Grenada’s javelin bronze medallist Anderson Peters and Jamaica’s 100m hurdles bronze medallist Rasheed Broadbell continued their rich vein of form from the Paris Olympic Games as they secured victories on what was a fairly decent outing for Caribbean athletes at the Wanda Diamond League Meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday.

Peters launched the instrument to a new meet record of 90.61m to better the previous best of 90.16m set by Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott in 2015. The Grenadian stalwart won ahead of India’s Neeraj Chopra (89.49 m), with Germany’s Julian Weber (87.08m) in third.

On the track, Broadbell again demonstrated his class to win the 110m hurdles in 13.10s, upstaging American World and Olympic champion Grant Holloway (13.14s), while compatriot Hansle Parchment (13.23s) closed well for third.

Puerto Rico’s Olympic bronze medallist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn (12.35s) was also in winning form in the women's 100m hurdles, as Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent produced a credible performance on her Diamond League debut for third. Nugent, who failed to finish at the Paris Olympic Games after hitting an obstacle, clocked 12.38s, the same as second-placed American Grace Stark.

Reigning World champion Danielle Williams (12.53s) was fifth.

Puerto Rico's Jasmine Camacho-Quinn won the women's 100m hurdles.

Jamaica’s trio of Rushell Clayton (53.32s), Janieve Russell (54.38s), and Andrenette Knight (54.93s) were second, third, and fourth, respectively, in the women’s 400m hurdles won by Dutchwoman Femke Bol in a new meet record of 52.25s. She lowered her previous best of 52.76s set last year.

Another Jamaican, Tia Clayton (11.10s), placed fifth in the women’s 100m, won by Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith in a season’s best 10.88s. American Tamari Davis (10.97s) and Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji (11.06s) were second and third.

Meanwhile, Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando (19.94s) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards (21.10s), both season’s best times, were fourth and fifth in the men’s 200m. The event was won by Botswana’s Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo in 19.64s, ahead of the American duo of Erriyon Knighton (19.78s) and Fred Kerley (19.86s).

In the women’s 800m, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shafiqua Maloney (1:59.28) and Jamaica’s Natoya Goule-Toppin (1:59.68), were sixth and eighth, respectively, as Kenya’s Olympic bronze medallist Mary Moraa (1:57.91) finished tops. Great Britain’s Georgia Bell (1:58.53) and Jemma Reekie (1:58.73) were second and third, respectively.

Jamaicans Rushell Clayton and Janieve Russell were second and third in the women's 400m hurdles.

Elsewhere in the field, Olympic silver medallist Wayne Pinnock secured Jamaica’s best finish in the long jump as he cut the sand at 8.01m, again finishing behind Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou (8.06m) of Greece, while Switzerland’s Simon Ehammer (7.99m) was third.

The other Jamaican competitors, Tajay Gayle (7.92m) and Carey McLeod (7.82 m), were fourth and seventh, respectively.

Danniel Thomas-Dodd’s struggles continued as she placed fifth in the women’s shot with a best heave of 18.78m. The event was won by American Chase Jackson, who achieved a season’s best mark of 20.64s to top Germany’s Olympic champion Yemisi Ogunleye (19.55m) and Canada’s Sarah Mitton (19.52m).

Jamaica’s Lamara Distin only managed to clear 1.88m for seventh in the women’s high jump, which was won by Urkaine’s Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh at a height of 1.99m. Australia’s Olympic bronze and silver medallists, Eleanor Patterson (1.96m) and Nicola Olyslagers (1.92m), were second and third, respectively.

Jamaica national record holder Ackera Nugent is set to open her Diamond League account at the prestigious Lausanne, Switzerland, event on Thursday, August 22.

Nugent, the second-fastest woman in the world this year over the 100m hurdles and Jamaica's sole finalist at the Paris Olympics Games, is set to face an exceptional field in what promises to be one of the most anticipated races of the meet.

Among her competitors are Olympic bronze medallist Jamine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico and compatriot Danielle Williams.

Nugent, 22, has been a standout athlete this year, capturing the spotlight after a dominant win at the national senior trials in a blistering personal best of 12.28 seconds. The mark is also a new stadium record and the ninth fastest time in history over the distance.

Her notable achievements include reaching the finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she failed to finish after hitting the first hurdle.

Nugent looks forward to making her Diamond League debut.

"I'm incredibly grateful to finally have the opportunity to compete on the Diamond League circuit," Nugent said.

"It's a huge step as I transition into a full-time professional athlete. The Diamond League is where I see myself competing for the foreseeable future, so I’m ready to embrace everything that comes with it," she added.

Nugent is also slated to compete at the Silesia Diamond League in Poland this Sunday, August 25, and the Rome Golden Gala on Friday, August 30.

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the Diamond League meeting in Silesia, Poland, on Sunday, August 25, where Caribbean track and field stars from Jamaica and Barbados will go head-to-head with some of the world's elite athletes. This star-studded event promises to deliver unforgettable performances as the region's top talents seek to assert their dominance on the global stage.

In the men's 110m hurdles, Jamaica's Rasheed Broadbell, the Olympic bronze medalist, and his compatriot Orlando Bennett will face off against the formidable American Olympic champion Grant Holloway. Holloway, a two-time world champion, is known for his explosive speed and technical prowess, but the rising French sensation Sasha Zhoya, who has been making waves on the European circuit, is also in the mix. This highly anticipated race is set to be a highlight of the meet, with Broadbell and Bennett looking to upset the reigning champion.

On the women's side, the 100m hurdles will see a clash of titans as Jamaica's Ackera Nugent, the second-fastest woman in the world this year, takes on a formidable field. Nugent, an Olympic finalist and Jamaican champion, will go up against 2019 World champion Nia Ali, former world record holder Kendra Harrison, and Olympic champion Masai Russell. The stacked lineup guarantees a fierce competition, with Nugent aiming to cement her place among the best.

 In the blue-riband 100m dash, Jamaica's sprinting sensation Kishane Thompson, who holds the fastest time in the world this year at 9.77 seconds, will lead a trio of Jamaican sprinters. Thompson will be joined by Rohan Watson and Ackeem Blake as they take on an all-star cast, including Olympic champion Marcell Lamont Jacobs, American Fred Kerley, and African champion Ferdinand Omanyala. Christian Coleman, the former world champion, is also in the lineup, making this race one of the most anticipated events of the day.

 The women's 100m promises to be equally electrifying, with Jamaica's two-time world champion Danielle Williams set to battle for a spot in the final against American Olympic finalist Grace Stark and French Olympic silver medalist Cyrena Samba-Mayela. With the level of talent on display, this race is poised to be a showstopper.

 In the field events, Jamaica's Rajindra Campbell, the Olympic bronze medalist in the shot put, will face the ultimate test as he goes up against Olympic champion and world record holder Ryan Crouser. The shot put competition is expected to be intense, with Campbell aiming to challenge the seemingly unbeatable Crouser.

 The 400m hurdles will feature Jamaica's Roshawn Clarke and Jaheel Hyde, both Olympic finalists, taking on a strong field that includes Norway's Karsten Warholm, the Olympic silver medalist, and Estonia’s Rasmus Magi. The women's 400m hurdles will see a quartet of Jamaican stars—Rushell Clayton, Shian Salmon, Andrennette Knight, and Janieve Russell—competing against American Olympic silver medalist Anna Cockrell and former world record holder Dalilah Mohammed.

 In the triple jump, Jamaica's Olympic silver medalist Shanieka Ricketts and compatriot Ackelia Smith will face a tough challenge from Cuba’s Laidagmis Povea and American Olympic bronze medalist Jasmine Moore.

 Barbadian star Sada Williams will represent her country in the 400m, where she will take on an exceptional field that includes Olympic gold medalist Marileidy Paulino, silver medalist Salwa Eid Naser, and USA’s rising star Alexis Holmes. The presence of Irish sensation Rhasidat Adeleke adds further intrigue to this already competitive race.

 The meet will close with the women’s 100m dash, featuring Jamaica's Olympic finalists Tia Clayton and Natasha Morrison. They will face off against Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, Ivory Coast’s Marie Jose Ta Lou, and the USA’s Tamari Davis. With so much talent on display, this race promises to be a fitting finale to a day of high-octane athletics.

The 2024 Diamond League resumes with the meeting in Lausanne on August 22 that is set to be a thrilling showcase of elite track and field talent, with three standout Jamaican athletes headlining the event. Two-time world champion and Olympic semi-finalist Danielle Williams, Olympic silver medalist Wayne Pinnock, and Olympic finalist and two-time World Championship bronze medalist Rushell Clayton are all confirmed to compete, bringing their world-class abilities to one of the most prestigious stages in athletics.

In the women’s 100m hurdles, Danielle Williams will face a formidable field that promises to deliver one of the most exciting races of the meet. Williams, who captured the world title in Budapest last year, will go up against Puerto Rican Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, the reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo 2021, and France’s Cyréna Samba-Mayela, who claimed silver in the 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Swiss star Ditaji Kambundji will also be in the mix, adding local flavor to a race that features some of the world’s best.

The men’s long jump is another event that will be packed with talent, as Jamaica’s Wayne Pinnock takes on a star-studded field. Pinnock, fresh off his silver-medal performance at the Paris Olympics, will be looking to challenge the likes of Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou, the double Olympic champion and current world leader in the event. Also in the competition are Italy’s Mattia Furlani and Switzerland’s Simon Ehammer, who placed third and fourth respectively in Paris, setting the stage for a highly competitive showdown.

Rushell Clayton, another Jamaican star, will compete in the women’s 400m hurdles, an event where she has consistently proven her mettle. As a finalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a two-time World Championship bronze medalist, Clayton will be aiming to continue her strong season in Lausanne against some of the best in the world.

The Lausanne Diamond League meeting will also feature a host of other top international athletes. British sprinters Daryll Neita and Dina Asher-Smith, along with Ivorian speedster Marie-Josée Ta Lou, will battle it out in the women’s 100m. In the shot put, reigning Olympic champion Yemisi Ogunleye of Germany and New Zealand’s Maddison-Lee Wesche, the Olympic silver medalist, will go head-to-head. The men’s javelin will see Grenada’s Anderson Peters, and Norway’s Narve Nordas will be a key contender in the 1500m.

In a dramatic and brutal set of semi-final heats on Friday at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas and Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent successfully advanced to the finals of the women’s 100m hurdles. However, the path to the final proved treacherous for many top contenders, as the 2022 world champion Tobi Amusan of Nigeria and Jamaica's two-time world champion Danielle Williams were among those who failed to qualify.

Charlton and Nugent were the Caribbean’s shining lights on a day filled with shocks and surprises. Charlton delivered a strong performance in the opening semi-final heat, finishing second behind the USA’s Grace Stark, who clocked an impressive 12.39. Charlton, the reigning 60m hurdles indoor champion, secured her spot in the final with a time of 12.50. Amusan, the world record holder, could only manage third place in 12.55, which was not fast enough to advance, marking a stunning exit for the Nigerian star.

Jamaica's Williams, who entered the competition with high hopes of adding an Olympic title to her two world championships, endured a disappointing run. Williams struggled throughout her race, clipping several hurdles, and ultimately finished sixth in her heat with a time of 12.82, falling well short of the final.

The second semi-final saw another tough outing for the Caribbean. Charisma Taylor of the Bahamas ran a lifetime best of 12.63 but could only finish third, just behind Nadine Visser of the Netherlands, who clocked 12.43 to take the second automatic qualifying spot. Alaysha Johnson of the USA dominated the heat, winning comfortably in 12.34. Despite Taylor’s personal best, it wasn’t enough to secure a place in the final.

Jamaica’s Janeek Brown, who had made a return to competitive hurdling after a two-year hiatus, struggled in her semi-final. Brown, the 2019 NCAA champion, finished seventh in 12.92, far from her personal best of 12.40 set five years ago, and her Olympic journey ended in disappointment.

The third and final heat was the fastest and most competitive, with reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico laying down a marker with a smooth run to win in 12.35, the quickest time of the round. Masai Russell, the USA champion and world leader with a time of 12.25 earlier this season, finished second in 12.42, just ahead of Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent, who crossed the line in 12.44. Despite finishing third, Nugent’s time was fast enough to secure her a spot in the final, keeping Jamaican hopes alive.

European champion Cyrena Samba-Mayela of France also advanced from this heat, finishing fourth in 12.52, a time that edged out Amusan for the last spot in the final.

With Charlton and Nugent advancing, the stage is set for a thrilling final later on Friday. They will face off against a formidable trio of American hurdlers—Grace Stark, Alaysha Johnson, and Masai Russell—alongside Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, who looks determined to defend her Olympic title. The final promises to be a nail-biting clash, with both Caribbean athletes aiming to defy the odds and secure a place on the podium.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games saw a thrilling start to Day Seven of Track and Field events, with Caribbean stars making a strong impression in the preliminary rounds of the women's 100m hurdles. Jamaica's Ackera Nugent, Danielle Williams, and Janeek Brown, alongside the Bahamas' World Indoor Champion and record holder Devynne Charlton, all advanced to the semi-finals, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.

Nugent, the newly crowned Jamaican champion and national record holder, displayed her prowess by winning the final of five heats in a time of 12.65. Nugent's smooth run ensured her progression to the semi-finals, where she is expected to be a formidable contender for a medal. Charlton of the Bahamas, running in the same heat, also secured her spot in the next round with a strong performance, finishing in 12.71. Grace Stark of the USA was a close third, clocking 12.72.

Williams, a two-time world champion, looked comfortable as she claimed victory in Heat 4 with a time of 12.59. Williams finished well ahead of Ireland’s Sarah Lavin, who crossed the line in 12.73, and Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who recorded 12.81.

Brown, the 2019 NCAA champion, faced a tough challenge in the opening heat but managed to advance by finishing third with a time of 12.84. The heat was won by world record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, who clocked 12.49, with American Alaysha Johnson finishing second in 12.61.

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico posted the fastest time of the round, winning Heat 2 in a blistering 12.42. Camacho-Quinn's dominance left Great Britain’s Cindy Sember (12.72) and Poland’s Pia Skrzysowska (12.82) trailing in her wake.

In Heat 3, American champion Russell and Nadine Visser of the Netherlands finished together in 12.53, with Russell being declared the winner. European champion Cyrena Samba-Mayela of France was right behind them, clocking 12.56.

The stage is now set for a series of mouth-watering duels as these elite hurdlers vie for a place in the final and a shot at Olympic glory.

Ackera Nugent, the newly crowned national 100m hurdles champion and Jamaica's record-holder, continues to dazzle on the track with a stellar performance in the 100m at the Ed Murphy Classic in Tennessee.

The rising star showcased her speed proving she is a force to be reckoned with as she prepares for her Olympic debut in Paris later this month.

In the women's 100m event, Nugent blazed through the heats, clocking an impressive 11.15s to qualify with the fastest time heading into Friday's finals. In the final showdown into a headwind of 0.9m/s, Nugent ran a swift 11.17s, securing a commendable second place behind Nigeria’s Favor Ofili, who won with a time of 11.13 seconds. Liberia’s Maia McCoy finished third, crossing the line in 11.32 seconds.

Nugent's performance is drawing already comparisons to the legendary American Gail Devers, celebrated for her achievements in both the 100m and 100m hurdles. Despite her primary focus being on the hurdles, Nugent expressed satisfaction with her 100m run, stating, "This was just to get a little speed work in before Paris. I'm pleased with my time, considering I'm not specifically training for the 100m. Running 11.1 in the 100m is satisfying. I have a fondness for the event, even though it's not my focus."

Nugent's performance at the Ed Murphy Classic highlights her versatility and potential as she continues her preparation for the Olympics. Her ability to excel in both the hurdles and the 100m sprints adds a dynamic edge to her athletic profile, making her one to watch in Paris.

Adding to the Jamaican contingent's impressive showing, Danielle Williams also demonstrated fine form in the 100m hurdles. The 31-year-old, who will be making her Olympic debut after securing two gold medals and a bronze at the World Championships, finished third with a time of 12.81 seconds. Denisha Cartwright of the Bahamas clocked 12.73 seconds to take second place, while Christina Clemons of the USA won the event in 12.61 seconds.

Jamaican national high jump champion Romaine Beckford warmed up for his Olympic debut in a few weeks with a win at the 2024 Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis on Thursday.

Beckford, the 22-year-old two-time NCAA Champion, produced a winning jump of 2.20m on his only attempt at the height after producing clearances at 2.10m and 2.20m.

He then had three failed attempts at 2.25m after he had done enough to secure victory ahead of American Vernon Turner (2.15m) and Bahamian Shaunie Miller Jr (2.15m).

Elsewhere in the field on Thursday, Chanice Porter produced 6.50m to finish second in the women’s long jump while Bermuda’s Jah-Nhai Perinchief won the men’s triple jump.

The 30-year-old Porter, who will also be representing the nation in Paris, produced 6.50 in the sixth and final round of the competition to move up into the top three.

The competition was won by Nigerian Ruth Usoro with 6.70m while Trinidad & Tobago’s Tyra Gittens was third with 6.35m.

Perinchief produced 16.82m to win the triple jump ahead of Americans Omar Craddock (16.64m) and Chris Bernard (16.30m).

The meet continued on Friday with the track events. Newly crowned national 100m hurdles champion and record holder, Ackera Nugent, ran 11.17 to finish second in the women’s 100m behind Nigeria’s Favor Ofili (11.13). Liberia’s Maia McCoy was third in 11.32.

The women’s sprint hurdles saw Bahamian Denisha Cartwright produce 12.71 for second behind American Christina Clemons (12.61). Jamaican two-time World champion Danielle Williams ran 12.81 in third.

On June 30, at the final day of the Jamaica National Championships held at the National Stadium in Kingston, reigning world 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams secured her place on her first-ever Olympic team with a second-place finish in 12.53 seconds. This achievement comes at the age of 31, after two previous unsuccessful attempts, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Williams, who had set the previous national record of 12.32 seconds in 2019, finished behind Ackera Nugent, who won the event with a new national record of 12.28 seconds. Janeek Brown, who previously held the record before Williams, finished third in a season’s best 12.61 seconds.

When asked by Sportsmax.TV about her emotions on making the Jamaica Olympic team for the first time, Williams expressed her gratitude and humility.

"To be honest, I don’t feel any different. I am happy, I’m blessed to be on the team this time around. God is an on-time God. It is His will for me to be on the team this time; the other two times it wasn’t His will, so I’m just giving Him thanks, staying in the moment, staying grounded; going back to work and gearing up for Paris."

Williams had aimed for a faster time, and her second-place finish in 12.53 seconds was a bit surprising given her current form and expectations.

"I felt I would have gone 12.3 or low 12.4, so 12.53 was a bit surprising given the shape I am in and how I felt, but again, God’s time and not my time, and the time will come. I am just happy to finish in the top three."

Reflecting on her world title victory in Budapest last year, Williams emphasized that her confidence heading into the Jamaican championships came from her ability to trust her body rather than her previous win.

"I have always been confident; winning last year didn’t affect my confidence for this year. The confidence I get is that I can trust my body; my body is not failing me this year. I have been able to stay injury-free, and that is all the confidence I need."

Williams' coach, Lennox Graham, acknowledged that there were areas needing improvement for Williams to perform at her best in Paris. Despite her solid performance, Graham saw room for technical refinement.

"You know me; I will always say yes because I am always striving to get better. She ran 12.46 there earlier in the season with a lot of load, and so I could see why she would believe; she would be running well in practice and running 12.46 loaded when she came for the Jamaica Athletic Invitational, there is no way we wouldn’t believe she would run faster."

Graham pinpointed specific issues during the race that need to be addressed.

"She didn’t have a technically good race and she picked a good time to do it because usually in Jamaica you have a technically bad race you run fourth or fifth so it was fortunate for us that she was 12.53 and second. Ackera Nugent ran a great race, 12.28, anywhere you go and run 12.2 (you do well), so we are not taking anything away from her, but I believe Ants was in shape to run faster than 12.5 for sure."

 The coach identified the final hurdles as a critical area needing improvement.

"She was not happy with the last three hurdles I was not happy with the last five because that was where it started going wrong. It’s not something that is unfixable, it’s something that can be adjusted. At the end of the day, the athlete has to go out there and race. We can see the progress being made in practice, but then you have to go out there and race."

Graham elaborated on the technical aspects that need correction.

"Over the last five hurdles, she was just running. The hurdles is a rhythm race, it’s not just running, so you just have to embrace that and make the necessary corrections to make sure that she stays in rhythm because she went out of rhythm, totally out of rhythm. But it’s a good problem to have; you’re on the team because we have gone in 2016 and 2020 and not made the team."

Reflecting on past disappointments, Graham emphasized the significance of Williams making the team at age 31.

"2016, we were leading and then ran into a hurdle, jumped over it and out of the race. 2020, we ran hard and was fourth. So we missed it twice and to get it at 31 years old is a blessing. We are holding it with both hands and with both legs wrapped around it. Now we are going to try and show up and make ourselves and Jamaica proud. That is our plan."

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.

Day three of the Jamaica National Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday saw some thrilling performances, headlined by Carey McLeod's victory in the men's long jump and Nickisha Pryce's impressive run in the 400m semi-finals.

McLeod clinched the men's long jump title with a leap of 8.38m but the highlight of the event was Shawn-D Thompson's dramatic qualification for the Paris Olympic Games. Thompson, who previously had a personal best of 8.13m from 2019 and a season’s best of 7.93m, saved his best for last. He produced a massive 8.30m effort in the final round, securing second place and a spot on the Olympic team.

Thompson's jump initially seemed to be a foul, but after review, it was deemed valid. His final leap pushed national record holder and two-time World Championships medallist Tajay Gayle out of contention. Wayne Pinnock finished third with an 8.27m effort.

Nickisha Pryce, competing in Jamaica for the first time since setting a national record at the NCAA Championships, dominated the women’s 400m semi-finals. Pryce clocked 49.63 seconds, the fastest time heading into Sunday's final. Pryce, who also set the NCAA record with 48.89 seconds, was the only Jamaican to run under 50.00 seconds on Saturday.

Barbados' Sada Williams posted a season’s best of 49.80 seconds, while Junelle Bromfield achieved a lifetime best of 50.74 seconds, meeting the Olympic qualifying standard. Stacey-Ann Williams ran 50.93 seconds, with veteran Stephenie-Ann McPherson recording her fastest time in two years at 51.10 seconds. Ashley Williams (51.16s), Charokee Young (51.58s), and Shaquena Foote (51.62s) also made it to the final.

The men's 110m hurdles final on Sunday promises a thrilling showdown, with the last two Olympic champions, Hansle Parchment and Omar McLeod, and Commonwealth Games champion Rasheed Broadbell, all qualifying from Saturday’s semi-finals. The trio will compete for the three spots on the Jamaican team for the Olympic Games in August.

The women’s 100m hurdles semi-finals saw World Champion Danielle Williams and Olympic bronze medallist Megan Tapper advancing to Sunday's final. Ackera Nugent led the qualifiers with a season’s best of 12.46 seconds followed by Williams at 12.57 seconds and Tapper, running with a sore hamstring at 12.71 seconds.

Oneka Wilson of Clemson University clocked a personal best of 12.76 seconds, a similar time as Demisha Roswell, while 2019 World Championships finalist Janeek Brown (12.83s) and Amoi Brown (12.86s) also advanced.

Notably, national record holder and World Championships silver medallist Britany Anderson, running in Jamaica for the first time since 2022, failed to get past the semi-finals.

The action-packed day set the stage for an exciting final day of competition on Sunday, with several athletes looking to secure their places for the Paris Olympic Games.

Danielle Williams, the reigning 2023 World Championships gold medallist in the 100m hurdles, is feeling optimistic about her chances of making her first Olympic team following a promising showing at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational in Kingston on Saturday night.

Despite finishing second in the 100m hurdles with a season-best time of 12.46, Williams displayed confidence and determination as she spoke about her performance and her preparations leading up to the national trials at the end of June.

Looking on, it appeared that Williams had an early lead before losing momentum mid-race which allowed world-record holder, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan to surge through to out-lean Williams at the line.

Amusan won in a world-leading 12.40 with the USA’s Christina Clemons finishing third in 12.54.

Williams explained what she believed occurred in the race.

"I didn’t feel like I slowed down in the middle of the race. I touched one of the hurdles which has been my Achilles heel so far," Williams commented. "Still working on it so that was probably what happened but I feel like I was still able to get back the momentum to through to the end. I feel like we’re going in the right direction."

Williams highlighted the importance of being healthy this season, expressing gratitude for her current condition compared to previous years. "Oh, we give God thanks for that because for the past few seasons this time of the year I’ve always been dealing with something," she explained. "So to make it so far and we’re doing very good, we’re managing the injuries, I think we’re in a good spot."

Looking ahead to the upcoming national trials, which are six weeks away, Williams deferred to her coach, Lennox Graham, but emphasized her confidence in her current form. "I don’t necessarily know how close we are," she admitted. "Coach Lennox Graham designed the workouts, I just show up so I don’t know where we are for that but I know we are in very good shape. We’re doing awesome in training, we’re healthy so we’re just giving God glory and thanking Him for bringing us so far and asking Him to carry us for the rest of the way."

The Jamaica Athletics Invitational also witnessed strong performances from other athletes, including Daniel Roberts of the USA, who won the 110m hurdles in 13.17, and Eric Edwards, also from the USA, who finished second with a time of 13.33. Jamaican hurdler Lafranz Campbell secured third place in the event with a time of 13.37.

Dom Rep’s Marileidy Paulino followed up her triumph at the season’s Diamond League opener in Xiamen last week with another victory at the Shanghai Diamond League on Saturday.

The reigning World champion produced 50.89 to win ahead of American Talitha Diggs who ran 51.77 and Bajan two-time World Championship bronze medallist Sada Williams who ran 52.00 in third.

Paulino’s winning streak in the 400m has now stretched to seven races.

It was déjà vu in the women’s 100m hurdles as reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho Quinn just pipped World Indoor 60m hurdles champion and world record holder Devynne Charlton on the line, just as it played out in Xiamen last week.

Camacho-Quinn ran 12.63 compered to Charlton’s 12.64. Two-time World champion Danielle Williams was third in 12.74.

The men’s 110m hurdles saw American Daniel Roberts get his second win in a row to kick off the Diamond League season. His winning time was 13.12, comfortably ahead of Japan’s Shunsuke Izumiya (13.23) and Olympic champion Hansle Parchment’s season’s best 13.26.

The Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino kicked off her 2024 season with a comfortable win in the women’s 400m at the season’s opening Diamond League meet in Xiamen on Saturday.

Paulino, the reigning World champion, ran an easy 50.08 to take the win over Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek (50.29) and the USA’s Britton Wilson (51.26). Barbadian two-time World Championship bronze medallist Sada Williams was fourth in 51.97.

Paulino, who is developing an impressive level of dominance in the event, last lost a 400m race on July 16 last year when she was third at the Silesia Diamond League.

Since then, the 27-year-old has won six races in a row. She was victorious in all three of her individual races at last year’s World Championships in Budapest before winning at both the 2023 Xiamen Diamond League and Prefontaine Classic, which also served as the 2023 Diamond League Final.

The women’s 100m hurdles saw Bahamian newly crowned World Indoor 60m hurdles champion and world record holder Devynne Charlton be narrowly beaten by reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn.

Charlton, as is customary with someone strong in the 60m hurdles, got her usual bullet start but was unable to hold off the fast-finishing Camacho-Quinn in the end. The Puerto Rican’s winning time was a meet record 12.45 while Charlton’s time was 12.49 in second.

France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela, who took silver behind Charlton at this year’s World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, ran a personal best and national record 12.55 in third.

Jamaican two-time World champion Danielle Williams was fourth in a season’s best 12.56.

The men’s sprint hurdles saw reigning Olympic champion Hansle Parchment and Orlando Bennett run 13.33 and 13.58 for sixth and eighth, respectively.

American Daniel Roberts took the win in 13.11 ahead of countryman Cordell Tinch (13.16) and Japan’s Shunsuke Izumiya (13.17).

In the meet’s final race, Jamaican World Indoor bronze medallist Ackeem Blake ran a season’s best 10.20 for third in the men’s 100m. American 2019 World champion Christian Coleman took the win in 10.13 while countryman Fred Kerley, the 2022 World champion, ran 10.17 for second. Jamaica's reigning national champion Rohan Watson ran a season's best 10.27 in fourth.

Track & Field fans around the world will be treated to an exciting clash in the women’s 100m hurdles at the season’s opening Diamond League meet in Xiamen on Saturday.

Jamaica’s two-time World champion, Danielle Williams, will take on newly crowned World Indoor 60m champion and record holder, Devynne Charlton, as well as 2021 Olympic bronze medallist Megan Tapper.

World record holder Tobi Amusan and reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn are also set to line up on Saturday along with Americans Alaysha Johnson and Masai Russell.

The field is completed by Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, 2022 World Indoor champion Cyrena Samba-Mayela and China’s Yanni Wu.

Reigning Olympic champion Hansle Parchment will compete alongside countryman Orlando Bennett in the 110mm hurdles.

Bajan two-time World Championship bronze medallist Sada Williams will line up in the 400m alongside Guyana’s Aliyah Abrams.

Bahamian Anthonique Strachan will take on some of the world’s best in the 200m.

Finally, Jamaica’s World Indoor 60m bronze medallist Ackeem Blake, 2011 World 100m champion Yohan Blake and reigning national 100m champion Rohan Watson will all line up in the 100m against a stacked field including the likes of American world champions Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley.