Jamaica’s Christania Williams, Bahamian Wendell Miller, and Shafiqua Maloney of St Vincent and the Grenadines, emerged victorious in their respective events at the 35th International Meeting 'Sport Solidarieta' held at the G. Teghill Stadium in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, on Sunday.

Williams, who was notably absent from the Jamaica National Championships two weeks ago, ran a season’s best of 11.24 seconds to win the women’s 100m in a thrilling photo finish. She edged out the USA's Celera Barnes, who was also credited with the same time. Serena Cole secured third place with a season’s best of 11.26 seconds, just ahead of her MVP Track Club teammate Krystal Sloley, who clocked 11.27 seconds for fourth.

In the men’s 100m, Gary Card was the top Caribbean finisher, placing fourth with a time of 10.39 seconds. The event was won by the USA’s Kendall Williams, who crossed the line in 10.21 seconds.

Bahamas' Wendell Miller delivered a standout performance in the men’s 400m, clocking an impressive 45.67 seconds to claim victory. He finished ahead of Daequan Butler, who posted 46.22 seconds, and Abdelmalik Lahoulou, who achieved a lifetime best of 46.52 seconds for third place.

Shafiqua Maloney continued her preparations for the Paris Olympic Games with a commanding win in the women’s 400m. Representing St Vincent and the Grenadines, Maloney set a meet record with a time of 50.63 seconds, comfortably outpacing her competitors. Jamaica’s Stephenie-Ann McPherson, who plans to retire after the Olympic Games in Paris, finished second in 51.51 seconds. Ama Pipp took third place with a time of 52.17 seconds.

In the men’s 400m hurdles, Yeral Nunez of the Dominican Republic set a meet record, winning the race in 48.58 seconds, further highlighting the level of competition at the event.

Jamaican fitness athlete Kristen McGregor is one step closer to her dream of qualifying for the prestigious Ms. Olympia Contest after securing a silver medal at the Wings of Strength competition in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday night. This impressive finish in the Open Figure Category comes just a week after her fifth-place result at the Mr. Big Evolution Olympia Qualifier in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 7.

McGregor’s journey towards Ms. Olympia qualification has been marked by determination and perseverance. Her performance in Atlanta demonstrated her exceptional form and dedication, moving her up three places from her recent showing in Lisbon and bringing her closer to the ultimate goal of competing in the Ms. Olympia Contest in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 11.

Expressing her excitement and gratitude, McGregor, who won the Ms. Olympia Amateur contest in 2020, shared her joy with fans and supporters. "There is always an end, but there is never a limit. You can do anything you set your mind to with the right support, energy, and system in place. I took home the silver this weekend and I am truly grateful as I am one step closer to my target. Thank you to @themsolympia, @wingsofstrength, and @npc_ifbb_atlantaprosupershow for organizing a great show," McGregor said.

McGregor’s consistent performance and unwavering determination have made her a standout athlete in the fitness world. As she continues her preparations, her focus remains sharp on achieving her dream of competing at Ms. Olympia, the pinnacle of bodybuilding and fitness competitions.

St Lucia's sprint sensation, Julien Alfred, delivered a powerful performance at the Monaco Diamond League meeting on Friday, solidifying her status as a top contender for the 100m medals at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Alfred clinched victory in the women's 100m with an impressive time of 10.85 seconds, finishing ahead of Tamari Davis and Dina Asher-Smith, who both clocked 10.99 seconds.

 Reflecting on her race, Alfred shared, "I was specially prepared today not to make a mistake and to just focus on myself and my own race. I felt great during the race but now my legs hurt a bit because I did a heavy training. Of course, I cannot complain right now, as I am taking home the Diamond League win. I am getting better with each race, I run more relaxed as well. I feel confident. I know that all I need to do is to trust my coach and to trust myself. The coach knows what is best for me. I really love this Monaco crowd and the introduction of the event with the lights. I will get back to practice and just focus for my preparations for Paris."

 Alfred's victory is a clear indication of her growing form and confidence as she heads towards the Olympic Games. Her ability to perform under pressure and continue improving with each race makes her a strong contender for the podium in Paris.

 Cuba's Leyanis Perez Hernandez emerged victorious in the women's triple jump with a leap of 14.96m. She edged out Dominica's Thea LaFond, who jumped 14.87m, and Ukraine's Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk, who recorded 14.81m. Notably, Jamaican athletes Shanieka Ricketts and Ackelia Smith finished fourth and fifth with jumps of 14.67m and 14.30m, respectively.

 Botswana's Letsile Tebogo dominated the men's 200m, winning in 19.87 seconds. Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic finished second in 20.02 seconds, while Uganda's Gracious Tarsis Orogot took third in 20.32 seconds. Matthew Hudson placed fourth with a time of 20.43 seconds.

 In an epic showdown in the men's 400m hurdles, USA's Rai Benjamin triumphed over Olympic champion Karsten Warholm, clocking a blazing 46.67 seconds. Warholm finished a close second in 46.73 seconds, with Brazil's Alison dos Santos taking third in 47.18 seconds. Jamaica's Malik James-King also impressed, running a fast 47.73 seconds despite hitting hurdles nine and 10, which slowed his momentum.

 USA's Quincy Hall delivered a world-leading and lifetime best performance in the men's 400m, winning in a commanding 43.80 seconds. Fellow American Vernon Norwood finished second with a season's best 44.34 seconds, while South Africa's Lythe Pillay took third in 44.58 seconds.

 Rhasidat Adeleke of Ireland was a dominant winner in the women's 400m, clocking 49.17 seconds. Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands finished second with a lifetime best of 49.64 seconds, and Kendall Ellis of the USA took third in 50.39 seconds.

 The Monaco Diamond League meeting showcased some of the world's best athletic talents, setting the stage for an exciting build-up to the Olympic Games in Paris. With performances like Julien Alfred's and others, the anticipation for the upcoming Olympics continues to grow.

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 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."

Jamaican athlete Leford Green will be inducted into the Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) Athletics Hall of Fame this September, celebrating a remarkable collegiate career and outstanding contributions to the university's track and field program. Green, a former student-athlete who excelled both on the track and in the classroom, expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the honor.

"I am overwhelmed. We have been working hard over the years. We have done a lot with regards to Johnson C. Smith and the track and field programme. As a matter of fact, I was Coach (Lennox) Graham's first recruit, so it is just overwhelming that I am being acknowledged for all the efforts and the achievements," Green shared.

These days a Unit Manager at Piedmont Airlines, Green's journey at JCSU began in 2008, where he quickly made a name for himself. In his sophomore year, he was named the 2008-09 CIAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, setting the stage for an illustrious collegiate career. He became the NCAA defending indoor 400m national champion in 2008 and led the JCSU men's track team with standout performances across multiple events. Notably, he set a new Clemson University facility record of 1:03.52 in the 500m during the 2009 indoor season.

Born in the parish of St Mary but raised in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Green earned his second All-American honours for his indoor performance and set a personal best in the 200m with a time of 20.41 seconds, the fastest collegiate time in the nation that year. His prowess extended to the outdoor track as well, where he secured automatic qualifying times for the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships in both the 200m and 400m.

Green's dominance continued at the CIAA Outdoor Championships, where he was named MVP after winning the 200m, 400m hurdles, and placing second in the 400m. His remarkable athletic achievements were matched by his academic excellence, as he maintained a 4.0 GPA in information systems engineering. Green also received the Pettis Norman Award at the JCSU Annual Athletic Banquet, recognizing him as Student-Athlete of the Year.

The pinnacle of Green's collegiate career came in 2011 when he was named NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year. That year, he finished the season undefeated and won the NCAA title in the 400m with a time of 45.74 seconds, outpacing the nearest competitor by a full second. He also won the 400m hurdles at the NCAA meet in 2010 and contributed to JCSU's winning 4x400m relay team and fifth-place 4x100m squad.

Green's impact extended beyond his individual accolades. At his conference meet, he earned 2011 CIAA Male Athlete of the Meet honors after winning the 400m and 400m hurdles, finishing second in the 200m, and running a leg on the Golden Bulls' second-place 4x400m relay team. His efforts earned him the title of Division II Male Track Athlete of the Year in 2010.

Reflecting on his time at JCSU, Green highlighted his freshman year as especially memorable. "My freshman year. It was a transitional period for me and Coach Graham. Freshman year, pretty much won indoors, new to all that stuff and came out national champion in the 400m was exceptional for me so it just showed I could overcome and keep on going further and further."

 Green's achievements extended to the international stage, where he represented Jamaica at the 2012 London Olympics, finishing seventh in the 400m hurdles final. He also competed at the World Athletics Championships in 2011, 2013, and 2015. Additionally, Green won gold in the 400m hurdles for Jamaica at the 2010 and 2011 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Puerto Rico. After graduating, Green continued to contribute to JCSU as an assistant coach, mentoring the next generation of athletes.

Leford Green's induction into the Johnson C. Smith University Athletics Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and excellence both on and off the track. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of student-athletes to strive for greatness.

Jamaican hammer thrower Erica Belvit has expressed her deep disappointment at not making the Jamaican team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite winning at the national championships just over a week ago. Belvit’s winning throw of 68.28m defeated Nayoka Clunis (66.63m) and Marie Forbes (63.14m), who finished second and third, respectively.

However, Clunis, having thrown a season’s best of 71.83m that exceeded the World Athletics 'B' standard of 70.00m, and who is ranked 25th in the world, has been selected for the Olympic team. Belvit, on the other hand, did not meet the B standard and is ranked 57th, rendering her ineligible for selection.

Taking to Instagram, Belvit shared her emotional journey and the challenges she faced this season.

“I don’t really have many words to describe this season other than ‘I tried my best’. Because I did,” Belvit wrote. “I came out of this season a National Champion, but I unfortunately could not put it together to qualify for the Olympics this year.”

The distraught hammer thrower revealed that her season was marred by a car accident just before it began, which resulted in her wearing a neck brace for nearly a month due to nerve issues in her neck and shoulders. Despite these setbacks, she persevered, balancing rest and training in an effort to reach her peak performance. However, time was not on her side.

“I tried so hard to allow my body the rest I could afford while continuing my training to the best of my ability. But the clock was running out and it became clear that my ‘best’ just wasn’t going to be good enough,” she lamented.

Belvit’s emotional struggle was palpable as she described the toll it took on her mental health. “I’ve never really thought of myself as a crier; this season broke that (and me) down for sure. I cried for and grieved this season for weeks; every single day. Woke up, crying. Falling asleep, crying. Before, during, and after trainings, crying. In airports, on planes, crying. Because I love to throw, and I couldn’t fathom that the dream I had to make it to this Olympic Games was dying right in front of me.”

The heartbreak was compounded by her exclusion from Jamaica’s team for the World Championships in Budapest last year, making the missed Olympic opportunity even more painful. “I felt like I needed to get there, especially after not being selected to go to Worlds last year,” she added.

Despite the setback, Belvit expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her journey. “Thank you to everyone who has shown support and love throughout this season and my entire career. Thank you to @wilfredo_dejesus for sticking with me through this season. Thank you to @rskim7296 at @reformpt_natick for your amazing work - I couldn’t have gotten back into competition shape this quickly without you. To the special few who spoke life into me and picked me up when I didn’t have strength, I love you.”

Looking ahead, Belvit remains uncertain about her future but is determined to take time to recover mentally. “I’m not really sure where I go from here; I definitely need some time to get my mental together. Only God knows what’s next,” she concluded.

 Standout fitness athlete Kristen McGregor faced unexpected challenges leading up to the Mr. Big Evolution Olympia Qualifier held in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Competing in the Open Figure Category, she aimed to defend her title from the previous year but ultimately secured a top-five finish out of 24 competitors.

This year’s preparation was a stark contrast to her usual routine. McGregor, who typically trained in Jamaica, found herself in the unfamiliar territory of the United Kingdom. “This competition prep was done in the UK, where this was my first time visiting,” McGregor said. “There was limited access to my resources. I believe now that this may have contributed to my performance or conditioning for the show, meaning my recovery was not the same where I would have gotten my continuous massages and muscle recovery sessions. This was not my usual climate, and my atmosphere was way much different. Nevertheless, I made the best out of my situation.”

Despite these obstacles, McGregor maintained her focus and determination. She entered the competition without specific expectations about her competitors, aiming instead to give her best performance. “The intensity was not much different from last year, to be honest. I had no expectations of who would be there, so I didn’t find nor did I see anyone as most dangerous to my objective. My objective was to retain my title.”

Finishing in the top five left McGregor with mixed emotions. “To be honest, it just means that I finished fifth in the competition. This placement wasn’t expected, but at the end of the day, I would always say the sport is very subjective. You do the best you can do in preparing for it, and yet you go without expectation. At the end, you are left without disappointment knowing that you have done your best and it’s the physique that is displayed.”

Despite not reclaiming her title, McGregor remains grateful for the opportunity to compete. “It doesn’t justify me putting in the work that I have done. However, I am always grateful for the experience to be on stage.”

The Bahamas' quest for a historic first Olympic basketball berth came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, as they fell to Spain 86-78 in the 2024 FIBA Qualifying Finals in Valencia, Spain.

Deandre Ayton, the Portland Trail Blazers' centre, delivered a commendable performance with 17 points on 8-14 shooting, 14 rebounds, and two assists in 36 minutes of play. Ayton's efforts throughout the FIBA Qualifying Tournament in Valencia were notable, as he averaged 19.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 64.2 per cent from the field.

Buddy Hield, recently acquired by the Golden State Warriors, led The Bahamas in scoring during the final with 19 points, while new Philadelphia 76ers signee Eric Gordon contributed 15 points.

For Spain, former Blazer Rudy Fernandez, 39, added nine points, two rebounds, and two assists. Guard Lorenzo Brown was the top scorer for Spain, registering 18 points, including 4-5 shooting from beyond the arc.

Entering the final as underdogs, The Bahamas put up a valiant fight but struggled to recover from a crucial 25-17 second quarter in favour of Spain, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.

Spain's significant free-throw advantage also played a pivotal role, as they shot 23-25 from the charity stripe compared to The Bahamas' 10-13. Additionally, Spain's superior ball handling was evident, winning the turnover battle 15-11.

Despite the loss, The Bahamas showed fight. Ayton's standout performances, coupled with solid contributions from Hield and Gordon, underscore a promising future for Bahamian basketball on the international stage.

The team’s valiant effort in Valencia marks a significant step forward, and while they fell just short of an Olympic berth, the experience gained and the competitive spirit displayed bode well for future international competitions.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has unveiled its formidable team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. The team, comprising over 60 athletes, is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.

Leading the charge is sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who will make her fifth Olympic appearance after debuting in Beijing in 2008. Joining her is newcomer Kishane Thompson, the fastest man in the world this year, who headlines a strong contingent of sprinters that includes Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake. Jamaica's men's 100m team is eager to reclaim Olympic glory after missing out on medals in Tokyo 2020.

The women's sprint squad also features exciting new talent, with Tia Clayton, Lanae-Tava Thomas, and Niesha Burgher making their Olympic debuts. Janeek Brown and Ackera Nugent, both newcomers, are set to compete in the hurdles, adding depth to Jamaica's lineup along with two-time world champion Danielle Williams.

Shericka Jackson, aiming for her individual first Olympic gold, seeks redemption after a missed opportunity in Tokyo. Jackson, along with Thomas, who has shown impressive form this season, and Niesha Burgher will bolster Jamaica's medal prospects in the 200m. Andrew Hudson and Bryan Levell will take on the men's half-lap sprint.

In the field events, NCAA National Division One high jump champion Romaine Beckford makes his Olympic debut. Beckford, who won the NCAA title in June with a season-best 2.27m, hopes to translate his collegiate success to the Olympic stage.

 Lamara Distin will join Beckford in the high jump, representing the women's team.

The team also includes several standout athletes in various disciplines.

In the 400m, Junelle Bromfield, Stacey Ann Williams, and newly minted national record holder Nickisha Pryce will represent the women, with Stephenie Ann McPherson as a reserve. The men's team features Sean Bailey, Deandre Watkin, and Jevaughn Powell, with Rusheen McDonald serving as a reserve.

In middle-distance events, Natoya Goule-Toppin and Adelle Tracey will compete in the 800m, with Tracey also taking on the 1500m. On the men's side, Navasky Anderson will represent Jamaica in the 800m.

The hurdles events will see Janeek Brown, new national record holder Ackera Nugent, and Danielle Williams competing in the women's 100m hurdles, with Megan Tapper as a reserve. The men's 110m hurdles team includes Orlando Bennett, Rasheed Broadbell, and Hansle Parchment, with Tyler Mason as a reserve.

For the 400m hurdles, Rushell Clayton, Shiann Salmon, and Janieve Russell will compete for the women, with Andrenette Knight as a reserve. The men's team includes Roshawn Clarke, Jaheel Hyde, and Malik James-King, with Assinie Wilson as a reserve.

In the long jump, Chanice Porter and Ackelia Smith will represent the women, while Tajay Gayle, Carey McLeod, and Wayne Pinnock will compete for the men.

The triple jump team includes Shanieka Ricketts, Kimberly Williams, and Ackelia Smith for the women, and Jaydon Hibbert and Jordan Scott for the men.

In the discus throw, Samantha Hall will compete for the women, while Roje Stona, Ralford Mullings, and Traves Smikle will represent the men's team, with Fedrick Dacres as a reserve.

In the shot put, Lloydricia Cameron and Danniel Thomas-Dodd will compete for the women, with Rajindra Campbell representing the men. Nayoka Clunis will compete in the hammer throw for the women.

The relay teams feature a strong mix of talent. The women's 4x100m relay team includes Tia Clayton, Shashalee Forbes, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson, with Alana Reid as a reserve. The men's 4x100m relay team consists of Ackeem Blake, Jehlani Gordon, Oblique Seville, and Kishane Thompson, with Jelani Walker as a reserve.

For the women's 4x400m relay, Junelle Bromfield, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Nickisha Pryce, and Stacey Ann Williams will compete, with Ashley Williams as a reserve. The mixed 4x400m relay team includes Andrenette Knight, Charokee Young, Zandrian Barnes, and Raheem Hayles, with Stephenie Ann McPherson and Kimar Farquharson as reserves.

The selection of relay teams will be at the discretion of the Technical Leader and his team. With a mix of experienced athletes and emerging stars, Jamaica's team is set to make a significant impact at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Romaine Beckford, the NCAA National Division One high jump champion, is nervously awaiting the announcement of Jamaica's team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, set to be revealed on Monday. Despite finishing fourth at the national championships last week, Beckford remains the highest-ranked Jamaican high jumper this season, courtesy of his impressive 2.27m clearance at last month's NCAA Division One Championsips.

With the Olympic standard for the high jump being 2.33m and the quota set at 32 for the event, Beckford’s 2.27m has him ranked 32^nd in the world.

Beckford's season has been noteworthy, marked by a standout performance in June when he cleared 2.27m to win the NCAA National Division 1 title. In May, he also won the SEC title for the University of Arkansas with a 2.22m jump. However, at the Jamaican national championships, things did not go as planned. He finished behind newly crowned champion Lushane Wilson (2.25m), Christoff Bryan (2.25m), and Raymond Richard (2.20m), managing only to clear 2.20m.

Reflecting on his performance, Beckford said, "Everything felt good until the 2.25m bar. I prayed before the competition. I cannot complain. I pretty much had, I wouldn’t say a perfect season but a great season before coming to this meet. I can't doubt myself, I can't beat myself up. I wanted to defend my title or jump better than what I did. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but I can't stay on this. I have to move forward and, hopefully, Jamaica will take me to the Olympics."

With Jamaica expected to name more than 60 athletes for the Paris Olympics, Beckford is keeping his fingers crossed. Despite his national championship setback, his season-best 2.27m places him right on the bubble in the World Athletics global rankings, making him a candidate for Olympic selection.

Beckford attributes some of his recent struggles to technical issues in his approach. "The approach is the main thing that we need to work on, and that was one of the factors that was giving me problems at 2.25m because the bounce and strength and everything was there; it’s just a little technical issue," he explained.

However, Beckford remains optimistic even if he is more than a bit nervous. "But it's nothing to worry about, Jermaine Beckford will always find a way, and it’s just for me to go back to the drawing board, remain focused and stay calm," he said confidently.

At the Paris Diamond League meeting on Sunday, Marileidy Paulino and Malik James-King both secured podium finishes, displaying their exceptional form just weeks before the start of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

 Paulino, the reigning world champion, continued her dominance in the 400m. Although she fell short of her goal to break the 48-second barrier, Paulino's performance was nothing short of impressive. She won the 400m with a season's best time of 49.20 seconds, pulling away from Poland's Natalia Kaczmarek, who finished second in 49.82 seconds, and Salwa Eid Naser, the 2019 World Champion, who took third with the same time. Despite not achieving her target, Paulino's victory reaffirmed her readiness to contend for Olympic gold in Paris.

Speaking at the pre-meet press conference on Saturday, Paulino had expressed her desire to run under 49 seconds. "I feel very well prepared. My main ambition is to do the best possible time and to have an optimal race execution. For me, a time of 48'' would be ideal," she said. Her performance on Sunday, while just shy of this mark.

Meanwhile, James-King, fresh off his massive personal best at the Jamaica National Championships, delivered another remarkable performance in the 400m hurdles. Arriving in Paris only 12 hours before the race, James-King clocked an impressive 48.37 seconds to secure third place. This follows his stunning victory in Kingston, where he dethroned national record holder Roshawn Clarke with a lifetime best of 47.42 seconds.

Brazil's Alison dos Santos, the pre-race favorite, won the 400m hurdles in 47.78 seconds, followed by Estonia's Rasmus Magi, who finished second in 47.95 seconds. James-King's podium finish against such a competitive field highlighted his potential for further success on the international stage.

The Paris Diamond League meeting was packed with thrilling performances, including a world record in the women's high jump and a world-leading time in a sensational 800m race. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati topped the 800m with a lifetime best, world lead, and national record of 1:41.56. He narrowly edged out Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who ran a lifetime best of 1:41.58, and Frenchman Gabriel Tual, who set a national record and lifetime best of 1:41.61. The depth of competition was evident, with the next three runners all finishing under 1:43 and achieving personal bests.

One of the highlights of the meet came in the women’s high jump, where Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh broke Stefka Kostadinova’s long-standing world record of 2.09m, set in 1987. Mahuchikh, facing strong competition from world indoor champion Nicola Olyaslagers, who had matched her at 2.01m, went on to clear 2.03m and then 2.07m before soaring to a new world record of 2.10m, surpassing her own meet record and world lead of 2.04m.

Serbia Angelina Topic set a new national record of 1.98 for third.

Notably, Jamaica’s Lamara Distin was fourth with 1.95.

The other came in the 1500m where Faith Kipyegon broke her own the 1500m world record running an incredible 3:49.04 eclipsing her previous mark of 3:49.11 set last year. She dragged the field to outstanding performances with Australia’s Jessica Hull benefitting the most with a new lifetime best of 3:50.83, an Area Record. Laura Muir of Great Britain was third in a new personal best and national record of 3:53.79.

The next five runners all ran personal best times as the meet came to its conclusion.

As the penultimate Diamond League meet before the Olympics, the performances in Paris have set the stage for an exciting and highly competitive Games. 

Last Sunday at the Jamaica National Championships, Stacey-Ann Williams secured her spot as the runner-up in the 400m, earning her place on the Jamaican Olympic team for the first time as an individual competitor. After missing out for three consecutive years, Williams expressed immense joy and relief at finally achieving this milestone.

Reflecting on her journey, Williams shared, "This is my first individual Olympic team. I’ve been in fourth position for like three years. Last year I had an injury, so I’m happy and excited." Her perseverance and dedication have paid off, and she is now set to represent Jamaica on the grand stage of the Paris Olympics.

Williams clocked a season-best time of 50.56 seconds at the championships, inching closer to breaking the coveted 50-second barrier. She remains optimistic about her chances, stating, "I feel like it’s 100 percent possible. The aim was to make top three and, honestly, once it was top three that’s all that matters, for now." With her sights set on further improvement, Williams is determined to get even faster in time for Paris.

In addition to her individual ambitions, Williams is excited about Jamaica’s prospects in the 4x400m relay. She believes that the team, comprising herself, national champion Nickisha Pryce (50.01), and third-place finisher Junelle Bromfield (51.24), has a bright future ahead. "The future is very bright for the quarter-milers, finally. I am excited to be on the 4x400m with these ladies. It’s just exciting overall," she shared enthusiastically.

When asked about the possibility of winning medals in both her individual event and the relay, Williams responded, "I am, but I feel like for the 4x400m, we don’t know what colour yet. I think we will have to wait until Paris to know what colour it is." Her confidence in the relay team's potential is palpable, and she remains hopeful that they will be among the medals in Paris this summer.

Claude Bryan, the agent representing World Championships 400m finalist Sean Bailey, has strongly refuted statements made by JAAA Vice President Ian Forbes regarding the last-minute withdrawal of top athletes from the 4x400m relay at the Jamaica National Championships on Sunday night. Bryan clarified that his athlete had provided an explanation for his withdrawal, contrary to Forbes' claims.

Forbes had stated that none of the top three finishers in the 400m—Deandre Watkin (44.48), Bailey (44.65), and Jevaughn Powell (44.79)—nor the 400m hurdles champion Malik James-King, who were expected to run in the relay, offered any explanation for their decision to pull out. The relay was crucial for Jamaica's last-ditch effort to qualify for the 4x400m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, needing a time of 2:59.12 to secure a spot among the top 16 teams in the world.

In a response to Forbes' statements published by Sportsmax.TV, Bryan set the record straight, emphasizing the communication efforts made by Bailey and his team.

"For the JAAA VP to say that 'no explanations had been provided by the athletes for their late withdrawals' is wholly inaccurate," Bryan stated. "Sean Bailey’s physio, Sean Bailey, and myself went and spoke directly with Coach (Maurice) Wilson about his issue. Further to that, out of respect for the JAAA, an email was sent early on Monday morning detailing what had transpired, and said email was acknowledged by the JAAA."

Bailey had been experiencing discomfort in his hamstrings, and the decision to withdraw was made to prevent potential injury, which could jeopardize his chances of winning an individual medal in the 400m at the Olympic Games.

Speaking with Sportsmax.TV earlier this week, Forbes expressed his disappointment with the late withdrawals, noting the extensive preparations made to ensure the athletes were in optimal condition for the relay. "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," Forbes said.

To ensure the athletes were ready, meetings with athletes, coaches, and agents were held before the National Championships. On the recommendation of the athletes, the top 16 runners advanced to the semi-finals, with heats and semi-finals run on Thursday and the finals on Friday night. This schedule aimed to give the runners ample time to recuperate before the 4x400m relay, scheduled for 8:05 pm on Sunday. The athletes were also provided with hotel rooms for adequate rest and transportation. Additionally, two companies had put up JMD$1 million as an incentive for the runners to achieve the qualification time.

Despite the last-minute changes, four other athletes—Raheem Hayles, Zandrian Barnes, Tarees Rhoden, and Kimar Farquharson—stepped in to run the relay. They clocked a time of 2:59.87, which was just shy of the required time for Olympic qualification.

Bryan's clarification aims to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the athlete he represents.

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.