The hero’s welcome to St. Lucia for Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred has continued on Thursday with more great gestures honouring the 23-year-old’s historic achievements on the track in 2024.

Alfred, who became her country’s first Olympic medallist when she sped to gold in Paris in August, has now been named as the official ambassador for St. Lucia’s tourism.

As tourism ambassador, she will participate in promotional events for St. Lucia in key markets globally, alongside conducting media engagements and advertising initiatives to promote the island and its marketing campaigns.

She will also engage in social media campaigns to highlight tourism in St. Lucia. A key feature of this collaboration is the co-branding of the prominent St. Lucia logo on Alfred's competition and warm-up kits.

This partnership is expected to enhance the island's visibility and establish Alfred as a contemporary global ambassador for St. Lucia.

In addition to this, a mural of the 2023 Bowerman Award winner was also unveiled at her alma mater, Ciceron Primary School.

PUMA, who sponsors Alfred, has also pledged to provide footwear for all students of the school by 2025.

This all comes a day after the Government of St. Lucia announced September 27 as ‘Julien Alfred Day.’

Alfred returned to St. Lucia on Tuesday for the first time since her history-making performances in Paris.

In addition to the 100m gold, Alfred also took silver behind American Gabby Thomas in the 200m.

This came after earlier in the season when Alfred took home 60m gold at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow in March.

Alfred’s celebrations are set to continue until October 2.

Jamaican track and field icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed her deep gratitude after learning about the impact she had on New Zealand rugby sevens player Michaela Blyde, who recently revealed how much Fraser-Pryce inspired her growing up. Speaking with Sportsmax.TV at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday, following her Pocket Rocket Foundation’s scholarship ceremony, Fraser-Pryce reflected on her meeting with Blyde during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“That was such a touching moment for me,” Fraser-Pryce said, recalling their encounter. “I was trying to keep a low profile, and it wasn’t low at all. But when I met her, just her presence and how she spoke of me really put things in perspective for me as an athlete. It reminded me of what I’ve been able to accomplish and how others are inspired by that. It’s why I continue to do what I do because I know there are athletes out there who need that inspiration.”

Blyde, a key player for New Zealand’s national rugby sevens team, had previously opened up about how Fraser-Pryce motivated her to dream of winning Olympic gold medals in the 100m and 200m. Meeting the Jamaican sprint queen at the Paris Olympics, she said, was life-changing. Blyde shared that she had long admired Fraser-Pryce, describing the experience as “the greatest thing that happened to her.”

Fraser-Pryce, moved by Blyde’s comments, spoke about how athletes like Blyde remind her of the broader influence she has. “There are athletes out there who can take something from your journey, and it’s truly remarkable to witness that with her. To have that friendship and bond is something special.”

In an unexpected but meaningful gesture, Fraser-Pryce attended one of Blyde’s rugby matches during the Olympic Games, marking her first time watching another sport in person at the Olympics. “Never in my entire Olympic journey have I attended any other sport. It was my first time going to another sport, and just watching the reaction from the athlete made me proud. I’m truly humbled and grateful to God for the platform He has given me and how much I’ve been able to carry, not just myself but also the national flag.”

Fraser-Pryce highlighted the significance of the moment, not just for herself, but for all Jamaicans. “It’s truly a moment not just for me, but I think for all Jamaicans to know that even though we’re a tiny dot on the map, we’re huge when it comes to our impact. People look up to us, they emulate us, and they want to be like us.”

Blyde’s emotional response to Fraser-Pryce’s presence at her match against China made the encounter even more memorable. "Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is actually the reason why I wanted to win gold in the 100m and 200m at the Olympic Games. That was my initial Olympic dream,” Blyde said in an interview. “When I saw her in person, my whole soul left my body and was watching me from above. And then she said, ‘I’ll come watch you play.’ I never imagined it would actually happen.”

Blyde recounted how surreal it felt hearing her name called from the stands during the match. “After our game against China, I heard someone calling, ‘Michaela,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, I recognize that voice.’ I looked over, and there was Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, watching us play. It’s a memory I will never forget.”

The mutual admiration between the two athletes highlights the far-reaching influence of Fraser-Pryce, whose career continues to inspire athletes across various sports around the world.

World Cup winner Ariane Hingst believes the Ballon d'Or Feminin must reconsider who merits the global award in order to do "justice to the great football players".

Former Germany international Hingst, speaking at the Thinking Football Summit organised by Liga Portugal, could not fathom the reasoning behind including the likes of injury-hit Alexia Putellas as a nominee.

The 30-player list was announced at the start of September, with the winner revealed later in October, as Aitana Bonmati heads to the award ceremony in Paris as the favourite.

Spain's Nations League success saw five of their players nominated, including Bonmati, while the United States women's national team also had as many nominees after their Olympic success in the French capital.

Hingst, winner of FIFA's top international competition in 2003 and 2007, believes the Ballon d'Or needs to look further than "superstars", however.

"It's always interesting to see the nominees of these Ballon d'Ors," Hingst said to Stats Perform. "I think the problem is that you only have the big picture when you have a big tournament going on. 

"We had the Olympics, but you see all kinds of sports, so you can't just follow the football, so it's hard to follow.

"What frustrates me the most is, and don't get me wrong, the likes of Alexia Putellas, [she is] a great, great player, but she's been injured for such a long time and is on the list to be the best of this season.

"This can't be right and I don't think that it does justice to the great football players we have out there if Putellas is on this list as well.

"We need to get away from the superstars and just recognise the season that has been played."

Though wanting to stray away from the "superstar" tag for Ballon d'Or selection, Hingst reserved special praise for Chelsea and Australia forward Sam Kerr.

"The interesting part is, that I always had a problem with just this one big superstar because soccer is a team sport and it took me some time to realise that you need those superstars," Hingst added.

"Definitely, Sam Kerr is one of them. It took some time for us in Germany to recognise her as much. She became really big when she was in America, an absolute superstar.

"Now then going to England and it's just tremendous. You need those figures because they are idols. Girls are talking about, 'I want to be Sam Kerr', the boys are talking about her, so you need those big names.

"For example, now you have Alex Morgan just retiring from the women's game. She was one of those superstars as well. [Megan] Rapinoe from America also retired. So who's the next?"

After a disappointing exit in the semi-finals of the 100m at the Paris Olympics in August, Jamaica's Ackeem Blake made it his mission to win the Diamond League title. The 22-year-old sprinter, who had entered the Olympics with high hopes, was left dejected after finishing fifth in his semi-final heat with a time of 10.06 seconds. However, Blake was determined not to let that setback define his season.

With the guidance of his coach, Michael Frater, Blake refocused his efforts on the Diamond League Final in Brussels. "After a devastating exit in the semi-finals at the Paris Olympics, my team and I decided that we must put all our resources into making and taking the Diamond League Final," Blake revealed on Instagram after his victory.

The Jamaican sprinter knew that he needed to prove himself on the international stage, and the Diamond League presented the perfect opportunity to do so.

Blake's resolve to rebound from his Olympic disappointment was fueled by the belief that he had more to offer. Earlier in the year, he had shown glimpses of his potential by winning a bronze medal in the 60m dash at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow. With a personal best of 9.89 seconds, Blake knew he had the speed to compete with the world's best. What he needed was the mental fortitude to bounce back after a major setback.

Frater played a crucial role in this mental and physical preparation. Blake credited his coach for guiding him through every phase of his comeback. “In this moment, I was deeply focused,” Blake said. “I could hear my coach guiding me through every phase of the race.” The meticulous planning and intense focus that went into preparing for the Diamond League paid off as Blake stormed to victory in a time of 9.93 seconds, defeating a high-calibre field that included American sprinters Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley.

Blake's triumph in the Diamond League was not just about the win itself but about redemption and resilience. It was a testament to his determination to overcome adversity and a reminder that setbacks can serve as stepping stones to success.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce is excited by the job Emma Hayes has already done with the United States and predicts she will have even more success in the role.

Hayes left Chelsea after 12 years in charge in May, going out on a high after leading the Blues to a fifth consecutive Women's Super League triumph on the final day of last season.

It was her seventh title overall with Chelsea, also winning five FA Cups and two League Cups, as well as leading the team to the Champions League final in 2020-21.

Hayes began her tenure as the USA boss in May and helped the team to a record-extending fifth Olympic gold in Paris, as an undefeated tournament ended with a 1-0 win over Brazil in August.

Having made such a bright start to life with the USWNT, Tullis-Joyce, who has never played for her national team, is expecting great things from Hayes.

Speaking at the Barclays WSL's 2024-25 season launch media day, the goalkeeper told Stats Perform: "I think that's incredible for US soccer to have such a notable coach.

"Everyone has seen how great she's done in this league alone, and I'm excited to see what she does with the US Women's National Team.

"She's already done an amazing job, so I can imagine she's going to do so many more great things for time to come, especially for the younger generations."

One of the players who did not feature at the Olympics for the USWNT was Alex Morgan, who recently announced her retirement from football.

Morgan, regarded as a USA legend, is one of the most decorated players in the history of the team, winning back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019 and clinching Olympic gold in 2012.

She is ninth on the all-time appearance charts having earned 224 caps, and since her international debut in March 2010, no player has been involved in more goals for the USA than her (175, 123 goals, 52 assists).

Tullis-Joyce was full of praise for the former striker and explained how she drove her to improve after coming up against her.

"Just massive respect for Alex Morgan, she's definitely a player that I've looked up to as an American," Tullis-Joyce said.

"She was one of the ones that we saw on the national team constantly just shredding goalkeepers left and right.

"Honestly, I'm learning from her how to protect my goal a little bit better. I had the fortunate opportunity to play against her several times.

"Honestly, she just seems like such a great person. And I wish her all the best in her retirement, especially after what she's done for women's football."

Olympic 400m finalist Jereem Richards on Wednesday has been rewarded with additional financial support from Trinidad & Tobago’s Ministry of Sport and Community Development.

The 30-year-old, who finished fourth in the 400m final in Paris in a national record 43.78, collected a cheque for $187,500 from acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, David Roberts, at its head office in Port of Spain.

“Jereem’s performance at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics games and his subsequent bronze medal at the Diamond League, showed true grit and a determination to succeed,” T&T’s Minister of Sport, Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, told Trinidad Express.

“We at the Ministry are committed to ensuring that athletes are given all that they need to reach their highest levels of performance,” she added.

The funding was awarded under the Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP) designed to help athletes like Richards to cover costs including training, international competition and travel fees as well as other essential expenses.

A Ministry release on September 11 stated that, “similar to other athletes, the Ministry has continuously supported Richards’ athletic development which allowed him to successfully compete on the international stage. In 2019, Jereem Richards was awarded $125,000 and $187,500 in 2021. In 2022, he received $250,000 and in 2023 he was awarded a further $250,000.”

Richards is also a World Indoor 400m champion from 2022, a two-time Commonwealth Games 200m champion from 2018 and 2022 and a World Championship 200m bronze medallist from 2017.

In a historic moment for Saint Lucia, September 27 will officially be declared "Julien Alfred Day," a national holiday in honor of Julien Alfred, who became the first athlete from the island to win an Olympic gold medal. Alfred made history by claiming gold in the 100 meters with a lifetime best and national record of 10.72 seconds, and also secured a silver medal in the 200 meters at the Paris Olympic Games. No St Lucian athlete had ever won an Olympic medal before her extraordinary achievement.

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre made the announcement during a pre-cabinet press briefing on Monday, unveiling the grand celebrations planned for Alfred's return to the island. Alfred, who has become a national hero, will return to Saint Lucia on September 24 for the first time since her Olympic triumph. A series of events has been organized to mark the occasion, including a motorcade, school rallies, and a mural unveiling, culminating in a national holiday on September 27.

The celebrations will begin on September 24 when Alfred returns to Saint Lucia, where she will be greeted with a motorcade along the East Coast. On September 25, national school rallies will be held at Soufriere Mini Stadium and La Resource Playing Field to celebrate her achievements. The following day, September 26, Alfred will visit The Ciceron Primary School for the unveiling of a mural in her honour, followed by what officials have described as "massive announcements."

"Julien Alfred Day" will be celebrated with a free concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on the evening of the holiday, with Saint Lucians being encouraged to come out in large numbers to honor their national icon.

In response to the Prime Minister's announcement, citizens expressed their gratitude and pride, while also calling for further recognition of Alfred's accomplishments. Some suggested that Alfred should be awarded a diplomatic passport and the keys to the city of Castries. Others proposed the establishment of a Julien Alfred Fund for elite athletes and a legacy project aimed at developing sports in Saint Lucia to a world-class level.

Alfred’s achievements have not only brought immense pride to Saint Lucia but have also placed the island on the global athletics map. Her gold and silver medals at the Paris Olympics have inspired a new generation of athletes in Saint Lucia, and the celebrations are expected to be a momentous occasion of national unity and pride.

With the announcement of "Julien Alfred Day," Saint Lucians are set to celebrate not only Alfred's success but also the potential of their small island to produce world-class athletes who can compete and succeed on the biggest stages in sport.

Jamaican middle-distance runner Adelle Tracey is determined to return stronger after an injury hampered her 2024 Paris Olympic campaign, preventing her from making the finals of both the 800m and 1500m. Despite this disappointment, Tracey, who switched her allegiance to Jamaica in 2022 after representing Great Britain, remains motivated and focused on the future. She is eager to build on her recent successes, including breaking Jamaica's 1500m national record at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Tracey’s Olympic season was derailed by a plantar fascia tear that first occurred in May. The injury, which she sustained just before the start of the season, forced her to make significant adjustments to her preparation. “The tear first happened, actually in May. I was supposed to compete at the Diamond League in Eugene, and that was going to be one of my first races of the season. And literally the week before, I tore it in training. I couldn’t walk for a good week after that happened,” she explained.

Despite the setback, Tracey remained hopeful and kept pushing her season opener back while cross-training to maintain her fitness. “The whole time, I was cross training really hard because I was in great shape in May, just before I did it, so I was really kind of positive that I would hold on to some of that fitness,” she said. However, the pain from the injury persisted, especially with the demands placed on her foot. “It was just really tough because when it's a foot injury, there's no avoiding the pain because you put so much force through your feet,” she said, her anguish apparent.

At the Jamaican trials, Tracey pushed herself to compete in spikes for the first time since her injury, despite not being fully ready. “I set myself back a little bit at the Jamaican trials, having to put myself in spikes so early, but obviously I wanted to make sure that I secured automatic qualification for the Olympics,” she shared.

Reflecting on the mental challenge of competing while injured, Tracey admitted it was one of the toughest experiences of her career. “It’s so tough, especially the timing of this one, probably the hardest challenge I’ve had to overcome in sport,” she revealed. ” I worked harder than I’ve ever worked to get to that start line and be able to get round. So there was a lot of pride in even making it there and being able to put on spikes that week.”

Despite not being at her best, Tracey remained focused on giving her all in Paris. “My main goal was to race my best race. I just wanted to come away thinking, okay, I’ve actually done everything I could there, and I know that that's going to be so much easier when I'm healthy.”

While her Olympic campaign didn’t go as planned, Tracey’s earlier achievement at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest was a reminder of her talent and potential. In Budapest, she broke Yvonne Graham’s 28-year-old Jamaican 1500m record, clocking 3:58.77 in the semi-finals to become the first Jamaican woman to run under four minutes in the event. That performance solidified her status as a rising star in Jamaican athletics.

Now out of the boot that she had worn to protect her injury, Tracey has begun the rehabilitation process and is feeling optimistic about the future. “With a plantar fascia tear, it's just a case of healing. I wasn’t able to give it time to heal because I was trying to prepare for the Olympics, but now it's just a case of letting it heal. Now that I’ve come out of the boot, it’s about getting strong again and making sure that I have the proportions in place so that that doesn’t happen again,” she explained.

Tracey is already looking ahead to her recovery and the coming season. “I’ll start my rehab program, and I think I’ll probably do two weeks of strength and conditioning before I’ll be able to start returning to running. It might be like two minutes on, one minute off sort of running, and we’ll just build that back up.”

Despite the challenges, Tracey remains driven to return to competition in even better shape. “I think I’m more motivated than ever to kind of get back to where I was and beyond that,” she said. “I’ve got my sights set on the indoors as well because of not having the opportunities to have raced as much this year. I know I’ll be back running by the end of September, so actually, I’m ahead of schedule in terms of preparations for next year.”

Jaydon Hibbert, one of the brightest young stars in track and field, has undergone minor surgery to repair a torn meniscus, an injury he sustained during the Jamaica National Championships. Despite the setback, Hibbert still managed to compete at the Paris Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal while performing with the injury.

The torn meniscus occurred when Hibbert landed in an under-prepared pit during the Jamaica national championships, leading to an injury that required careful management in the lead-up to the Olympics. His coach, Travis Geopfert, who is now the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country at Kansas State University, expressed immense pride in Hibbert’s ability to battle through the pain and deliver a commendable performance in Paris.

"Yeah, we had to work through it, man. We had to modify things a little bit. I'm just really proud of him in his efforts, you know, because he was not 100 percent, but man, he battled. He put it out there. He tried, just off the medal, which is really good considering the circumstance," said Geopfert.

Hibbert's grit and determination were on full display despite being physically compromised, showcasing his potential as one of the sport's rising stars. Following the Olympics, Hibbert underwent surgery to clean up the meniscus, a procedure Geopfert described as "not major." The young jumper is expected to make a full recovery and will be "good to go" once rehabilitated.

Although Hibbert’s injury forced him to miss the recently concluded World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Geopfert remains optimistic about his future.

Geopfert also praised his other jumpers who competed in Paris, including Wayne Pinnock, who won silver in the men’s long jump, Carey McLeod, who made the long jump final, and Romaine Beckford, a high jump finalist. Geopfert commended their perseverance in the face of adversity.

"I'm really proud of the group. Life is not perfect, and injuries are part of the sport. Managing the imperfections of the body is part of it too. What I'm most proud of is how these guys managed everything and fought through adversity. They competed extremely well at the Olympic Games," Geopfert said.

While Pinnock’s silver medal and the presence of multiple finalists were significant achievements, Geopfert emphasized that the high standards of the group always push them to aim higher. Despite injuries and other challenges, the coach was "nothing but proud" of how his athletes performed on the biggest stage in the sport.

Jamaica's sporting community continues to mourn the passing of Olympic gold medalist George Rhoden on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the age of 97. Rhoden, the last surviving member of Jamaica's legendary 4x400m relay team that won gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, leaves behind a legacy of excellence that has deeply impacted Jamaican athletics.

In the wake of his passing, Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda and Jamaica’s Minister of Sport Olivia Grange have expressed their heartfelt condolences to Rhoden’s family, friends, and the wider athletic community.

President Samuda reflected on Rhoden’s life with admiration, highlighting his commitment, resilience, and the pride he took in representing Jamaica on the global stage.

“A life lived nobly and with national pride on the track. A Morgan State University alumnus, who studied and learnt lessons of commitment, resilience, and excellence which he exemplified in his golden exploits in the Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games and preceding Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. A Jamaican who understood the value of legacy creation in sport as a critical element of nation building," Samuda said.

He emphasized that Rhoden's life and achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes, illustrating that greatness is within reach for those who are determined.

"Olympian George Rhoden has bequeathed, generously, to the athletic world a script that we can become what we will ourselves to be and that in any endeavour your footprints will blueprint the length and greatness of your stride," Samuda added.

"My heartfelt regrets to his family who mourn his passing amidst a celebration of a life characterized by values in sport and a pilgrimage on the track, the end of which will continue to inspire the beginning of many a journey by youth."

Minister Grange also paid tribute to Rhoden, recognizing his pivotal role in Jamaican track and field history and his enduring impact on the sport.

“It’s so sad that Vincent George Rhoden, the last of the celebrated quartet that won the gold medal for Jamaica in the mile relay at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, has left us,” Minister Grange said.

She recalled the historic victory of Rhoden and his teammates Herb McKenley, Les Laing, and Arthur Wint in Helsinki, where they not only won gold but set a new world record in the process.

“The team of George Rhoden, Herb McKenley, Les Laing, and Arthur Wint took the gold in world record-breaking time in Helsinki. This they did after their disappointment in the London Olympics in 1948 when Arthur Wint pulled up in the race. Of note also is the fact that before the relay, George had beaten his close friend, Herb McKenley, to win the gold medal in the 400m,” Grange reflected.

Minister Grange also pointed out Rhoden’s significant achievements prior to the Olympics, including his world record in the 400m in 1950, a performance that set the stage for Jamaica’s future successes in track and field.

“There is no doubt that Vincent George Rhoden played his part in paving the way for future generations of Jamaican track athletes, who have certainly not let him down,” she said.

 Expressing her condolences, she added, “My most sincere condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and associates. A sprinter par excellence but whose long life was more like a marathon. Rest in peace, Vincent George Rhoden.”

George Rhoden’s passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican athletics, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of athletes as they strive to emulate his achievements and uphold the proud tradition of Jamaican excellence on the track.

Dominican Olympic triple jump champion Thea LaFond-Gadson will receive her country’s highest national award, the Dominica Award for Honour, Dominican Prime Minister the hon. Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Tuesday.

LaFond-Gadson made history at the Paris Olympics in August, jumping a personal best and national record 15.02m to claim her country’s first ever Olympic medal.

This performance was the culmination of a brilliant 2024 for the 30-year-old when it comes to major championships.

She also took gold at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow in March, her country’s first medal at a global championship.

In addition to her national award, LaFond-Gadson will also receive $400,000, a lot at Warner and a diplomatic appointment as a sports ambassador.

“We once again congratulate Thea on her achievement and wish her continued success in her athletics career,” Skerrit said.

The athletics world mourns the loss of George Vincent Rhoden, a Jamaican sporting icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist, who passed away at the age of 97 on August 24, 2024. Rhoden was the last surviving member of Jamaica's historic 4x400m relay team that clinched gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, marking a significant moment in Jamaica’s rich athletic history.

 Born on December 13, 1926, in Kingston, Jamaica, Rhoden’s journey to Olympic greatness began in the late 1940s, where he emerged as one of the leading long sprinters of his era. Alongside his compatriots Arthur Wint and Herb McKenley, Rhoden helped establish Jamaica as a dominant force in athletics during the post-war period.

 Rhoden first competed in the 1948 London Olympics, where he participated in the 100m and 400m events. Although he did not secure a medal in London, it was a precursor to the greatness that would follow. Rhoden and his teammates were expected to perform strongly in the 4x400m relay, but a muscle injury to Wint during the final dashed their hopes of a medal.

 Undeterred, Rhoden continued to build on his successes. On August 22, 1950, he set a new world record in the 400m, clocking 45.8 seconds in Eskilstuna, Sweden. His dominance in the 400m was further cemented by his victories in the AAU championships from 1949 to 1951 and the NCAA championships while at Morgan State University, where he claimed titles in the 220-yard (200m) and 440-yard (400m) events.

 Rhoden’s crowning achievement came at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, where he was a pre-race favorite in the 400m. In a thrilling race, Rhoden narrowly edged out his fellow Jamaican and close friend, Herb McKenley, to claim the gold medal. But Rhoden’s Olympic glory did not end there. As the anchor leg of Jamaica’s 4x400m relay team, he led his team to victory, securing a second gold medal and setting a new world record of 3:03.9. This victory was especially sweet, as it came against the United States, the country where Rhoden had made his home after moving to San Francisco.

 Rhoden’s legacy is one of perseverance, excellence, and national pride. His achievements paved the way for future generations of Jamaican athletes, setting a standard of excellence that continues to inspire.

 As the last surviving member of that legendary 1952 relay team—comprising Rhoden, Herb McKenley, Arthur Wint, and Les Laing—his passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican athletics. Rhoden’s contributions to the sport, both on and off the track, will be remembered as a cornerstone of Jamaica's rich sporting heritage.

 George Rhoden is survived by his family, friends, and a grateful nation that will forever honor his contributions to Jamaica's sporting legacy.

Newly crowned Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo has his sights set on Usain Bolt’s 200m world record in the near future.

Bolt, who retired in 2017, has now held the title as the fastest man ever over 200m for 15 years thanks to his otherworldly 19.19 done to win gold at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

The 21-year-old Botswanan ran a personal best and African record 19.46 to claim his first Olympic title recently in Paris.

Tebogo’s time is the ninth fastest in history and makes him the fifth fastest man ever over the distance.

Most recently, Tebogo cruised to an impressive 19.64 to take the win at the Lausanne Diamond League on Thursday.

In an interview with The Inside Lane after Thursday’s race, Tebogo was asked about Bolt’s world record.

“I see it but I don’t want to put myself under that pressure. If it comes it will come eventually,” he said.

In terms of a timeline, Tebogo said the ideal time to try and go after it would be in about three or four years.

“We don’t have to push it this year or next year. Probably when we are 24, that’s when we could attempt something like that,” he said.

“I don’t think it will take long. Looking at what I did today and what I did in the 200m final in Paris, I don’t think it will take that long because I could see it. It’s about 10 metres away from me,” he added.

Tebogo’s next race will be at the Silesia Diamond League on Sunday.

Brendon Rodney, fresh off his gold medal triumph as part of Canada’s 4x100m relay team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is set to embark on a new chapter that bridges his illustrious sprinting career with his passion for education and athlete development. The Toronto-born sprinter, whose parents hail from Jamaica, has been appointed as the Assistant Athletics Director at G.C. Foster College of Sport in Spanish Town, Jamaica—a role that not only brings him closer to his roots but also allows him to shape the future of athletics on the island.

For Rodney, this appointment is more than just a job; it’s a homecoming. Although he’s represented Canada on the world stage, including winning an Olympic silver medal at Tokyo 2020 and a world championship gold in 2022, Rodney has always maintained a deep connection to Jamaica. Training on the island under the watchful eye of Maurice Wilson, a veteran coach with a storied history at the Olympics and World Championships, Rodney has experienced first-hand the rich athletic culture that Jamaica is known for.

But Rodney’s connection to Jamaica extends beyond the track. Over the past year, he’s not only honed his speed and technique on Jamaican soil, but he’s also immersed himself in the academic community at G.C. Foster College, teaching courses and sharing his expertise with the next generation of athletes. His involvement with the college deepened further when he partnered with the Canadian High Commission in Kingston to launch the Brendon Rodney Foundation, providing scholarships to deserving students—a testament to his commitment to education and empowerment.

In his new role at G.C. Foster, Rodney is poised to leverage his experiences as an elite athlete and his academic background—a master’s degree in exercise science from Long Island University—to elevate the college’s athletics program. His responsibilities will be far-reaching: from overseeing the development of student-athletes to ensuring that the college’s sports teams, coaches, and facilities meet international standards. Perhaps most importantly, Rodney will play a key role in recruiting talent and managing the disbursement of scholarships, helping to provide opportunities for young athletes to thrive.

"G.C. Foster has been more than just a training ground for me; it’s become a part of who I am as an athlete and a mentor," Rodney shared, reflecting on his journey. "I’m excited to take on this role and to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my career."

Rodney’s journey from the Olympic podium to the halls of G.C. Foster College is a powerful narrative of full-circle fulfillment. It underscores the importance of investing in the next generation and the profound impact that athletes can have when they transition from competition to mentorship. His presence at G.C. Foster is not just about enhancing the college’s reputation but about instilling a sense of possibility and ambition in young athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

As Rodney takes on this leadership role, he carries with him the hopes of nurturing the next wave of Jamaican and Caribbean athletes, ensuring that the legacy of excellence he has contributed to on the track continues to thrive off it as well. The transition from sprinter to educator and administrator is a testament to his dedication, not just to his sport, but to the broader community that has always been part of his journey.

John McEnroe believes Novak Djokovic's triumph at the Paris Olympics has separated him from the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. 

Djokovic, who won gold at the Games against Carlos Alcaraz, is preparing for the US Open in a bid to claim a 25th grand slam title at Flushing Meadows. 

The Serbian's win at Roland-Garros saw him become only the second player in the Open Era to have won all four grand slams, the gold medal at the Olympics and the ATP Tour Finals, along with Andre Agassi.

He also became the oldest player to secure a gold medal in either the men’s or women’s Singles at the Games, since the sport’s reinstatement as an Olympic event in 1988.

Djokovic has won three US Open titles across his illustrious career, with his success over Daniil Medvedev in 2023 the last time he won a grand slam. 

That victory saw him move two ahead of Nadal as the player with the most grand slam titles, while also going four clear of the retired Federer in the process. 

The trio once had a two-decade-long stranglehold on the men's game, but the current world number two is the last man standing this year.

And McEnroe, who lined up alongside Djokovic in a practice match against Alcaraz and Agassi on Thursday, believes the Serbian has already assumed the greatest of all time status. 

"He's looking to sort of separate himself from Federer and Nadal, that's really is what it boils down to," said McEnroe. 

"He seems to have already done that in a way. He's won the Olympics, won everything, won more than those guys.

"To me, you’d have to ask him, but it (more success) is gravy. He sort of put himself there already."