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Ronald Levy

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.

Elaine Thompson-Herah runs 10.65 in Zurich but some Caribbean athletes just miss out on DL titles

The Olympic 100 and 200m champion set a new meet record of 10.65 to win the 100m going away from Dina Asher-Smith who returned to form with a season-best run of 10.87 for second place. Third went to Ajla Del Ponte who ran a personal best 10.93.  Daryll Neita also ran a personal best of 10.93 but was given fourth.

Since she won the gold medal in the 100m in Tokyo in a time of 10.61, Thompson-Herah has run times of 10.54, 10.64, 10.72 and 10.65 and became the first woman to run four wind-legal times under 10.70s.

During the meet where there were several close races, Kirani James narrowly missed out on winning the 400m in a stirring battle down the home stretch with Michael Cherry, whose legs gave out at the line but still managed to clock 44.41, just edging James as the two of them crashed to the track after crossing the line.

Deon Lendore of Trinidad and Tobago made it a Caribbean 2-3 as he clocked 44.81.

Another close finish unfolded in the 110m hurdles that ended with the USA’s Devon Allen being declared the champion even though he and Ronald Levy crossed the line together in 13.06. The time was 0.01 outside Levy’s lifetime best.

 Olympic champion Hansle Parchment clipped a couple of hurdles, lost his rhythm and finished third in 13.17.

The 200m dashes were no different as Shericka Jackson ran a personal best 21.81 but just failed to hold off the fast-finishing Christine Mboma, who set a new WorldU20 record of 21.78, which was also an area record, for the victory.

Asher-Smith was unable to stay with them down the stretch and faded to third in 22.19.

Kenny Bednarek held off Andre Degrasse to win the men’s race in 19.70. His winning time was 0.02 seconds ahead of the Canadian who clocked 19.72.

Fred Kerley who won the 100m ahead of Degrasse, finished third in 19.83.

Megan Tapper has been on a tear since she became the first Caribbean woman to win a bronze medal in the 100m hurdles at the Olympics. She was third in Zurich in 12.55, just outside her lifetime best of 12.53 set during the first round of the event at the Tokyo Olympics last month.

It took a personal best and area record of 12.42 from Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan and a personal best and national record of 12.51 of the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser to beat her.

Quanera Hayes won the Women’s 400m in 49.88 over Dominica’s Marileidy Paulino, the Olympic silver medalist, who ran Hayes close to clock 49.96 for second place. Sada Williams of Barbados was third in 50.24, just edging Stephenie-Ann McPherson (50.25).

Candace McLeod was fifth in 50.96.

Karsten Warholm continued his imperious form in the 400m hurdles winning in 47.35 ahead of Alison Dos Santos (47.81) and Kyron McMaster (48.24).

Olympic bronze medalist Femke Bol took the women’s race in a meet record of 52.80. The USA’s Shamier Little ran 53.35 and Anna Ryzhykova, 53.70, for second and third, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the field, Fedrick Dacres finished third in the discus with his best mark of 65.33m.

It was no surprise that Sweden’s Daniel Stahl won the event with 66.49m. Kristjan Ceh of Sloevnia threw 65.39m for second.

The winner of the Women’s triple was also not surprising as Olympic champion and world record holder Yulimar Rojas soared out to a meet record 15.48m to take the win. Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts jumped 14.64 for the runner-up spot with her compatriot Kimberly Williams third with 14.41m.

Jamaica names 61-member track and field team for Tokyo Olympics

The Pocket Rocket leads a strong female contingent that includes 2016 Olympic sprint double champion Elaine Thompson-Herah as well as ‘surprise’ elite sprinter Shericka Jackson. In-form Stephenie-Ann McPherson and rising talent Candice McLeod are also included as well as rising sprint hurdlers Megan Tapper and Britany Anderson.

Briana Williams, the 2018 World U20 sprint double champion makes her first Olympic team as a reserve for the 100m and a member of the 4x100m relay squad.

Yohan Blake, the 2012 double Olympic silver medalist also makes the team along with Demish Gaye and the proven 110m hurdles trio of Ronald Levy, the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, Damion Thomas and Hansle Parchment.

The full team comprises

 (100m Men): Tyquendo Tracey, Yohan Blake, and Oblique Seville. Julian Forte (r).

100m Women) Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah. Briana Williams (r).

4x100m relay Men Jevaughn Minzie, Nigel Ellis.

4x100m Women: Remona Burchell, Natasha Morrison.

200m Men: Rasheed Dwyer, Yohan Blake, Julian Forte

200m Women: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah. Natasha Morrison (r)

400m Men: Demish Gaye, Christopher Taylor, Sean Bailey. Nathon Allen (r)

400m Women: Stephenie Ann McPherson, Candice McLeod, Roneisha McGregor. Stacey Ann Williams ®

4x400m Men: Nathon Allen, Karayme Bartley, Rusheen McDonald. Nathon Allen ®

4X400M Women: Stacey Ann Williams, Tovea Jenkins, Junelle Bromfield.

4x400 Men: Karayme Bartley, Rusheen McDonald.

800m: Natoya Goule

110m hurdles: Ronald Levy, Damion Thomas, Hansle Parchment. Phillip Lemonious ®

100m hurdles: Megan Tapper, Yanique Thompson, Britany Anderson. Danielle Williams ®

400m hurdles Men: Jaheel Hyde, Kemar Mowatt, Shawn Rowe. Leonardo Ledgister ®

400m hurdles Women: Janieve Russell, Ronda Whyte, Leah Nugent. Shian Salmon ®

1500M Aisha Praught *

Long jump Men: Tajay Gayle, Carey McLeod.

Long jump Women: Tissanna Hickling, Chanice Porter

Triple jump Men: Carey McLeod

Triple jump women: Shanieka Ricketts, Kimberly Williams

Shot Put Women: Danniel Thomas-Dodd, Lloydricka Cameron *

Discus Men: Fedrick Dacres, Chad Wright, Traves Smikle

Discus Women: Shadae Lawrence

4x400m Mixed Relays: Javier Brown, Keeno Burrell, Davonte Burnett, Tiffany James, Charokee Young, Kemba Nelson.

Kirani James, Shanieka Ricketts set meet records in Zagreb

James won in commanding fashion clocking a meet record 44.46. Looking fresh and fast even as his season winds down, James was more than a half-second faster than Botswana’s Isaac Makwala, who faded down the stretch to clock 45.15.

Italy’s Edoardo Scotti ran 45.30 for third.

Ricketts, meanwhile, closed her season with a meet record of 14.77m to win the triple jump ahead of Nesa Filipic, who jumped 14.31m for second place. Senni Salminen was third with 14.24m.

Once again, Shericka Jackson had to settle for the runner-up spot in a race with Christine Mboma of Namibia. The teenager ran a meet record of 22.04 pulling away from Jackson, who ran 22.30. Athonique Strachan of the Bahamas ran third in 23.05.

Similarly, Ronald Levy played second fiddle to the USA’s Devon Allen in the 110m hurdles. Allen ran a personal best of 12.99 in what was an unexpectedly comfortable win ahead of the Olympic bronze medalist who ran 13.10 for second place whole Hansle Parchment, the Olympic gold medalist was third in 13.12.

Janieve Russell ran 55.45 for third in the 400m hurdles race won by Panama’s Gianna Woodruff in 54.67. Anna Ryzhykova was second in 54.87.

Marvin Bracy had another impressive win in the 100m clocking 9.86 while pulling away from Ronnie Baker (9.97) and Trayvon Bromell (10.03). Julian Forte ran 10.20 for fifth.

Shadae Lawrence ended her season with a third-place finish in the discus with a throw of 60.80m. Olympic champion, the USA’s Valarie Allman throw 69.63m for the win over Sandra Perkovic (66.48m).

Levy faces possible four-year ban after B sample returns positive

This confirms the finding in Levy's A sample by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) from an out of competition test last month, in Canada.

It is understood that GW501516-Sulfoxide and GW501516-Sulfone, are the substances found in Levy's sample.

A four-year ban would rule the 31-year-old Westmoreland native out of next year's Paris Olympics, as well as the next two World Athletics Championships editions in 2025 and 2027.

Levy, who also has a 2018 Commonwealth Gold medal in his accolade, had earlier this month confirmed being notified of the adverse analytical finding on November 3, and vowed to defend his integrity, as he "is certain he did not knowingly breach the rules."

Levy, McPherson and Ricketts among winners at Meeting Citta Di Padova in Italy

Levy, who ran 13.10 to win the bronze medal in the 110m hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics last month,  clocked 13.34 to win the event ahead of Italy’s Paolo Dal Molin.

The Italian clocked 13.45 while Brazil’s Rafael Pereira was third in 13.66.

McPherson, in her first race since she suffered an injury in the final of the 400m at the Olympics, ran a smart 50.78 for victory in the one-lapper. Authorised Neutral Athlete Polina Miller finished as the runner-up in a time of 50.96.

Junelle Bromfield made it a Jamaica 1-3 as she took third in 51.19.

Ricketts led a Caribbean 1-2-3 in the triple jump that she won with 14.74. Standout Dominican jumper Thea LaFond was second with her best effort of 14.57m while Cuba’s Liadagmis Povea took the final podium spot with 14.35.

Meanwhile, Sha’Carri Richardson, who has had more bark than bite in recent races, was a close second-place finisher in the 100m. The 21-year-old American, who was ninth in the 100m in Eugene last month and fourth over 200m in Brussels on September 3, clocked 11.19, the same time as winner Javianne Oliver.

It was an American 1-2-3 as Candace Hill finished third in 11.26. Olympic relay gold medalist Briana Williams finished fifth in a pedestrian 11.44.

McLeod a no-show but fireworks expected from stacked 110m hurdles field at Jamaica's national championships

McLeod, the 2017 world champion, is not among the 19 men who will contend for one of three spots up for grabs as the hurdlers vie for places at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August. 

There has been no official word from the athlete or his representatives over his absence. He has raced sparingly this season, running twice indoors and once outdoors. On April 29, he ran 13.67 for a second place finish at the LSU Invitational in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The 29-year-old McLeod has not had the best of fortune at Jamaica’s national championships in recent years. In 2021, he finished at eighth in the final at Kingston’s National Stadium and then infamously blamed the Jamaican authorities for mistreating him.

“I don’t think I was given or granted a fair opportunity to make the team with this ridiculous schedule that I have never seen in my years in track and field where they have semi-finals late in the evening and then, without recovery and the country was in complete lockdown so we were unable to go back to the hotel and get food,” he told media at a press conference in the United Kingdom days later.

“So, my team and I, we did the best we could and we went to a little lounge at the hotel and drank some soup and had a salad because that was all they had, trying to go back to the track and five in the morning for a final at eight, I mean, that’s stupid."

Then in 2022, he finished at the back of the pack once again after hitting a hurdle early into the race and failed in his effort to qualify for an attempt to win a shot at another world title.

Meanwhile, the event which is expected to be keenly contested, will feature a stacked that includes reigning Olympic champion Hansle Parchment, Olympic bronze medalist Ronald Levy and Commonwealth Games champion Rasheed Broadbell, who are expected to be in the running for places on the Jamaican team to Budapest.

However, the battle for places will have to be earned as the likes of Phillip Lemonious the 2023 NCAA Outdoor champion and a resurgent Tyler Mason will also be targeting breakthroughs to the international scene.

Tokyo Olympic semi-finalist Damion Thomas and the talented LaFranz Campbell are also down to compete for spots.

Orlando Bennett, the 2022 NACAC bronze medallist, is also among the 19 as well as collegiate standouts Jaheem Hayles, Sharvis Simmonds, Michael Buchannan, Jordani Woodley, and Andre Douglas.

The multi-talented Dejour Russell will also be keen to get a look in on a team to a major senior championship.

Olympic bronze medalist Ronald Levy expresses shock at positive drug test. "I am stunned at the turn of events..."

The 31-year-old Levy, the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist tested positive for banned substance, believed to be a fat burner, during a recent drug test and has requested that his “B” sample be tested.

In a post on social media, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist expressed surprise at the positive test, stating, “I am stunned at the turn of events because I have always conducted myself with the highest level of integrity in the sport, which I love dearly and would never seek to gain an unfair advantage.

“I intend to defend my integrity during this process because I am certain I did not knowingly breach the rules.”

The athlete who recently switched camps, departing from MVP Track Club to reunite with his high school coach at Elite Performance, indicated the test that yielded the positive result was done in early October.

“Early last month I was tested out of season. I expected to be negative on that test like I have on every test I have ever taken throughout my career. I was surprised to receive a letter on Tuesday (November 2, 2023) by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission of an adverse analytical finding. I have decided to take the option to have by ‘B’ sample tested, of which I await the results.”

Levy has had a run is misfortune over the past few years during which he has undergone multiple surgeries on his leg, which has significantly limited his ability to compete since he won the bronze medal in the 110m hurdles in Tokyo in 2021.

Ronald Levy, Briana Williams, Jaheel Hyde make the podium at ISTAF Berlin

Levy, who lost out on the Diamond League title to Devon Allen by mere thousandths of a second in Zurich last week Friday, lost to the American again in another close race. Allen took the win in 13.10 to Levy’s 13.11.

Brazil’s Rafael Pereira was third in 13.35 while Damion Thomas finished fourth in 13.44.

Williams was part of a Jamaican 2-3 finish in the 100m that was on by Great Britain’s Daryll Neita. Neita, who was coming off a personal best of 10.93 in the Diamond League final in Zurich clocked 11.04 for the victory, just ahead of Natasha Morrison who ran 11.09.

Williams, who has not been at her best in her post-Olympic races mainly because of injury, ran 11.16 for third. It was her best time since she ran 11.00 to finish fourth at the Jamaica national championships in June.

“Last one best one,” she said on her Instagram page afterwards.

“What a season it has been, many ups and downs dealing with injuries and the loss of my nana, but I still pushed through it with the amazing people around me. I am grateful to have finished my last meet of the season placing third at the @istaf_berlin and finally got to have touched the European circuit.”

Meanwhile, Hyde was also third in the 400m hurdles in 48.95. Olympic champion and world-record holder Karsten Warholm was an easy winner in 48.08 ahead of Estonia’s Rasmus Magi who was second in 48.73.

Thompson-Herah runs 10.87, Briana Williams breaks 100m U20 record, again, at New Life Invitational

Also, at the meet held at the Ansin Sports Complex, the training ground of Briana Williams, the 19-year-old emerging star broke her national U20 record for the third time in what was her sixth race in a week.

Thompson-Herah led from start to finish to take the 100m in 10.87. The USA’s Tiana Bartoletta established a season-best 10.96, just ahead of Williams. The 2018 World U20 Champion lowered her previous best of 10.98 set on May 30, to 10.97.

The reigning Olympic 200m champion would end the day unbeaten running a season-best 22.54 to win the 200m. The USA’s Kyra Jefferson was second in 22.77 with Great Britain’s Jodie Williams third in 23.10.

Trayvon Bromell ran a world-leading 9.77 to win the 100m ahead of Marvin Bracy, who clocked a season-best 9.85 for second place. Chris Royster was third in 10.08.

Daveon Collins won the men’s 200m in 20.73 beating Kyle Greaux of Trinidad and Tobago and Teray Smith of the Bahamas who ran 20.84 and 20.92 for second and third, respectively.

Deon Lendore of Trinidad and Tobago won the 400m in 45.48 to beat 2008 Olympic champion Lashawn Merritt, who ran a modest 46.22. Alonzo Russell of the Bahamas ran 46.44 for third.

The USA’s Wadeline Jonathas won the women’s one-lap sprint in 51.91. Jamaica’s Tiffany James-Rose was second in 52.74 while Nnenya Hailey was third in 52.90.

In the field, Fedrick Dacres threw a season-best 66.01m in the men’s discus but lost to Samoa’s Alex Rose who threw 67.12m to win. Kai Chang threw 63.33m for third place.

In the 400m hurdles, world champion Dalilah Mohammad was an easy winner in 54.50. Jamaica’s Ronda Whyte finished second in 55.65 with Yanique Haye-Smith of the Turks and Caicos Islands clocking 56.12 for third.

The men’s race was won by Costa Rica’s Gerald Drummond in 49.47 over Jamaica’s Shawn Rowe who ran 49.53 for second place. Eric Cray from the Philippines was third in 49.68.

Ajee Wilson ran out an easy winner in the 800m clocking 2:01.50, more than a second faster than Jamaica’s Jasmine Fray who came home in 2:02.60. Siofra Cleirigh Buttner ran 2:02.71 for third.

Michael Dixon won the 110m hurdles in 13.16 over Ronald Levy, who clocked 13.23. Zaza Wellington ran 13.44 for third.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan ran 12.44 for her victory in the 100m hurdles, winning by the proverbial city-block over Costa Rica’s Andrea Vargas, who clocked 12.76 and the Bahamas’ Pedrya Seymour, 12.86.

Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson and Asafa Powell named to Jamaica's World Relays team

Thompson, 29, has been named to the 4x100 relay squad that includes Natasha Morrison, Natalliah Whyte, Remona Burchell, Kasheika Cameron and Shashalee Forbes.

She, Whyte, and Forbes are also down to compete in the 4x200m relay along with Candice McLeod, Tiffany James and Anastasia LeRoy.

Jamaica’s 4x100m team will comprise Powell, Oshane Bailey, Nesta Carter, Julian Forte, Nigel Ellis, Romario Willams and Kadrain Goldson while Goldson, Ellis, Williams, and Michael Bentley will make up the 4x200M team.

Meanwhile, Jackson heads up a women’s 4x400m squad that includes Stephenie-Ann McPherson, Shiann Salmon, Janieve Russell, Rhonda Whyte, Tovea Jenkins, Roneisha McGregor and Christine Day.

The men’s team will have Zadrian Barnes, Troy Whyte, Javon Francis, Terry Thomas, Keeno Burrell, Jamoi Jackson, Demar Murray, and Nathon Allen.

Rasheed Broadbelt, Ronald Levy, Deuce Carter, Janeek Brown, Megan Tapper, and will Jeanine Williams contest the Mixed Shuttle Hurdles.

The team will be managed by Marvin Anderson, who will be assisted by Craig Richards. Paul Francis will be the Technical leader and will have coaches Jerry Holness, Bertland Cameron and Lamar Richards as his support.

Dr Anthony Cox has been named Team Doctor.

Tough luck for McLeod - but don't even think of touching men's 110m hurdles Trials qualifiers

McLeod is far and away one of the best athletes in the world at the event and would be a solid contender to reclaim his title.  The fact of the matter, however, is that he came last at the trials and that's just the way it is.

The last time we found ourselves in a similar situation was in 2008 when John Public wanted to replace a certain Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with Veronica Campbell-Brown, because of the latter’s proven ability to win medals.  How did that turn out?

In case you have forgotten let me remind you, Fraser-Pryce has gone on to win 9 World Champions and two Olympic gold medals.  Who knows what would have happened, had she been replaced.  It’s always difficult when a champion or favourite crashes out, but fair is fair.

In any case, even though Grant Holloway is the clear favourite, he narrowly missed out on breaking the world record recently, I believe Ronald Levy, Damion Thomas, and Hansle Parchment are definite medal contenders for Tokyo.  With an event like the men’s 110m hurdles you just never know.

World champion Danielle Williams and Ronald Levy win sprint-hurdles races in Germany

The 30-year-old two-time world champion cruised to victory in the 100m hurdles in an easy 12.71. She was well clear of Australia’s Michelle Jenneke, who clocked 12.89 for the runner-up spot. In third was the USA’s Amber Hughes, who crossed the line in 12.98.

The news was not so good for the other Jamaican in the race. Olympic silver medallist Megan Tapper did not complete the event.

However, Williams was not the only Caribbean winner in Berlin on Sunday. Olympic bronze medallist Ronald Levy, who has been making his way back to form after long-term injuries, won the 110m hurdles in 13.45, a season’s best.

Levy got the nod over Just Kwaou-Matthey of France, who was timed in 13.46 in a blanket finish. Italy’s Ndele Simonelli Lorenzo was not far behind in 13.50.

Bahamian star runner Shaune Miller Uibo did not finish her 400m race that was won by Norway’s Henriette Jaeger in a new national record of 51.03.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Jonielle Smith was third in the 100m. She ran a time of 11.33 in the race won by the USA’s Jenna Prandini in 11.24 with Belgium’s Rani Rosius finishing just ahead of the Jamaican in 11.32.