Former West Indies opener, Chris Gayle, the self-proclaimed Universe Boss, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Toronto Blue Jays’ inaugural Cricket Day on Saturday, June 24 and he wants everyone to come see him do it.

Known worldwide as one of the most destructive batters in world cricket, the charismatic Gayle is in Toronto, Canada as a special guest and had a batting practice session prior to the big day on Saturday.

“I’m town, Toronto just comes alive. So tomorrow is Blue Jays Cricket Day and Universe Boss will be doing the first pitch. You don’t want to miss that one,” Gayle declared in a short video on Twitter. “It’s going to be epic; 95 miles per hour pitch from the Universe Boss. You don’t wanna miss it.”

In addition to throwing out the first pitch and engaging in batting sessions, Gayle is also expected to be involved in other activities expected to excite fans in the Canadian city.

Player of the Match Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran scored centuries and Jason Holder took three wickets as the West Indies defeated Nepal by 101 runs in Harare on Thursday.

Having set the Nepalese a winning target of 340, West Indies bowlers, not helped by a several dropped catches, combined to restrict their opponents for 238 and achieve their second win from as many games in the ICC World Cup qualifiers.

Aarif Sheikh was the top scorer with 63 for the Nepalese team, who also got contributions of 42 from Gulsan Jha and 30 from Captain Rohit Paudel.

Jason Holder was the best of the bowlers with 3-43 from his 10 overs with Akeal Hosein 2-49 and Keemo Paul 2-63.

Nepal were fortunate not to have been dismissed for much less as the West Indies spilled several catches in the field.  Alzarri Joseph suffered the most with three catches dropped off his bowling as he finished with figures of 2-45.

Earlier, having been sent to bat, West Indies recovered from a poor start that saw them lose two wickets with only nine runs on the board to score 339-7.

Shai Hope scored 132, his 15^th ODI century while Nicholas Pooran scored 115. The Caribbean men also got useful scores of 32 from Brandon King and Rovman Powell 29.

Lalit Rajbanshi was the best of the Nepalese bowlers with 3-52.

Hope said he was happy to have been able to overcome some early challenges and the loss of two early wickets to score an important 100 for his team.

“I believe the rhythm was a bit off. I am just happy that I came good for the team. We were put on the backfoot there...happy to get the team over the line today. The key was absorbing as much pressure as possible and then find a way to transfer that pressure in the back end,” he said, revealing that Pooran’s arrival of the crease helped him turn things around.

“Pooran made it a lot easier for me. The aim was to take it as deep as possible give us the best chance towards the end. I don't think I hit the targets where I wanted to but happy to just bat as deep as I possibly could there. The team really needed me. They bowled well, must commend their bowlers, especially their spinners, they stuck to their task well.

“We batted well in that period to overcome their spin threat. There's obviously room for improvement, so we need to make sure we are ticking those boxes going into the next game.”

With the win the West Indies go top of Group A with four points from their two matches to date.

Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran each scored hundreds as West Indies recovered from another bad start to post 339-7 from their 50 overs in their ICC World Cup qualifier match against Nepal at Harare on Thursday.

Hope scored 132 and Pooran 115 as the West Indies recovered from 55-3 to post their highest score so far in search of their second win in the qualifiers.

After being sent in to bat, West Indies lost the wickets of Kyle Mayers and Johnson Charles for one and nought, respectively, with only nine runs on the board in the fifth over.

However, Hope and Brandon King stabilized the situation somewhat before King was bowled by Sandeep Lamicchane for 32 to have the West Indies in trouble on 55-3.

Hope and Pooran turned things around with a fourth-wicket partnership of 216 that put the West Indies in command. Hope got to his 50 in 73 balls and included five fours and a six as the West Indies wrested back control of proceedings.

Pooran, meanwhile, was more efficient, smashing three fours and a six in his 50 that came from just 51 balls.

As the pair exerted their dominance on Nepal’s bowlers, the 100 partnership came up in 94 balls. It took them 32 additional deliveries to bring up the 150-run partnership with Pooran being the dominant partner with 83 of those crucial runs. Hope’s contribution was 66 as the West Indies picked up momentum to push the scoring rate above six runs an over.

Hope got to his 15^th ODI hundred from just 107 balls with Pooran’s second ODI ton coming off just 81 balls and included nine fours and four sixes.

The 200-run partnership was achieved in just 159 balls as the Caribbean men eyed a score of 350.

The partnership was broken in the 44^th over when Pooran was dismissed, out caught and bowled by Dipendra Singh Airee for 115.

Rovman Powell added a quick-fire 29 from just 14 balls as the West Indies past 300 runs.

The West Indies lost two wickets in the 50^th over bowled by Lalit Rajbanshi. Hope was caught by Bhim Sharki at long off for a magnificent 132 and Keemo Paul was bowled off the final ball of the innings leaving Jason Holder unbeaten on 16.

Rajbanshi was the best of the Nepalese bowlers with 3-52.

St Lucia’s Julien Alfred and Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent and Ackelia Smith are among the semi-finalists for the 2023 Bowerman Award.

The Bowerman is the premier award in collegiate track and field, highlighting the top athlete in the sport for both men and women. While the award isn't officially announced until December at the annual USTFCCCA convention, the Bowerman committee releases watch lists throughout the year before the award's final announcement.

Alfred, 22, has been on every watch list update, including the preseason watch list. It's the second time in her career she has been named a semi-finalist having made the list last season. Alfred dominated both the indoor and outdoor season, winning five NCAA titles, four being individual events.

The 14-time All-American completed the indoor double with wins in the 60m dash and the 200m dash where she broke the collegiate record. Her dominance continued outdoors where she defended her 100m title and went back-to-back seasons without losing a collegiate 100m race. She added an outdoor 200m title to her name with the fastest all-conditions time in NCAA history and helped the Longhorns defend their 4x100 relay title on her home track.

Alfred was also named both the Indoor and Outdoor National Women's Track Athlete of the Year honoree this season by USTFCCCA.

Nugent, a transfer from Baylor, arrived at Arkansas with lofty career best times of 7.27 (60), 7.89 (60H), 11.09 (100), 24.13 (200 indoor), 24.18 (200 outdoor), and 12.45 (100H) and proceeded to better her times in four of the five events.

Opening the season with an 8.00 victory in the 60m hurdles, Nugent bettered her career best with a 7.88 victory two weeks later.

In the SEC Indoor Championships, Nugent lowered her 60m hurdle best to 7.81 as silver medalist and her 60m best fell twice – 7.22 in the prelims and 7.20 as the bronze medalist.

Prepared to face the same elite hurdlers she raced in the conference meet during the NCAA Indoor Championships, Nugent broke the collegiate record in the semifinal with a 7.72 to top the previous record of 7.75 set by Kentucky’s Masai Russell earlier in the season.

Nugent also became the Jamaican national record holder, bettering the 7.74 by Michelle Freeman from 1998. On the world all-time list, Nugent ranks as the No. 6 performer with the No. 10 performance.

In the NCAA 60m hurdle final, a 7.73 for Nugent delivered her second gold in the event over a 7.78 for Russell. Nugent previously won the indoor title in 2021.

Outdoors, Nugent opened in the 100m hurdles with a windy 12.95 (3.9) in the Texas Relays prelims but didn’t contest the final. Russell won the final in a collegiate record of 12.36 (2.0) with LSU’s Alia Armstrong runner-up at 12.57.

Racing at the LSU Invitational, on the same venue hosting the SEC Championships two weeks later, Nugent edged out Armstrong for a 12.52 to 12.56 victory.

On the return visit to Baton Rouge for the conference meet, Nugent clocked a windy 12.49 (2.2) in the prelims and set a career best 12.43 to earn a silver medal in the final, moving to No. 6 on the all-time collegiate list.

Armstrong claimed the victory in 12.40 with Russell third at 12.47. Nugent added a fourth place in the 100 with an 11.13.

In the NCAA Outdoor final, Nugent flew down the track to earn the victory with a scintillating 12.25w (3.8), which became the collegiate all-conditions best time ever. A 12.32w for Russell claimed silver while Armstrong finished with bronze at 12.49w.

 Smith finished in the top-three spots in both the long jump and triple jump at both NCAA meets this season. She was the NCAA runner-up in the long jump and finished third in triple jump during the indoor season.

Smith dominated the long jump during the outdoor season, setting the No. 2 mark in NCAA history at the Big 12 Championships with a jump of 7.08m and went on to win the NCAA title at 6.88m. She finished as the runner-up in the triple jump at NCAA with a personal-best mark of 14.54m and became the only Longhorn, male or female, to finish in the top-two of both events at the same NCAA championships.

The Bowerman will announce the three finalists on Monday, June 26.

Come July, it will be five years since Natoya Goule set a national record of 1:56.15 over 800m in Monaco. Goule, 32, a two-time World Championship finalist might just have to break that record if she is to be on the podium in Budapest this summer.

This year, however, she might be closer than ever before given her performances so far this season. The 1:58.23 she ran in Paris on June 9, which makes her tied for third-fastest woman in the world this year, provides a glimpse into what could just be Goule's best season in her storied career.

“My season is heading into the right direction because this is the fastest (800m) time I have ever run so early in June,” she told Sportsmax.TV.

The eight-time Jamaica national champion reveals that despite being injured earlier in the season, a laser-focused approach on racing outdoors underpinned by improved training methods implemented by Coach Mark Elliott have been reaping the rewards, saying, “I worked more in the gym and my coach and I worked on my sprint mechanics. I did a lot of Olympic lifting compared to previous years.”

The improved training manifested in the form of the 51.76 she ran in the 400m at the American Track League meet in Atlanta last weekend. It is her fastest 400m time since she ran a lifetime best 51.52 in El Paso, Texas, 12 years ago.

She has also taken on other a different approach tactically and mentally from her past experiences that she believes will serve her well going forward this season.

“Trusting myself and being patient in the race,” she said. “Being an athlete, self-doubt will occur sometimes and I just need to trust myself more with the pacing of the race knowing that I am prepared for this and I am ready to accomplish my goal.”

With the national championships fast approaching, Goule has yet another opportunity to show Jamaica and the world that she could be a medal contender at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August.

In a bid to overcome a disappointing NCAA season, her last, 100m hurdler Demisha Roswell is determined to prove her worth and earn a spot on Jamaica's team for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Her disappointment is further deepened considering her desire to pursue a professional career as an athlete. “That’s the reason I started in the beginning,” lamented the Texas Tech senior, whose 2023 season-best time of 12.77 was well shy of her lifetime best of 12.44 set at the Big 12 Championships last year. By comparison, even though she successfully defended her Big 12 title in early May, her winning time was 13.02, more than 0.5s slower.

Despite facing setbacks during her final year in college, Roswell remains focused on regaining her form and showcasing her talents on the international stage.

Reflecting on her NCAA season, Roswell candidly shared her disappointment, revealing that things didn't go as planned. As a senior athlete, she had hoped to make a significant impact, but various undisclosed issues affected her performance. However, she clarified that she did not sustain any injuries during that time, emphasizing that it was simply a period of struggle and unfulfilled expectations.

"I wasn't injured but to be honest, my season didn't go as planned, and it made me upset because I'm a senior and I didn't prove myself," said Roswell, who missed out on the NCAA Championships 100m hurdles final by 0.08s after running 12.99, the 11^th fastest time from the semi-finals. "I had some issues that I can't share with the world, but no, I'm not injured. It just wasn't my shine."

Despite the disappointment, Roswell remains determined to turn her fortunes around. She is currently focusing on improving her technique and preparing herself for the championship trials, where she aims to secure a place on Jamaica's team for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, scheduled for August.

When asked about her most memorable moment from her collegiate career, Roswell highlighted winning the Big 12 championships in 2022 when she ran her lifetime best to beat her more celebrated compatriot and rival Ackera Nugent and the opportunity to meet other talented athletes from around the world. The experience of connecting with like-minded individuals has fueled her passion for the sport and motivates her to strive for success.

She also acknowledged the invaluable support of her coaches, including Calvin Robinson, who has played a significant role in her athletic and personal development. She also expressed gratitude towards Zach, another influential figure in her journey, for encouraging her to learn and grow from setbacks rather than letting them deter her.

"My coaches are amazing, and I love and appreciate them," Roswell praised. "Calvin Robinson is like a father to me, someone I can go to and tell anything without judgment. He pushed me academically to continue working hard to earn a college degree, which I'm graduating in August. But yeah, good people."

With her sights set firmly on Budapest, Roswell has made it clear that her ultimate goal is to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Championships. She is determined to shine at the national championships trials and leave no doubt about her readiness to compete on the international stage.

Half centuries from Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Jason Holder crucially helped the West Indies to 297 in 49.3 overs, which was good enough for a 39-run win against the USA in their opening match of the ICC World Cup qualifier at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Sunday.

Gajanand Singh scored an unbeaten 101, his first in One Day Internationals as the USA, needing 298 for victory, closed on 258-7.

Singh, whose ton came from 109 deliveries and Nosthush Kenjige, who scored a quick-fire 34 not out from 32 balls shared in an unbroken 76-run eighth-wicket partnership that for a while made things uncomfortable for the two-time world champions.

Shayan Jahangir contributed 39 and Aaron Jones 23, but the USA were unable to get on top the West Indies bowling. Kyle Mayers was the best of the bowlers with 2-30 while Alzarri Joseph took 2-68. Akeal Hosein went wicket-less but his contribution was no less crucial as his 10 overs only yielded 38 runs.

The USA justified Captain Patel’s decision to field first when Saurabh Netravalkar had Brandon King caught by Gajanand Singh at midwicket for a duck and Kyle Phillip bowled Kyle Mayers for two to have the West Indies in early trouble at 14-2.

However, Hope and Charles led the recovery with a 115-run third-wicket partnership but both soon fell to injudicious shots. The partnership was broken when Hope was dismissed for 54 off a fullish delivery floated up outside off by Nosthush Kenjige, the Barbadian batter playing an uncontrolled one-handed backhand shot toward Shayan Jahangir mere metres inside the wide cover boundary.

 Five balls later, Charles was on his way back to the hutch for 66 after he skewed a Steven Taylor delivery off a thick edge to Saurabh Netravalkar inside the ring at backward point as the West Indies slipped from 129-2 to 137-4.

Nicholas Pooran and Roston Chase set about another repair job with a 55-run partnership but with the score at 192, Pooran skied Taylor to Jahangir on the sweeper boundary to be out for 43. With his very next delivery Taylor had Rovman Powell caught Gajanand Singh inside the long off boundary.

At 192-6, the West Indies were in danger of being bowled out for under 250 runs but were spared those blushes courtesy a 74-run seventh-wicket partnership between Chase and Jason Holder, who took the score to 266 when Chase lost his wicket to Netravalkar for 55.

Kyle Phillip dismissed Holder for 56 and Alzarri Joseph for three two balls later as the West Indies closed on 297.

Phillip took 3-56 while Netravalkar and Taylor each took 3-53 in a solid effort against their supposedly superior opponents.

After changing coaches in the off season, switching from Ato Boldon in Miramar Florida to Titans International Track Club in Kingston, Briana Williams struggled for form this season. Acclimatizing to a new programmes and battling injuries, the Olympic relay gold medallist has been underwhelming for much of the current season.

With that in mind, she would have been pleased with her performance at the JAAA Budapest Quest Meet at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday night. The 21-year-old Williams uncorked a season-best 11.04 to emerge the victor in the 100m that was run over seven sections.

The time represented a significant drop from her previous best of 11.21 run on June 10 at the same venue. Second overall was Kemba Nelson, who clocked 11.18 while Remona Burchell was third fastest with a time of 11.20.

The Men’s 100m was run over an exhausting 14 sections but in the end Zharnel Hughes produced a strong finish to win his section in 10.00 ahead of the in-form Ackeem Blake, who was timed in 10.07. Promising youngster, De’ Andre Daley clocked a quick 10.08 to be third overall.

Stacey-Ann Williams was the quickest in the 400m winning her section of four in 51.08 with Tovea Jenkins second overall in 52.15. Two years ago, Candice McLeod was on fire running a number of sub-50-second times including a personal best of 49.51 to finish fourth in the 2020 Olympic finals.

Things have not been the same this season. Seemingly struggling to regain the form from 2021, McLeod once again came up short finishing third in 52.66.

Rasheed Dwyer was the quickest in the 200m with 20.57 with Antonio Watson second with 20.63. Bryan Levell was third best in 20.71.

Sashalee Forbes won the women’s event in 23.25 over Jodean Williams (23.75) and Ashley Williams 24.12.

Malik James-King ran 49.67 in the 400m hurdles while Lushane Wilson and Christoff Bryan both cleared 2.20m in the high jump with Wilson being better on the countback to take victory.

Danielle Williams, the 2015 World 100m hurdles champion, pulled off a confidence-boosting victory at the American Track League Atlanta Meet in Atlanta on Saturday, where several Jamaica athletes continued to fine tune their preparations for their national championships next month.

400m hurdler Rhonda Whyte, quarter-miler D’Andre Anderson and 800m runner Rajay Hamilton were also among the winners.

Williams, the 2019 World Championship bronze medallist, ran a season best 12.62 into a headwind of -1.5m/s in what was a comfortable victory over Kaylor Harris, who ran a personal best 12.92 for second place. Mulern Jean claimed the other podium spot after running 13.04 for third place.

Whyte also clocked a season-best time of 55.11 while winning the 400m hurdles over Lauren Hoffman who finished in second place in 55.77, a season-best. Lashana Graham who will be representing Jamaica at the CAC Games finished third in 56.67.

Anderson produced a lifetime best of 45.87 to win the 400m at a canter over Brian Faust (46.18) and Evan Mafila, who ran a lifetime best of 46.22 for third place.

Several other Jamaicans won podium spots at the meet.

Among them were Lafranz Campbell and Damion Thomas who were second and third, respectively in the 110m hurdles that was won by Dylan Beard in 13.32. Campbell and Thomas ended up in a blanket finish with Campbell clocking a season-best 13.51 for second with Campbell awarded third in 13.52.

The in-form Tamari Davis won the 100m in 11.08, just ahead of Natalliah Whyte, who seems to be rounding nicely into form with an 11.12 clocking for second place. Maia McCoy was third in 11.16. Whyte picked up another second-place finish in the 200m in 22.94 behind winner Jessika Gbai, who ran 22.78 for the win.

Shakima Wimbley ran a season-best 23.16 for third place.

It was a 1-2 finish for the Jamaicans in the 800m that saw Hamilton finish in 1:47.06 to Tarees Rhoden’s 1:47.20. Jake Ulrich finished third in 1:48.24.

The Women’s 400m was run over four sections and Jamaica’s Natoya Goule ran a nippy 51.76 to win her section but was fourth overall behind Quanera Hayes 51.74, Courntney Okolo 51.72 and winner Makenzie Dunmore 51.46.

Chanice Porter produced a leap of 6.52m for a second place finish in the long jump. Tiffany Flynn soared out to 6.70m for the win while Melissa Munoz finished third with her effort of 6.43m.

University of Texas at Austin Coach Eldrick Floreal is confident that sprinter Kevona Davis will be a strong contender at Jamaica's national championships next month. Despite facing criticism and doubts from fans, Coach Floreal believes in Davis's progress and her ability to overcome past challenges.

Davis, who ran wind-aided times of 10.98 and 22.02 at the recently concluded NCAA Division 1 National Outdoor Championships in Austin, Texas, is expected to vie for a spot on Jamaica’s team to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August and Coach Floreal believes that after prior failures the former Edwin Allen High School star will be ready to compete this year.

 I think Kevona is going to be ready. The goal this year is to go to the Jamaican championship and compete. She has not competed (previously). She's showed up and participated. She's going to compete,” Floreal said of his athlete who boasts personal bests of 10.95 and 22.23, in the 100m and 200m, respectively.

“She's going to actually run what she's running now in the (NCAA) championships, and its maturity.”

Coach Floreal acknowledged the skepticism surrounding Davis's development but dismissed it considering the clear steps forward she has been taking. He addressed concerns by highlighting the unique approach they have taken to accelerate her progress, acknowledging that it didn't always go as planned.

"I've taken quite a bit of flak from Jamaica, and in true Jamaican fashion, I said, 'Me no care. I don't care.' My job is to help this young woman," Coach Floreal explained, emphasizing his commitment to supporting Davis.

The coach recognized that Davis had struggled with confidence issues and made mistakes in previous competitions. However, he emphasized that these were normal errors and not indicative of a lack of talent. Coach Floreal attributed them to a lack of self-belief and the pressure of competition.

"One of the most difficult things is to identify a step process that goes backward. Most people coach forward. I coach backwards," Coach Floreal explained his coaching philosophy. He shared that he envisions Davis reaching her full potential and then works backward to determine the necessary steps. This method, although unconventional, aims to ensure a solid foundation for sustained growth.

Davis's lack of confidence and occasional mistakes in competitions are areas Coach Floreal has been focused on. He believes that her experiences in the NCAA and Jamaica have impacted her mental state, and his role as a coach is to rebuild her belief in herself.

Reflecting on Davis's progression, Coach Floreal highlighted the ups and downs she has faced throughout her career. He mentioned specific instances where her confidence took a hit, such as false starts and disappointment in previous races. Despite these setbacks, he emphasized that Davis has shown resilience and an ability to bounce back, slowly improving over time.

The coach shared some behind-the-scenes efforts to nurture Davis's mental strength, such as dedicating additional training sessions and reassurance to rebuild her confidence. He stressed the importance of taking the necessary time to help athletes mature, comparing it to shifting gears in a car, where skipping steps can lead to stalling.

“No matter how bad Kevona's had a rough road, she's always come back. She's always comes back every year, done a little bit better, a little bit better, a little bit better,” he said emphasizing that Davis is making the steps necessary to be the best she can be.

“If you have ever driven a car, a stick shift. If you go from the first gear to the third gear, everybody knows what happens. The car starts and cuts off. You have to go to the second gear. You have to match up the second gear and then shift to the third gear. And sometimes these gears take time because they have been unable to comprehend what the coach wants.

“But she has to develop. Everybody wants 10.7 now. You're not getting that right now because there's a lot of things I need to fix before I even get there.  If you're a really qualified coach, you understand that you're going to have to take time and sometimes go backwards to come back forward. It's not like instant oatmeal, some of this stuff takes time.”

Coach Floreal expressed his satisfaction with Davis's progress and is optimistic about her readiness for the upcoming Jamaican national championships.

In conclusion, Coach Floreal acknowledged that talent alone is not enough to succeed in the highly competitive world of athletics. He emphasized the importance of mental fortitude and the ability to handle the pressures of the sport independently. With Davis's continuous growth and unwavering determination, Coach Floreal believes she has what it takes to make her mark at the national championships and beyond.

In an exclusive interview with University of Texas Head Coach Eldrick Floreal, it has been revealed that two-time NCAA 100m champion Julien Alfred is expected to announce her decision to turn professional next week. Coach Floreal, who has played a pivotal role in Alfred's development, also shared insights into how he helped her overcome challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to become arguably the best female sprinter in NCAA history.

While the 22-year-old Alfred has not finalized any professional contracts yet, the plan is for her to remain in Austin and continue training under Coach Floreal's guidance. "Yeah, I mean that's the plan right now,” Floreal told Sportsmax.TV Wednesday.

“I mean obviously select agents and shoe company and all this stuff. But right now the plan first remains in Austin, to continue training this year, next year and beyond."

Coach Floreal further mentioned that Alfred has been meeting with various agents and shoe companies, indicating significant interest in her success. He expressed confidence that Alfred would make an official announcement next week after finalizing an agent and securing a contract.

Alfred enjoyed a spectacular season for the University of Texas indoors and outdoors, capped by her triple-gold medal performance at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Austin, Texas on Saturday.

Running on her home field for the last time as a student athlete, the St Lucian sprint queen ran a slightly wind-aided 10.72 (2.3m/s) to win the 100m and 21.73 (w2.5m/s) to take 200m gold barely an hour apart to lead Texas’ women to the national title for the first time in 18 years. It was the first time in NCAA history that an athlete was running the two fastest times in all conditions on the same day of a national championships.

Earlier Saturday, Alfred ran the lead-off leg of the Longhorns’ 4x100m relay team that won in a fast 41.60. Only the NCAA national, meet and facility record of 41.55 they ran 48 hours earlier, is faster.

However, once an athlete goes the professional route, there are several factors that are critical to achieving success.

Reflecting on Alfred's potential and talent, Coach Floreal acknowledged the shift that comes with transitioning to the professional level. He emphasized the importance of mindset and the ability to manage oneself as an individual athlete, as opposed to representing a university or group. Coach Floreal highlighted the need for athletes to handle the business side of the sport and likened their careers to running a corporation.

“Right now the corporation is called Julien Alfred Incorporated and I am the CEO but when they go pro the corporation is called Julien Alfred Incorporated, they become the CEO. I'm no longer responsible for all this stuff. So they have to make that adjustment," Coach Floreal explained. He emphasized that success at the professional level hinges on an athlete's ability to manage their own corporation and handle the outside pressures that come with it.

Regarding Alfred's talent, Coach Floreal acknowledged her remarkable achievements and consistent performance under pressure. He emphasized her ability to deliver exceptional performances when it matters most, distinguishing a great athlete from the rest.

While Coach Floreal acknowledged the time and maturity it took for Alfred to reach her current level, he attributed her progress to the development of her talent and her growing ability to handle the stresses of being a world-class athlete.

The conversation shifted towards Alfred's experiences during the pandemic, during which she faced anxiety due to being unable to return home. Coach Floreal played a crucial role in providing support and creating a safe space for Alfred. He shared, "So being available becomes important. I was just available, like I am for all the athletes that I coach, guiding them not just in training but also through personal challenges."

Coach Floreal emphasized the importance of building relationships and trust with his athletes, ensuring they have the confidence to overcome obstacles. He underscored his commitment to their success and the belief that he would never put their careers in jeopardy.

As Julien Alfred prepares to make her highly anticipated professional announcement, the track and field world eagerly awaits her next move. With the unwavering guidance and support of Coach Eldrick Floreal, Alfred is poised to make a significant impact in her professional career, continuing her journey to greatness.

After failing to launch her season due to family commitments and injury, five-time world 100m champion is likely to open her 2023 season at Jamaica’s national championships next month.

The 36-year-old Fraser-Pryce pulled out of the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in April citing a family emergency. She would later pull out of the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya in May because of a knee injury that saw her fly out to Italy for treatment.

She subsequently returned to Jamaica where she returned to training just under a month ago but has not competed at any of the island’s All Comers meets put on by the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA), leaving fans speculating whether they would see her at all this season.

Having won the 100m title at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in July last year, Fraser-Pryce has a bye to the championships set for Budapest in August.

However, in a post on social media on Wednesday, the three-time Olympic gold medallist gave her fans something to quell their concerns.

“Just a girl from Waterhouse who continues to dream and believe! See you at National Trials!” the 2022 Laureus Female Athlete of the Year posted on Facebook.

Those words would have eased the fears of her fan base who can now look forward to seeing ‘Mommy Rocket’ at the National Stadium in Kingston from July 6-9.

In 2022, Fraser-Pryce delivered what is considered by many the greatest season by a female sprinter. She ran a record seven times under 10.7 second and won a record fifth 100m title at the World Championships to become the first running athlete in history to win five titles in the same event since the championships began in 1983.

After a decline in performance at the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships, St Andrew High School, once a dominant force in Jamaican high-school athletics, has appointed Mathue Tapper as their new head track and field coach. Tapper, determined to revive the school's athletic program, plans to bring back the glory days when athletes like Trishana McGowan, Toni-Ann Doyley, Arusha McKenzie, Megan Tapper, Anna-Kay Campbell, and Latoya McDermott consistently excelled.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Tapper stated, "I am looking to make history at St. Andrew High. Right now, we are starting from the ground level, but I am excited and eager to turn things around." Tapper, who currently runs the Top Track club for children at Maxfield Park in Kingston, recognizes the potential of St. Andrew High and aspires to restore its status as an athletics powerhouse.

To achieve this goal, Tapper believes it is crucial for St. Andrew High to attract emerging talent from prep and primary schools without compromising the school's prestigious academic standing. He said, "Right now, we are looking at recruiting, especially at the Class IV level, from the prep and primary schools. I plan to focus on developing a strong sprints and hurdles program over the next three years."

Having been a student at St Andrew Prep, Tapper expressed his disappointment at the decline of the school's athletic program. He shared, "I am really excited to get to work. St Andrews is a good school that is close to my heart. I grew up at St Andrew Prep, so it’s sad to see where the program had gotten to, but I plan to lift it once again."

Tapper's commitment to youth development extends beyond St. Andrew High. At his Top Track Academy, the first Kingston-based track academy, Tapper aims to provide training opportunities and foster a love for the sport among young athletes. Speaking about the academy, he said, "We provide an opportunity for kids to get training they don’t necessarily get anywhere. At this age, it is more important that it is fun so that the kids don’t get bored of the sport too soon. We have a high-level program, but we have to ensure that it is fun so that we can keep them when they are 17/18 and ready to make those big steps."

Tapper's efforts have garnered support from sponsors, including Jamaica's Ministry of Sports and AustroJam, managed by Martin Zsifkovics, a two-time Jamaica champion farmer. Zsifkovics emphasized the importance of healthy nutrition for the children involved in athletics and expressed his support for Tapper's initiative, stating, "It is very important for the children of Jamaica to eat healthy. We wouldn't have the best athletes in the world if they only eat chips."

With sponsors recognizing the value of Tapper's academy, Zsifkovics hopes that his venture could serve as a platform for similar projects across the island, empowering young athletes and fostering a brighter future for Jamaican athletics.

A date has been set for the unveiling of a statue of the world’s fastest man in Miramar, Florida, Sportsmax.TV has been informed.

Located in southern Broward county, Miramar, a city of just under 150,000, boasts a thriving, large and diverse Jamaican community.

The statue of three-time Olympic 100m and 200m champion, Usain Bolt, is set to be unveiled on Saturday, July 15, 2023, Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis revealed on Tuesday.

“We have a date for the unveiling confirmed,” she told Sportsmax.TV. “The Friday (July 14), we will have a fundraising event, then Saturday, July 15 will be the unveiling with a programme on the track with young athletes and a press conference with the unveiling last.”

Davis also revealed that the statue that was done by noted sculptor Basil Watson is ready for the delivery and installation and that the foundation on which it will be mounted ‘almost’ done.

In November 2021, Davis, who was born in the United Kingdom but raised in Jamaica where she attended school right up to the tertiary level, announced plans to mount a statute of the 100m and 200m world record holder at the Ansin Sports Complex, which was once the training ground for Jamaica's World U20 100m and 200m gold medallist Briana Williams.

“We wanted to make sure we had a world-class Olympian as part of the art in public places,” said Davis back then.

However, the decision sparked division among the city commissioners, chief among them Winston Barnes, who believes the USD$250,000 price tag was a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“Attaching ourselves to monuments or icons is not going to make us a 24/7 city,” Barnes  was reported saying. “We’re not a tourist city — come on. I do not think we have the luxury to try to create monuments of icons simply at the fancy of elected officials.”

However, Davis divulged that much of the cost for the project is being paid by developers. "I created an Art in Public Places fund that is paid for by developers who cannot provide artwork at their facility," she explained.

Payment for the statue is reportedly to be made in four installments.

Bolt won gold medals in both the 100m and 200m in world-record times at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. He shattered both record again at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany establishing times of 9.58 and 19.19 in the 100m and 200m, respectively. Both records still stand today, 14 years on.

The towering Jamaica would go on to defend his Olympic titles in London in 2012 and again in Rio, Brazil in 2016 before hanging up his spikes in 2017.

Bolt also won World Championships gold medals in both short sprints in 2013 and 2015 as well as 200m gold in Daegu, South Korea in 2011.

Each year, scores of Jamaican student-athletes take up a variety of academic scholarships, primarily in track and field, swimming and football, to US universities.

That pool could be about to be widened as Darren Dyer, a 22-year-old Jamaican athlete, is making history as the first Jamaican to receive a frisbee scholarship to a US college.

Dyer, who attended St George's College and University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in New Kingston, is set to transfer to Davenport in Michigan to pursue a degree in networking with cybersecurity.

In an exclusive interview, Dyer shared his journey to receiving the scholarship and his aspirations to turn professional in the world of frisbee once he completes his education.

The concept of a frisbee scholarship may seem unconventional to many, but Dyer explains how the sport has been rapidly growing in recent years, transitioning from playing in local fields to occupying renowned football stadiums. "Now schools are investing more into the sport because they see opportunity just like other sports. Rugby, lacrosse, all those kind of sports that have grown, they're basically taking this opportunity now," Dyer explains.

Dyer's breakthrough came when a team from the US visited Jamaica to compete in a tournament. Impressed by his talent, Mike Zagman, Head Coach Men's and Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team at Davenport, reached out to American schools, sharing Dyer's footage and information.

This sparked interest from several institutions, revealing the untapped potential of Jamaican frisbee players.

"These opportunities are there; it's just that they don't really know that we play in Jamaica," Dyer remarks. "I'll be the first from Jamaica to be receiving this opportunity."

For those unfamiliar with frisbee, Dyer provides an overview of the game. Comparable to American football, it features end zones where players score goals by catching the frisbee. However, unlike football, frisbee is a continuous sport without frequent stoppages. "You throw the frisbee around as many times as you like until you score it on somebody," Dyer explains.

Similar to netball, players are not allowed to run with the frisbee once caught; instead, they have 10 seconds to release it. Different throws, such as forehand, backhand, overhead, and hammer, add variety and creativity to the game.

As Dyer embarks on this groundbreaking journey, he plans to make the most of his time at Davenport. Scheduled to start in August, he aims to leverage the exposure and training opportunities, including practicing with professional teams from the AUDL (American Ultimate Disc League) that will be using the Davenport facilities. With the sport gaining recognition, Dyer envisions a future where frisbee becomes a viable professional career option for Jamaicans.

Reflecting on his role as a trailblazer for Jamaica, Dyer expresses his optimism for the future of frisbee in his home country. "I see big things coming for Jamaica, especially in this sport," he says proudly. "I'm very proud of myself for getting this opportunity, and I believe more Jamaicans will start to become involved. All we used to play were other sports, and now with scholarships, I feel like more people will be encouraged to participate."

For those interested in joining the frisbee community in Jamaica, Dyer suggests reaching out to the Jamaica Ultimate Page on Instagram or contacting him directly at dar.dyrer on Instagram. He also mentions Zagman  as a valuable resource for further information.

Darren Dyer's groundbreaking achievement not only highlights his personal success but also opens doors for future generations of Jamaican frisbee players.