weakly shared how his passion for track and field began. "I discovered my love for track and field in high school, where I also played football and soccer as a captain and goalkeeper, respectively. My career truly took off in 1992 when I switched to the 400m hurdles, leading to victories at the Carifta Games, a silver medal at the World Junior Championship in Korea, and a bronze at the Pan American Games in Canada," he reminisced.

After graduating from George Mason University in 1996, where he secured the NCAA Indoor Team title, Weakly joined Jamaica’s national team. He went on to secure numerous accolades, including second place in the 4x400m relay at the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, third place in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and second place at the Monaco World Athletics finals.

Since retiring in 2008, Weakly has pursued a successful career in real estate and remains active in his community. He is an avid gardener and finds solace in his connection with nature. He also enjoys running, hiking, and biking. A dedicated community volunteer, Weakly gives back through his membership with the Rotary Club and has spearheaded humanitarian projects in Jamaica, such as providing potable water to a primary school in Dumfries.

Currently, Weakly serves as a World Athletics Athlete representative and manages Jamaican athletes Danniel Thomas-Dodd and Rajindra Campbell. He emphasized his commitment to continuing his service to the community and promoting the Olympic spirit. "I will continue to serve my community and local schools in Jamaica, and trust that Heavenly Father will be proud of my work on earth. It brings great joy again to be recognized by my fellow Olympians. I continue to share the Olympic spirit to build a peaceful and better world in the Olympic spirit which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play," he said.

Clare, who is unable to attend Tuesday night’s event due to prior commitments, also expressed his gratitude at being recognized for the work he has done with Team Jamaica Bickle, a non-profit that provides support to Caribbean athletes who are participating at the annual Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia in the United States.

“Recognition from organizations like this fills my day. I was truly moved by that recognition. It is an awesome group, kudos to them because they are truly trailblazers, continued ambassadors, reminding people of the type of hard work and discipline you have to put into the craft and that there is life also after track.”

However, the 38-year-old Frater, a vice president in the new administration led by Garth Gayle, believes that the athletes need to do a better job in championing the fight for the resources they need.

Garth Gayle convincingly defeated challenger Donald Quarrie in Saturday's election gaining 236 votes to 28 for the 1976 Olympic gold medalists. Marie Tavares, the new Honorary Secretary defeated Anthony Davis to fill the position vacated by the new president, who campaigned on transforming the JAAA. Frater insisted that engaging the athletes will be a key part of that transformation.

“What we need is a lot more input from the athletes, those who are still competing and those who have already retired. That is one of the things we are lacking. We need to have more dialogue with the athletes,” he said.

“Every organization now has an athletes commission and the voice of the athletes need to be heard. We are going to take more initiatives to get athletes onboard in the administrative room.

“For the last eight years I have been the only one in the boardroom so I think we are now going to have a change. There are going to be some posts and some athletes who are going to be co-opted to the organization so we can have better input with what is actually going on with the athletes nowadays.”

That said, Frater admits that engaging the athletes might present a challenge to the JAAA, an organization that many athletes did not believe was working in their best interests and one that carries grudges.

Retired Olympian, Novlene Williams-Mills addressed that concern in a recent interview with the Jamaica Gleaner.

“Whoever is in office needs to take their personal feelings and put them aside and stop holding it against the athletes for everything the athletes do and say because too many athletes are being punished for even having an opinion,” the 2015 World Championship gold medalist said.

Those concerns and similar others are a real concern for the many of the athletes, who for the most part keep their distance from the JAAA. Only 15 percent of the delegates who voted in Saturday’s elections were either past or current athletes. Frater admits that it is a concern.

“That’s a difficult one. I think the athletes themselves need to take the initiative to realize how important they are. Only 15 per cent of the delegates were athletes and that can’t be so,” he said.

“The athletes should make their voices heard. They need to get involved. They can talk all they want on the sidelines, especially with an election, they need to come and cast their votes as to who they think will be the better leaders and the direction they want the association to take.

“I have always asked for the athletes to be more engaged, more involved. You can’t just, after you retire, just disappear. Most of the athletes nowadays, once they retire; not that they don’t give back; but from the sidelines. That can’t be the case. You have to look out for the generation that is coming behind you.”

 Frater believes the two have to meet if the JAAA's transformation is to be successful.

"We are now in a difficult situation with Covid-19. We need to grow the organization. We need more corporate support. Once we get athletes involved and corporate sponsors can see where their dollars are going and how it's actually changing and helping athletes, I think we should go a far way," he said.

A Jamaican quartet will race at a World Athletics Continental Tour track and field meet to be held at Prairie View, Houston, Texas on May 25.

“So far Nigeria and Canada are down to compete in the race,” said JAAA General Secretary Marie Tavares. “But we understand that I least one other team will be involved.”

Jamaica is provisionally qualified in 11th position with the top 16 teams to be accepted into the relay pool at the Olympics. That qualifying time (38.15) was achieved in the semifinals of the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, 2019. 

The need for a race escalated after Jamaica was forced to withdraw from the IAAF World Relays which took place in Poland last weekend.

 This past weekend, a team of Asafa Powell, Julian Forte, Yohan Blake and Oshane Bailey posted a time of 38.33, the second-fastest in the world this year.

Clunis, a four-time Jamaican national champion and current national record holder, filed a last-minute appeal to the CAS Ad Hoc Division on Friday after she qualified for and was selected by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to represent Jamaica in the hammer throw competition in Paris, but her name was not submitted by the local governing body to World Athletics.

“The application filed by Ms Nayoka Clunis (JAM), who sought a decision from the CAS ad hoc Division directing that she be included on the appropriate list to participate in the hammer throw competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, could not be entertained as it was filed outside the jurisdiction of the CAS ad hoc Division Paris 2024. As a consequence, the case could not be reviewed on the merits.” the CAS ad hoc division release stated on Monday.

It continued, “Nayoka Clunis was qualified and selected by the JAAA to represent Jamaica in the hammer throw competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, but her name was not submitted by the JAAA to World Athletics (WA) due to an unfortunate omission. The unused quota was reallocated to another athlete, Iryna Klymets (Ukraine).”

The JAAA expressed that they were “deeply saddened” by the situation in a release of their own on Monday.

“We note the decision of the ad hoc panel of CAS that they do not have jurisdiction to hear the matter as the dispute arose outside the 10 days window for disputes relating to the Olympic Games,” the release stated.

It continued: “At all times we (JAAA) have been supportive of the athlete’s participation at the Olympic Games and in fact had petitioned World Athletics to include her in the list of participating athletes even if it meant increasing the number of participants to 33.”

The Association noted that while World Athletics didn’t alter their position of 32 participants, they maintained that if any vacancy arises, it would be allocated to Clunis.

The statement continued: “Notwithstanding the above CAS also made note that the respondent (JAAA) would have been unable to provide the relief being sought by the applicant (Clunis) and that World Athletics and the IOC would be the ones that could provide that relief. Again, we are deeply saddened that this situation continues and are making every effort in the hope that World Athletics and the IOC will find a way to enable Ms. Clunis to compete in the Olympics.”

Clunis set a new national record of 71.83m at the USATF Throws Festival in Tucson, Arizona in May, one of three throws she’s had over 70m this season.

She represented the country at the World Championships in Budapest last year and this  would’ve been her first appearance at the Olympics.

JAAA President Garth Gayle expressed gratitude for Puma’s unwavering support, particularly during the challenging pandemic years. “Puma has been an invaluable partner, supporting grassroots initiatives, high school programs, and major national events like the Boys and Girls Championships and the Gibson Relays,” Gayle noted. “Their commitment far exceeds that of their competitors, ensuring we can continue to deliver excellence in athletics.” This renewed sponsorship, Gayle emphasized, will bolster the JAAA’s efforts to sustain Jamaica’s dominance on the global stage while fostering talent development at home.

In addition to the sponsorship announcement, the AGM saw the unopposed return of the JAAA executive, including Gayle as president. However, some changes were made to the team, reflecting a focus on inclusivity and modernization. Gayle reiterated the association's commitment to increasing athlete involvement in its operations by establishing sub-committees that accommodate their training and competition schedules. "We share the concern of those who ask for more participation by our athletes and are addressing this with structured opportunities for involvement," Gayle said.

Gayle used the platform to advocate for greater collaboration between the JAAA and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA). He urged the Minister of Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, to convene a joint meeting in the new year, emphasizing the importance of unity in advancing Jamaican sports. "The ‘Jamaica’ in the names of both associations reminds us that we serve under one flag with the development and opportunities for our athletes and sportspersons our shared commitment," Gayle stated.

Reflecting on 2024, Gayle highlighted significant milestones, including the hosting of key local events such as the JAAA/Puma Development Meet and the Jamaica National Junior & Senior Championships. Jamaican athletes also shone on the international stage, competing in six major competitions, including the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow and the Paris Olympics. While acknowledging challenges, Gayle celebrated the resilience and dedication of athletes and coaches. The JAAA also saluted its technical teams, volunteers, and stakeholders for their contributions, including Doctors Bruce and Blake for their work with the Athletes Integrity Unit and the Anti-Doping Commission.

As the JAAA looks to the future, Gayle emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration to build on Jamaica’s track and field legacy. He expressed optimism about upcoming initiatives, including enhanced coaching development and expanded competition opportunities at the regional and international levels.

In closing, Gayle led a moment of silence to honor members of the track and field community who passed away over the past year, affirming the JAAA’s commitment to their legacy and to fostering an environment where athletes can thrive. With the renewed Puma sponsorship, the unopposed return of the executive, and a unified vision for the future, the JAAA is well-positioned to continue driving the success of Jamaican athletics.

Leading the charge is sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who will make her fifth Olympic appearance after debuting in Beijing in 2008. Joining her is newcomer Kishane Thompson, the fastest man in the world this year, who headlines a strong contingent of sprinters that includes Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake. Jamaica's men's 100m team is eager to reclaim Olympic glory after missing out on medals in Tokyo 2020.

The women's sprint squad also features exciting new talent, with Tia Clayton, Lanae-Tava Thomas, and Niesha Burgher making their Olympic debuts. Janeek Brown and Ackera Nugent, both newcomers, are set to compete in the hurdles, adding depth to Jamaica's lineup along with two-time world champion Danielle Williams.

Shericka Jackson, aiming for her individual first Olympic gold, seeks redemption after a missed opportunity in Tokyo. Jackson, along with Thomas, who has shown impressive form this season, and Niesha Burgher will bolster Jamaica's medal prospects in the 200m. Andrew Hudson and Bryan Levell will take on the men's half-lap sprint.

In the field events, NCAA National Division One high jump champion Romaine Beckford makes his Olympic debut. Beckford, who won the NCAA title in June with a season-best 2.27m, hopes to translate his collegiate success to the Olympic stage.

 Lamara Distin will join Beckford in the high jump, representing the women's team.

The team also includes several standout athletes in various disciplines.

In the 400m, Junelle Bromfield, Stacey Ann Williams, and newly minted national record holder Nickisha Pryce will represent the women, with Stephenie Ann McPherson as a reserve. The men's team features Sean Bailey, Deandre Watkin, and Jevaughn Powell, with Rusheen McDonald serving as a reserve.

In middle-distance events, Natoya Goule-Toppin and Adelle Tracey will compete in the 800m, with Tracey also taking on the 1500m. On the men's side, Navasky Anderson will represent Jamaica in the 800m.

The hurdles events will see Janeek Brown, new national record holder Ackera Nugent, and Danielle Williams competing in the women's 100m hurdles, with Megan Tapper as a reserve. The men's 110m hurdles team includes Orlando Bennett, Rasheed Broadbell, and Hansle Parchment, with Tyler Mason as a reserve.

For the 400m hurdles, Rushell Clayton, Shiann Salmon, and Janieve Russell will compete for the women, with Andrenette Knight as a reserve. The men's team includes Roshawn Clarke, Jaheel Hyde, and Malik James-King, with Assinie Wilson as a reserve.

In the long jump, Chanice Porter and Ackelia Smith will represent the women, while Tajay Gayle, Carey McLeod, and Wayne Pinnock will compete for the men.

The triple jump team includes Shanieka Ricketts, Kimberly Williams, and Ackelia Smith for the women, and Jaydon Hibbert and Jordan Scott for the men.

In the discus throw, Samantha Hall will compete for the women, while Roje Stona, Ralford Mullings, and Traves Smikle will represent the men's team, with Fedrick Dacres as a reserve.

In the shot put, Lloydricia Cameron and Danniel Thomas-Dodd will compete for the women, with Rajindra Campbell representing the men. Nayoka Clunis will compete in the hammer throw for the women.

The relay teams feature a strong mix of talent. The women's 4x100m relay team includes Tia Clayton, Shashalee Forbes, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson, with Alana Reid as a reserve. The men's 4x100m relay team consists of Ackeem Blake, Jehlani Gordon, Oblique Seville, and Kishane Thompson, with Jelani Walker as a reserve.

For the women's 4x400m relay, Junelle Bromfield, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Nickisha Pryce, and Stacey Ann Williams will compete, with Ashley Williams as a reserve. The mixed 4x400m relay team includes Andrenette Knight, Charokee Young, Zandrian Barnes, and Raheem Hayles, with Stephenie Ann McPherson and Kimar Farquharson as reserves.

The selection of relay teams will be at the discretion of the Technical Leader and his team. With a mix of experienced athletes and emerging stars, Jamaica's team is set to make a significant impact at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

For the most part, all types of track and field competitions across the island have been shuttered since last year, as part of efforts to halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

In order to resume, sports administrations must submit a series of plans that illustrate how it is that sporting events will comply with the strict protocols set out by the goverment's Disaster Risk Management orders.

The JAAA, who have submitted the documents, is confident they have put together a strong proposal and pointed to the fact that the proposal has been shared with other North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) members, who are expected to adopt several of the recommendations.

Among the organisations proposals are the provision of COVID protocol marshals, trained by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to oversee competitions and training; hosted sensitisation sessions with coaches, team managers, and athletes, a guide for meet organisers, and a team manual for competitors.

According to the JAAA, they are yet to be given a response from the authorities but have in the meantime urged athletes to continue to prepare for the upcoming season and to continue following the existing protocols.

"Rupert was known as a hard worker with talent to boot. He was good enough to make the Olympic team even as a Kingston College schoolboy coming out of Boys Championships," said Garth Gayle. "We owe our current successes to athletes like Hoilett who toiled hard for success and lifted the name of Jamaica even when there was not much to gain from the sport. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Condolences to his family and friends," concluded Gayle.

Hoilett came to public attention at the Boys Championships when he won the the 440 yards race in 49.3 seconds, which at the time was the first sub-50-second clocking in the history of the event.

He would later book a place on the Jamaica team to Tokyo Olympics with an improved 49.1 seconds and was given the honour of carrying the nation's flag during the opening ceremonies.

In 2019, Hoilett’s property on Skibo Avenue in Kingston was damaged by fire.

Jamaica will be sending 35 athletes in the under-18 section and 31 in the under-23 section.

Among the selections in the Under-18 Girls section are Jamaica’s newly-crowned Under-18 and Under-20 100m champions, Abigail Wolfe and Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, while Jamaica’s under-18 boys and Carifta Under-17 champion, Tramaine Todd, headlines the Boys team.

The Under-23 Girls are headlined by national junior discus record holder, Cedricka Williams, while newly crowned national Under-20 double-sprint champion, Javorne Dunkley, headlines the Under-23 Boys.

The teams are as follows:

Under-18 Girls: Briana Campbell, Sabrina Dockery, Shanoya Douglas, Canelia Hope, Chennai Jarrett, Rhianna Lewis, Able Mills, Shamoyea Morris, Jaeda Robinson, Rohanna Sudlow, Shelley Ann Taylor, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, Abigail Wolfe, Abrina Wright

Under-18 Boys: Benjamin Berry, Rashid Bowen, Kaheim Carby, Gary Card, Michael-Andre Edwards, Anthony Hall, Shavan Jarrett, Romario Jibbison, Jabari Matheson, Ainsley McGregor, Joel Morgan, Chavez Penn, Antonio Powell, Joseph Salmon, Javonte Smith, Trevoy Smith, Tramaine Todd, Omarie Williamson, Joshua Wint, Daneil Wright

Under-23 Girls: Shana Kaye Anderson, Shaquena Foote, Mickaell Moodie, Crystal Morrison, Rhianna Phipps, Joanne Reid, Danielle Sloley, Garriel White, Cedricka Williams, Damali Williams

Under-23 Boys: D’Andre Anderson, Zandrion Barnes, Romaine Beckford, Javorne Dunkley, Demar Francis, Jehlani Gordon, Jaheem Hayles, Reheem Hayles, Delano Kennedy, Adrian Kerr, Kavian Kerr, Kobe Lawrence, Bryan Levell, Alexavier Monfires, Ralford Mullings, Gregory Prince, Jordan Turner, Enrique Webster, Travis Williams, Assinie Wilson, Jordani Woodley

The second meet will be held this Saturday, May 7 at the National Stadium starting at 5pm. 

The remaining events scheduled for May 7, 21 and June 4 will feature: 100m M/W, 200m M/W, 400m M/W, 400mH M/W, 100mH W, 110mH M, Long Jump (M/W), Discus (W/M).

“Track and field has been a major part of Jamaica’s history, and in the 60th year, we will continue to provide suitable competition for our senior athletes,” says JAAA President Garth Gayle.

“We thought we should offer our senior athletes an opportunity to sharpen their performances for the National Championships and other professional outings leading into the World Championships in July,” he added.

The events will be at the National Stadium and will run for two hours on each occasion running from 5 - 7 pm. As part of the offer, the JAAA will allow its dedicated fans to enter the Grandstand free of cost. 

The event is being held in partnership with the Sport Development Foundation (SDF) and PUMA.