Jamaica College jumped out to an early lead on day two of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships at the National Stadium on Wednesday with a 1-2 finish in the boys Class Two long jump.

Michael-Andre Edwards successfully defended his title with a best jump of 7.18m while his teammate Jaivar Cato produced 6.85m for second.

KC’s Amani Phillips was close behind in third with 6.78m. Excelsior’s Michael Graham (6.75m) and KC’s Omarian Miller (6.74m) rounded out the top five.

As a result, JC tallied 16 points while KC managed to score 10.

 

There were no real surprises among the finalists for the 400m, as the main protagonists safely navigated their respective semi-finals on Wednesday’s second day of the 113th ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.

Edwin Allen’s Tonyan Beckford and Kingston College’s Marcinho Rose headline qualifiers for the Class one events.

Beckford running in the third semi-final, won easily in 53.37s, followed by Quana Walker (54.49s) of St Jago, while Excelsior’s Diandra Kelly (54.64s), took one of the fastest non-automatic qualifiers spots.

Hydel High’s Abigail Campbell (53.70s) was also comfortable in her semi-final, which she won ahead of Anecia Campbell (54.55s) of Bellefield High, with St Mary’s Ryana Dennis (54.91s) taking the other non-automatic qualifying spot by time, while St Elizabeth Technical’s Shaquane Williams (54.03s) and Natasha Fox (54.98s) of Edwin Allen will complete the field.

Rose cruised to 46.93s in semi-final two of the boys’ Class one event, pulling Daniel Francis (48.38s) of Alphansus Davis with him. Amal Glasgow (47.45s) ensured, Kingston College has double the chance of landing gold, as he and Edwin Allen’s Ryheem Mighten (48.76s) booked the top two spots from their semi-final.

Jamaica College’s Omary Robinson (47.60s) topped the other semi-final, ahead of Zachary Wallace (47.92s) of Maggotty High, with St Elizabeth Technical’s Lushane Blake (48.39s) and Vere Technical’s Omar James (48.58s), also making the final by time.

Over in girls’ Class two, Muschett’s Shanoya Douglas (52.96s), Edwin Allen’s Kellyann Carr (53.40s) and the Hydel pair of Jody-Ann Daley (53.63s) and Nastassia Fletcher (53.91s), will be joined by Shevaughn Thomas (54.33s) of Vere Technical, Excelsior’s Breana Brown (54.97s), St Mary’s Shagay Sheppy (54.83s) and Abrina Wright (55.61s) of Holmwood Technical, in the final.

On the boys’ side, Calabar High’s Nickecoy Bramwell, the only Class two boy to run sub-47 seconds in the event this year, headline finalists for that class, after cruising to 49.31s. Excelsior’s Demarco Bennett (48.40s) and Gregory McFarlane (49.23s), Rashad Buckle (49.11s) of St Jago, Port Antonio’s Dantae Simpson (49.23s), Markel Smith (48.07s) of Kingston College, William Knibb’s Jabari Matheson (48.36s) and Troydian Flemmings (48.68s) of Manchester High (48.68) are the other finalists.

Meanwhile, the girls’ Class three finalists are led by Hydel High’s Sashana Johnson (55.25s) and Port Antonio’s Kevina Bourne (55.41s). They are joined by Hydel’s Trisaenia Cohen (56.74s), the St Jago pair of Alyssa Carty (57.64s) and Shannia Campbell (57.58), Tracey-Ann Evans (55.83s) of Holmwood Technical, Clarendon College’s Tresha-Lee Sutherland (57.07s) and Shannaty Burke (57.57s) of Ferncourt High.

The boys’ Class three finalists are St Jago’s Rushaine Richards (50.40s) and Raneil Burke (51.89s), Jamaica College’s Kyle Thompson (50.81s) and Oneil Lawrence (50.75s), Calabar High’s Diwayne Sharpe (51.73s), Kingston College’s Roshane Howard (51.89s) and Jason Pitter (51.15s) and Rayvon Black (50.76s) of Denbigh High.

The 400m finals are scheduled for Thursday evening.

If ever reigning champions Hydel and former champions Calabar required additional motivation ahead of the 113th ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, they would have received it from multiple World and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

The iconic sprinter, a Digicel ambassador, who has long been an inspiration to athletes both locally and internationally, visited the Corey Bennett-coached teams training session recently to deliver some last-minute encouragement.  

Fraser-Pryce, affectionately known as the "Pocket Rocket" for her explosive speed on the track, urged the athletes to give of their best, but also to remain humble and focused in the process.

“Everybody knows its Champs; people are even flying down for it. People bring their A game at Champs, you know this. Some of you have been there before, some of you are already champions and have been champions more than once and you are trying to do it again, but don’t let the moment of the occasion get to you,” the decorated Fraser-Pryce shared.

“Remember also that nobody owes you anything and nothing is put down out there for you either, so you have to work hard,” she added to the acknowledgement of the young athletes.

After playing bridesmaid for several years, Hydel inevitably claimed the girls crown when they dethroned many-time champions Edwin Allen by two-points in a nail-biting battle last year, and they will be aiming to put up another fight on this occasion.

Calabar, also under Bennett’s guidance, faltered to third behind Kingston College and Jamaica College last year. Though going through a rebuilding phase, the perennial challengers, should still produce some exciting performances, especially after Fraser-Pryce’s charge.

Beyond that, Fraser-Pryce also went down memory lane, as she posted a photo of her alongside her statue at the National Stadium.

“Not bad for an athlete that won her first and only individual gold medal in the 100m in Class 2 at Champs in 2004," the caption read.

The Bahamas Athletic Associations named a 76-member team for this year's 51st edition of the Carifta Games, scheduled for March 30 to April 1, in Grenada.

Headlining the team are Kamera Strachan and Brenden Vanderpool, both of whom will be aiming to defend their javelin and pole vault titles respectively. The team was selected following three days of fierce competition at the trials at the Thomas A. Robinson track and field stadium last week.

Caudell McNabb will serve as head coach to the team, with James Rolle, Laquel Harrris, Alexis Roberts, Branson Rolle and Kenny Moxey, his assistants at the Easter weekend showpiece.

The under-17 girls are Alexis Roberts (200m, 400m), Keyezra Thomas (200m, 400m, high jump), Jade Knowles (800m, 1500m), Madison Moss (100m hurdles), Darvinique Dean (100m hurdles, 400m hurdles), Jasmine Thompson (400m hurdles), J’Kaiyah Rolle (long Jump), Zoé Adderley (triple Jump), Alexandria Komolafe (high jump), Terrell McCoy (discus, shot putt), Dior-Rae Scott (javelin), Kamera Strachan (javelin), Khylee Wallace (relay pool), Kianna Henchell (relay pool) and Rizpah Thompson (relay pool).

The under-17 boys are Ishmael Rolle (100m, 200m), Everette Fraser (100m, 200m), Eagan Neely (400m — pending fitness), Jayden Moss (800m), Jahcario Wilson (110m hurdles, 400m hurdles), Tieano Ferguson (400m hurdles), Terrin Beckles (long jump), Devon Davis (triple jump), Carlin Archer (triple jump), Joshua Williams (long jump, high jump), Claudius Burrows (high jump), Perry McPhee (discus), Jaylen Stuart (shot putt), Wyatt Cartwright (javelin), Ethan North (javelin), Kion Burrows (relay pool), Shavano Nixon (relay pool), Branden Mackey (relay pool) and Lamorn Moxey (relay pool).

The under-20 girls consists of Shayann Demeritte (100m), Shatalya Dorsett (100m), Nya Wright (200m), Nia Richards (200m, 100m hurdles), Jasmine Mackey (800m), Erin Barr (1500m), Akaree Roberts (800m, 1500m), Koi Adderley (long jump, high jump), Kaielle Gray (high jump), Bayli Major (triple jump), Lanaisha Lubin (long jump, triple jump), Annae Mackey (discus, shot putt), Cailyn Johnson (discus, shot putt), Taysha Stubbs (javelin), Vanessa Sawyer (javelin), Anaiah Rolle (pole vault), Jade Ferguson (pole vault), Aaliyah Evans (heptathlon), Tamia Taylor (relay pool) and Shania Adderley (relay pool).

The under-20 boys will be represented by Carlos Brown (100m), Jeremiah Adderley (100m), Zion Shepherd (400m), Tahj Brown (110m hurdles), Robert Stuart (110m hurdles), Morgan Moss (400m hurdles), Berkeley Munnings (400m hurdles), Rollie Hanna (triple jump), William McKinney (triple jump), Shamar Davis (high jump), Bernard Kemp (high jump), Robert Deal III (discus), Kaden Cartwright (javelin), Brenden Vanderpool (pole vault), Tyler Cash (pole vault), Kenny Moxey Jr. (octathlon), Marco Carey (octathlon), Jonathan Harris (relay pool), Nijae McBride (relay pool), Zion Miller (relay pool), Javano Bridgewater (relay pool) and Aiden Kelly (relay pool).

NB: The Carifta Games will be live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App. 

Trinidad and Tobago's track and field community mourns the untimely retirement of one of its brightest stars, Tyriq Horsford, at the age of 24, Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday has reported. In a heartfelt announcement on social media, Horsford cited persistent medical issues as the reason behind his decision to hang up his spikes.

Throughout his career, Horsford battled shoulder and elbow injuries, which ultimately prevented him from realizing his full potential on the track. Despite his immense talent and dedication, the relentless pain proved too much to overcome.

Horsford leaves behind a remarkable legacy, particularly in the realm of Carifta Games athletics. As a five-time gold medalist in the javelin event, he dominated the competition for years, capturing the hearts of fans across the region. His achievements at the Carifta Games, including multiple meet records, solidified his status as one of Trinidad and Tobago's greatest Carifta athletes of all time.

Coming from a family of athletes, with cousins excelling in long jump at both national and international levels, Horsford's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. His journey continued at Mississippi State University, where he aimed to further hone his skills and pursue his Olympic dreams.

In his retirement announcement, Horsford expressed gratitude to his coaches, mentors, and supporters who guided him along his journey. He encouraged aspiring athletes to cherish every moment in the sport and to relentlessly pursue their dreams.

Reflecting on Horsford's retirement, his longtime coach Wade Franklyn expressed sadness at seeing such a promising career cut short by injury. Franklyn had coached Horsford since he was just eight years old, recognizing his exceptional talent early on. Despite the setback, Franklyn remained hopeful that Horsford's legacy would inspire future generations of athletes.

 

Edwin Allen’s Trezeguet Taylor and Damor Miller of Excelsior led qualifiers to the semi-finals of their respective Class one 100m events on Tuesday’s opening day of the 113th ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.

Taylor easily topped heat three in a comfortable 11.87s ahead of Camperdown’s Caneila Hope (11.98s), with Brittney McCormack (12.00s) of Bridgeport High securing one of the non-automatic qualifying spot.

Hydel’s Alliah Baker (11.94s) was also easy in topping heat two, followed by Asharria Ulett (12.34s) of St Catherine High, while another medal favourite Habiba Harris (11.89s) of St Elizabeth Technical topped heat five, ahead of Holmwood Technical’s Kiara Meikle (11.90s).

Over in Class two, Edwin Allen High’s Thienna-Lee Terrelonge began her quest to add more gold to her silverware, as she expectedly led qualifiers into the semi-finals. Terrelonge topped the field with a time of 11.25s.

The other automatic qualifiers include Sabrina Dockery of Lacovia High (11.90s); St Jago High’s Briana Campbell (11.94s) and Bryana Davidson (12.10s); Hydel High’s Shemonique Hazel (12.00s). Holmwood Technical’s Regina Bailey (12.31s); Immaculate Conception’s Shevi-Anne Shim (12.36s); and Tianna Marshall of Wolmer’s Girls (12.25s), also progressed.

Meanwhile, Natrice East of Wolmer’s Girls’ School comfortably booked her spot in the semi-finals of the Class 3 girls 100m, as she clocked an easy 12.42s to claim heat one ahead of Holmwood Technical’s Shaneka Wilson (12.70s) and Jahmilia Humes of Meadowbrook High (12.89s).

Edwin Allen High’s Kerelle Etienne (12.65s), Vere Technical’s Tianna Bembridge (12.78s), and Mikaela McBean of Convent of Mercy Alpha (12.90s) of heat two, and Adora Campbell of St Jago High (12.20s) and Mount Alvernia’s Gianna Murray (12.60s) of heat three, are through to the next round.

In Class four, Hydel High’s Teixiera Johnson (12.36s) and gold medal favourite, Rihanna Scott (12.52s) of Ferncourt High, eased into the semi-finals. They were joined by York Castle’s Micka-Lee James (12.61), Immaculate Conception High’s Aaliyah Brown (12.71), Holmwood Technical’s Devonnie Francis (12.81) and Manchester High’s Lennora Scarlett (12.98), among others.

On the boys’ side, Miller cruised to 10.60s in the eighth and final heat, leading St Jago’s Tajai Duffus (10.67s) and Tay-Shawn Barnes (10.83s) of Steer Town Academy, into the semi-finals. Another St Jago standout Raheem Pinnock also topped heat five in 10.68s, followed by Jamaica College’s Donatae Watson (10.74s).

The Calabar duo of Khamani Gordon (10.77s) and Shaquane Gordon (10.71s) also booked their spots in the semi-finals after topping heats four and six respectively, while Kingston College’s Yourie Lawrence Clarke (10.74s) and Herbert Morrison’s Deandre Daley (10.75s), were also a cut above rivals in their respective heats.  

In class two, Muschett High’s Johan-Ramaldo Smythe (10.65s) topped all qualifiers. Other medal favourites Tavaine Stewart of Herbert Morrison (10.91s); Kyle Bodden (10.92s) and Nyron Wade (10.95s) of Kingston College; Jamaica College’s Malique Dennis (11.11s); Excelsior High’s Malike Nugent (11.04s) and Tyreece Foreman (11.03s); and Calabar’s Byron Walker (11.08s), also progressed.

Some of the automatic qualifiers in the boys’ Class three includes, Mario Ross (11.36s) and Deandre Myers (11.65s) of Wolmer’s Boys, the Jamaica College pair of Olando Anglin (11.65s) and Darnell Douglas (12.04s); Naethan Bryan (11.39s) and Rushaun Dunn (11.82s) of St George’s College; Kingston College’s Kelvin Brown (11.83s); Edwin Allen’s Taheem Thompson (11.70s) and Kalel Archibald (11:58s) and St Jago High’s Andre Boyd (11.49s).

The semi-finals and finals of the 100m are scheduled for Wednesday evening.

Elite Jamaican sprinter Briana Williams has embarked on a strategic journey to enhance her track career by joining celebrated track coach John Smith's HSI training group in Los Angeles, California. The move comes as Williams gears up for her quest to secure a spot on Jamaica's team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, aiming to build on her impressive track record as an Olympic gold medalist and back-to-back World Championships silver medalist.

Expressing her enthusiasm for this new chapter in her career, Williams remarked, "I'm excited to join a new team and work with coaches who will help me reach my full potential. I've achieved a lot so far, but I know I can do even better with the right support and training. I'm looking forward to pushing myself and seeing how far I can go."

She expressed her gratitude to her previous coach Michael Frater stating, "I am extremely grateful to Coach Frater for the work he has done to help my progress so far this season and I wish him and the members of the Dynamic Athletics team the very best going forward.”

 Williams' decision to join Coach John Smith's training group is regarded as a strategic step towards realizing her long-term goals, which include vying for gold at future Olympics and World Championships. With her exceptional talent, experience, and unwavering determination, Williams is poised to leave an indelible mark in the world of track and field.

 As one of the most promising young sprinters globally, Williams has already established herself as a formidable force on the international stage. Her stellar performances have earned her recognition among the sport's elite, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike with her dedication to excellence.

 With access to top-notch coaching and resources within her new training group, Williams is poised to refine her technique and elevate her performance to unprecedented heights. Her decision underscores her unwavering commitment to excellence and her relentless pursuit of greatness in the sport of track and field.

Smith has coach an impressive list of athletes in his career that has spanned decades. Among the luminaries he has coached are Ato Boldon (Williams' former coach), Olympic champion Maurice Greene, World champion Carmelita Jeter and Olympic champion Marie Jose Perec. He also conditions Marie Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast.

 

 

Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Christopher Samuda has backed the decision of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to offer Malaysia £100 million (US$130 million) to host the 2026 edition of the quadrennial international multi-sport event.

In fact, the £100 million offer is said to be one of "financial and strategic support" thrown out for any potential host, as the Commonwealth Games Federation is scrambling to find a host after the Australian state of Victoria abruptly pulled out in July last year, citing spiraling costs.

Victoria's sudden move and the lack of an obvious alternative triggered debate about the future of the Games, and it is for this reason why Samuda supports the offer as significant financial investment to support the delivery and legacy planning of the 2026 edition. The Commonwealth Games were last held in Birmingham in 2022.

“The significant investment offer to Malaysia to host the Commonwealth Games is an overture that I believe is being made after careful assessment by the Commonwealth Games Federation of Malaysia’s ability to deliver given the short timeline and, in view, understandably, of the urgency of which the federation needs to act. We know the ensuing days will no doubt witness hardnose negotiations to convince the Malaysian doubting Thomas’ that it will be a win-win situation,” Samuda told SportsMax.TV.

Malaysia last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1998, and given the huge success of that staging, the Southeast Asian country is seriously considering bringing the games back to its capital of Kuala Lumpur, as a final decision is to be made by the government.

“At the end of the day, Kuala Lumpur will receive value and it won’t be mired in debt. The economic and cost benefit value and commercialization are increasingly becoming determinants for cities considering hosting international games. This, as over and above the feel good and historic significance, government and business interest are becoming acutely aware that failure may place offices, careers livelihoods and reputations at risk,” Samuda noted.

Still, even if Malaysia accepts the offer to host, the possibility exists that it could be a scaled-down version, given the timeline. However, the London-based CGF suggested that another Southeast Asian nation, Singapore, are also assessing the feasibility of its invitation to host the games.

Singapore, which is aiming to host more large-scale sports events, hosts the Formula One night race annually, and will be hosting the World Aquatic Championships in 2025. It also hosted the 2010 edition of the Youth Olympic Games.

It has been reported that having both Malaysia and Singapore co-host the 2026 edition could be another possible outcome.

Samuda pointed out that the current situation highlights the difficulty the CGF, and others face where planning and organizing large-scale sporting events are concerned. But in the same breath, he also expressed confidence in CGF president Chris Jenkins and his team to get the job done.

“The delivery of the Commonwealth Games and others is a huge financial administrative and logistic undertaking which calls for, now more than ever, innovative and dynamic media broadcast arrangements, long-term partnership agreements, creative merchandising, robust fan engagement and bullish, but sensible ticket promotion and concession strategies,” Samuda shared.

“These are the critical bucket items of revenue and must be cemented cornerstones in business models for games going forward. No doubt the Commonwealth Games Federation is attuned, and the Chris Jenkins-led executive has the credentials to reach the finish line,” he noted.

Former 100m world record holder, Asafa Powell, was bestowed with the prestigious 2024 Bleu & Bougie Superstar Award at a glittering ceremony held at Devon House in Kingston on Sunday. The esteemed award recognizes Powell's remarkable contributions to track and field, both locally and internationally, marking a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.

Bleu & Bougie and White Soiree En Blanc are popular events staged by Jamaicans in New York City.

Originally scheduled to receive the award on Saturday, Powell graciously accepted the honor on Sunday during the White Soiree En Blanc event, the second day of the Elite Weekend festivities.

Powell, hailed as one of Jamaica’s most decorated athletes, boasts an impressive track record of multiple Olympic and World Championships medals. His remarkable career culminated in his retirement from track and field in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled speed and athleticism. Powell has run the 100m dash under 10 seconds, a world record 97 times.

Powell expressed his gratitude for being honoured by a Jamaican organization, especially within the New York Diaspora. "I feel blessed receiving this honour because it shows that I’ve done something legendary to be proud of," he remarked, reflecting on the significance of the recognition.

 

When asked about his career success, Powell spoke fondly of representing Jamaica on the global stage. "Wearing our national colours at the Olympic or World Championships gave me great joy and had the greatest impact," he reminisced, highlighting the standout moments of his illustrious career.

With the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships (Champs) about to begin in Jamaica on Tuesday, Powell revealed limited memories of his days competing at the prestigious 113-year-old high-school championships.

"My memories competing at Champs are not so many. The year I went, I was the only athlete from my school, and making the finals was a big achievement." Despite his limited experience, Powell expressed admiration for the event's enduring success, praising the new generation for carrying on its legacy.

Powell's last attendance at the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships (Champs) was in 2022, as he shared that he visited Ghana in 2023. Expressing gratitude to Jamaicans in New York, Powell conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support he received from the diaspora throughout his career, acknowledging their enduring love and encouragement.

The Bleu & Bougie Superstar Award adds another accolade to Asafa Powell's illustrious career, reaffirming his status as a legendary figure in Jamaican track and field history.

In a stunning display of speed and athleticism, Oblique Seville left spectators in awe at Velocity Fest 14 held at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday. Celebrating his 23rd birthday, Seville delivered an extraordinary performance, clocking a world-leading time of 20.17 in the 200m, hinting at his potential podium finish at the Paris Olympic Games this summer.

Seville's remarkable feat marks a significant improvement in his speed and strength, demonstrated by his previous 400m clocking of 47.44 at the Camperdown Classics on February 10. Surpassing his own lifetime best of 20.86 set in 2019, Seville's record-breaking run solidifies his status as a top contender on the global stage.

Not to be outdone, Roshawn Clarke and Shamar Horatio also delivered exceptional performances, with Clarke achieving a lifetime best of 20.69 to secure second place, and Horatio setting a new personal best of 20.83 for third place in Seville's final.

Acknowledging the talent on display, Ackeem Blake showcased his prowess by clinching victory in his 200m final with a lifetime best of 20.45. Wendell Miller followed closely behind with a personal best of 20.61, while Paul Henry secured third place with a season's best time of 20.96.

Among the standout performers was Great Britain's Zharnel Hughes, who triumphed in his final with a swift time of 20.40. Rusheen McDonald and Demish Gaye followed suit with impressive times of 20.59 and 20.65, respectively.

In the women's races, Sada Williams continued her stellar form by winning her final in an impressive time of 22.70, following her national Barbados record of 22.59 set at the GC Foster Classic last week. Roneisha McGregor secured second place with a season-best time of 23.55, while Tina Clayton finished third in 23.73.

Tia Clayton, twin sister of Tina, showcased her speed in the 100m final, clocking a new lifetime best of 11.12. Remona Burchell followed closely behind with a time of 11.36, while Krystal Sloley recorded a season-best of 11.42 for third place.

Jura Levy continued her upward trajectory with a new season's best time of 11.43, further solidifying her position among Jamaica's top sprinters.

In other events, Malik James-King impressed in the 400m, securing victory with a season's best time of 45.59.

Traves Smikle continued his dominance in the discus with a winning throw of 65.96m, followed by Fedrick Dacres with a season-best performance of 64.80m, and Chad Wright with a throw of 62.42m for third place.

 

Reigning Olympic 400m champion Steven Gardiner continues to demonstrate strength, resilience and dazzling form in his push towards the 2024 Paris Games, as he opened his outdoor season with a tidy 31.99s-clocking to win the men’s 300m at the Hurricane Invitational in Miami on Friday.

The Bahamian won ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Asa Guevara, who finished in 32.78s and Barbadian Jonathan Jones (33.02s).

Though some ways off his 31.52s personal best in the event, Gardiner, has signalled that he is much stronger and better on return from last year’s injury, and is no doubt looking forward to repeating his 400m at this summer’s Olympic Games.

Last month, the 28-year-old clocked a world-leading 31.78s to win the men’s 300m at the Carolina Invitational indoor meet at the University of South Carolina. That time was the second fastest ever indoors, trialing his own 31.56s done at the same venue in 2022.

Gardiner, who is also the 2019 World Championships 400m gold medallist, was on his way to another undefeated season last year, but pulled up with an injury in the semifinals at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

While heartbroken by the injury at the time, Gardiner promised not to give up and his recent performances reaffirms his determination to defend his 400m title in Paris with a clean bill of health.

Edwin Allen High’s Theianna Lee Terrelonge and former St Elizabeth Technical runner Javorne Dunkley headline Jamaica’s 79-member team to represent the island at the 51st Carifta Games to be held at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada from March 30 to April 1.

The team, which was released by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) on Friday, is expected to be bolstered by the top eligible Jamaican women’s Heptathlon and men’s Decathlon finishers from the ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, which is scheduled for March 19-23 at the National Stadium.

With this another talented team selected from the Carifta Trials held two weeks ago, Jamaica will be aiming to defend their title and, by extension, secure a 38th straight win at the three-day championships.

Jamaica with a total of 78 medals –40 gold, 22 silver and 16 bronze –topped the medals standings at last year’s 50th edition of the meet held in the Bahamas.

NB: The Easter Weekend spectacle will be streamed live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.

Jamaica’s team –Female Under-17: Natrece East, Poshannalee Blake, Shannia Campbell, Nastassia Fletcher, Tresha-Lee Sutherland, Britannia Bailey, Kevongaye Fowler, Alikay Reynolds, Dallia Fairweather, Malayia Duncan, Angel Robinson, Alyssa Carty, Sashana Johnson, Zavien Bernard, Jaeda Robinson, Jamelia Young, Jessica Thompson, Jessica Thompson and Zoelle Jamel

Female Under- 20: Theianna Lee Terrelonge, Sabrina Dockery, Shanoya Douglas, Abigail Campbell, Shanque Williams, Monique Stewart, Kitania Headley, Rickeisha Simms, Kaydeen Johnson, Ashara Frater, Habiba Harris, Briana Campbell, Kelly Ann Carr, Aaliyah Mullings, Rohanna Sudlow, Richelle Stanley, Rasheda Samuels, Deijanae Bruce, Dionjah Shaw, Najhada Seymoure and Kimeka Smith.

Male Under -17: Nyrone Wade, Malike Nugent, Oshane Jervis, Byron Walker, Nickecoy Bramwell, Paul Henry, Keandre Kelly, Alejandro Palmer, Shemar Green, Sekani Brown, Michael Dwyer, Robert Miller, Francisco Williams, Rodeeki Walters, Amani Phillips, Patrick Brown, Zachary Merchant, Kamari Kennedy and Javontae Smith

Male Under- 20: Javorne Dunkley, Raheem Pinnock, Gary Card, Jonah-Ramaldo Smythe, Marcinho Rose, Javaughn Pinnock, Kemario Bygrave, Yoshane Bowen, Jaquan Coke, Shaquane Gordon, Daniel Beckford, Shamer Blake, Princewell Martin, Rickoy Hunter, Jevontae Grant, Romaine Lewis, Shaiquan Dunn, Chad Hendricks, Rajay Hemmings and Brandon Fletcher.

Management team: David Wilson (Chef de Mission), Corinne Clarke (Manager), Courtney Lewis (Assistant Manager), David Riley (Technical Leader)

Coaches: Michael Dyke, Michael Carr, Leford Grant, Milton Sergeant, Damion Reid, Maurice Wignall, Camile Ennis

 The anticipation for the upcoming Racers Grand Prix on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, has intensified with the confirmation of two of Jamaica's most promising young athletic talents, Jaydon Hibbert and Roshawn Clarke.

Hibbert, a standout in the Men’s triple jump, has garnered global attention for his exceptional abilities in the event. Despite a setback due to a hamstring injury at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year, Hibbert's talent remains undeniable. With his distinctive style and flair, Hibbert has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, making him a highly anticipated addition to the lineup of the 15-event meet.

Glen Mills, Chairman of Racers Grand Prix, expressed excitement about Hibbert's participation, noting his potential to captivate audiences with his performance. "Jaydon is the most exciting talent we have seen and the top sensation in the men's Triple Jump. We are happy to provide him the opportunity to compete at the highest level locally in front of his home fans," Mills shared.

Having recently turned professional after signing with Puma, Hibbert is poised to make his mark on the global stage, with eyes set on the Paris Olympic Games this summer.

Meanwhile, Roshawn Clarke, the rising star in the 400m hurdles, has already made waves in the athletics world. At his debut World Championships appearance last year, Clarke broke the long-standing Jamaican 400m hurdles record previously held by Winthrop Graham. Despite finishing 4th in the final, Clarke showcased immense potential, clocking a personal best and World Under-20 record of 47.34s in the semi-finals.

With his confidence soaring after a season-opening victory in the 400m at the Camperdown Classics, Clarke, who will be turning 20 just prior to the Olympic Games, is expected to deliver a stellar performance at the Racers Grand Prix.

As these young talents prepare to grace the track at the Racers Grand Prix, Jamaican fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness their extraordinary abilities firsthand. With their sights set on Olympic glory, Hibbert and Clarke are poised to inspire a new generation of athletes and capture the hearts of spectators worldwide.

 

The anticipation for the 2024 track and field season is at an all-time high as reigning world champions, Shericka Jackson and Sha'Carri Richardson, gear up to kick off their campaigns at the prestigious Miramar Invitational on April 6.

Both sprinters have been eagerly awaited since their last appearance at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene last September. At that event, Jamaican sensation Jackson concluded her season on a high note by clinching the 100m title for the Diamond League Trophy, with Richardson securing a commendable fourth-place finish.

Jackson, a five-time Olympic medallist, and double world gold medallist Richardson have chosen the Miramar Invitational as their platform to launch their 2024 season. The significance of this event is not lost on either athlete, as they aim to make a statement early in the season.

Richardson, who captured the spotlight with her remarkable performances last year, particularly shone at the Miramar Invitational, where she blazed to a wind-aided 10.57 seconds in the 100m. This outstanding feat marked the fourth-fastest time in the history of athletics under all wind conditions, solidifying Richardson's status as one of the sport's brightest stars.

The American sprinter's dominance in 2023 culminated in two world titles at the Budapest World Championships in the 100m and 4x100m relay, in addition to a bronze in the 200m. Her nomination for the 2024 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year further underscores her exceptional achievements on the track.

Meanwhile, Jackson, a formidable force in her own right, made her mark at the 2023 Miramar Invitational with a third-place finish in the women's 400m. With five Olympic medals to her name, including gold in the 4x400m relay at the Tokyo Olympics, Jackson is poised to showcase her speed and prowess in the shorter distances this season.

As the Miramar Invitational draws near, all eyes will be on Jackson and Richardson as they prepare to set the track ablaze once again. Their return to competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle, igniting excitement among fans and athletes alike as they embark on their quest for further glory in 2024.

 

Brianna Lyston, Jamaica's young standout athlete from the LSU women's track and field program, has received recognition from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association. She was named the South-Central Region Women's Indoor Track Athlete of the Year, marking a significant achievement in her burgeoning career.

This prestigious honour adds to Lyston's list of accolades, making her the first LSU athlete to claim the title since Tonea Marshall in 2020. Notably, LSU now holds the record for the most regional indoor track athlete of the year awards in the region, with six to their name.

Lyston's remarkable performance at the NCAA Indoor Championships solidified her status as one of the top athletes in collegiate track and field.

She clinched the gold medal in the women's 60m, setting a new LSU record with a breathtaking time of 7.03 seconds. This victory not only made her the first Tiger since Aleia Hobbs in 2018 to win NCAA gold in the event but also elevated her to the second position in collegiate history among 60m runners, trailing only behind the 2023 Bowerman award winner, Julien Alfred.

Prior to her triumph at the NCAA championships, Lyston demonstrated her prodigious talent at the SEC Indoor Championships, where she claimed the women's 60m title with a meet-record time of 7.08 seconds.

This achievement marked a significant milestone in her career, especially considering her absence from a substantial portion of the previous indoor and outdoor seasons.

As Lyston prepares to transition to the outdoor season, she remains determined to continue her success on the track. Scheduled to make her outdoor debut at the Hurricane Invitational, she is set to compete in the 100m, 4x100m relay, and the 4x400m relay, demonstrating her versatility and prowess as one of the top collegiate athletes.

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