Excited for the partnership and the Olympic games ahead, Hibbert celebrated the support from KFC, noting, “I’m really excited to be partnering with KFC for this Olympic season. It is an honour to be named the first track and field brand ambassador for KFC. Whenever I land in Jamaica, KFC is always my first stop, so this opportunity to represent the brand is truly special to me. I'm excited to see what the future holds. Without question, it's a big deal!”
Andrei Roper, Marketing Manager at Restaurants of Jamaica also expressed his elation at the deal with the strong Olympic-medal prospect.
“KFC is a long-time supporter of Jamaican sports and athletes. We believe in investing in our nation’s talented youth, and so we are extremely excited to partner with one of Jamaica’s brightest young sporting talents. We are pleased to welcome Jaydon to the KFC family, and we are delighted to be a part of his journey,” Roper shared.
In addition to being the current world under-20 record holder in the triple jump, Hibbert will now lead Jamaica’s medal hopes in the event at the Paris Olympics. Hibbert is also set to represent Jamaica at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru later in August.
Roper continued, “Jaydon’s attitude and dedication towards track and field has been commendable. He aligns perfectly with everything we hold dear at KFC – leadership, discipline, commitment, dedication, community, nation-building, and all-around Jamaican excellence. He is a great role model for young athletes. We look forward to what will undoubtedly be a great partnership and are confident he will represent us, both KFC and Jamaica, well at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hibbert will appear in upcoming KFC brand and retail marketing campaigns as he continues to excel on and off the field and help lay the foundation for the next generation of talented Jamaican athletes.
France last triumphed in the competition at the 1984 games in Los Angeles, failing to reach the knockout stages at the Tokyo Olympics back in 2020.
But under the guidance of Thierry Henry, who scored 51 goals for Les Bleus during his international career, the French are among the favourites to scoop the top honour.
Henry's side have won two of their three pre-tournament friendlies this month, the latest result ending in a 1-1 draw with Japan, who won bronze at the 1968 games.
Lacazette was named by Henry as the nation's captain ahead of the competition, and will lead Les Bleus' star-studded line-up out for their opening game against the United States in Marseille on Wednesday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Manu Kone are just some of the names at Henry's disposal.
Having not featured for Didier Deschamps' side since 2017, Lacazette explained that the squad are in unison of achieving gold at their home games.
"We all have the same ambition, to go all the way and win a medal," the 33-year-old said. "The fact that it’s a home games is really going to motivate us."
Henry has lost just two of his 11 games in charge of France's U21 and U23 sides (W7, D2) since being appointed back in August 2023.
Former Arsenal forward Lacazette said Henry wanted the team to play an attacking, possession-based style of football heading into the tournament.
"Tactically, he is decidedly forward-thinking... he especially wants us to enjoy ourselves and put on a show for the spectators,” Lacazette said.
Following their Group A opener against the United States, France will play Guinea and New Zealand.
France last triumphed in the competition at the 1984 games in Los Angeles, failing to reach the knockout stages at the Tokyo Olympics back in 2020.
But under the guidance of Thierry Henry, who scored 51 goals for Les Bleus during his international career, the French are among the favourites to scoop the top honour.
Henry's side have won two of their three pre-tournament friendlies this month, the latest result ending in a 1-1 draw with Japan, who won bronze in the 1968 games.
Lacazette was named by Henry as the nation's captain ahead of the competition, and will lead Les Bleus' star-studded line-up out against the United States in Marseille on Wednesday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Manu Kone are just some of the names at Henry's disposal.
Having not featured for Didier Deschamps' side since 2017, Lacazette explained that the squad are in unison of achieving gold at their home games.
"We all have the same ambition, to go all the way and win a medal," the 33-year-old said. "The fact that it’s a home games is really going to motivate us."
Henry has lost just two of his 11 games in charge of France's U21 and U23 sides (W7, D2) since being appointed back in August 2023.
Former Arsenal forward Lacazette said Henry wanted the team to play an attacking, possession-based style of football heading into the tournament.
"Tactically, he is decidedly forward-thinking... he especially wants us to enjoy ourselves and put on a show for the spectators,” Lacazette said.
Following their Group A opener against the United States, France will play Guinea and New Zealand.
Laing, who was born in Linstead, St Catherine on February 19, 1925, represented Jamaica at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics was a member of the famed 4x400m relay team that won gold in Helsinki. He is the third member of the iconic quartet to have died leaving behind George Rhoden as the only surviving member.
Arthur Wint died in 1992 while Herb McKenley passed in 2007.
“The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) mourns the loss of a member of our household but celebrates the life he lived inspiringly on the track which mirrored the personality of this son of Linstead,” the JOA said in a statement released on Sunday.
“Leslie Alphonso Laing's feats as an Olympian are well documented and we salute him with grateful hands. But more importantly, it is the spirit of the gentlemen which has inspirited generations of athletes and earned the abiding respect of a nation.
“In a world where recorded statistics of sporting achievements are understandably cited in praise of men, the JOA reflects deeply and respectfully on Laing's self-sacrificial service to his country and the soul of his ground-breaking feet.”
Meanwhile, the OAJ described Laing as a hero.
OAJ President Marvin Anderson said he one of the nation's Olympic pioneers.
“Arthur Wint, Laing, Herb McKenley and George Rhoden set a world record 3 minutes 03.9 seconds to defeat a top-class US team at the Games in London,” Anderson said. "His heroic relay run of 47 seconds flat was all the more remarkable because he was a specialist 200-metres man."
Laing, Anderson said, leaves behind a substantial legacy from his days on the track.
“While many Jamaican track stars emerged from the US college circuit, the Linstead-native rose to prominence in Britain as a member of the Polytechnic Harriers Club in London. Fittingly, he made his Olympic debut in that city in 1948, placing sixth in the 200 metres final with McKenley fourth.
“An injury to Wint in the 4x400 final prompted Laing and his teammates to vow to return and win four years later in Helsinki, Finland. Running faster in every round, Laing became the first Jamaican to reach an Olympic sprint final twice and improved his finish to fifth place. Despite his short stature, he delivered a stout-hearted second leg run to help Jamaica to fulfil the promise made in London.”
Laing retired after a 1954 season when he narrowly missed taking the sprint double at the CAC Games in Mexico City where he won the 200 and took silver in the 100m.
Laing was recognized by the respected US publication TRACK AND FIELD NEWS, which listed him in its annual world rankings three times - at number 9 in 1948, number 10 in 1949 and at number 9 once more in 1953.
"His accomplishments paved the way for Jamaica in the sprints," Anderson said.
“In fact, no other Jamaican would reach back-to-back Olympic 200m finals until Don Quarrie did it in 1976 and 1980. Mr Laing was a pioneer who showed us what was possible for us in the 200 and thanks to the start he provided, Jamaica has excelled in that event."
Laing was married to 1948 high jump finalist Carmen Phipps.
Lawrence made history by becoming the first-ever Jamaican woman to make an Olympic discus final.
She threw a distance of 62.27 metres in group A of the qualifying round to finish third and advance to the final. During the final, Lawrence fell just below her qualifying mark to throw 62.12 metres. That throw landed her a top-eight spot as she finished 7th.
The 25-year-old took to Instagram to share her gratitude and emotion. She posted a photo of her in the throwing circle along with a caption saying, “I want to thank God for bringing me this far. The journey was rough but he didn’t give me more than I could bear. The aim for this season was to make a top 8 finish at the Olympic Games. On the journey I found out I could do much more. A 7th place finish is what I’m blessed with and I am grateful”.
The second time Olympian went on to thank her coach, Julian Robison, whom she said believed in her from the start and never doubted her talent. She also thanked the University of South Florida where she attends school, for their support along her journey. Lawrence ended her caption by thanking her family for their support over the years and sent a special shout-out to her sister and mother.
The women’s discus was won by the USA’s Valarie Allman with a throw of 68.98. Silver went to Germany’s Kristen Pudenz and Cuba’s Yaime Perez gained bronze.
Le Clos should have been competing in the final day of the South African National Swimming Championships on Thursday, but instead he was in lockdown at home with his family.
South Africa's most decorated Olympian, Le Clos felt ready to strike gold in Japan until the Games were called off just four months before they were scheduled to start.
The Durban native is hungrier than ever for Olympic glory after returning from Rio four years ago with two silver medals, one of which he hopes will be changed to gold after Sun Yang - winner of the 200-metre freestyle final - was given an eight-year ban for breaching anti-doping rules.
Le Clos, crowned Olympic 200m butterfly champion at London 2012, vowed to ensure he is at the peak of his powers back on the big stage next year.
He told Stats Perform: "Obviously it was a shame that the Olympics were called off, but it was something you cannot control.
"I'm ready to go again next year, I'm in good shape. I have an extra 12 years to be even better.
"I feel like I'm getting better, I feel like I was in the best shape of my life a couple of weeks ago. I'm confident I can come back, hopefully be better than I was in London and Rio and will be in the best shape possible next year."
Le Clos, who turns 28 on Sunday, is hopeful he will also head to the Paris 2024 Olympics in search of adding to his medal haul.
He added: "I think I can get to two more [Olympics], I think I'll be very competitive in the next one for sure.
"Again in 2024, we'll see what happens, it's a long way away but I'm just happy to be in the position that I'm in.
"I'm comfortable with where I'm at, we train really well and I'm very motivated. I lost my motivation after London, but I'm back to where I was now. I'm hungrier and I really want to be successful at the Olympics, I want to win again."
A two-time gold medallist in 2008 and 2012, the NBA legend was selected by his fellow Olympians ahead of what will be his fourth Games in Paris.
James, who also won bronze in Athens 20 years ago, is the first men's basketball player to achieve the honour.
The 39-year-old will lead his 591 fellow Team USA athletes along the River Seine in what will be the first summer Olympic opening ceremony held outside the main stadium.
"It's an incredible honour to represent the United States on this global stage," James said, "especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together.
"For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my team-mates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations."
Four-time NBA champion James, who is also the record points scorer in the league's history, will look to help Team USA to a fifth successive gold in the men's basketball - and 17th overall.
They begin their campaign against Serbia on Sunday while also playing South Sudan and Puerto Rico in Group C, with all their matches taking place at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille.
Jerry Colangelo, long-time USA Basketball managing director, told ESPN he does not expect the Los Angeles Lakers star to compete in the Games again.
James opted out of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics after skipping Rio five years ago.
He will be 39-years-old for the next Summer Games in Paris, and Colangelo said he does not expect the NBA legend to return to international duty.
"You know, Father Time takes its toll," Colangelo told ESPN on Wednesday. "If you're a human being, your body is built to go so long depending on what your sport is, and then it's a downhill situation.
"LeBron made choices these last couple of Olympics not to participate because he's got a lot of things going on in his life.
"So he put in his time, he made a contribution that is appreciated, but I think his time is over."
James previously helped Team USA to gold medals in the London and Beijing Olympics and bronze in Athens.
With James and numerous other NBA stars skipping the Games this summer, head coach Gregg Popovich's 12-player squad for Tokyo will feature only three returning Olympians: Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Kevin Love.
Ledecky claimed gold in Saturday's 800-metre freestyle final, edging out Ariarne Titmus with a time of eight minutes, 11 seconds.
In the process, she equalled Latynina's tally of nine golds, the record for a female athlete at the Games.
The 27-year-old has won 14 medals overall at the Olympics, four shy of Latynina's record (18).
Four of those medals have come in Paris.
Ledecky won the 1500m freestyle, took silver in the 4x200m freestyle and bronze in the 400m freestyle.
The two-time Olympic Champion released a statement on Instagram after winning the silver medal behind teammate Elaine Thompson-Herah in the Women’s 100 Metres at the Tokyo Olympics.
“I’m so grateful to be a part of this historic moment. Gracing the podium in a 1-2-3 sweep for Jamaica on two separate occasions is a tremendous blessing,” Fraser-Pryce said.
The trio of Fraser-Pryce, Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson repeated the feat of herself, Sherone Simpson, and Kerron Stewart in Beijing 13 years ago, the only difference being on that occasion Simpson and Stewart shared the silver medal.
After thanking her friends, family, coach, and sponsors, Fraser-Pryce assured her fans that the job is not yet complete.
“I continue to keep my head in the game because there is still work to do.”
The multiple-time World Champion also offered some perspective on what legacy means to her.
“Legacy isn’t just about winning, it’s also about gracefully watching others shine too.”
Fraser-Pryce ended her statement by encouraging her fans to keep their spirits high for the 200 metres.
The heats of the women’s 200 metres begin on Sunday.
Team USA have had a far-from-ideal Olympics preparation, defeated by Nigeria and Australia in exhibition games last week and losing Kevin Love to injury and Bradley Beal due to health and safety protocols.
Gregg Popovich's side bounced back by beating Argentina on Tuesday and finished off their Las Vegas camp against the Spanish on Sunday.
Damian Lillard top scored with 19 points with six assists for Team USA, while Kevin Durant had 14 points, two assists, two rebounds and two blocks.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine pulled off a series of dunks to put an exclamation mark on the performance.
Team USA are set to fly out for Tokyo on Monday, ahead of their Olympics opener against France on Sunday.
USA are grouped with France, Iran and the Czech Republic in men's basketball at the Tokyo Olympics where they are gold medal favourites.
In the women's USA defeated Nigeria 93-62 on Sunday to conclude their Olympic preparations, heading in as gold medal favourites too.
Antigua’s Joella Lloyd is one such athlete. She competed in the women’s 100 metres where she comfortably won heat 3 of the preliminary round in a time of 11.55 seconds. She then went on to finish 7th in heat1 with a slightly improved time of 11.54 seconds. That heat was won by the USA’s Teahna Daniels while Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith came second and Murielle Ahoure from the Ivory Coast finished third.
Via her Instagram account, she posted a photo of herself waving at the start of her race with the caption, “Walking out and lining up for the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics was everything I dreamt it would be.”
She then expressed gratitude to all those who supported her throughout the season.
The caption ended, “All the love and encouragement has not gone unnoticed and I’m extremely grateful for it. It was a pleasure representing Antigua and the Vols on the big stage. Antigua, I love y’all plenty plenty and we’ll be back at it next year!”
In a tightly contested race, there was a photo finish, with the American getting across the line in 9.79 seconds, just five-thousandths of a second in front of Jamaica's Kishane Thompson.
He walked away with a personal best, having successfully started his bid to win four golds at this year's Olympics.
All eight of the athletes finished within 0.12 seconds of Lyles' time, making it the closest 100m final since Moscow 1980, and the 27-year-old says he was prepared to find his edge in what he expected to be a tight race.
"You couldn't have asked for a bigger moment. A guy in biomechanics comes down, and before I came out here, he said it was going to be this much," Lyles told BBC Sport, holding up his hand to show a narrow gap behind his index finger and thumb, "that's how close it is going to be and gosh was he right.
"I had to take every round as it was, and I was a little upset after the first round, so I came with the aggression, and after I ran that 83, and I was done with the aggression. My sports therapist told me you need to let go, you're holding on. Let go and release it.
"I hope you guys like Noah because I got a lot more coming!"
In his post-race press conference, he also admitted he did not think he had actually managed to get across the line in front of Thompson.
"We were waiting for the names to pop up, and I'm going to be honest, I came over [to Thompson] and I was like: 'I think you got that one, big dawg!'" he said.
"Something said I need to lean, and I was like, 'I'm going to lean' because it's that type of race."
Thompson looking to be leading for much of the race and was caught up with Fred Kerley to his left, with the American taking bronze.
"I'm going to be disappointed, but I'm super happy and grateful at the same time," Thompson said. "I just got to take it as what it is and just move forward from here.
"I wasn't patient enough with my speed myself."
Lyles did not look to be in contention, but a late surge saw him cross the line in 9.79 seconds, just five-thousandths of a second ahead of the Jamaican.
It was a personal best for the American, who successfully began his bid to win four medals at the Paris Olympics, even after a delayed start to the race
Thompson, who narrowly won the silver medal, was locked in a tight battle with Lyles' compatriot for much of the race, with Fred Kerley taking bronze in 9.81.
He pipped South Africa's Akani Simbine to the podium in the tightly contested race, with all eight finalists finishing within 0.12 seconds of Lyles.
Lyles took gold in Sunday's 100m showpiece by five-thousandths of a second and had the chance to become the first man to win a 100m and 200m double at a single Olympics since Usain Bolt in 2016.
However, he finished third behind Botswana's Tobego and fellow Team USA star Kenneth Bednarek, managing a time of 19.70 seconds at the Stade de France.
Tobego managed a 19.46 as he became Botswana's first Olympic gold medallist in any sport, handing his country just their third Olympic medal of any description.
Lyles appeared lethargic and was wheeled away from the track in a chair after the race, as rumours swirled regarding his health.
US Track and Field subsequently confirmed he had competed despite testing positive for COVID-19, and Lyles was proud of the way he fought through illness to take bronze.
"I do have Covid. I tested positive around 5am on Tuesday morning," Lyles told reporters after the race.
"I woke up in the middle of the night feeling real chills, aching, sore throat, and those were a lot of the symptoms I've had right before getting Covid.
"It definitely affected my performance. I've had to take a lot of breaks… I was coughing through the night.
"I'm more proud of myself than anything, coming out here to get a bronze with Covid. I've had better days, but I'm walking around again. I was quite light-headed after that race.
"Shortness of breath, chest pain, but after a while I could catch my breath and get my wits about me. I'm a lot better now."
Nelson, who opened her outdoor season with a wind-aided 22.78 in late March, was impressive indoors where she won the 60m title at the NCAA National Indoor Championships a couple of weeks earlier. Her time of 7.05 was a personal best for the Jamaican, who also set a facility record with the run.
She told Sportsmax.TV that the win was a real boost to her confidence as she headed outdoors. That confidence, she said, has her believing that making the Jamaican team to Tokyo, a real possibility.
“Making the Olympic team would be a huge deal for me and once I’m in the condition to do so I definitely intend to,” she said, indicating that she is not in the least intimidated by the depth of Jamaica’s women sprinting talent.
With the likes of Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, Elaine Thompson, Briana Williams, Jonielle Smith, Natalliah Whyte and Kiara Grant to contend with, making the cut will not be easy. However, Nelson said she plans to focus on her and not who is around her.
“I’d like to think I have as good a chance as anyone,” she said.
“I don’t make it a habit to pay attention to my competition but I have a great deal of respect for everyone trying to make the team. I am just planning to do my best.”
Alvarez, who is currently at the Copa America, was included in Javier Mascherano's 18-man squad as one of the three overage players, along with Geronimo Rulli and Nicolas Otamendi.
The final of that competition takes place just 10 days before the Olympics begins, with Mascherano’s side playing Morocco, Iraq and Ukraine in the group stage in France.
With the Olympics final to be played on August 9, the day before Manchester City's Community Shield fixture against Manchester United, Alvarez's involvement has almost certainly ruled him out of the start of the new season.
Last season, the 24-year-old made 54 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side, more than any other player.
Manchester City's Premier League campaign starts on August 18th against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Claudio Echeverri has also been included in the squad. The teenager joined the Premier League champions in January but immediately returned to River Plate on loan.
Sergio Gomez has also been called up by Spain for the competition, meaning Guardiola has three players competing at this summer’s games in Paris.
This latest incentive is one of the benefits from a recent partnership inked between the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and Marathon Insurance Brokers Limited. The partnership is valued at J$12 million and will run for the three-year period leading up to the 2024 Olympic Games.
In reference to the benefits, Ryan Foster, Secretary General/CEO, JOA, gave a broader perspective of the deal that was announced nearly one week ago.
“The JOA/Marathon partnership was centred around expanding our member services to our associations. For far too long we have looked at sport as just attending Games, but have not done enough to tap into the sport as an avenue for social change,” he said.
“One of the benefits of this partnership is for the direct benefit of our athletes for which all medalists at the Olympic Games will receive free insurance for one year. This is in addition to the comprehensive coverage that Marathon will be providing for all members attending the Olympic Games.”
Marathon Insurance has had a long partnership with the JOA, dating back to the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. This time they will be diving further into the deal with the JOA to deliver projects that involve the Athlete’s Commission and female empowerment through the Women’s Commission.
“The partnership has gone even further as Marathon will be partnering with the JOA and the Women’s Commission and Athlete Commission on various social projects geared towards, including, at-risk girls in sport and the expansion of Olympism values in schools,” Foster shared.
“All of these initiatives will be funded under this partnership and will involve the JOA engaging in providing not just mentoring and educational activities, but will involve nutritional support, school fees and school materials for the selected young athletes."
The Japanese carded an impressive eight-under 63, having hit six birdies through 10 holes and no bogeys after saving a 15-foot par on the 15th.
Three years ago, in his home Olympics in Tokyo, Matsuyama narrowly missed out on a bronze medal after losing a seven-way play-off for the bronze medal, but he is optimistic about his chances in Paris after making a low-scoring start.
"Fortunately, I was able to keep the ball in the fairway and left myself with a number of chances to score," Matsuyama said.
"So, in that regard, I'm satisfied with the end result. But also, still a number of things I could improve on. Definitely off to a great start and, hopefully, I can keep the momentum going for the rest of the week."
Two strokes behind him in second is reigning Open Championship winner Xander Schauffele, who looks to have picked up where he left off at Royal Troon last month.
The American is the defending champion at the Olympics after winning gold in Tokyo and carded a 65 though missed a chance to draw closer to Matsuyama on the back nine.
"It wasn't sort of the dream, stripey start that you envision as a golfer," Schauffele said. "But I'm happy to sort of ride the ship in and get away with what could have been worse.
"I missed a few putts coming in. But I'm not really sweating it too much."
Thierry Henry, who is the coach of Les Bleus' under-23 side, did not include the Paris Saint-Germain forward, who is expected to complete a move to Real Madrid in the coming days following Los Blancos' 15th Champions League success.
The 46-year-old has until July 3 to confirm his final 22-player list ahead of group-stage fixtures against the United States on July 24, Guinea on July 27 and New Zealand on July 30.
Henry has revealed he faced plenty of difficulties when selecting his squad, with several clubs refusing to release their players for the tournament.
Because the football event at the Olympics is not formally recognised by FIFA, clubs are not obliged to release their players for the competition, which begins on July 24 and ends on August 9.
"Real Madrid were really straightforward about the Olympics," Henry said when quizzed about Mbappe's omission from the squad.
"The last time I received so many rejections was at the university. There have not even been negotiations. You go, you ask, they say no, and you leave."
Henry was able to include several talented stars from across European football, including Crystal Palace duo Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta, while Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel and PSG's Warren Zaire-Emery were among the other high-profile inclusions.
However, Chelsea stars Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile were refused release from Stamford Bridge, but the Blues were able to offer midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.
Asked if he was disappointed by the decisions made by Premier League clubs, Henry replied: "I will respond to this one very, very clearly – it's not the time for me to talk about that, firstly.
"Secondly, am I disappointed or surprised? No. Neither disappointed nor surprised, the clubs are within their rights, unfortunately, and I think what I have been saying hasn't changed since I started talking about the Olympics."
Les Bleus have previously won two medals at the Olympic Games, taking silver on home soil in Paris back in 1900 and gold at Los Angeles in 1984.
The rules of the competition state that each team must be made up of players born on or after January 1, 2001 (aged 23 at the time of the Games). However, three players born before that date can also be included.
