Skip to main content

Natoya Goule

10.62! Shelly runs another world-leading time as Caribbean athletes impress in Monaco

The 35-year-old Jamaican ran a meet record of 10.62 for victory but Shericka Jackson ran a lifetime best of 10.71 to take the runner-up spot just ahead of Marie Jose Ta Lou, who ran a personal best and area record 10.72 for third.

Aleia Hobbs of the United States equalled her season-best 10.81 for fourth.

This was the record-extending sixth consecutive final in which the diminutive Jamaican has run faster than 10.70 seconds and the two-time Olympic champion was quite pleased with the performance but hinted that she is planning to take a break after what has been an intense schedule.

“I had now three back-to-back races so I will take some time for recovery and see what I´m able to do with some rest before I come back,” she said.

“I did what I needed to do and we had fun and let the clock do the talking. I cannot be disappointed with the season. To be able to run 10.6 consistently means a lot to me. It is remarkable. It is very hard to keep the speed at this high level.

“I´m in my late 30’s and I think I feel like I have more to give. I look forward to doing my personal best for the rest of the season and run fast.”

The Jamaican speed-queen was not the only Caribbean winner at the meet on the night as Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas raced to a fast 49.28 to win the 400m in commanding fashion over Candice McLeod who ran a season-best 49.89, her first time under 50 seconds for the season. Finishing third was Commonwealth Games champion Sada Williams, who ran 51.10.

Commonwealth Games finalist Rushell Clayton ran a brand new lifetime best of 53.33 to win the 400m hurdles to defeat Commonwealth Games champion Janieve Russell, who ran a season-best 53.52.

Panama’s Gianna Woodruff was third in 54.13.

Natoya Goule rebounded from the disappointment of just missing out on a medal at the Commonwealth Games to run a season-best 1:56.98.

Goule won by five metres ahead Sage Hurta ran a new personal best of 1:57.85. Her compatriot Olivia Baker was third in a season-best 1:58:05.

“I feel extremely proud because I finally dropped the time under 57. I knew it was in me…this is really the track where you can run fast but I am just thankful for the win and the season best,” said Goule who missed out on a medal by 0.01 at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

“I just wanted to ensure I ran a smart race because it was getting fast. I am glad that I finished strong because sometimes when you run 56, you do not have the kick but I still got it today. I was so happy when I crossed the line and saw the time. It would be nice to get a PR this season. I know it is a bit challenging but I take it step by step.”

Hansle Parchment, still recovering from the injury that kept him out of the finals of the 110m hurdles at the 2022 World Championships and the Commonwealth Games ran a season-best 13.08 but finished third to Grant Holloway, who ran a 12.99 season-best for the win.

NCAA champion Trey Cunningham ran 13.03 for second place.

In the field, Shanieka Ricketts jumped 14.91, her second-best mark of the season to be runner-up to Olympic and World Champion Yulimar Rojas, who needed a mark of 15.01 to take the win.

The USA’s Tori Franklin jumped a lifetime best of 14.86 for third place.

Noah Lyles of the USA raced to a meet record 19.46 to win the 200m leaving teen sensation Erriyon Knighton 19.84 and Michael Norman 19.95 floundering in his wake.

After fastest 400m in a decade, Natoya Goule says she has a lot more left in the tank

Goule, who turned 30 in March, clocked 52.22 to win ahead of University of Central Florida’s Latasha Smith and Alabama State’s Kyana Evans, who ran 53.88 and 54.25, for second and third, respectively.

It was Goule’s fastest quarter-mile since she ran 51.52 in El Paso, Texas in April 2011.

 “I felt great. That was my second fastest 400 that I ever ran and the fastest since college so I am very pleased,” said the 30-year-old 800m specialist, who also ran as the pacesetter in the 800m.

“I think there is more in the tank and I have another 400 scheduled so I am looking forward to it and also see if I can better this time that I ran yesterday (Saturday).

She runs that next 400 in Athens, Georgia this coming weekend and explained that these 400m races and the 1500m she ran at the Florida State Relays in March, are all part of her plan to improve on her 800m for the Olympics this summer.

“I am working on both strength and speed. It is very important to have a balance for the 800m,” she explained.

“Actually, in previous years I also ran the 1500 and 400. The only difference now is that I am much stronger and my times have improved.”

She remains optimistic that the improved times in these other distances will help her run faster than her personal 1:56.15 run in Monaco in July 2018, which is also Jamaica’s national record. Should that happen, it is likely she will improve on her sixth-place finish at the 2019 World Championships in Doha where Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi won the gold medal in 1:58.04.

Anderson and Charlton advance in Women's 60m Hurdles, Goule through to Women's 800m Final, Ellis, Brathwaite advance in Men's 60m

Charlton won the fifth heat in 8.02, while Anderson finished third in the sixth heat, in 8.10.

The region will be well represented in the semi-finals of the Men’s 60m as well. Mario Burke of Barbados and Jamaica’s Nigel Ellis both ran 6.64, a personal best for Ellis, to finish second and third in the second heat to advance.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jerod Elcock finished second in heat five with 6.63 to progress, while heat six saw Guyana’s Travis Collins and Rikkoi Brathwaite of the British Virgin Islands run the same time (6.66) to finish as the top two.

The semi-finals and finals of both the Women’s 60m Hurdles and Men’s 60m are scheduled for later on Saturday.

Jamaica's Natoya Goule won her heat in 2:01.65 to advance in the Women’s 800m. The final is scheduled for Sunday.

Camperdown takes 4x100m title as 2022 Penn Relays come to a close

The team of Rimando Thomas, Junior Harris, Jason Lewis, and Roshawn Clarke sped to 40.13 to narrowly finish ahead of Jamaica College (40.16) and St. Jago (40.17).

Kingston College were also winners on the day as the team of Amal Glasgow, Shaemar Uter, Emmanuel Rwotomiya and Marcinho Rose combined to run 3:09.52 to win the Championship of America High School boys 4x400m final ahead of Bullis School from Maryland (3:11.90) and St. Jago (3:12.09).

Jamaica College’s super 4x800m team was victorious in the Championship of America High School boys final.

Omarion Davis, Handal Roban, Kemarrio Bygrave, and J’Voughnn Blake combined to dominate the field in 7:28.38. Ridge High School from New Jersey ran 7:41.59 for second while West Springfield from Virginia ran 7:45.14.

In individual events, Jamaican Phillip Lemonious, competing for the University of Arkansas, won the College men’s 110m hurdles in 13.48 ahead of Jaheem Hayles of Syracuse (13.57) and Clemson’s Devon Brooks (13.62).

Rikkoi Brathwaite from the British Virgin Islands won the College men’s 100m in 10.28 competing for Indiana University. Ohio State’s Eric Harris was second with the same time, while Houston’s Edward Sumler IV was third in 10.30.

Jamaican Olympic 800m finalist Natoya Goule was second in the Olympic Development Women's Elite 600m in 1:24.09 behind reigning American Olympic 800m champion Athing Mu (1:22.75). The USA's Nia Akins ran 1:25.14 for third. Another Jamaican, Rajay Hamilton, ran 1:16.00 to finish second in the men's equivalent behind Ghana's Alex Amankwah (1:15.88).The USA's Kameron Jones was third in 1:16.47.

Jamaican 400m specialist Rusheen McDonald was second in the men's 300m in 32.69, narrowly losing out to Nigeria's Chidi Okezie who ran 32.68 to win. American Will London III ran 32.71 for third.

Former Olympic and World champion Omar McLeod ran 13.22 for second in the men's 110m hurdles. American Devon Allen ran a meet record 13.11 for victory while his countryman Jaylan McConico was third in 13.70.

Jamaica’s Roje Stona, competing for Clemson, was second in the College men’s discus with 65.11m. Virginia’s Claudio Romero was the winner with 67.11m and Army’s Jamir Gibson was third with 59.04m.

Another Jamaican, Romaine Beckford competing for the University of South Florida, jumped over 2.23m to win the College men’s high jump ahead of Ohio State’s Shaun Miller Jr (2.23m) and Princeton’s Jeff Hollis (2.17m).

Clayton leads Jamaican sweep while Paulino and dos Santos dominate at Bislett Games Diamond League

World leader Rushell Clayton continued her stellar season, winning the 400m hurdles in 54.02 seconds despite challenging weather conditions. Clayton, who has been dominant in the event, controlled the race from the start and pulled away decisively towards the end. Compatriot Andrenette Knight finished second with a season-best 54.63 after a strong challenge but faded after the final hurdle. Commonwealth Games champion Janieve Russell rounded out the Jamaican sweep, securing third place with a season-best 55.07.

Clayton, whose time of 53.72 is fastest in the world this year was happy with the win.

"I have never expected the conditions like that but nevertheless, it was a good race. My execution felt well and I cannot ask for more than to win. It is always good to win. Each race is a challenge and I am working towards a bigger goal," she said breathlessly afterward.

"So whenever these ladies decide to compete, I will be there to do the same, to compete. My next plans: to train, train, train... and I need to do the national championships. I am literally training through all these meets. I have training tomorrow, the next day, I do what my coach decides. It is hurting. My main goal - to get to the Olympics and to win a medal. My last and ultimate goal of the season."

The men's 400m hurdles race lived up to the hype, even with the late withdrawal of world-leading Rai Benjamin with a niggle. Brazilian star Alison dos Santos seized the opportunity, delivering a world-leading time of 46.63 to claim victory. Dos Santos put immense pressure on world record holder Karsten Warholm, who stumbled at the final hurdle, allowing the Brazilian to surge ahead. Warholm finished second in 46.70, the same time he clocked when he set the world record in 2021.

WE

Excited by how well he performed, the Brazilian confidently stated that there is even more to come from him this season.

"It felt good and I loved this track, the people and the energy. It is always good to come here, to come out and be able to win. It was a tough race but I wanted to show I am there, I am ready and in good shape and that I can go even faster," he remarked.

"I was excited about this race and now I am excited about the next one to see how much I can do. The conditions were like a bit wet but it is the same for everyone. I just had to keep the mindset that I wanted to win. And I am proud that I managed to win."

With the likes of Benjamin to join the battle later this summer, Dos Santos said he is anticipating incredible performances in Paris.

"It is going to be amazing in Paris 2024. I am so excited about the things I can do. Everything before Paris is just a preparation for that. So it is going to be like awesome. Only thing I can say is just: Watch!"

In the women's 400m, Marileidy Paulino showcased her class, winning in a season-best 49.30. Paulino led the race from start to finish, pulling away from Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek, who finished second with a season-best 49.80. The USA’s Alexis Holmes took third place in 50.40. Notably, Sada Williams of Barbados finished fifth in a season-best 50.71.

Paulino was pleased with her performance. "I felt good tonight. I thought the weather conditions would be unpleasant but it turned out nice. I am training hard in order to be able to do these times at the right time. I would like to improve the second part of my race."

Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith dominated the men's 400m, clocking an impressive 44.07, the second-fastest time in the world this year. Olympic champion Kirani James was a distant second in 44.58, followed closely by Vernon Norwood, who finished third in 44.68.

Shericka Jackson, who had been aiming to improve on her 22.82 performance in Rabat, struggled in the 200m, finishing fifth with a time of 22.97. The race was won by the USA’s Brittany Brown, who edged out Marie-Josée Ta Lou at the line with a time of 22.32. Ta Lou also set a season-best of 22.36, demonstrating her strong form this season. Daryll Neita finished third with her best time this season, clocking 22.50.

Jamaica’s Natoya Goule-Toppin delivered another sub-two-minute performance in the women's 800m, finishing second with her fastest time this season at 1:59.10. South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso won the race with a time of 1:58.66, while Catriona Bissett of Australia took third in 1:59.29.

The Bislett Games provided a mix of highs and lows for the athletes, with standout performances in the 400m and 400m hurdles capturing the attention of the nearly full house at Bislett Stadium. As the Diamond League continues, athletes like Clayton and Paulino will look to build on their successes, while Jackson aims to regroup and refocus ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Danielle Williams joins forces with 7evnz Media Group for a promising new chapter

This partnership marks a significant step in Williams' career as she endeavours to extend her influence and reach beyond the track. The talented athlete has an impressive resume, including her World Championship gold in 2015 and a bronze in 2019, making her one of the most accomplished hurdlers in the world.

Reflecting on her decision to join forces with 7evnz Media Group, Williams stated, "It is pretty important to me. I've always been resistant to the notion that I have to build a brand because I didn't think that was my personality. But I'm open to it now. I feel like the time is now."

Williams expressed her appreciation for the agency, emphasizing the family-oriented approach and the admiration she holds for the athletes they represent. She continued, "I've chosen 7evnz Media to represent me because they've presented themselves as a family, and they work with athletes that I respect and admire, and that is something that appeals to me."

The partnership with 7evnz Media Group not only represents a commitment to enhancing her brand but also hints at her vision for life beyond the track. Williams sees this as an opportunity to partner with brands that she is genuinely passionate about, which will enable her to create lasting connections and bridges for her post-track career.

"As for the remainder of my career in life after track, I feel like this will give me an opportunity to partner with brands that I'm passionate about, which will hopefully, you know, forge connections and build bridges that I can tap into after I retire," she shared.

Additionally, Williams recognizes the potential for increased earning opportunities in her future with this partnership, stating, "And as far as I know it's definitely going to provide more opportunities that would allow me to capitalize on any potential earning opportunities that exist."

7evnz Media Group Agency, founded in 2018, has swiftly become a significant player in the world of sports marketing and public relations. They've been instrumental in managing some of Jamaica's top athletes and have gained recognition for their 360-degree marketing plans that promote athletes' brands, manage their social media presence, and handle all public relations matters.

With Danielle Williams on board, they look forward to further solidifying their position as one of the most sought-after marketing and public relations agencies in the world of athletics. This partnership promises exciting opportunities and growth not just for Williams but also for 7evnz Media Group, strengthening their influence in the sports marketing industry.

Danielle Williams, Britany Anderson, Natoya Goule lead 19-member Jamaica team to World Indoors

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.

Femke Bol sparkles as Russell, Goule and Jackson secure podium finishes in London

In what was the last Diamond League meet before the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest next month, Femke Bol produced the performance of the day with a record-break run in the 400m hurdles and Noah Lyles emerged victorious from stern battle with Letsile Tebogo in the 200m.

Russell continued her solid form this season after coming in second in the 400m hurdles at the London Diamond League on Sunday. However, her performance was overshadowed by the massive lifetime best performance of Bol of the Netherlands.

Russell, who won at the Jamaican trials earlier this month, clocked in a smart time of 53.75 but she was more than two seconds behind Bol, who joined the pantheon of two women who have run the event in under 52 seconds.

The European champion smashed her previous best of 52.03 when she stormed across the finish line in a world-leading 51.45. Only world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Dalilah Mohammed have run faster.

The world-leading time was also an Area Record, Diamond League record and National Record.

Shamier Little of the United States was third in 53.76 with Rushell Clayton fourth in a blanket finish where 0.02s separated second, third and fourth.

Goule-Toppin has been consistently fast over 800m this season and she showed that again Sunday with a new season’s best time of 1:57.61 for a second place finish in the 800m. She managed to hold off Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi for set a new national record of 1:57.62 in finishing in third place.

Jemma Reekie of Great Britain won the keenly contested event in a new meet record of 1:57.30, a season’s best for the 25-year-old Briton.

An obviously fatigued Shericka Jackson, running her third race in a week, finished third in the 100m dash in which Marie Josee Ta Lou stormed to a new meet record of 10.75. Dina Asher-Smith took the runner-up spot in 10.85 with Jackson laboring through the line in 10.94 for third.

The men’s 200m was electrifying with Lyles just managing to hold of Letsile Tebogo to win in a new meet record and world-leading time of 19.47. Tebogo ran a brand new personal best of 19.50 for second place. It was a new lifetime best and African Area record for the youngster. In third was Zharnel Hughes who ran a new British record of 19.73.

Holloway, the two-time defending world champion, sped to a 13.01 clocking to win the 110m hurdles. Japan’s Shunsuke Izumiya was close behind in 13.06 while Jamal Britt of the USA crossing in 13.25 to edge out Olympic champion Hansle Parchment (13.26) for third place.

World-record holder Wayde van Niekerk won a close battle in the 400m over Bryce Deadmon and Vernon Norwood. The South African clocked 44.36 to edge Deadmon who came in second in 44.40 with Norwood not far behind in 44.46 for third place.

Fitter and faster, Natoya Goule eyes national record as she targets podium finish in Budapest

This year, however, she might be closer than ever before given her performances so far this season. The 1:58.23 she ran in Paris on June 9, which makes her tied for third-fastest woman in the world this year, provides a glimpse into what could just be Goule's best season in her storied career.

“My season is heading into the right direction because this is the fastest (800m) time I have ever run so early in June,” she told Sportsmax.TV.

The eight-time Jamaica national champion reveals that despite being injured earlier in the season, a laser-focused approach on racing outdoors underpinned by improved training methods implemented by Coach Mark Elliott have been reaping the rewards, saying, “I worked more in the gym and my coach and I worked on my sprint mechanics. I did a lot of Olympic lifting compared to previous years.”

The improved training manifested in the form of the 51.76 she ran in the 400m at the American Track League meet in Atlanta last weekend. It is her fastest 400m time since she ran a lifetime best 51.52 in El Paso, Texas, 12 years ago.

She has also taken on other a different approach tactically and mentally from her past experiences that she believes will serve her well going forward this season.

“Trusting myself and being patient in the race,” she said. “Being an athlete, self-doubt will occur sometimes and I just need to trust myself more with the pacing of the race knowing that I am prepared for this and I am ready to accomplish my goal.”

With the national championships fast approaching, Goule has yet another opportunity to show Jamaica and the world that she could be a medal contender at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August.

Fraser-Pryce closes season with meet record 10.78, Goule dominant in 800m victory in Switzerland

The Tokyo Olympics 100m silver medalist destroyed a decent field to win 10.78 more than 0.2 seconds clear of Majinga Kambundji, who ran 10.99 and Ajla del Ponte, who clocked 11.11 before their home crowd.

In winning, the Pocket Rocket, who now has 22 times faster than 10.8 seconds, broke compatriot Merlene Ottey’s meet record of 10.95 that was set back in 1996.

Olympic 800m finalist Natoya Goule was also a winner on the night, dominating the field to win in 1:58.20. Goule was more than a second faster than second-placed Chanelle Price of the United States, who clocked 1:59.75 and third-placed Lovisa Lindh, who ran 1:59.94.

Meanwhile, Christopher Taylor ran a decent 45.70 to finish third in the 400m.

Jochem Dobber of the Netherlands won the event in 45.38 while the USA’s Vernon Norwood was second in 45.31.

Fraser-Pryce wins 100m in 10.84 while Ricketts and Williams post triple jump lifetime bests

The 34-year-old Jamaican cruised to victory over Blessing Okagbare, during what was a much better performance than the one she delivered in less than ideal conditions in Gateshead five days ago when she was fourth in 11.51.

The Nigerian Okagbare was second in a season-best 10.90, while the USA’s Javianne Oliver was third in 11.03 for third.

Fraser-Pryce’s performance capped what was an encouraging meet for a number of Caribbean athletes, most of whom had podium finishes.

Chief among them were Kimberly Williams and Shanieka Ricketts, who both produced lifetime bests while finishing second and third, respectively, in the triple jump won by the imperious Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas in a new meet record 15.15m.

Ricketts, who won the silver medal at the World Championships in Doha two years ago, uncorked her best-ever jump of 14.98m to advance to the final jump phase of the competition where the person producing the best jump in the final round of the competition is declared the winner.

Williams, who also has a personal best jump of 14.69m, also advanced to the final jump along with Ricketts and Rojas. Her jump of 14.45m temporarily put her in the lead. Ricketts fouled her jump and it was left to the Venezuelan to unseat the Jamaican from the top spot, which is exactly what she did, producing her second-best effort of the competition, 15.11m, to take the gold medal.

Williams finished second while Ricketts finished third.

Natoya Goule, fresh from her win in the 600m at the Boost Boston Games on Sunday, clocked a season-best 1:59.70 to finish second in the 800m won by Faith Kipyegon in a season-best 1:58.26. Rababe Arafi was third in 1:59.83.

Meanwhile, Kirani James ran a season-best of 44.61 but suffered his first loss of the season finishing fourth in the 400m won by Michael Norman in a world-leading 44.27. Anthony Zambrano closed like a runaway train to nip Fred Kerley at the line for second place. The Colombian clocked a season-best 44.57 to Kerley’s 44.60.

Rai Benjamin ran a meet record of 47.38 to win the 400m hurdles, beating the talented young Brazilian Alisson Dos Santos, who ran a personal best of 47.57, which was also a new area record. Kyron McMaster was third in 47.82.

The 200m provided a thrilling finish that saw the USA’s Kenneth Bednarek hold off a fast-finishing Andre Degrasse to win in 19.88, a season-best. Degrasse, who to the naked eye seemed to crossed the line first, was second in a season-best 19.89 with his compatriot, Aaron Brown, third in 20.25.

Goule aims to be fast at national championships with best to come for World Championships

The 31-year-old Goule, a finalist at the Tokyo Olympics in Japan in 2021, holds her country’s national record of 1:56.15 but has run a best time this season of 1:59.31 in Oslo on June 16. But even though she doesn’t expect to be challenged as she goes for a ninth consecutive title on Sunday, she expects to perform well.

“Now is a good time to target a time in a race like this where you control the race,” she said, “because sometimes you are in other races and you are not able to control the race like you want to so if I want to run a time I need to just go and do it.”

The national record holder also revealed that she has been working on a new race strategy that will result in her finishing on the podium in Oregon in July. In some races this season, she has run from the front while in others she has tried to run on from behind. So far this season, that has been a work in progress, she said.

“Well, in some of the races it was but for one particular race, it was not planned. It just happened. I think it was Rome, it was not planned. There was a lot going on at that time but it showed me I can still run from the back even though I wasn’t able to go as fast as I wanted at that time, it still showed that I can run from anywhere and I was able to dip under two minutes so that showed something but I was really trying to work on different strategies throughout the season in some races,” she explained.

“I just have to be ready on that day, be super fit and be able to execute my race properly and make sure I don’t overdo it and then I will be able to run faster.”

That said, she was non-committal about whether Jamaica would see elements of that developing strategy come Sunday but believes her best time is yet to come this season.

“My coach and I haven’t really spoken about my race plan as yet but we definitely want to run a good time so I think I will probably have to take it out,” she said.

“I am in the shape for that but let’s see what will happen because it is not easy running that by yourself. I think it is going to come between now and worlds because when I ran my PR it was in July. I always run my fastest in July so for me, July is the time.”

The 2022 World Championships begin on July 15.

Goule sets national record of 1:55.96 for third in electrifying 800m Diamond League classic

Goule-Toppin took the Jamaican national record into new territory eclipsing her previous record of 1:56.15 when she clocked 1:55.96 to claim third behind Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson and the USA’s Athing Mu, who battled down the stretch in a desperate bid for the Diamond League trophy.

The American just edged ahead late to win in 1:54.97, a USA national record and world lead. It was also a new meet record and a personal best for Mu.

Hodgkinson finished second in a national record and personal best 1:55.19.

Goule sets new 800m indoor national record, world lead in Lievin

Goule threw down an early-season marker after winning the event in 1:58.46, which was also a new world-leading time.  The Jamaican finished ahead of Ugandan World 800m champion Halimah Nakaayi who clocked an indoor personal best 1:58.58.  Kenya’s Eglay Nalyanya was third in 2:00.26.

Goule took charge after the pacemaker breezed through the first 400m at 57.56.  The Jamaican was through 600m in 87.64 but was trailed closely by Nakaayi who came into the event with the world lead.

The Ugandan looked comfortable and tried to push past Goule on the inside but was smartly closed off by the Jamaican and did not have the speed to go around down the stretch.

The event marked the first time the Jamaican was going dipping below 1:59:00 indoors and also beat her previous national record of 1:59.13 set in 2019.

Goule-Toppin wins ninth national 800m title; Hamilton outduels Anderson to claim maiden men’s crown

The multiple-time Olympic and World Championship finalist comfortably won ahead of 1500m champion, Adelle Tracey, who ran a season’s best 2:01.11. Clemson’s Jessica McLean was third in 2:05.76.

On the men’s side, Rajay Hamilton, who entered the championships as Jamaica’s leader in the event with 1:45.91, got the better of last year’s winner and the national record holder, Navasky Anderson, with a 1:47.28 effort.

Anderson ran 1:47.67 in second while Mississippi State’s Tyrese Reid ran 1:48.45 for third.

Goule, Thompson-Herah, Fraser-Pryce impress as track and field show gets underway

Overall, though, there were plenty of solid performances as the event that will see the bulk of the Caribbean’s athletes, competing over the next few days, got underway.  

First up, the Jamaican trio of Fedrick Dacres, Traves Smikle and Chad Wright opened competition in the Men’s Discus.  Wright was the only one to progress to the final as the last qualifier, finishing 12th overall with a throw of 62.93 metres.

Dacres was only two centimetres behind Wright, throwing 62.91m to finish 13th overall, while Smikle could only manage a best distance of 59.04m to finish 25th overall.

Goule was the first competitor to grace the track and started things off with a bang as she ran a very impressive 1:59.83 to win heat 2 of the women’s 800 metres.

The men’s 400 meters hurdles saw four Caribbean men progress to the semi-finals. The list included Jamaicans Kemar Mowatt, Jaheel Hyde and Sean Rowe and The British Virgin Islands Kyron McMaster.

Mowatt finished 4th in heat 1 with a time of 49.06.  Hyde ran 48.54 to comfortably win heat 2.  Both McMaster and Rowe advanced from heat 4, with McMaster winning with a time of 48.79 and the Jamaican finishing 3rd with a season’s best of 49.18.

The session was capped off by the heats of one of the most highly anticipated events at the Olympics, the women’s 100 metres.

The event featured 10 athletes from the Caribbean.

 Antigua and Barbuda’s Joella Lloyd finished 7th in heat 1, in a time of 11.54.

Heat 2 was comfortably won by Jamaica’s defending double Olympic champion, Elaine Thompson-Herah, who signalled her intent at these games with a smooth 10.82.

Kelly-Ann Baptiste of Trinidad and Tobago also competed in heat 2 and finished 6th in 11.48.

Tristan Evelyn of Barbados ran 11.42 to finish 6th in heat 3.

Amya Clarke of St. Kitts & Nevis finished 7th in heat 4 with a time of 11.71.

Heat 5 was the turn of multiple-time Olympic and World Champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, to announce herself in Tokyo.

She didn’t disappoint, winning in a time of 10.84 to advance to the semi-finals.

 Tynia Gaither of the Bahamas was next up on the track, finishing 3rd in heat 6 to advance.

Heat 7 saw the most Caribbean representation with Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, Michelle Lee-Ahye of Trinidad & Tobago and Jasmine Abrams of Guyana all taking part.

Ahye won the heat with a time of 11.06, finishing just ahead of Jackson who ran 11.07 for 2nd while Abrams finished 7th in 11.49.

The fastest overall qualifier from the heats was Marie-Jose Talou of the Ivory Coast who ran 10.78 to win the 4th heat.

I am happy about where I am', says Natoya Goule after second fast 400m in as many weeks

Goule, a finalist in the 800m at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, has spent much of the season working on her speed and strength, running the 1500m and 400m races in preparation for what is expected to be a keenly contested battle for 800m medals the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer.

The 30-year-old Jamaican, who holds the Jamaican national record of 1:56.15, Goule ran the 400m in 52.40 at the Torrin Lawrence Memorial at the Spec Towns Track in Athens, Georgia on Saturday. The time was close to the 52.22, her fastest time since 2011, that she ran at the UCF Knights Invitational in Florida, just over a week ago.

However, while her time was slower on Saturday, it brought a greater level of excitement for the diminutive Jamaican. “It went well. I ran 52:40 after a loaded week of practice, so I’m excited,” she said.

“The work volume was high compared to regular times. The times were faster and I trained through the week as if I didn’t have a race. The 400 was just part of my training for that week.”

She revealed that the back-to-back races and the times tell her that she is on track to meet her objectives this season.

“It means a lot to me, because after what I did in the week and still was able to compete in the 400 and run 52.40, that shows how strong I am this year,” she said.

“God has been helping me through workouts and continuing to show me that I am better than how I was and I am extremely happy about where I am.”

On Saturday, Goule blew away her opponents in the one-lap sprint as second-placed Andrea Foster was more than two seconds behind in 54.55 while Courtney Williams was third in 54.91.

Now, having tested her speed on consecutive weekends, Goule will face a test of her strength when she runs the 1500m at the Mt Sac Relays on May 9.

JAAA praises Goule on new national indoor record

The 30-year-old Goule-Toppin, in her second win in three races this season, ran 1:58.46 seconds for the 800m, a world-leading time that also made her the fastest-ever Caribbean woman indoors in the event.

It was her second world-leading time this season following on her 1:59.62 at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on February 6. The quality of her races has made the JAAA proud.

“Natoya continues to steadily improve and her early season performances are showing her determination to be among the world’s best,” said JAAA President Garth Gayle.

“The team and I are pleased with the milestone and we continue to wish Natoya and the other athletes all the best in their plans for the season and the major events to come.

“She also won recently in New York and will take her good form to Birmingham, England, this weekend.”

The diminutive athlete who is coached by Mark Elliott is set to compete on Saturday at the World Indoor Tour Meeting in the United Kingdom Saturday.

Jamaica Trials: Natoya Goule runs 1:57.84, her fastest time in three years, to win eighth national title

Like Jackson, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, fresh off winning her fourth 100m title on Friday night, was also impressive in advancing to Sunday’s final where she will once again face off with Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who was third in Friday night’s 100m final.

Goule, who has been enjoying an impressive season, clocked a season-best 1:57.84 in a commanding performance in the two-lap event. She was in control from the start and pulled away after the first lap to run her fastest time since she ran a national record 1:56.15 in 2018.

Second was Jasmine Fray who ran 2:03.92 and Aisha Praught-Leer third in 2:05.31, times that are well short of the Olympic standard of 1:59.50 and so neither will make the trip to Japan this summer.

In the semi-finals of the Women 200m, Jackson and Fraser-Pryce both achieved the Olympic standard of 22.80 heading into Sunday’s final. Jackson was the most impressive qualifier cruising to a time of 22.28 easing down to win her semi-final heat ahead of Ashanti Moore who ran a personal best of 22.86.

Natalliah Whyte also made the final on time when she finished third in 23.15.

Fraser-Pryce was also impressive easing down considerably to win her heat in 22.40 over Natasha Morrison, who ran 23.08 for second place and an automatic place in the final. Kevona Davis made it through on time when she clocked 23.20.

Thompson-Herah was the slowest of the semi-final winners as she eased to victory in 22.90. Finishing second was Briana Williams, who was fourth in Friday night’s 100m. The 19-year-old Nike athlete clocked 23.48.

No other runner from that heat advanced to the final.

Meanwhile, Julian Forte was the fastest man heading into Sunday’s final when he clocked 20.22 to win his heat ahead of Rasheed Dwyer, who ran 20.30.

Schoolboy Antonio Watson made it into the final on time as he ran 20.53 for third.

Yohan Blake ran 20.29 easing down to win his heat and qualify for the final.  Romario Williams was the other automatic qualifier in 20.78 from that heat.

The opening heat was won by 100m champion Tyquendo Tracey in 20.38 ahead of Nigel Ellis (20.41). Jevaughn Minzie (20.43) made it through on time.

Christopher Taylor was the fastest man heading into the finals of the 400m. Taylor ran 45.31 to advance along with Karayme Bartley, who ran 45.40 from the first semi-final. Sean Bailey advanced from the other semi-final running 45.42 to finish ahead of Demish Gaye 45.83.

The other finalists were Rusheen McDonald (46.03), Javier Brown (46.07), Keeno Burrell (46.14) and Nathon Allen (46.17).

Stephenie-Ann McPherson ran an impressive 50.18 to advance to the finals along with Stacey-Ann Williams (50.84),  Candice McLeod (51.04), Charokee Young (51.40), Roneisha McGregor (50.97), Tovea Jenkins (51.72), Tiffany James (51.77) and Junelle Bromfield (51.78).

World U20 silver medalist Britanny Anderson cruised into the final of the 100m hurdles taking her heat in 12.65 ahead of Megan Tapper, who ran a season-best 12.86. Also through was the 2019 World Championship silver medalist who won her semi-final in 12.70 ahead of Yanique Thompson, who ran a season-best 12.73.

Daszay Freeman was third in 12.82 which means she also qualifies for the final.

Ackera Nugent recovered from a bad start to win her semi-final in 12.78. Shimayra Williams also booked her place in the final clocking 12.87. Jeanine Williams makes it in on time after crossing the finish line in 13.04.

On a night when the USA’s Grant Holloway came within 0.01 of the world record, Omar McLeod was given a scare in his semi-final heat that he managed to win ahead Ronald Levy as both advanced to the final. McLeod ran his second-fastest time of the season 13.04 and had to work hard to shake off Levy, who ran a season-best 13.08 for second place.

Olympic medalist Hansle Parchment, who is returning from injury, showed he has a lot left in the tank running 13.19 to win his heat ahead of Phillip Lemonious (13.21) and Damion Thomas (13.27). Orlando Bennett (13.49) was also an automatic qualifier.

Andrew Riley (13.65) and Jordani Woodley (13.89) are also through to the finals.

Fedrick Dacres won the discus with 64.31m and Lamara Distin cleared 1.90 to win the Women’s High Jump.

Jamaican coaches in limbo after Clemson announces discontinuation of men's track programme

Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich made the announcement this afternoon saying that the programmes to be discontinued include indoor and outdoor track and field and cross country. Radakovich said the university will honour the contracts of the coaches through to their full term, which means that the coaches will be paid up until June 2021.

Clemson Athletics will also honour the scholarships of all impacted student-athletes through their undergraduate years at the level of financial aid that they are presently receiving, the statement said.

The NCAA-maximum number of allowable scholarships for men’s track is 12. Clemson’s 12 scholarships are presently split among 26 student-athletes, 15 of whom are scheduled to graduate by August 2021.

Clemson also supports an additional 25 walk-on student-athletes in the program.

“This difficult decision is a result of an exhaustive examination of our athletics department over the past several  months,” said Radakovich. “After careful analysis, we concluded that discontinuing our men’s track and field  program is in the best long-term interest of Clemson Athletics. This decision impacts incredible student-athletes,  and we know how hard they work and the effort and pride they take in representing Clemson University.”

Head Coach Mark Elliott’s phone went unanswered when Sportsmax.TV called today. He took the Clemson head coaching position in 2013 after spending 12 years as an assistant coach at Louisiana State University.

Notably, Jamaican Olympian and 800m national record holder, Natoya Goule, who won an NCAA title under Elliott’s watch, followed him to Clemson that year.

Assistant Coach Lennox Graham (hurdles and long sprints) joined the coaching staff in 2017 after spending a decade at Johnson C Smith University where he enjoyed tremendous success guiding 27 athletes to NCAA Division II championships titles, both indoors and outdoors.

In a brief comment to Sportsmax.TV, he said he just heard the news prior to being called and that he was still processing it.

Graham’s professional club, TRS, currently trains at Clemson. Danielle Williams, the 2015 World 100m champion, Kyron McMaster, the Commonwealth 400m hurdles champion and World Championship 400m hurdles finalist Leah Nugent are all members of the club.

Men’s track and field has been sponsored at Clemson since 1953, claiming 23 combined ACC Team Championships, 16 individual NCAA champions, 22 Olympians and four Olympic Gold Medalists.