Saturday’s final day of the 2024 World Athletics Under-20 Championships was a productive one for Jamaica in the 4x100m relay as both the female and male quartets claimed gold medals.

The women combined to run a season’s best 43.39 to win gold ahead of Switzerland (44.06) and Canada (44.60).

200m bronze medallist Shanoya Douglas ran the first leg before handing off to Alliah Baker. Baker ran a solid leg before handing off to Briana Campbell who then gave the baton to individual 100m champion Alana Reid who then brought it home.

The men’s race was as exciting as they come with Deandre Daley producing a brilliant anchor leg to secure gold for Jamaica in 39.18 ahead of Great Britain (39.20) and Thailand (39.39).

Jamaica were on the back foot early after the opening leg from Jace Witter before the second and third legs from Gary Card and Nyrone Wade, respectively, meant that Daley got the baton in fourth and in striking distance of the top three.

Similar to what he did at the 2023 Carifta Games in Nassau, Daley then produced an excellent anchor leg comeback to secure the gold for Jamaica.

Elsewhere, Jamaica’s Shaiquan Dunn threw 59.79m for seventh in the final of the men’s discus. The USA’s Bryce Ruland took gold with a personal best 62.59m ahead of The Netherlands’ Jarno Van Daalen (62.22m) and Finland’s Mico Lampinen (62.20).

The USVI’s Michelle Smith narrowly missed out on a medal in the women’s 400m hurdles final, finishing fourth in 57.21. France’s Meta Tumba took gold in a national under-20 record 55.59. Poland’s Wiktoria Gadajska ran a national under-20 record 56.87 in second while South Africa’s Hannah Van Niekerk was third in a personal best 56.98.

St Lucia’s 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred and American silver medallists Sha’Carri Richards are set to renew their rivalry at next week’s Zurich Diamond League, which will mark their first meeting since the Paris Olympic Games.

The September 5 meet to be held at the Weltklasse will be an opportunity for Alfred to solidify her class and status against some of the best in the world, while for Richardson, it will be a shot at redemption where possibly lowering the St Lucian’s colours is concerned.

That cool and wet August 3 night at the Stade de France will be fresh in the minds of both athletes, as Alfred became her country's first Olympic champion when she exploded from the blocks and maintained her speed and composure to hold off a charging Richardson, who had to overcome a slow reaction out of the blocks to make up ground.

Alfred, 23, later added more accolades and history to her name with a silver medal win in the 200m, becoming her island’s Saint Lucia's first-ever double Olympic medallist.

For Richardson, 24, making up ground after a slow start—which is somewhat of a bad habit, as she stumbled at US Olympic Trials and came back to win—underscored her blistering turn of foot.

Though her quality was always on display, many didn’t view her as a title contender until she swept past both Jamaican stalwarts Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson to win last year's World Championships title.

In this rematch between Alfred and Richardson, Great Britain’s European champion Dina Asher-Smith will also be added to the mix to get her shot at both, as she surprisingly missed out on the Paris Olympic final after she placed fifth in her semi-final.

It is indeed set to be an intriguing showdown between four of the world’s best female sprinters, as Switzerland's Mujinga Kambundji, who placed sixth in Paris, will also be aiming to make an impression on home soil.

Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) delivered a stunning performance to cop gold in the women’s 200m final at the World Under-20 Championships, while Jamaica’s Shanoya Douglas claimed bronze in Lima, Peru, on Friday.

Hodge, 18, who claimed silver in the same event at the 2022 Championships, upgraded her medal to gold as she topped the field in 22.74s, marking a significant milestone in her budding career.

The Olympian’s victory was the highlight of a successful night for the Caribbean, as 16-year-old Douglas also secured a spot on the podium, finishing third in 23.10s in a thrilling race that once again showcased the region's sprinting prowess. The Caribbean duo was separated by Australia’s Torrie Lewis, who clocked a personal best of 22.88s for second.

From the gun, Hodge, who was determined to improve on her previous silver medal finish, established herself as a solid contender for the top spot. With powerful strides and impeccable form, she maintained her composure around the curve and later exploded in the straight to leave rivals in her wake.

Hodge’s win and Douglas’ bronze brought the curtains down on what was the most successful for the Caribbean since the start of the five-day Championships, as Kerrica Hill earlier copped Jamaica’s second gold medal when she clocked 12.99s to top the women’s 100m hurdles. She won ahead of Croatia’s Mia Wild (13.15s) and Delta Amidzovski (13.24s) of Australia.

Jamaica now has two gold medals and one bronze, while Hodge claimed her country's first medal.

Carlos Brown Jr (21.51s) of the Bahamas finished eighth in the men's 200m final.

Prior to that, Jamaica’s Richard Hall and Cuba’s Yander Herrera missed out on the podium in the men’s final, as both clocked in at 13.46s for fifth and sixth. The event was won by American Ja’Kobe Tharp in a new World Under-20 leading time of 13.05s.

His compatriot Andre Korbmacher (13.14s) was second, with China’s Yuanjiang Chen third in 13.21s, a national Under-20 record.

Meanwhile, Michelle Smith of US Virgin Islands once again established herself as the gold medal favourite, as she was the fastest through to Saturday’s final. Smith clocked a brisk 56.39s to win semi-final two, while Haiti’s Gloria Guerrier (1:00.20) finished eighth and failed to progress.

Jamaica’s Kelly Ann Carr suffered a similar fate in semi-final three as she placed eighth in 1:00.33.

Only one Caribbean athlete will be present in the men’s final and that is Jamaica’s Daniel Wright, who topped semi-final three in 51.11s, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Cheyne West (53.09s) placed seventh in the same race and missed out.

Another Jamaican Trevoy Smith (54.24s), also finished down the track in a brisk semi-final one, which saw the top two qualifiers crossing the line together in a World Under-20 leading time of 49.36s.

The 400m hurdles finals are scheduled for 4:35pm Jamaica time on Saturday.

 Jamaica's Kerrica Hill cemented her status as one of the brightest young talents in track and field by successfully defending her 100m hurdles title at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, on Friday. Hill, who first claimed the title in Cali, Colombia, two years ago, delivered a dominant performance, winning in 12.99 seconds.

Hill's victory was never in doubt as she took control of the race from the start, leading the field decisively. Her winning time of 12.99 seconds secured her second consecutive World U20 title and further established her as a rising star in the sport.

Mia Wild of Croatia claimed the silver medal, finishing in 13.15 seconds, while Australia's Delta Amidzosvki took the bronze with a time of 13.24 seconds.

Hill's triumph adds to Jamaica's growing medal tally at the World U20 Championships. Earlier in the week, Alana Reid secured gold in the 100m final, leading a Caribbean sweep of the medals. Reid's victory was followed by Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands, who took silver, and Kishawna Niles of Barbados, who claimed the bronze.

With Hill's win, Jamaica has now captured two gold medals at the championships, continuing the country's tradition of excellence in sprinting and hurdling on the global stage. As the World U20 Championships continue, Jamaica's young athletes are poised to add to their medal count, showcasing the depth of talent in the Caribbean region.

Jamaica's Ackera Nugent continued her stellar form at the Rome Diamond League meeting on Friday, setting a new world-leading time and leading a strong showing by Caribbean athletes who secured multiple podium finishes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamaica’s female and male quartets both looked mightily impressive in the heats of the 4x100m relays on day four of the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru on Friday.

The female team comprising Sabrina Dockery, Alliah Baker, Briana Campbell and Alana Reid first combined to easily win their heat in 43.81, the fastest time in qualifying.

Puerto Rico, who ran a national Under-20 record 45.28 in second in that heat, also made it through to Saturday’s final.

On the men’s side, the team of Jace Witter, Gary Card, Nyrone Wade and Deandre Daley won their heat in 39.54, also the fastest time in the heats.

Trinidad & Tobago’s team of Che Jean-Marc Wickham, Kadeem Chinapoo, Hakeem Chinapoo and Dylan Woodruff will also be in the final after combining to run 39.77 to finish second behind the Jamaicans in heat four.

Jamaica’s women also advanced to the final of the Women’s 4x400m. Abrina Wright, Shanque Williams, Anecia Campbell and Nastassia Fletcher combined to run 3:38.04 to finish second in their heat behind Colombia who won in 3:38.01.

In the field, Jamaica’s Shaiquan Dunn threw 57.82m to advance to the final of the men’s discus.

Defending champion Kerrica Hill was the fastest woman through to the semi-finals of the Women’s 100m hurdles on day three of the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru on Thursday.

The 19-year-old, who has raced sparingly this season, produced a comfortable 13.18 to win the first of eight heats on Thursday morning.

Joining her in the semis will be Barbados’ Maya Alexis Rollins and Jamaica’s Habiba Harris who ran 13.71 and 13.74 to finish fourth and second in heats eight and seven, respectively.

The Men’s sprint hurdles saw Jamaicans Richard Hall and Daniel Beckford both advance to the semi-finals.

Hall was the tenth-fastest qualifier overall after running 13.58 to win the third heat while Beckford advanced in a non-automatic spot after running 13.74 for fourth in heat one.

Elsewhere, 100m silver medallist Adaejah Hodge was the fastest through to the 200m semi-finals after winning her heat in 23.19.

Jamaica’s Shanoya Douglas and Sabrina Dockery also advanced to the semis scheduled for later on Thursday.

Douglas ran 23.51 to comfortably win her heat while Dockery ran 23.80 for second in hers.

In the Men’s equivalent, Guyana’s Jackson Clarke won heat two in 21.37 to advance while Bahamian Carlos Brown Jr finished second in heat six in 21.31 to get through.

Barbados’ Aragon Straker (21.23) and Jamaica’s Romario Hines (21.35) both advanced as non-automatic qualifiers.

Jamaica's rising sprint sensation, Alana Reid, delivered a stellar performance to claim the women’s 100m gold in a Caribbean sweep of the podium at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday.

Reid, who was a part of Jamaica’s relay team at the Paris Olympic Games, was always favoured as the class of the field, and she justified that favouritism with a storming run to earn Jamaica’s first medal of the five-day championships.

The 19-year-old’s win in 11.17s in a race that saw the Caribbean region dominate was a redemption of sorts, as she has upgraded her 200m bronze medal from the 2022 championships and once again underscored her status as one of the brightest young talents in Jamaican athletics.

Another young Olympian, Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands, closed fast to cop silver in 11.27s, while Barbadian Kishawna Niles took home the bronze in 11.37s.

Reid's gold medal was the culmination of a series of strong performances from the preliminary rounds, as she consistently demonstrated her composure under pressure and established herself as the athlete to beat.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Deandre Daley (10.33s) and Gary Card (10.44s) were beaten into fourth and sixth, respectively, in the men’s 100m final.

That race was won by South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza (10.19s), ahead of Thailand’s Puripol Boonson (10.22s) and another South African, Bradley Nkoana (10.26s).

Earlier, Trinidad and Tobago’s Janae De Gannes placed eighth in the women’s long jump final after mustering a best leap of 6.09m. Australia’s Delta Amidzovski (6.58m), American Sophia Beckmon (6.54m) and Poland’s Julia Adamczyk (6.34m) were the medal winners.

No Caribbean athlete made the men’s 400m final, as Jamaica’s Kemario Bygrave (47.56s) was fourth in semi-final one, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jaden Clement failed to finish.

It was more of the same in semi-final two as Puerto Rico’s Jarell Cruz (47.26s) placed fourth, while Guyana’s Malachi Austin failed to finish.

Jamaica’s Shanque Williams, the Caribbean’s lone women’s semi-finalist, also missed out, as she placed seventh in her semi-final in 54.47s.

Elsewhere in the field, Brenden Vanderpool of the Bahamas, failed to progress to the men’s pole vault final after he placed 14^th in Group A qualifying with a best clearance of 4.80m.

Jamaica’s Shanque Williams will be the lone Caribbean representative in the women’s 400m semi-finals at the World Under-20 Championships, while Guyana’s Malachi Austin headlines four semi-finalists in the men’s event following contrasting performances in the morning session in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday.

It was an overall tough session for Caribbean representatives to start day two of the five-day championships, as only three men and three women progressed to the 400m hurdles semis, while only Jamaica’s Jade-Ann Dawkins progressed to the triple jump final.

Williams was the only athlete to progress to the semi-finals. She placed third in the sixth and final heat in 54.22s.

Prior to that, Cuba’s Camila Rodriguez (55.24s) and T’anna Liburd (55.91s) of St Kitts and Nevis were fifth and seventh in heat one, as both missed out.

Guyana’s Narissa McPherson also found the going tough in heat two, where she placed fifth in 54.67s. The same is true for Jamaica’s Abrina Wright (54.63s), who was sixth in heat three.

Another Guyanese, Tianna Springer (54.49s) and Tyhra Charles (55.87s) of St Vincent and the Grenadines, placed fourth and eighth, respectively, in heat five, as they also missed out.

On the men’s side of action, Puerto Rico’s Jarell Cruz (47.68s) progressed from heat two, where he placed third, while Jaylen Bennett (47.88s) of St Kitts and Nevis and Jamaica’s Jabari Matheson (49.34s) were fourth and fifth and missed out.

Another Jamaican, Kemario Bygrave, booked a spot in the semi-finals as he placed third in heat three in 47.39s.

Grenada’s Joshem Sylvester (48.49s) was sixth in heat four and missed out, along with Trinidad and Tobago’s Kyrell Thomas (48.02s), who placed sixth in heat six.

However, Guyana’s Austin (46.92s) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Jaden Clement (47.63s) both progressed from heat five, where they placed second and third, respectively.

The semi-finals are scheduled for 5:45pm Jamaica time on Wednesday.

Earlier, only three Caribbean athletes progressed to the women’s 400m hurdles semi-finals following contrasting performances in their respective heats.

Michelle Smith of the US Virgin Islands led all qualifiers as she topped heat two in a brisk 57.85s to book her spot in the next round, while Kei-Mahri Hanna (1:04.84) of the Bahamas finished down the track.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jenna-Marie Thomas (1:01.91) also missed out after she placed seventh in heat three, so too did Jamaica’s Deschanique Douglas (1:05.43), who placed ninth in heat five.

Jamaica’s Kelly-Ann Carr (1:00.61) and Haiti’s Gloria Guerrier (1:00.65) both progressed from heat four after they placed second and third, respectively, behind Australia’s Alesha Bennetts (59.04s).

Interestingly, the Caribbean will also have only three representatives in the men’s semi-finals, led by Jamaica’s Daniel Wright, who topped heat two in 51.42s to advance. Trinidad and Tobago’s Dorian Charles (53.65s) placed fifth in the same heat and missed out.

Cheyne West, another Trinidad and Tobago representative, placed fourth in heat five in a new personal best 52.18s, which was good to advance as one of the fastest non-automatic qualifiers.

The next non-automatic qualifying spot was secured by Jamaican Trevoy Smith, who clocked 52.15s for fourth in heat six.

Meanwhile, Taysha Stubbs, the Caribbean’s lone representative in the women’s javelin failed to progress. She placed 11^th in qualifying Group A with a best mark of 44.28m.

In the women’s triple jump, Jamaica’s Jade-Ann Dawkins will be the lone Caribbean representative in the final, as she placed fourth in qualifying Group B with a mark of 12.82m.

Her compatriot, Jaeda Robinson (12.53m) and Cuba’s Ariday Giron (12.21m), both missed out on the final after finishing 13^th and 15^th in qualifying Group A.

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.

Jamaica’s shot putter Shaiquan Dunn and the mixed 4x400m relay quartet both failed to get the country on the medal board at the World Under-20 Championships despite credible efforts in their respective finals in Lima, Peru, on Tuesday.

With both finalists on the cards, expectations were high that Jamaica would bring the curtains down on the opening day of the five-day championships with at least one medal, but it was not to be.

The quartet of Demarco Bennett, Shanniqua Williams, Marcinho Rose, and Alliah Baker entered the final with the fastest time, but struggled to keep pace with the early front runners and had to settle for fourth at the end.

They clocked a season’s best 3:22.74, behind the Australians, who won in a national record of 3:19.27. Poland (3:20.44) and China (3:21.27) were second and third.

Meanwhile, Dunn, contesting the shot put final, took his time to get going and, as such, was unable to get anywhere close to his personal best of 20.01. He placed ninth as he failed to register a mark on his first attempt, but later hit 18.92m on his third round effort and just failed to squeeze into the top eight to secure three additional throws.

Cuba’s Emmanuel Ramirez was 10^th with a best throw of 18.42.

The Caribbean will be well represented in the men’s and women’s 100m finals at the World Under-20 Championships as the main protagonists safely progressed from their respective semi-finals in Lima, Peru, on Tuesday.

Jamaica’s Deandre Daley cruised to victory in semi-final one to lead the men’s qualifiers with his 10.34s. Japan’s Naoki Nishioka (10.43s) also progressed.

Another Jamaican and medal favourite, Gary Card, was beaten into third in semi-final two, but his 10.39s was good enough for one of the fastest non-automatic qualifying spots. The race was won by Thailand’s Puripol Boonson (10.30s), ahead of South African Bradley Nkoana (10.30s). Carlos Brown Jr (10.63s) of the Bahamas missed out.

The other finalists are Bayanda Walaza (10.33s) of South Africa, Teddy Wilson (10.35s) of Great Britain, and China’s Jinxian He (10.36s).

On the women’s side, Kishawna Niles of Barbados easily progressed from semi-final one, which she topped in 11.39s ahead of Great Britain’s Nia Wedderburn-Goodison, who was also timed at 11.39s. Dominican Republic’s Liranyi Alonso (11.89s) finished down the track and missed out.

Jamaica’s Olympian Alana Reid expectedly topped semi-final two in 11.44s, ahead of Nigerian Justina Tiana Eyakpobeyan (11.56s).

British Virgin Islands Olympian Adaejah Hodge (11.59s) booked her spot in the final as she placed second in the third semi-final behind Germany’s Chelsea Kadiri, who won in 11.52s. Puerto Rico’s Frances Colon (11.74s) was fourth but failed to secure one of the fastest non-automatic spots.

The 100m finals are scheduled for 6:30pm Jamaica time on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Lebron James of Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica’s Addison Alickson James both failed to progress to the men’s javelin finals. Lebron James threw a best of 62.67m for 13^th and Addison James mustered 60.58m for 15^th in Group A.

Two of the medal favorites in the Women’s 100m at the World Athletics U-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Jamaica’s Alana Reid and BVI’s Adaejah Hodge, both successfully advanced from the heats on Tuesday’s opening day of the youth track and field showcase.

Hodge was first up, competing in the first heat alongside Caribbean counterpart Kishawna Niles from Barbados.

As expected, Hodge cruised to 11.45, the fastest time in the heats, to win ahead of Niles who will also be in the semifinals after running 11.63 in second.

Reid, Jamaica’s national junior 100m record holder, was up next in the third heat.

The former Hydel High standout, who represented her country in the Women’s 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics recently, ran a comfortable 11.46 to win her heat.

Dominican Republic’s Liranyi Alonso (11.77) and Puerto Rico’s Frances Colon (11.83) also booked spots in the semi-finals.

On the Men’s side, Jamaica’s Gary Card and Deandre Daley secured safe passage through to the semifinals.

Card, who has a personal and season’s best of 10.07 which he did to defeat Daley at the JAAA National Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston in June, eased to a time of 10.40 to win the fifth heat.

Daley, a 10.08 performer at his best, recovered from a stumble at the start of his race to cruise home in 10.37 to win heat six.

Bahamian Carlos Brown Jr (10.48) also made it through to the semis scheduled for later on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Jamaica’s quartet of Demarco Bennett, Nastassia Fletcher, Marcinho Rose and Alliah Baker advanced to the final of the Mixed 4x400m relay with a time of 3:24.77 to finish second in their heat behind Germany who won in 3:24.10.

In the field, Jamaica’s Shaiquan Dunn threw 19.53m to advance to the final of the Men’s shot put.

In the triple jump, Jamaica’s Chavez Penn barely booked a spot in the final, jumping 15.32m to take the twelfth and final spot, finishing just two centimeters ahead of Colombia’s Santiago Theran.

Trinidad & Tobago's Janae De Gannes produced 6.03m to advance to the final of the women's long jump.

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 Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association (JAAA) is in mourning as the country learns of the passing of double Olympic Gold medallist George Rhoden.   

Rhoden, who won the 400m and was a member of the Golden Quartet that won the 4x400m at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, died on the weekend in the United States at the age of 97.  

"George Rhoden was one of the building blocks of our sport in Jamaica. He demonstrated true grit and determination in every single one of his races and was a dependable team member,” JAAA President Garth Gayle said in a release on Monday.

“He would grind out every event, giving everything for his team and his country.  His performances in 1952 will always be remembered as they laid the groundwork for the strong track and field nation we are today. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his soul find eternal rest," he added.