Grace Allen could not contain her joy as her son, Kishane Thompson, clinched victory at the Jamaica National Championships at Kingston's National Stadium on Friday night. Allen's pride and happiness were palpable as she reflected on her son's journey from a small-town athlete to a national champion.

Thompson, who turns 23 later this month, won the blue-riband sprint in a world-leading 9.77s, Oblique Seville finishing second in 9.82 and Ackeem Blake third in 9.92. Thompson’s winning time was the third-fastest-ever run inside Kingston’s National Stadium. Yohan Blake’s 9.75 run in 2012 and Usain Bolt’s 9.76 set in 2008 are the only times faster than the one set by Thompson, who is now tied as the ninth fastest man in history.

It was an accomplishment that left his mother beaming with pride. After his historic run, Thompson hurried to the warm-up area outside the stadium and after thanking his coach Stephen Francis, passionately embraced his mom in a show of love and gratitude.

“Oh, I am so elated. I am so proud of my son. He deserves it,” Allen said with a broad smile. “I was always looking forward to this because I know he is someone who really concentrates on what he is doing; he puts his all into it.”

Kishane Thompson, affectionately known as "Bigga," grew up in Mitchell Town, a community that always believed in his potential. Born at Lionel Town Hospital, Thompson showed early signs of athletic talent, racing ahead of his peers at Mitchell Town Basic School. “He always loved to run, he always came first on sports day,” Allen recalled with a laugh. “I used to do high jump at school at Mitchell Town Primary. I think he got the genes from me.”

Kishane attended Bustamante High School before being recruited to Garvey Maceo High School by then-principal Orett Wallace. Under the guidance of coaches Kirk Beckford, Oliver Heywood, and the legendary Neville Myton, Thompson honed his skills and became a standout athlete. In high school, he competed in the 100m, 200m, 4x400m, and 4x100m relays.

In 2019, Myton, a middle-distance legend, saw something special in Thompson, likening him to the great US sprinter Bob Hayes. Nicknamed "Bullet Bob," Hayes was an American sprinter and professional football player. After winning gold medals at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he tied the then-world record in the 100m with a time of 10.06 seconds, Hayes played as a split end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys for 11 seasons. Hayes is the only athlete to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring. Myton predicted that Thompson would become one of Jamaica’s greatest sprinters.

That same year, Thompson won the 100m at Central Champs with a time of 10.59 seconds. Despite battling shin splints, he entered the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships (Champs) with a time of 10.47 seconds but unfortunately, he clocked a painful 43 seconds in his preliminary round. His rival, Oblique Seville, won the final in 10.36 seconds.

He also competed in the 200m, running 21.5 seconds in the heats but did not advance to the finals, which were won by Xavier Nairne in 20.81 seconds.

At the Penn Relays, Thompson anchored Garvey Maceo’s 4x100m team, leading them to a time of 43.16 seconds.

Allen, reflecting on her son's journey, expressed immense pride not just for herself but for the entire community of Mitchell Town. “All of Mitchell Town would be proud. I am sure they are.”

As Thompson's career continues to soar, his mother dreams of even greater accomplishments. “If he came back home with an Olympic gold medal? Oh my God! I would be so proud of him. I would be so elated.”

Thompson, who has a twin brother, has always had the support of his family and community. Now, as a national champion, he stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of dreams. His journey from Mitchell Town to the national stage is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration to young athletes across Jamaica.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ackelia Smith, the standout 2024 NCAA long and triple jump champion, is channeling the lessons learned from last year’s World Championships in Budapest as she eyes the Paris Olympic Games. After recovery from serious injury early on in the season, her recent performance at the Jamaica National Championships, where she potentially qualified for both events, underscores her steely determination.

Her achievements at the Jamaica National Championships, including winning the long jump with 6.53m and placing second in the triple jump with 14.44m, further demonstrated her ability to bounce back. Although short of the Olympic standards of 6.86m and 14.55m, Smith’s season-best performances of 6.79m (with an indoor jump of 6.85m) and 14.52m at the NCAA Championships, have earned her rankings of 21st in the long jump and 23rd in the triple jump, respectively. This means the University of Texas graduate, who recently signed a professional contract with Puma, is on track to compete in Paris.

In March, Smith faced a significant hurdle when she suffered a hamstring injury, with doctors predicting a six to eight-week recovery. Defying expectations, she returned in early May to win both the long and triple jumps at the Texas Invitational with wind-aided marks of 7.10m and 13.51m. “That injury that I had was a hamstring tear. That has definitely healed. Being in explosive events, I try to stay as technical as I can. I am not perfect but I try to be as close to it as possible and make sure I work on my recovery, and always do my treatments. You have got to take care of your body so you can come back and do that every day,” she said.

However, injury has not been her only challenge. At the Budapest World Championships in 2023, a massive leap deemed a foul prevented her from advancing to the final. Reflecting on the setback, Smith shared, “It was a big jump; it was very frustrating because as a young athlete this is your time and going in with the world lead, I really wanted to make the final. But sometimes what you plan is not what you get but it was a lesson and I have learned from it. I kind of left it late and now I know that if I am going to do it I have got to get it out of the way early.”

Balancing a rigorous training schedule with the demands of a competitive season, Smith is preparing for the challenges ahead. Drawing on her experiences from two World Championships, she and her coach have fine-tuned their training to peak at the right time. “You know, I’ve already been to two World Championships and those were later on in August after having a whole NCAA season. I use those as experience, me and my coach, and we say ‘Okay, we need to adjust training, we need to address everything else around it and the goal itself is the Olympics,’” Smith explained. “Even though we have the nationals, the NCAAs, and all that, I think my coach was like, ‘You’ve got to be ready for the Olympics.’”

As she prepares for the biggest event of her life, Smith plans to participate in more competitions to fine-tune her skills and honour her country. Her journey is not only about personal success but also about inspiring the next generation of athletes. “It’s really great but I think even better it is for the young athletes coming up because they think they have to choose one,” Smith emphasized. “Making it in both shows that you don’t have to; once you qualify you can just perform, and you can do good and you can make it in both.”

The 2024 BET Awards, held on June 30 at The Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, was a night filled with stellar performances and memorable moments. One standout segment was Lauryn Hill’s spiritual, Caribbean-inspired set that closed the show, leaving the audience on their feet. Hill's performance, adorned in the vibrant green, black, and gold colors of Jamaica, resonated deeply with viewers and attendees alike.

Among those captivated by Hill’s performance was none other than former Jamaican shot putter and 2008 Olympian Zara Northover. Known for her motivational speeches and event hosting, Northover has continued to inspire both nationally and internationally. She recently officiated the wedding of four-time gold medalist Aleen Bailey in November 2023, further cementing her presence in the sports community.

Track historians and sharp-eyed viewers noticed Northover seated in the second row behind social media personality Jordon Howlett. The moment gained an amusing twist when BET host Taraji P. Henson mistakenly honored Howlett with a rose, thinking he was the American food critic Keith Lee. Cameras caught Northover vibing to Lauryn Hill’s music, showcasing her enduring charisma and infectious energy.

Peaches Roach Findley, a former Jamaican high jumper and recent Iowa Hall of Famer, shared her excitement about her best friend's appearance. "When Zara told me she was selected to go to the BET Awards, I watched the night away knowing that the BET Awards camera would find Zara Northover," Roach Findley said. "She has always had a light you can’t deny but notice."

Northover, who owns Moving in Faith, LLC, continues to support and uplift athletes along their journeys. She expressed her excitement about her longtime friend Chelsea Hammond finally receiving her Bronze Medal from the 2008 Olympic Games, where they both competed.

Zara Northover’s presence at the BET Awards highlighted her enduring influence and celebrated her contributions both on and off the field, as she remains a beacon of inspiration within the athletic community.

NCAA champions Nickisha Pryce and Ackelia Smith have signed professional contracts with global sportswear giant Puma. This news was confirmed by their representative, Henry Rolle, to Sportsmax.TV, marking the beginning of a new chapter for these outstanding athletes.

Pryce, who has had an extraordinary season, set a new national record of 48.89 seconds at the NCAA National Division I Championships in Oregon, representing the University of Arkansas in early June. This stunning performance shattered Lorraine Fenton's two-decade-old national record of 49.30 seconds and made Pryce the first Jamaican woman to dip below 49 seconds in the 400m.

Pryce, who turned 23 last March, continued her dominance by securing her second national title at the Jamaica National Championships last weekend, clocking in at 50.01 seconds. She is now gearing up for her next big challenge at the Diamond League meeting in London on July 20.

Smith, 22, also had an impressive showing at the NCAA National Division I Championships in Oregon, where she represented the University of Texas at Austin. Smith achieved a rare feat by completing a long jump/triple jump double. She then carried this momentum into the Jamaica National Championships, winning the long jump with a leap of 6.53m and finishing second in the triple jump with a distance of 14.44m, just behind six-time national champion Shanieka Ricketts, who jumped 14.53m.

Both athletes have shown exceptional promise and consistency, making them valuable additions to Puma's roster of elite athletes. As they transition into their professional careers, the support and resources provided by Puma will be crucial in helping them reach new heights and achieve their goals on the global stage.

 

Despite not being at peak fitness, Janieve Russell was determined to secure a place on Jamaica’s team to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, and so the 400m hurdler knew she had to demonstrate resilience and tenacity to achieve the feat.

In fact, Russell’s second-place performance at the JAAA National Senior Championships this past weekend was a testament to her unyielding spirit, as she soared above her injury concerns with precision and speed, crossing the finish line in 53.33s –a time that marked her fastest ever run at the National Stadium. Rushell Clayton won in a brisk 52.51s, with Shiann Salmon (53.71s) in third.

Having had her season fraught with challenges and injuries, raising doubts about her ability to compete at her usual high standards, Russell believes her performance dispelled any doubts about her readiness to compete on the world stage.

“I am a very strong-willed person, so I came in determined to punch my ticket to Paris and I did that so I am really grateful. I have a good support team in terms of family and friends and of course, I have to give God thanks because my faith has been carrying me through,” a jubilant Russell said after catching her breath.

“This is also a confidence booster for me because it is the fastest I’ve ever ran in Jamaica and the other competitors can say the same. So this was the first phase, make the team to Paris, now, it's all about staying healthy and continuing to train hard so I can be healthy enough to challenge for a medal at the Olympics,” she added.

With a focused mindset and an unwavering determination, Russell, a multiple Commonwealth Games gold medallist and World Championships relay silver medallist, has shown that once healthy, she is a force to be reckoned with.

The 30-year-old's performance is particularly inspiring given the high level of competition she faced at the National Championships, and her ability to push through physical pain and still deliver a top-notch performance is a testament to her mental strength and athletic prowess.

“It feels really great to know that I am now on my way to Paris, I'm already considering myself a three-time Olympian, which is really a wonderful feeling. So, I just have to give God thanks because trust me, my journey has been a rocky one, I am not 100% in terms of fitness, so I basically came out here with guts and faith to achieve this objective,” Russell, who was a part of the bronze medal-winning 4x400m relay team at the 2020 Tokyo Games, declared.

“So it is very satisfying because the injury that I have is a really serious that I competed with. I have a crack bone in my heel, so to come out here and to run against a fine field of ladies, I'm really, really happy because I was lined up with medalists at World Championship, medalists at Commonwealth, NACAC, finalists at World Championships, so again, it's really good feeling knowing I’m on my way to another Olympic Games,” she noted.

As she looks ahead to the Paris Olympics, where she is expected to also face the likes of Dutchwoman Femke Bol and American World record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Russell is more motivated than ever. Her recent performance has reinforced her belief in her capabilities and her potential to possibly stand on the Olympic podium.

“The goal and expectation is just to remain healthy and as long as I am healthy and fit then I know I can vie for a medal for Jamaica in Paris. This performance has shown me that I'm on the right track, and I just need to keep pushing forward,” Russell ended.

 JAAA Vice President Ian Forbes has expressed his disappointment after the Jamaica 4x400m relay team failed to achieve the qualifying mark for the Olympic Games in Paris. The setback came after the top three finishers in the 400m at the National Championships and the 400m hurdles champion pulled out at the last minute. The replacements ran a time of 2:59.87, once again falling short of the required time, much to the frustration of fans who had anticipated an easy qualification.

Deandre Watkins, Sean Bailey, and Jevaughn Powell, who ran impressive times of 44.48, 44.65, and 44.79 respectively in the 400m finals on Friday night, were expected to secure the qualification. Additionally, Malik James King, who clocked a lifetime best of 47.42 in the 400m hurdles, was also anticipated to contribute to the effort. However, their last-minute withdrawals left the team scrambling for replacements.

“We were most disappointed with respect to these late withdrawals,” Forbes told Sportsmax.TV. “It is my personal feeling that if one of the top three had come, we would have made the qualifying mark. It is very distressing when we thought we had persons ready and rearing to run for their country. These late withdrawals hit us hard. It must be remembered that the top 16 were advanced to the semi-final to facilitate this based on the suggestion of one of the athletes, and we took it on board. So, it’s most disappointing.”

Forbes highlighted the extensive preparations made to ensure the athletes were in optimal condition for the relay. Meetings with the athletes, coaches, and agents prior to the start of the National Championships led to the top 16 runners being advanced to the semi-finals, with heats and semi-finals run on Thursday and the finals on Friday night. This schedule was designed to give the runners ample time to recuperate before the 4x400m relay, which was scheduled for 8:05 pm on Sunday. The athletes were provided with hotel rooms for adequate rest and transportation. Additionally, two companies had put up JMD$1 million as an incentive for the runners should they achieve the qualification time.

“And I am not saying if one had an issue, particularly a potential injury or a niggle, they should have competed. But I find it a little off-putting that at least three of our top athletes did not participate, and the withdrawals, some of them were so very late, minutes before the start. I find it most distressing,” Forbes added. “We did it in good faith. I think maybe we should have them sign a contract. We did it in good faith because they are our athletes, and we figured there would be some amount of commitment to the cause in terms of advancing the country to the top 16. It is not good.”

Forbes noted that no explanations had been provided by the athletes for their late withdrawals. “We need to have a pow-wow to look at what really transpired because the information from the coaches was very fast, things moved very quickly, so we haven’t gathered all the information. But it was most distressing that at the last minute, persons were pulling out.”

Despite the setback, Forbes commended the efforts of Reheem Hayles, Tarees Rhoden, Kimar Farquharson, and Zandrian Barnes, who stepped up to compete. “I must pause to commend the ones who stepped up and gave it their all. They really tried,” he said.

The team, Jamaica Gold, which should have included national champion Deandre Watkins, Sean Bailey, Jevaughn Powell, and 400m hurdles champion Malik-James King, fell short of the qualification mark, leaving fans and officials angered and disheartened.

2016 Olympic champion Omar McLeod is considering stepping away from the 110m hurdles to focus on the 100m sprint, citing a loss of passion for the hurdles despite a remarkable career that saw him clinch major titles early on. In an interview with Sportsmax.TV, McLeod shared his mixed feelings after narrowly missing out on making Jamaica’s team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite running a season's best time in the final of the 110m hurdles at the Jamaica National Championships on Sunday.

McLeod clocked 13.22 seconds in a tightly contested final, finishing fifth behind Rasheed Broadbell (13.18), Orlando Bennett (13.18), and defending Olympic champion Hansle Parchment (13.19). Tyler Mason also posted 13.22, highlighting the depth of talent in Jamaica's sprint hurdles scene, with only 0.04 seconds separating the top five finishers.

Reflecting on his performance, McLeod said, “I am overjoyed, to be honest. I gave myself a fighting chance to come out here and make the finals. I knew what I was walking into; like I said last night (Saturday), this race was going to be electric, and I was very excited to race with Parchment and Broadbell and these guys again competitively.”

Despite his joy, McLeod expressed a deep sense of personal struggle over the past few years, during which he failed to qualify for the team to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and the World Championships in Oregon in 2022. He did not compete in the trials in 2023. “I think you know what I have been through over the years and how hard I had to fight to really get back into this situation, and I have never felt this happy and this amount of joy in a long time,” he said, fighting back tears. “So, the fact that I am here and I had a season best is a win. It’s a win in so many ways, and I can’t even explain it.”

At 30, McLeod feels he has accomplished all he needs to in the sprint hurdles, having won the Olympic title in 2016 and the World Indoor and Outdoor titles in 2017. Looking ahead, he is seeking new challenges. “Maybe not hurdles, because to be honest, I fell out of love with hurdles because I’ve won everything in hurdles at a young age, and it was very hard to find motivation for hurdles," McLeod explained. "Especially knowing that I have the talent for other events, and I really wanted to explore that over my career. I want to give myself a chance to do that. This was to give my shot again for the hurdles, but I think moving forward, I think I am going to step down to something that my heart wants, which is to sprint.”

McLeod boasts a personal best of 9.99 seconds in the 100m, making him the first man in history to run under 10 seconds in the 100m and under 13 seconds in the sprint hurdles. “You’ve seen the indoors and the progression that I’ve had over the years, so it’s there. I have always known that, but I’ve never gotten the opportunity and the chance to really explore that, and I really want that for myself.”

McLeod’s journey over the past few years has taken him to Italy, where he has found a renewed sense of purpose and joy under the guidance of Coach Marco Airale, who also trains fellow Jamaican Britany Anderson and British sprinter Daryll Neita. “I found a new life. I wanted to give myself a bright new start, and I knew I wanted to be around familiar faces and people that I really adore, and that would make it easier. I took the risk, and I took the blind faith, and I fell in love with the place. I found friends there, I found a community, I found family, and I am enjoying it thoroughly,” McLeod shared.

 As McLeod contemplates his next steps, his focus is on pursuing what his heart desires, aiming to make his mark in the 100m sprint while cherishing the new life he has found in Italy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Hurricane Beryl barreling towards Jamaica and expected to make landfall later this week, the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) is proactively looking at ways to mitigate potential disruptions to the training programmes of Olympic athletes.

The athletes, who secured their spots on Jamaica's team for the 2024 Paris Olympics just this past weekend, face the looming threat of the hurricane's strong winds, which exceed 100 kph. These conditions could lead to blockages on roadways and significant damage to training sites, hampering the athletes' final preparations for the global competition, which kicks off in just over three weeks.

JAAA Vice President Ian Forbes spoke to Sportsmax.TV about the association's plans to address any significant disruptions caused by the hurricane. "One has to try forecast and plan ahead as best as possible," Forbes said. "A lot of that would possibly be done on a case-by-case basis, so in terms of contingencies, we have facilities. Once they are accessible, they will be allowed full access, the main one being the National Stadium for the locals and even some of the overseas athletes who might, for want of a better term, be trapped here because of the inclement weather. So certainly, full access would be granted."

Forbes also mentioned other potential sites that could be utilized to ensure the athletes' training is not compromised. "There are some other sites that could be called upon to facilitate, for example, GC Foster College, possibly UWI, Jamaica College, Calabar, and Kingston College, those places with synthetic surfaces."

The discussions within the JAAA are still in the preliminary stages, with a meeting scheduled soon to address all these issues comprehensively. "We are going to be meeting in a little while so all those issues will be addressed," Forbes added.

The association's contingency measures are geared towards providing the best possible support to the nation's athletes as they gear up for one of the most significant sporting events in the world.

 

 

 

 

Louisiana State University (LSU) has secured the services of Vincentian 200m and 400m runner Amal Glasgow ahead of the next NCAA Track & Field season, the school announced on social media last week.

The 19-year-old former Kingston College standout had the best season of his young career in 2024.

He secured a pair of medals at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships in March, winning silver in the Class One 400m in 46.85 before going one better in the 200m with 21.22, a personal best.

At the JAAA Olympic French Foray #3 on June 15, Glasgow established a new personal best 46.13 in the 400m.

Glasgow, who is also a two-time 400m bronze medallist at the CARIFTA Games, will join a number of Caribbean athletes at LSU including the likes on NCAA Indoor 60m champion Brianna Lyston, CARIFTA Games 100m silver medallist Jaiden Reid and NCAA Championship 110m hurdles semi-finalist Jaheim Stern.

“But with God, all things are possible,” Glasgow said on Instagram.

“Without God, the past three years that have been filled with many experiences and journeys would not have happened. A humble beginning from Kingstown to Kingston and now to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As one purple chapter ends, another begins. LSU here I come. Let’s go Tigers,” he added.

Two of the fastest men in history, Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell, have heaped praise on rising star Kishane Thompson following his sensational performances at the Jamaica National Championships on Friday night.

Thompson, who was making his season debut, stunned the athletics world with a series of remarkable times: 9.82 seconds in the preliminaries, 9.84 seconds in the semi-finals, and a jaw-dropping 9.77 seconds in the final, despite trying to slow down towards the end. His efforts secured him a spot at the Paris Olympics and have reignited the hopes of Jamaican sprinting fans.

Blake, the second fastest man of all time with his 9.69 clocking in Lausanne in August 2012, expressed his excitement for Thompson’s future. Blake, who famously ran 9.75 at the 2012 National Championships and 9.69 in Lausanne later that year, sees immense potential in Thompson.

"I think great things are in store for Kishane. That was a big run! I am happy for him and I think he can go all the way and bring Jamaica the gold," Blake said.

Blake's words come with significant weight, given his own storied career. He famously defeated Usain Bolt at the 2012 National Championships and went on to finish second to Bolt at the London Olympics with a time of 9.75 seconds, a performance that remains one of the fastest in history.

Thompson’s performances have not only earned him accolades from legends but have also reignited the passion of Jamaican sprinting fans, who have been longing for a new hero since the retirement of Usain Bolt in 2017 and Powell’s subsequent exit from the track. Severe injuries limited Blake's performance in recent years, but Thompson’s emergence has given fans renewed hope.

In the finals on Friday night, Oblique Seville, who many considered the pre-race favorite, finished second with an impressive 9.82 seconds, while another rising Jamaican sprinter, Ackeem Blake, took third in 9.92 seconds.

Powell, known for his world record-setting runs of 9.77 in Athens in 2005 and 9.74 in Rieti in 2007, also had high praise for Thompson. Powell, who holds the record for the most wind-legal sub-10 second runs, believes Thompson is just getting started.

"Jamaica has been asking for an answer since we retired, and they now have it. Kishane will run faster than 9.77 this year. That’s what I think," Powell stated.

Powell’s confidence in Thompson’s ability to surpass his recent times adds to the anticipation surrounding the young sprinter’s future performances. With his lifetime best of 9.72 and a record 97 wind-legal times under 10 seconds, Powell has set a high standard for Jamaican sprinters, and his endorsement of Thompson signals the arrival of a new era in Jamaican sprinting.

Shericka Jackson successfully defended her national 200m on the final day of the Jamaica National Championships in Kingston on Sunday but it did not come easy.

Jackson, who defended her 100m title on Friday night running a season-best 10.84, held off a strong challenge from Lanae-Tava Thomas and Niesha Burgher both of whom booked their tickets to their first-ever Olympic Games in Paris this summer.

Jackson, the fastest woman alive at 21.41, produced a winning time of 22.29 just ahead of Thomas who clocked 22.34 and Burgher 22.39.

The men race was an equally thrilling affair in which 2023 champion Andrew Hudson was dethroned by rising star Bryan Levell.

Hudson and Levell both exploded from the blocks and came off the curve together battling down the straight towards the line. With a few metres to go, Levell edged ahead to win in a lifetime best of 19.97 with Hudson a close second in 20.02. Both will make their way to France this summer.

Javari Thomas was third but his time of 20.32 is outside the Olympic qualifying standard.

 

In one of the most exciting set of hurdles races ever witnessed at the National Stadium in Kingston, Ackera Nugent and Rasheed Broadbell emerged victorious, claiming national titles on the final day of the 2024 National Championships.

Ackera Nugent, the 2023 NCAA National Division 1 champion, showcased her incredible talents, dominating a talented field of hurdlers to win in a world-leading 12.28 seconds. This impressive time not only earned her the national title but also set a new national record. Nugent's performance has set the stage for her to be a formidable contender at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

World champion Danielle Williams, after several attempts, is finally on her way to her first Olympics, finishing second with a time of 12.53 seconds. Janeek Brown, the 2019 NCAA champion, also secured her spot for her Olympic debut by finishing third with a season’s best of 12.61 seconds.

While the women's race was thrilling, the men's 110m hurdles delivered a heart-stopping spectacle. In one of the closest finishes ever witnessed by Jamaican fans, Rasheed Broadbell was declared the winner with a time of 13.18 seconds, identical to Orlando Bennett, who finished in second place. Defending Olympic champion Hansle Parchment was narrowly edged out, finishing third in 13.19 seconds.

The race was so tightly contested that Tyler Mason finished just 0.03 seconds behind, with a time of 13.22 seconds, the same as the 2012 Olympic champion, who unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to represent Jamaica at another Olympic Games.

The 2024 National Championships in Kingston will be remembered for these remarkable performances, setting the stage for an exciting Olympics with Jamaican hurdlers poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.

 

 

Nickisha Pryce ran away with her second national 400m title on the final day of the Jamaica National Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Sunday.

Pryce, who set a new national record of 48.89 at the NCAA National Division One Championships in Eugene, Oregon in early June booked her ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games winning in 50.01.

Stacey-Ann Williams ran 50.56 for second place with Junelle Bromfield finishing third in 51.24.

 

 

Long jumper Shawn-D Thompson's impressive mark of 8.30m, achieved on Saturday, at the Jamaica National Championships, has been ruled out after lengthy deliberations by a jury of appeal. This decision has significant implications for Thompson's Olympic aspirations, as he is now no longer among the top three finishers and will not be heading to Paris this summer.

Thompson's sixth and final jump of 8.30m had initially placed him in a strong position. However, the jump was ruled a foul, and after being measured, the matter was sent to the jury of appeals. Following their deliberation, the jury decided to dismiss the appeal, thereby disqualifying Thompson's mark.

The ruling has altered the final standings of the competition. Carey McLeod's leap of 8.38m now secures him the first place, while Wayne Pinnock moves up to second with his jump of 8.27m. Tajay Gayle, the 2019 World Champion, who had initially missed out on a top-three finish, will now take third place with his jump of 8.13m.

The decision is a significant blow to Thompson, who had been eyeing a spot at the Paris Olympics. In contrast, it is a fortunate turn for Gayle, who has been one of Jamaica's top performers in the long jump and now gets another opportunity to showcase his talents on the world stage.

Jereem Richards secured his place at the Paris Olympic Games with an impressive victory in the men's 400m at the NAAA National Championships on Saturday. Competing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Richards showcased his prowess, clocking 44.72 seconds to win the event and earn his Olympic berth. His performance was well ahead of his competitors, with Jaden Marchan finishing second in 46.30 seconds and Shakeem McKay taking third in 46.62 seconds.

In the men's javelin, 2012 Olympic gold medallist Keshorn Walcott reaffirmed his dominance with a winning throw of 85.22m. Walcott, who has been a stalwart in the event for Trinidad and Tobago, displayed his experience and skill, ensuring his spot on the Olympic team once again.

The women’s 100m final saw Leah Bertrand of Simplex Athletic Club clinching the title with a time of 11.18 seconds. Sole Frederick, also of Simplex, finished second in 11.43 seconds, while Akilah Lewis of Concorde Athletic Club took third place with 11.50 seconds.

In the men’s 100m final, Devin Augustine emerged victorious with a time of 10.21 seconds. Jonathan Farinha was a close second, clocking 10.23 seconds, and Kion Benjamin finished third in 10.38 seconds.

Tyra Gittens, the lone competitor in the long jump established a mark of 6.47m.

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