Romaine Beckford

Nugent, who had already made headlines with a meet record of 12.29 in Silesia, Poland last week, delivered another masterclass in the 100m hurdles, clocking an impressive 12.24 seconds. Her time not only eclipsed the previous meet record of 12.37 set by Jasmine Camacho-Quinn in June 2022 but also improved her own national record of 12.28, set earlier this year at the Jamaica National Championships. Nugent's performance was even more remarkable, given the negative wind of -0.4m/s during the race.

Nugent, who reached the finals of the Paris Olympics but was unable to complete the race, showcased her resilience and exceptional form with this victory. Despite the significance of defeating American Masai Russell, who won in Paris and finished second in Rome with a time of 12.31, Nugent emphasized that her win was not about revenge but about capitalizing on her current shape.

"This victory is not like revenge for the Olympics for me. I am just in really good shape. I was injured before, and this is a new experience for me. I am still so young. I still got to show up," Nugent remarked. "My emotions? I guess they have not kicked in yet because I am still so full of adrenaline. I cannot tell you. Yeah, I kind of expected to win here. I really enjoyed this race."

Nadine Visser of the Netherlands rounded out the podium, finishing third in 12.52.

Frenchman Sasha Zhoya won the 110m hurdles in 13.18 ahead of Spain’s Azier Martinez, who just edged Jamaica’s Omar McLeod for second place. Martinez finished in 13.27 to McLeod’s 13.28.

In other events, Jamaica's Romaine Beckford achieved a new lifetime best in the men's high jump, clearing 2.30m to secure second place. The victory went to Sanghyeok Woo, who also cleared 2.30m but claimed the win with a cleaner record.

The men’s 400m saw an intense battle, with Muzala Samukonga of Zimbabwe emerging victorious in 43.99 seconds. Grenada's Kirani James and Trinidad and Tobago's Jereem Richards claimed the remaining podium spots, finishing in 44.30 and 44.55 seconds, respectively.

In the men's discus, Olympic champion Roje Stona of Jamaica had to settle for second place with a throw of 67.85m, as Slovenia’s Kristjan Čeh secured the win with a massive effort of 68.61m. World record holder Mykolas Alekna finished third with a throw of 67.68m. Stona, competing in his first Diamond League meet, expressed mixed emotions after the event.

"This is my first time in Rome, my first time at a Diamond League. I got beaten at the last attempt, but these things happen in sport," Stona reflected. "I had my opportunities. But, yes, I am a bit disappointed. The result is still good. But I am never really satisfied."

Shian Salmon delivered a brave performance in the women’s 400m hurdles, finishing second behind American Olympic silver medalist Anna Cockrell, who won in a commanding 52.59 seconds. Salmon clocked 53.20 seconds, while Shamier Little of the United States was third in 54.15 seconds. Jamaica's Janieve Russell finished fourth, and Andrenette Knight, who led early in the race, faded to fifth.

In an impressive piece of sprinting to close out the meet, Olympic 200m champion, Letsile Tebogo provided a glimpse of the future with a fantastic run to win the 100m final, easing past Americans Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley, to win in 9.87 shutting down. Coleman was second in 9.92 with Kerley close behind in third in 9.95.
Jamaica's Ackeem Blake was fourth in 10.03.

Beckford Advances to Men’s High Jump final

Jamaica's Romaine Beckford emerged as the standout performer in the men's high jump qualification rounds, securing his place in the finals. Beckford cleared 2.24m in Group B, placing third in the group and eighth overall. Despite none of the athletes meeting the automatic qualification standard of 2.29m, Beckford's performance was strong enough to earn him a spot in the final, scheduled for August 10.

Meanwhile, it was a challenging day for the Bahamas' Donald Thomas, who failed to register a mark in Group A and was unable to advance. The qualification round was led by Shelby McEwen of the United States, who cleared 2.27m.

 Knight-Wisdom a reserve in Men’s 3m Springboard final

In the men's three-metre springboard semi-finals, Jamaica's Yona Knight-Wisdom delivered an impressive performance, finishing 13th overall with a total score of 412.40 points. This placed him as a reserve for the final, prepared to step in if any of the top 12 qualifiers are unable to compete.

Knight-Wisdom showcased his diving prowess with a series of six dives, highlighted by his highest-scoring dive, the Forward 3½ Somersaults in Pike position, which earned him 74.40 points. Other notable dives included the Forward 2½ Somersaults 2 Twists in Pike position (73.10 points) and the Forward 2½ Somersaults 1 Twist in Pike position (72.00 points). His overall consistency secured his 13th place finish and a potential spot in the finals set for August 8.

Bahamas’ Otabor does not advance in Women’s Javelin Throw

In the women’s javelin throw, the Bahamas' Rhema Otabor will not advance to the next round. Otabor placed 13th in Group A with a throw of 57.67m, resulting in a 27th place overall finish, which was not sufficient to meet the qualification standard of 62m.

Despite the setback, Otabor’s career achievements at the age of 21 are noteworthy. She has already claimed the 2024 NCAA championship, the 2023 Pan American Games silver medal, and the 2023 NACAC U23 title. Additionally, she earned a bronze medal at the 2022 NACAC Championships and finished fourth in the 2021 World U20 Championships.

Poland's Maria Andrejczyk led the qualification round with a season-best throw of 65.52m, setting the bar high for the competition.

Beckford, who won with a height of 2.24m last year while competing for University of South Florida, has enjoyed good form this season, and he once again displayed with the winning leap, which not only equalled the Collegiate leading mark, but also bettered the Facilities Record of 2.26m set by India’s Tejaswin Shankar last year.

However, the winning leap came on his third attempt after he earlier had a failure at 2.21m. The 21-year-old, who is the first Arkansas winner of the event since 1998, also made an attempt at the Olympic qualifying mark of 2.33m.

Caleb Snowden (2.24m) of University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Kansas University’s Devin Loudermilk (2.21m) were the runners-up.

Former St George’s College standout Zayne Palomino of Southern Miss University was joint fifth at 2.18m.

Meanwhile, another in-form Jamaican Lamara Distin of Texas A&M University was beaten in the women’s event, clearing 1.97m.

She was bettered by Arkansas’ Rachel Glenn, who won with 2.00m, equalling Distin’s college record and also erasing the meet record of 1.98m, which was set by Destinee Hooker of Texas in 2009.

Elena Kulichenko (1.91m) of University of Georgia was third. Another Jamaican in the lineup, Roschell Clayton of Villanova, equalled her personal best 1.88m to finish sixth in her first NCAA finals event.

The 21-year-old cleared a height of 2.26m on his second attempt to add to his gold medal at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March.

The reigning Jamaican national champion also had three unsuccessful attempts at 2.33m, a jump that would’ve secured a personal best and the Olympic qualifying standard.

Nebraska junior Tyus Wilson was second with 2.23m while Arkansas-Pine Bluff senior Caleb Snowden was third with a similar height.

Jamaican USC freshman Racquil Broderick produced 61.77m to finish second in the men’s discus behind South Alabama senior Francois Prinsloo (63.51m).

Kansas junior Dimitrios Pavlidis was third with 60.97m.

The men’s 400m final saw Jamaican Florida senior Jevaughn Powell produce a big personal best 44.54 to finish third behind Georgia sophomore Christopher Morales Williams (44.47) and Alabama freshman Samuel Ogazi (44.52).

Jamaican Clemson senior Tarees Rhoden was also in personal best form with 1:45.70 for fourth in the 800m final behind Virginia senior Shane Cohen (1:44.97), Texas A&M junior Sam Whitmarsh (1:45.10) and Iowa State junior Finley McLear (1:45.66).

Beckford, the 22-year-old two-time NCAA Champion, produced a winning jump of 2.20m on his only attempt at the height after producing clearances at 2.10m and 2.20m.

He then had three failed attempts at 2.25m after he had done enough to secure victory ahead of American Vernon Turner (2.15m) and Bahamian Shaunie Miller Jr (2.15m).

Elsewhere in the field on Thursday, Chanice Porter produced 6.50m to finish second in the women’s long jump while Bermuda’s Jah-Nhai Perinchief won the men’s triple jump.

The 30-year-old Porter, who will also be representing the nation in Paris, produced 6.50 in the sixth and final round of the competition to move up into the top three.

The competition was won by Nigerian Ruth Usoro with 6.70m while Trinidad & Tobago’s Tyra Gittens was third with 6.35m.

Perinchief produced 16.82m to win the triple jump ahead of Americans Omar Craddock (16.64m) and Chris Bernard (16.30m).

The meet continued on Friday with the track events. Newly crowned national 100m hurdles champion and record holder, Ackera Nugent, ran 11.17 to finish second in the women’s 100m behind Nigeria’s Favor Ofili (11.13). Liberia’s Maia McCoy was third in 11.32.

The women’s sprint hurdles saw Bahamian Denisha Cartwright produce 12.71 for second behind American Christina Clemons (12.61). Jamaican two-time World champion Danielle Williams ran 12.81 in third.

In fact, it was on his very first jump that Hibbert cut the sand at the winning mark of 17.56m, in a negative 0.3 metres per second wind, on Friday's third and penultimate day of the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Austin, Texas.

Hibbert representing University of Arkansas followed that with another big leap of 17.38m, but later pulled out of his run up for a third and fourth attempts, as he suffered what appeared to be cramps or some discomfort in his right leg.

However, the damage was already done, as his initial mark which bettered the previous Facility Record of 17.13m and was just shy of the Meet Record of 17.57m, ensured that the former Kingston College stalwart added another accolade to his South-eastern Conference indoor and outdoor titles, as well as the NCAA indoor honours. The 18-year-old, also smashed a number of records, including the World Under-20 mark for indoor and outdoor, along the way.

Hibbert won ahead of University of Miami's Russell Robinson (16.94m) and Florida State senior, Jeremiah Davis (16.67m).

Owayne Owens (16.36m) of University of Virginia and Malik Cunningham (16.17m) of Villanova, were sixth and seventh, while Hibbert's Arkansas teammates Carey McLeod (15.99m), who won the long jump in a Jamaican sweep, and Ryan Brown (15.89m), finished 11th and 12th respectively.  Apalos Edwards of Louisiana State, did not turn up.

On the track, Phillip Lemonious of Arkansas capped his college career in style with victory in the men’s 110m hurdles to claim his first individual national title and in the process became the first Arkansas athlete to win the event since 2006.

Lemonious, who clocked a personal best 13.28 seconds in qualifying, lowered that time when he stopped the clock in 13.24s, running in a positive 1.8m/s wind. He maintained his composure over the 10 obstacles from a good break in lane five, to stave off the late challenge of De'Vion Wilson (13.26s) of Houston and Jaheem Hayles (13.28s) of Syracuse.

Giano Roberts of Clemson was fifth in 13.31s.

It was sweet redemption for the 24-year-old Lemonious, who endured a rough patch last season.

"To be honest, I try so hard. Last year took a toll on me and coming back this year was also hard battling injuries, but I just had to trust my coach, who told me that this is my championship to win so I went out there and got it," Lemonious said shortly after the race.

University of South Florida junior, Romaine Beckford, also showed good form on the night to win the men’s high jump and successfully complete the double, adding this outdoor championship to his indoor title. 

Beckford soared to a new personal best height of 2.27m on his way to victory, denying Oklahoma senior, Vernon Turner, who also cleared 2.27m, but had to settle for second on the count back. Roberto Vilches of Missouri was third with a season's best leap of 2.24m.

Former St George’s College student Zayne Palomino of Southern Mississippi finished down the pack after he only managed to clear 2.06m.

Elsewhere in the field, Roje Stona of the University of Arkansas, who placed 14th in the shot put, produced a stronger showing in the discus, placing second behind the vibrant Turner Washington of Arizona State.

Stona, launched the instrument to a big fourth round mark of 65.55m and seemed well on his way to the gold, before Washington snatched victory with his very last effort of 66.22m, a season’s best.

Former Petersfield standout Kevin Nedrick of Liberty University was fifth with a mark of 61.93m, while Stona's Arkansas teammate Ralford Mullings was 16th at 57.68m.

Meanwhile, Jevaughn Powell, finished seventh in the men’s 400m final in 45.32s, as his University of Florida teammates Emmanuel Bamidele and Ryan Willie both clocked personal best times of 44.24 and 44.25 in a close one-two finish. Emmanuel Bynum of Tennessee also clocked a personal best 44.49 for third.

Powell later joined forces with Bamidele, Jacory Patterson and Willie to clinch victory in the 4X400m relay, to retain the Men’s Team crown.

There were no signs of tired legs on display as all four athletes clocked blistering splits, with Powell on the third leg being clocked at 44.94s, passing to Willie, who closed in 44.28s to stop the clock in 2:57.74, a new Facility, Meet and Collegiate Record.

Arizona State (2:57.78) and UCLA (2:59.82) were second and third respectively.

The Mike Holloway-coached Gators tallied 57 points, four ahead of Arkansas, with Stanford (44 points) and Louisiana State University (43 points), placing third and fourth.

The 19-year-old, who entered the meet with a personal best of 7.29 done last season, first produced an easy 7.14 in qualifying before returning to run her new personal best in the final to win comfortably ahead of Georgia’s Kaila Jackson (7.20) and Florida’s Grace Stark (7.21).

Lyston’s time is the third-fastest in the world this year, fourth-fastest in collegiate history and equals the LSU school record done back in 2018 by Aleia Hobbs.

The men's equivalent saw USC's Travis Williams run 6.63 for third behind LSU's Myles Thomas (6.62) and USC's JC Stevenson (6.61).

Jamaican World Championship 4x400m relay medallist Stacey Ann Williams ran 51.86 to win the women’s open 400m ahead of Americans Kendall Ellis (52.12) and Bailey Lear (52.49). World Championships 400m hurdles finalist Andrenette Knight ran 52.53 for fifth.

Arkansas Junior and reigning Jamaican National champion Nickisha Pryce ran 51.58 for third in the college women’s 400m behind schoolmate Amber Anning (50.56) and Georgia’s Aaliyah Butler (51.34).

Pryce was a semi-finalist in the 400m at the World Championships in Budapest last August.

Florida Senior Jevaughn Powell ran 46.28 for third in the college men’s 400m behind USC’s William Jones (45.24) and Texas A&M’s Auhmad Robinson (46.15).

2023 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor champion and World Championship 100m hurdles finalist Ackera Nugent ran 7.94 for second in the women’s open 60m hurdles won by the USA’s Tia Jones in 7.85. Christina Clemons ran 7.95 for third.

Jamaica’s Phillip Lemonious, who won the NCAA Outdoor title competing for the University of Arkansas last season, ran 7.68 for third in the men’s 60m hurdles. Interestingly, the top two finishers in the race, Texas A&M’s Connor Schulman and Jaqualon Scott, also ran 7.68. Their times when rounded up to the thousandths were 7.672, 7.673 and 7.675.

St. Vincent's Shafiqua Maloney ran 2:02.29 to take top spot in the women's 800m ahead of Sanu Jallow of Arkansas (2:02.60) and Gabija Galvydyte (2:02.82).

In the field, Arkansas high jumper Romaine Beckford, the defending NCAA Indoor and Outdoor champion, improved his indoor career best to 2.27m with his victory on Friday evening.

The winning height moves Beckford to No. 4 on the UA all-time list and No. 3 on the Jamaican all-time indoor list with the equal No. 4 performance.

Having won the competition, Beckford opted for the Olympic standard of 2.33m as his next height and had three attempts with his last try coming closest to clearing.

Mississippi State’s Sherman Hawkins and USC’s Elias Gerald both cleared 2.17m for second and third, respectively.

Elsewhere in the field, Jamaican Oklahoma Junior Nikaoli Williams produced 7.86m for second in the men’s long jump behind Florida’s Malcolm Clemons (8.06m). Clemons’ teammate Caleb Foster jumped 7.68m for third.

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).

The 22-year-old Distin, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and was a finalist at last year’s World Championships, once again demonstrated her class and rich vein of form in her winning mark.

Along with rewriting her previous national record of 1.97m set last year, Distin also shattered her own meet record of 1.95m, as well as the previous championship record of 1.98m set by Hooker Tex in 2016. She also equaled the facility record.

Distin won ahead of Arkansas’ Rachel Glenn (1.94m) and University of Georgia’s Elena Kulichenko (1.91m). Another Jamaican Nia Robinson or Arkansas was 12^th with a new personal best mark of 1.75m.

Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford representing Arkansas also topped the men’s high jump after clearing the bar at 2.25m. He won ahead of Mississippi State’s Sherman Hawkins (2.16m) and Texas A&M’s Ushan Perera (2.11m).

On the track, Brianna Lyston of Louisiana State University, also continued her rich vein of form when she clocked a meet record equalling 7.08 to win the women’s 60m final. She equalled the time set by another Jamaican Remona Burchell of University of Alabama in 2015.

His path toward becoming the first repeat winner of collegiate track & field’s highest individual honour from either gender began Wednesday, as he headlines three Jamaicans that were unveiled on the Men’s Preseason Watch List.

Hibbert, who swept the NCAA triple jump crowns and shattered both the indoor and outdoor collegiate records as a freshman at Arkansas, was joined on the ten-man Watch List by Arkansas teammates high jumper Romaine Beckford and World Athletics Championships long jump silver medallist Wayne Pinnock.

Another 2023 finalist, Leo Neugebauer of Texas, 2023 semi-finalists Mykolas Alekna of California and Ky Robinson, as well as, Harvard teammates Graham Blanks and Kenneth Ikeji, Shaun Maswanganyi of Houston and Godson Oghenebrume of LSU, are also on the list.

The next Watch List on the men’s side will be released on February 8.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Jamaica’s long jumper Ackelia Smith of the University of Texas and high jumper Lamara Distin of Texas A&M University were named on the women’s side.

The Bowerman, which is presented to the best male and female track and field athletes in the US College circuit each year since it was inaugurated in 2009, will be awarded in December at the annual USTFCCCA Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Though ranked in the top 25 at joint 16th with his personal best mark of 2.27m, achieved at the NCAA finals in Austin, Texas last month, Beckford is by no means satisfied with his current position, as he wants to make certain of his spot in Budapest, Hungary next month.

The 20-year-old made the declaration after topping rivals in the high jump finals on Friday’s second day of action at the National Stadium.

His first-time clearance at 2.23m bettered MVP’s Christoff Bryan, who also cleared 2.23m, on a countback, while dethroned national champion Lushane Wilson (2.15m) of GC Foster College.  

“This is my second year jumping as a senior, so it is really exciting to know to have won my first senior championship on this occasion and I am just excited about the win,” said Beckford, formerly of University of South Florida, who contested the event as an unattached athlete.

“But I am still trying to work on getting the (Automatic World Championships) height and at the same time, I am also trying to get as much points as possible so I can stay in the points ranking,” he added.

To say that it has been a very successfully season for Beckford so far, would be a great understatement, as he completed the double of the NCAA outdoor and indoor championship honours, with this national title, now topping the cards.

Beckford attributes those achievements to the experienced gained last year, particularly at the Commonwealth Games where he finished among the top eight finalists.

 “The biggest thing for me was garnering all that experience last year, jumping with the seniors at the Commonwealth Games as well, I think it kind of boost my confidence to know that I can really get to the top by virtue of not only jumping with some top jumpers, but also finish close to them. So, I am just using that experience and just trying to fulfill my goals,” he shared.

Such was his confidence and form coming into the championships that even the strong winds that swept across the Stadium, couldn’t through Beckford off his rhythm.

“Most of track and field is a mental thing, just as it is physical, so you just have to keep your mind ready at all times for any condition and it is just how you execute on the day, so I just kept my mind steady and adjusted to the conditions,” Beckford noted.

That said, the soft-spoken pointed out that getting to and, by extension, producing a quality performance at the World Championships, marks the first target on his list of ambitions.

“That’s one of my biggest objectives because from Germaine Mason stopped jumping for Jamaica, we haven’t had a high jumper qualify for the Olympic Games. So that’s what I am working on to make sure I am one of those high jumpers that will perform on the biggest stage for Jamaica, so I am trying to pick up the legacy and set a good trend for myself,” Beckford ended.

Beckford set an indoor best of 2.27m in winning the high jump at the Razorback Invitational prior to attempt the Olympic qualifying standard of 2.33m. Beckford is the current collegiate leader and his mark ranks equal sixth in the world for the 2024 season.

The performance by Beckford, the defending 2023 NCAA indoor & outdoor champion, moved him to No. 4 on the Arkansas all-time list and No. 3 on the Jamaican all-time indoor list with the equal No. 4 performance. Germaine Mason holds the Jamaican indoor record of 2.30m, which was set in 2003 and Christoff Bryan ranks second with a 2.28m from 2015.

The 22-year-old had a first-time clearance at 2.17m before clearing 2.22m on his second attempt.

He then exited the competition after three failures at his season’s and personal best height of 2.27m.

New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr took gold over the USA’s Shelby McEwen after a jump-off.

Both men had identical cards after successful first-time clearances at 2.36m, an Oceania record for Kerr and personal best for McEwen, and three failures at 2.38m.

In the subsequent jump-off, both men failed at 2.38m and 2.36m before Kerr successfully cleared 2.34m after a failure from McEwen.

Bahrain’s Mutaz Essa Barshim secured his fourth Olympic high jump medal with a season’s best 2.34m in third.

The Bowerman Award, recognized as the highest honor for student-athletes in American collegiate track and field, is administered by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Hailing from Portland, Jamaica, Beckford, a standout at the University of Arkansas, carries an unblemished record into the upcoming NCAA Indoor Championships. Beckford, last year's titleholder in Albuquerque, New Mexico, recently clinched top NCAA honors by effortlessly clearing 2.25m marking the best winning height since 2012. Notably, he matched his personal record of 2.27m earlier this season, currently holding the national lead at that height.

Jones, a Bahamian sprinter from Freeport, enters the NCAA Championships as a two-event national leader in the 60 and 200 metres. At the Jarvis Scott Open, he unleashed his speed with a 6.47-second performance in the 60 m. Jones continued his impressive form by clocking 20.21 seconds in the 200 meters, securing the Big 12 title in the process.

Pinnock, another Jamaican sensation representing the University of Arkansas, has been a force to be reckoned with in the long jump. Despite only taking five jumps this season, four of them have exceeded an impressive distance of 8.22m. Fresh off a victorious SEC title where he soared to 8.28m, Pinnock is set to make waves at the NCAA Championships. His earlier leap of 8.34m this month already positions him as a standout on the seasonal chart.

The trio of Jamaican and Bahamian athletes is joined by other outstanding contenders on the Men's Bowerman Watch List, including Mykolas Alekna from California, Graham Blanks from Harvard, Johnny Brackins, Jr. from Southern California, Leo Neugebauer from Texas, Ky Robinson from Stanford, Christopher Morales Williams from Georgia, and Nico Young from Northern Arizona.

Excitement looms as these exceptional athletes showcase their prowess on the national stage, with the next Watch List set for release on March 21.

Romaine Beckford has emerged as a rising star within the track and field community, showcasing an impressive track record coupled with an unwavering determination to excel. The partnership with 7venz Media Agency signifies the agency's dedication to empowering athletes to reach their pinnacle.

Khimani Clarke, the CEO of 7venz Media Agency, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming Romaine to their prestigious roster that also includes global championship medalists Danielle Williams, Wayne Pinnock, Hansle Parchment and Briana Williams.

 "Romaine's dedication, passion, and remarkable achievements embody the values we hold dear," said Clarke. "Our team is committed to providing tailored support, guidance, and expertise to help him soar to new heights, both on the track and in his personal brand."

The collaboration will see 7venz Media Agency working closely with Romaine to craft a comprehensive brand strategy, harnessing his unique story and accomplishments to create a lasting impact. The agency will also focus on securing partnerships and collaborations that align with Romaine's values and aspirations.

Excitement radiated from Romaine Beckford as he expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. "I am excited to partner with 7venz Media Agency," Beckford shared. "Their passion, expertise, and commitment to athlete empowerment are a great look. I am confident that together, we will achieve great things and inspire others to do the same."

With Romaine Beckford on board, 7venz Media Agency continues to cement its status as a trailblazer in the sports marketing industry. Prioritizing athlete-centric values and innovative strategies, the agency is poised to redefine the landscape of sports brand development

The LSU sophomore, who ran 22.31 on Thursday to secure her spot in the 200m final, came back a day later to run 11.09 to be the joint-fastest qualifier for Saturday’s final alongside collegiate leader Jacious Sears of Tennessee.

Bahamian Florida junior Wanya McCoy and Jamaican Georgia freshman Jehlani Gordon advanced to the men’s 100m final as the second and ninth fastest qualifiers with 10.09 and 10.17, respectively.

The women’s 400m prelims saw Arkansas senior Nickisha Pryce become the eighth-fastest Jamaican ever in the event.

Pryce, who is Jamaica’s reigning national champion, ran a personal best and collegiate leading 49.72 to advance to the final as the fastest qualifier ahead of teammate Kaylyn Brown who ran 49.86.

LSU sophomore Jahiem Stern produced 13.45 to advance to the final of the 110m hurdles.

In the field, the Jamaican Arkansas pair of Romaine Beckford and Wayne Pinnock won gold in the high jump and long jump, respectively.

Beckford had a best clearance of 2.22m to win ahead of LSU’s Kuda Chadenga (2.19m) and Ole Miss’s Arvesta Troupe (2.14m).

Pinnock, a sliver medalist at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, jumped 8.09m to successfully defend his SEC title.

Georgia’s Micah Larry produced 7.80m for second while Florida’s Caleb Foster was third with the same distance.

The former South Plains College and University of South Florida standout was locked in a tense battle with teammate Kason O’Riley before eventually winning the event with a 2.19m clearance on a short, four-step approach. 

Beckford trailed teammate Kason O’Riley when both cleared 2.16m, as O’Riley navigated the previous height of 2.11m on a first attempt while Beckford needed three tries before clearing. 

A third attempt clearance at 2.19m earned Beckford the victory as three missed attempts at 2.22m followed.

Beckford then saluted the encouraging crowd of 1,418 with his signature backflip on the high jump mat. 

Following the 1-2 Arkansas finish in the high jump, Razorback Tomas Ferrari placed fifth with a 6-7 (2.01) clearance.

Beckford won last year’s NCAA Outdoor title with a 2.27m clearance while competing for USF.

He then won the National title with 2.23m and the NACAC U-23 title with 2.21m.

The 21-year-old also competed at the World Championships in Budapest, finishing 11^th in his qualifying group with a best clearance of 2.22m.

Pinnock, who took long jump silver in Budapest, produced a wind-aided 8.44m (5.8 m/s) to claim victory in his first outdoor competition this season.

The 23-year-old Arkansas star, who won gold at both the SEC and NCAA Indoor Championships earlier this year, opened his competition with 8.15m in the first round before producing his winning distance in the second.

He had one more jump in the third round (8.25m) before passing on his final three attempts.

Florida State’s Curtis Williams was second with 7.99m while Florida’s Malcolm Clemons was third with 7.94m. Another Jamaican, Florida State’s Jordan Turner, produced 7.84m for fourth.

The women’s long jump was won by Bahamian Florida sophomore Anthaya Charlton with a best jump of 6.74m. Arkansas’s Nia Robinson was second with 6.70m while Georgia Tech’s Ameia Wilson was third with 6.56m.

In her fourth 100m hurdles race of the young season, Ackera Nugent, who was fifth in the final in Budapest, produced 12.57 to take victory ahead of Canada’s Mariam Abdul-Rashid (12.69) and LSU’s Leah Phillips (12.71).

Nugent’s season’s best, which currently stands at 12.52, was done in a fourth-place finish at the Tom Jones Invitational on April 13.

Arkansas also prevailed in the men’s high jump through another member of Jamaica’s team at last year’s World Championships, Romaine Beckford.

Beckford, the reigning NCAA indoor and outdoor and Jamaican national champion, had a best jump of 2.23m to win ahead of Georgia’s Riyon Rankin (2.20m) and his Arkansas teammate Kason O’Riley (2.20m).

Guyana’s Natricia Hooper produced 13.92m to win the women’s triple jump ahead of Mylana Hearn (13.78m) and LSU’s Morgan Smalls (13.17m).

Arkansas’s Apalos Edwards jumped 16.43m for second in the men’s equivalent won by Air Houston’s Chris Carter (16.70m). Florida State’s Kyvon Tatham jumped 16.00m for third.

The women’s 400m saw Vincentian 800m record holder Shafiqua Maloney and reigning Jamaican national champion and Arkansas star Nickisha Pryce run 51.29 and 51.35 for second and third, respectively, behind American Alexis Holmes who ran 50.80 to win.

Jamaica’s Lashanna Graham ran 58.16 for third in the women’s 400m hurdles behind American Anna Cockrell (54.74) and Georgia’s Dominique Mustin (56.52).

Florida’s Jevaughn Powell ran 20.28 to take second in the men’s 200m behind Arkansas’s Makanakaishe Charamba who won in 20.11. Arkansas’s Lance Lang ran 20.36 in third.

Powell also represented Jamaica in Budapest, running in the heats of the 4x400m relay.

Pinnock, a Kingston native, concluded an impressive indoor season by remaining undefeated in the long jump. Representing the University of Arkansas, he clinched victory at the NCAA Championships with a remarkable leap of 8.40m, equaling the Jamaican national record set by former teammate Carey McLeod. Pinnock's performance not only secured him the NCAA title but also positioned him at No. 5 on the all-time collegiate chart, tying with McLeod.

Meanwhile, Romaine Beckford, hailing from Portland, Jamaica, demonstrated his prowess in the high jump. Competing for the University of Arkansas, Beckford enjoyed an undefeated indoor season and successfully defended his indoor high jump title. He cleared a height of 2.27m to secure victory at the NCAA Championships in Boston, matching his personal record set earlier in the season.

Bahamian sprinter Terrence Jones, representing Texas Tech University, showcased his speed and versatility on the track. Jones emerged as a double sprint champion at the NCAA Championships in Boston, clinching victory in both the 60m and 200m events. His impressive performances included a winning time of 20.23 seconds in the 200m, just shy of his personal record of 20.21 seconds set at the Big 12 Indoor Championships.

The next Bowerman Watch List will be released on April 11, providing further insight into the standout performers in collegiate track and field.

Beckford recently won the high jump title at the 2023 Jamaica Championships with a mark of 7-3.75 (2.23). He will represent Jamaica at the NACAC U23 Championships this week in Costa Rica and currently is in position to qualify for the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

A double 2023 NCAA champion in the high jump with marks of 7-5.25 (2.27) outdoors and 7-4.25 (2.24) indoors, Beckford set South Florida school records with his outdoor career best at the NCAA Championships as well as his indoor best of 7-5 (2.26) to win the 2023 American Athletic Conference meet.

In the 2023 American Athletic Conference outdoor meet, Beckford won the high jump (7-1.5 | 2.17) as well as the javelin with a career best throw of 194-10 (59.38). The 2023 outdoor season included a victory at Penn Relays (7-1.75 | 2.18) as well as finishing runner-up at Mt. SAC Relays (7-2.5 | 2.20) and winning the Florida Relays (7-4.25 | 2.24).

Beckford finished as runner-up in the 2022 Penn Relays high jump with a 7-3.75 (2.23) clearance prior to claiming the AAC Outdoor title (7-1.75 | 2.18). He won the 2022 AAC Indoor high jump with a 7-2.5 (2.20) clearance. Beckford represented Jamaica in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, placing eighth.

In junior college at South Plains, Beckford won the 2021 NJCAA Outdoor high jump while also competing in discus and javelin. At NJCAA Indoor, Beckford won the high jump and finished 10th in heptathlon (4,182 points). At the 2020 NJCAA Indoor, he finished second in the high jump.