Roshawn Clarke, one of Jamaica’s most promising young track talents, has achieved a major milestone in his career by signing with Grand Slam Track™, fulfilling a long-held dream of working under the guidance of track legend Michael Johnson. Clarke, who set the World U20 record of 47.34 in the 400m hurdles, joins fellow Jamaicans Rushell Clayton and Ackera Nugent in the newly launched league, becoming one of 37 racers already signed for the inaugural 2025 season.

Clarke’s talent and consistent performances, including his appearance in the 400m hurdles final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, made him an attractive candidate for Grand Slam Track despite his heartbreaking stumble at the final hurdle in Paris. Founder Michael Johnson, speaking at Monday's announcement at the Jamaica Pegasus that Jamaica will host the inaugural meet from April 4-, 2025, praised Clarke, saying, “One of the things for us as a league is finding the new talent, new stars of tomorrow, and Roshawn certainly represents that. As the World U20 record holder, his excellence and what he represents are exactly what we want in our athletes. We are very excited to have Roshawn as one of our first racers.”

 For Clarke, the signing was the realization of a dream he’d held ever since the new track league was announced. “It’s an exciting feeling to be a Grand Slam Track racer,” he said. “Not many people get the opportunity to be one of the best in the world. To be able to sign as a racer… only the fastest, and I’m ranked fifth right now, it’s a great feeling.”

 When his agent, Cubie Seegobin, called with the news, Clarke was overwhelmed with joy. "I was making a lot of noise," Clarke shared, laughing. "I was right next to my mom. I literally parked my car and ran out, pure noise. I had always told my mom that I wanted Grand Slam to sign me. I was at the supermarket when I got the email, and I parked the car and ran!”

 Reflecting on his Olympic final experience, Clarke emphasized the resilience it inspired in him. “The Olympic final, I fell at the last hurdle. That experience made me realize how important it is to stay focused and bounce back. I learned how to gather myself and go again,” he said, underscoring his determination to improve as he prepares for the 2025 season.

The Grand Slam Track format will challenge Clarke in both the 400m and 400m hurdles over four weekends throughout the season, with each Slam weekend including two races. The intense schedule has Clarke and his coach adapting their training to ensure he’s prepared not only for Grand Slam events but for other key competitions throughout the year.

For Clarke, the opportunity to compete among the best while working closely with a track icon like Michael Johnson is the fulfillment of a dream and a testament to his potential on the world stage. Fans can look forward to seeing this rising Jamaican star in action when Grand Slam Track kicks off its inaugural season.

Grand Slam Track™, the new global home of professional track competition, launched earlier this year by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, today officially announced the signings of Jamaican Olympians Ackera Nugent and Roshawn Clarke.

Both athletes competed at the Paris Olympics this past summer, and they will now compete in all four Grand Slam Track™ Slams in 2025, giving fans the chance to see them race on the world stage.

“Ackera and Roshawn are incredible talents who have achieved major success at such a young age,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner.

“Both of them have already made their mark on the global stage, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow in Grand Slam Track™. They represent the next generation of world-class Jamaican competitors, and I know they’re going to bring something special to the league.”

Nugent specializes in the 100m hurdles and is one of Jamaica’s top emerging athletes.

She holds the 2021 World U20 Championship title and set a national record of 12.28 seconds at the 2024 Jamaican Championships.

A rising star, Nugent competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and reached the final of the 100m hurdles. Nugent continued her international season after Paris and lowered her national record to 12.24 seconds at the Rome Diamond League making her the 4th fastest women in the history of the event.

Her progression from U20 champion to global contender has solidified her as one of the brightest young talents in the hurdles.

“For me, it’s all about growth,” said Nugent.

“I’m constantly looking for ways to get better, and Grand Slam Track™ gives me the platform to do just that. Racing at this level, over and over, against the best in the world, is what I’ve always wanted, and I’m ready to see how much more I can achieve.”

Roshawn Clarke, at just 20 years old, has already made a significant mark in the 400m hurdles.

After setting a world U20 record of 47.34 seconds at the 2023 World Championships, he went on to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaching the final.

His rapid rise has earned him recognition as one of Jamaica’s most promising young athletes.

“I like the idea of Grand Slam Track™ because it changes how things usually are in track,” said Clarke.

“I’m ready to jump into this and compete against the best while testing myself. This league gives me that chance. Racing in all four Slams means I’ll have the opportunity to show what I can really do.”

Nugent and Clarke join a stacked roster of talents announced so far in Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Melissa Jefferson, Masai Russell, Quincy Hall, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, Grant Fisher, Josh Kerr, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Nikki Hiltz, Cyrena Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Alison Dos Santos, Ronald Kwemoi, Muzala Samukonga, and Clement Ducos.

Jamaican World under-20 400m record holder Roshawn Clarke is pleased after securing his first win on the Diamond League circuit in Zurich on Thursday.

The former Camperdown High star produced a fast 47.49 to take the win ahead of Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba (47.58) and Estonia’s Rasmus Magi (48.02).

Thursday was Clarke’s fourth Diamond League appearance. He made his debut on the circuit at last year’s edition of the Zurich Diamond League on August 31, 2023.

“It means a lot because I came out here trying to get myself into the Diamond League final so I was trying to rack up as much points as possible and I came out with the win,” he said in a post-race interview with Citius Mag.

“I’m very pleased with my first Diamond League win and it came in Zurich. What better place?”

The 20-year-old was a finalist at the Olympic Games in Paris but unfortunately failed to finish after clipping the eighth then smashing into the ninth hurdle while in a battle with Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos for the bronze medal.

Clarke spoke about using that disappointment as motivation to finish out the season on a strong note.

“Strong-minded. I had disappointment in Paris and that has kept me pushing to make myself even better,” he said.

“I want to come back stronger. I did not finish in the final at the Olympics so I use that as motivation to keep my season going,” he added.

Speaking of finishing out the season strong, Clarke’s winning time on Thursday is the second fastest time of his young career, bettered only by his national record and world junior record 47.34 which he ran in the semi-finals at the World Championships in Budapest last year.

Running a time that fast at this stage of the season on the back of that disappointment in Paris is a sign of Clarke’s mental fortitude that should see him being a medal threat in the event for a long time.

Clarke’s mind will now shift to the Diamond League final in Brussels from September 13 to 14.

“My goal is to go out there, run my race, run as best as possible and try to come out with a personal best in my last race for the season,” he said.

Olympic finalists Roshawn Clarke and Shiann Salmon both produced their best performances of the season in winning efforts at the Zurich Diamond League on Friday.

Clarke, who was a DNF in the Olympic final in Paris last month, ran a season’s best 47.49 to win in a stacked men’s 400m hurdles ahead of Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba (47.58) and Estonia’s Rasmus Magi (48.02).

Salmon, sixth place in the final in Paris, dipped below 53 seconds for the first time in her career with an excellent personal best 52.97 to win ahead of Olympic silver medallist Anna Cockrell (53.17) and Shamier Little (54.07).

Also, among the winners on Friday was Olympic silver medallist Wayne Pinnock who produced a best jump of 8.17m to take top spot over rival and Olympic and World champion Miltiadis Tentoglu (8.02m) and Simon Ehammer (7.98m).

Two-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist Anderson Peters threw 85.72m to take the win in the men’s javelin ahead of Germany’s Julian Weber (85.33m) and Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean (82.69m).

In a much-anticipated Olympic final rematch in the women’s 100m, American Sha’Carri Richardson (10.84) this time secured victory over St. Lucian Olympic champion Julien Alfred (10.88) and British 2019 World 200m champion Dina Asher-Smith (10.89).

Puerto Rican Olympic bronze medallist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn ran 12.36 to win the women's 100m hurdles ahead of Cyrena Samba-Mayela (12.40) and Olympic champion Masai Russell (12.47).

2021 Olympic champion Hansle Parchment ran a season’s best 13.18 for fourth in the men’s 110m hurdles won by Olympic champion Grant Holloway in 12.99. Sasha Zhoya took second in a personal best 13.10 while Freddie Crittenden ran 13.15 in third.

Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic ran a respectable 19.87 for fifth in the men’s 200m. Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo took the win in a fast 19.55, just ahead of American Kenny Bednarek (19.57). Erriyon Knighton ran 19.79 in third while Fred Kerley ran 19.81 in fourth.

The next stop on the Diamond League circuit will be the Diamond League Final in Brussels on September 13 and 14.

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.

A mostly disappointing day for the Caribbean ended in more disappointment at the Paris Olympic Games as Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke and Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands had tough outings in the men’s 400m finals at Stade de France on Friday.

McMaster, who has endured a topsy-turvy season, placed fifth in a season’s best 47.79s, while Clarke, who was up with the front runners at one point, lost his form, clipped obstacles in the closing stages, and failed to finish.

Still, there was some Caribbean connection on the podium, as American gold medal winner Rai Benjamin is the son of former West Indies stalwart Winston Benjamin. The younger Benjamin, who represented Antigua and Barbuda at the youth level, won in a season’s best 46.46s.

He upstaged Norwegian World Record holder Karsten Warholm (47.06s), while Brazil’s Alison dos Santos (47.26s) closed fast to claim bronze.

Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke and the British Virgin Islands’ Kyron McMaster will represent the Caribbean in the final of the Men’s 400m hurdle after successfully getting through the semifinals at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

BVI’s McMaster, who finished fourth at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, will have an opportunity to win his first Olympic medal after running 48.15 to win the second semifinal ahead of Estonia’s Rasmus Magi (48.16), now a finalist for the third successive Olympics.

Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba also made it through to the final out of that semi with 48.20 in third.

Jamaica’s Malik James-King looked set to finish in the top two in that semifinal before clipping the last hurdle and stumbling to seventh in 48.85.

Clarke ran comfortably on his way to 48.34 for second in the third semifinal behind American Rai Benjamin who won in 47.85.

Reigning Olympic champion and world record holder Karsten Warholm (47.67), France’s Clement Ducos (47.85) and 2023 World champion Alison Dos Santos (47.95) qualified from the first semifinal.

Jaheel Hyde ran 50.03 to finish seventh in that first semifinal.

The final is set for Friday at 2:45pm Jamaica Time (3:45pm ECT).

 Jamaica’s national champion Malik James-King, Roshawn Clarke, and Jaheel Hyde have all secured spots in the semi-final round of the 400m hurdles following the preliminary heats on Monday at the Paris Olympics. They will be joined by the British Virgin Islands’ Olympic hopeful Kyron McMaster, marking a strong showing for Caribbean athletes in this event.

James-King, who posted a personal best of 47.42 to win the Jamaican national championships in June, delivered a smooth performance in the heats. He clocked 48.21 to comfortably win the last of five heats, securing his place as an automatic qualifier.

Clarke, who finished second to James-King at the Jamaican trial won Heat Four in a time of 48.17, ensuring his advancement to the semi-finals.

Hyde, competing in the opening heat against gold medal favorite Rai Benjamin, crossed the finish line in second place with a time of 49.08. Benjamin took the heat in an effortless 48.82. McMaster followed closely, securing third place in 49.24 to move on to the next round.

Among the other medal favorites, Norway’s Karsten Warholm emerged as the fastest qualifier for the semi-finals, winning Heat Two in an impressive 47.57. Frenchman Clement Docus achieved a lifetime best of 47.69 to take second place, while Abderrahman Samba of Qatar finished third in 48.85.

In another heat, Estonia’s Rasmus Magi led the pack with a winning time of 48.62, followed by the USA’s CJ Allen, who clocked 48.64. Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, another strong contender for a medal, secured his semi-final spot with a time of 48.85.

 In a spectacular display of speed and strength, Jamaica's champion Nickisha Pryce set a new national record and world-leading time of 48.57 to win the 400m at the London Diamond League meet on Saturday. This remarkable performance comes as Pryce's final race before the Olympic Games, which kick off with the opening ceremony on July 26.

Pryce's incredible run saw her shatter her own national record of 48.89, previously set at the NCAA National Division 1 Championships in June. In a thrilling race, Pryce defeated European champion Natalia Kaczmarek, who also achieved a personal best and set a Polish national record with her time of 48.90. Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands finished third, clocking a personal best of 49.58.

In the men's 400m hurdles, Alison Dos Santos made a strong comeback from his recent defeat in Monaco, winning with a time of 47.18. Jamaica's Roshawn Clarke ran a season's best of 47.63 to secure second place, while Ismail Daudai Abakar of Bahrain finished third with a personal best of 47.72.

The women's 400m hurdles saw Netherlands' Femke Bol, fresh off her new lifetime best of 50.95, a European record, dominate the field. Bol clinched victory with a time of 51.30, while the USA's Shamier Little finished second in 52.78. Jamaica's Rushell Clayton earned third place with a time of 53.24, and her compatriot Andrenette Knight followed closely in fourth, setting a season's best of 53.69.

Nickisha Pryce's record-breaking performance not only cements her status as one of the world's elite sprinters but also sets a formidable tone ahead of the Paris Olympics. As the Games approach, Pryce, along with her fellow Jamaican athletes, is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.

In the world of track and field, the 400m hurdles is an event that combines speed, stamina, and precision. For Jamaica, a nation renowned for its sprinting prowess, achieving excellence in this gruelling discipline has been a long journey.

Winthrop Graham, the former national record holder and Olympic silver medallist, recently expressed his delight and satisfaction in seeing two young Jamaican athletes finally break the 48-second barrier in the 400m hurdles—a milestone he believes was long overdue.

Graham's illustrious career includes setting a national record of 47.63 seconds at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, where he secured a silver medal behind Kevin Young's world record-breaking performance of 46.78 seconds. A year later, at the World Championships in Helsinki, Graham slightly improved his record to 47.60 seconds, earning another silver medal. This record stood unchallenged for three decades, a testament to Graham's remarkable talent and perseverance.

However, the 2023 World Championships in Budapest marked a turning point for Jamaican hurdling. During the semi-finals, Roshawn Clarke smashed Graham's long-standing record, heralding a new era for Jamaica in the event. Less than a year later, Malik James-King joined the elite club of 47-second hurdlers, delivering a stunning lifetime best of 47.42 seconds at the national championships, dethroning Clarke as the reigning champion.

Witnessing these historic performances from the sidelines, Graham was overwhelmed with joy. "I was sitting watching with a big smile," Graham told Sportsmax.TV. "Because, more than anyone else probably, I am absolutely excited to see them performing like that. This was way overdue."

While Clarke finished second to James-King with a time of 48.04 seconds with Jaheel Hyde knocking at the door with a season’s best 48.35, Graham remains confident in Clarke's potential. "For sure, I watched his races last year and I watched his races now and I can tell he is not where he should be but he will get there. I mean, it is still early in the season. Usually, this is the time you start fine-tuning your steps and I can tell he is not exactly where he was last year but you can tell his strength and speed are there, it's just about getting the technique together."

Graham's insights reflect his deep understanding of the sport and his faith in the next generation of Jamaican hurdlers. He believes the fierce competition between James-King and Clarke will drive both athletes to new heights. "It was an absolutely unbelievable finish from Malik James-King to run the time he ran but it is good to have two athletes to push each other. I wish I had that."

Malik James-King's journey to becoming Jamaica's 400m hurdles national champion is a story of grit, determination, and unwavering resolve.

Battling through personal and professional challenges, James-King's triumph at the JAAA National Senior Championships –on his birthday nonetheless –not only secured him a first national title, but also earned him a coveted spot on Jamaica's team to this summer's Paris Olympic Games.

James-King produced a stunning performance to upset the more fancied World Championships finalist Roshawn Clarke and in the process, became the second fastest Jamaican in history with a breathtaking personal best 47.42 seconds. 

The fact that his previous personal best was 48.39s tells the remarkable story of James-King's progress, as he demonstrates that perseverance can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. He is now ranked only behind Roshawn Clarke’s national record 47.34 seconds set at the World Athletics Championships last year.

"It’s been a tough road, there were moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it this far, but I always believed in myself and the process," James-King told SportsMax.TV.

"Once you tell yourself you can do something, then it is very much possible because I honestly came out knowing I was going to run 47. I just wasn't sure if it would be 47 low or high, so I am just going to go back to the drawing board and get my mind more focused because I think I can run faster," he added.

The atmosphere at the National Stadium was electric on Friday as fans eagerly anticipated the men's and women's 100 finals, but James-King celebrating his 25th birthday, had a lot to prove and he delivered in fine style to whet the spectators appetites ahead of the main events.

Though left a bit back in the opening phase of the race, the diminutive athlete surged ahead in the closing stages, each hurdle he cleared was not just a step towards the finish line, but a symbolic overcoming of the hurdles he had faced in life. When he crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in cheers, recognizing the monumental achievement of a new national champion.

James-King bettered Clarke (48.04s), who was overwhelmingly favoured to defend his national title, and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jaheel Hyde (48.35s).

"I didn't panic and I wasn't concerned either (when Clarke and Hyde went out fast). I was actually focusing on clearing each hurdle, so I was just focusing on my lane and my execution and not any of my competitors," James-King declared.

"I know the closing stages of the race is when I am strongest, so I just used that to my advantage and came home strong. I really need to work on the first 200m of my race though, it is a little bit too slow and the other guys are really fast in that period. So I'll be working on that going forward," he noted.

James-King credits much of his National Championships success to the invaluable lessons learned during his maiden Diamond League outing. Competing against some of the best athletes in the world, he gained insights that transformed his approach to the sport. He placed fifth in 49.51s at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. 

Prior to that, he clocked 48.39s to win at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, and 49.09s at the Loas Angeles Grand Prix.

"The Diamond League was a game-changer for me. Competing at that level showed me what it takes to be among the best. The experience taught me about strategy, mental toughness, and the importance of consistency," James-King shared.

The former Calabar stalwart noted that observing and racing against seasoned athletes provided him with a deeper understanding of the nuances of the 400m hurdles. The exposure to different techniques and race strategies, he said was a eye-opener to refine his own approach, leading to improved performance.

"It was kind of scary because it was the first time coming out of my comfort zone, learning that these guys, they don't respect anyone and they're not afraid to run. So the first time running the Diamond League, I was like, they're way faster than me, they're way stronger than me, and they're more focused. 

"When I observe how they warm up, how they do everything, I was like, oh, damn, I'm not doing anything (to be at the level that they are). So I literally came back, talked to my management and support team and they were like, alright, so you know what you need to do. So there was a lot of buckling down, and a lot of focus, and I just came in here and just did what my coach said I could do," James-King revealed.

With a national title now to his credit, the Titans Track Club representative has already shifted focus to the Paris Olympic Games. Securing a spot on Jamaica's Olympic team is a dream come true for the young hurdler, but he is far from complacent.

"Winning the national title is just the beginning. I'm a lot more focused now and this (win) is a big motivation going forward. As I said, I'm not sure what the future holds, but I'm working to go to the finals at the Olympics. My preparation will be a lot more intense, a lot more watching videos of my performances to see where I can improve, and just going back to the joint board to work on strengthening the weak areas of my race," James-King ended.

Malik James-King produced a stunning performance to win his maiden national 400m hurdles title on day two of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.

James-King became the second fastest Jamaican in the history of the event with a massive personal best 47.42, almost a full second faster than his previous personal best of 48.39 done earlier this season, to claim the win.

National and World junior record holder and World Championship finalist Roshawn Clarke ran 48.04 in second while Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jaheel Hyde ran 48.35 for third.

“I just executed my race as best as I could,” James-King said after his stunning performance.

“I was just focusing on how I train, taking every hurdle as they come. I wasn’t really watching anyone and just running my race,” he added.

Regarding the time, James-King said he’s more excited than surprised.

Clarke was happy to get on his first Olympic team.

“The strategy tonight was to execute as best I could, get myself in the top three and make the team and work from there,” he said.

“I wanted to go faster but I made the team so I can’t complain,” he added.

World Championship finalist and national record holder Roshawn Clarke and Malik James-King led all qualifiers to the final of the Men’s 400m hurdles final on day one of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.

James-King, who ran a personal best 48.39 at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational in May, was the fastest qualifier on Thursday with a fast 48.68 to win his semi-final.

Clarke, who finished fourth at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, was the second fastest qualifier with 49.06 to win his semi-final while the third semi-final was won by 2014 National champion Roxroy Cato in 49.48.

The other finalists include Assinie Wilson (49.88), Jaheel Hyde (50.02), Antonio Forbes (50.39), Robin Black (50.45) and Demar Murray (50.54).

The final is scheduled for Friday.

Roshawn Clarke, the World U20 400m hurdles record holder, is brimming with confidence as he gears up for the Velocity Fest meeting at the Ashenheim Stadium at Jamaica College in Kingston this Saturday. Clarke, who shattered Winthrop Graham’s 30-year-old national record of 47.60 with a remarkable time of 47.34 at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, is eyeing a podium finish at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

The 19-year-old sprinter is excited to demonstrate his current form and fitness, hinting at potentially running either the 400m or the 200m at the Velocity Fest meeting. Clarke's recent performances have been promising, with a strong 400m season opener of 46.05 on February 10 and an identical time two weeks later. He has also run a nippy 20.69 over 200m in mid-March.

"I’m running fast. I ran my first race with a personal best as a season-opener. I repeated that exact time again so I am pretty confident, I am being consistent," Clarke shared during launch of the Racers Grand Prix on Tuesday. "I am running the 400m or the 200m this Saturday so I am just going there to enjoy myself and better my season’s best."

Clarke, who will turn 20 on July 1, is determined to lower his national record and challenge the world's top athletes like world-record holder and three-time world champion Karsten Warholm of Norway, the USA’s Rai Benjamin and Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, the 2022 champion. These formidable competitors have all clocked times under 47 seconds in the 400m hurdles.

"In Paris, the big three won’t go any slower than 46 so I am stronger now," Clarke explained. "My speed is very much improved right now, probably if I contest the 200m this weekend I will probably shock myself, again and my coach with how fast I am in training."

With high expectations for himself and a focus on execution, Clarke is poised to make waves and as he fine-tunes his skills at the Velocity Fest meeting, fans and competitors alike eagerly anticipate his performance and potential for achieving new personal milestones. 

Editor's Note: It was erroneously reported that the Velocity Fest meeting on Saturday, April 20 would be held at the National Stadium in Kingston but it, in fact, will be held at the Ashenheim Stadium at Jamaica College.

Celebrated coach and Racers Track Club President Glen Mills says the value of meets such as the Racers Grand Prix cannot be overstated, given the significant role it plays in the development of the country’s young athletes in particular.

Mills’s comments came as he announced the plethora of local and international stars that are expected to set this year’s sixth edition of the Racers Grand Prix alight at the National Stadium on June 1.

Among them is American World champion Noah Lyles, who clocked a superb 19.67s to win the 200m, sharing the spotlight with Jamaica's Shericka Jackson and South African Wayde Van Niekerk last year.

He is set to line up in the men’s 100m on this occasion, alongside rising Jamaican sensation Oblique Seville, World University champion Kadrian Goldson, Great Britain’s World Championships bronze medallist Zharnel Hughes, Canadian Aaron Brown and American Kendal Williams, with two more athletes to be confirmed.

According to Mills, who was instrumental in the decorated career of now-retired Usain Bolt, having young athletes compete on home soil against world class superstars not only drives their development, but also influences positive behavioural changes towards training.

Reigning 400m World champion Antonio Watson is one such example, as he broke the 45-second barrier for the first time on his debut outing at the event last year, and he later followed that up by topping a quality field in Budapest, Hungary. 

“A meet of this level is very important in development of our athletes, and I don't think we can underscore its value in their development as a coach. I can tell you, when we have them competing here in Jamaica against the world and the fans come out and really cheer for them, it makes a difference when they return to the training field,” Mills said during the event’s launch at the Jamaica Pegasus on Tuesday.

“They know and feel the support and the energy and electricity. When that happens, we get better performances on the training track, and as you can see, it goes on to the international stage as well. So, thank you for supporting Racers Grand Prix all and I'm hoping to see everyone on June 1,” he added.

Known globally as Jamaica’s foremost track and field meet credited with showcasing many of Jamaica’s most decorated athletes, Racers Grand Prix, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event, promises an exhilarating demonstration of athletic excellence.

There are 13 events –men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, 400m and 400m hurdles, women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 110m hurdles, as well as the men’s long jump, triple jump and discus throw –to be contested across two-and-a-half hours of scintillating action starting at 7:00pm.

The women's 100m hurdles is headlined by Bahamas’s World Indoor champion Devynne Charlton, and Great Britain’s Cindy Sember, up against Jamaica’s Olympic bronze medallist Megan Tapper and rising Jamaican sensation Ackera Nugent.

For the men’s 110m hurdles, Jamaica’s Olympic champion Hansle Parchment will lead compatriots Damion Thomas and last year’s champion Tyler Mason, against the American duo of Trey Cunningham and Robert Dunning.

World champion Antonio Watson headlines the field for the men’s 400m, which includes Champion Allison and Nigerian NCAA champion Emmanuel Bamidele. Demish Gaye, Zandrion Barnes and Javon Francis, are the other Jamaicans confirmed.

Meanwhile, World Indoor champion Julien Alfred of St Lucia headlines the women’s 100m field, alongside Jamaica’s Alana Reid, Ashanti Moore and World Indoor silver medallist Mikiah Brisco, with four more ladies to be confirmed.

World Championships finalist Roshawn Clarke headlines the men’s 400m hurdles field, while Ireland’s NCAA Champion Rhasidat Adeleke will square off against Jamaica’s Stacy Ann Williams, Candice McLeod, Charokee Young, and Junelle Bromfield in the women’s 400m.

American Will Abbey Steiner and Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards top the list of competitors for the men’s and women’s 200m. In the field, Jamaica’s Jaydon Hibbert and American Will Claye lead the confirmed athletes for the men’s triple jump, while another Jamaican Carey McLeod, and Laquan Nairn of Bahamas, will line up in the long jump, with three more athletes to be confirmed.

Mills explained that they are currently in discussions with several athletes, but is awaiting confirmation before revealing the names.

“We are still five weeks away and so we are still working with athletes to finalise contracts. I can’t call the names as yet, but we can guarantee a meet of the highest level and the best quality athletes worth watching,” Mills noted.

Tickets for the event goes on sale online on May 1, with grandstand finish line valued at $5,000, regular grandstand $3,000, while bleachers tickets have been dropped to $500.