World Athletics has officially ratified Jaydon Hibbert’s world U20 triple jump record of 17.66m, achieved on July 21, 2023, at the Herculis meet in Monaco. The Jamaican standout set the record at just 18 years old, surpassing his previous best of 17.54m set in Albuquerque earlier that year on March 11.

Notably, Hibbert's mark of 17.87m set at the SEC Championships in May 2023, was not the mark ratified by World Athletics.

Hibbert’s leap of 17.66m was one of three U20 world records recently ratified by World Athletics, alongside impressive marks in the women’s 5000m and javelin events. Medina Eisa of Ethiopia set the world U20 record in the 5000m with a time of 14:21.89 at the Diamond League final in Brussels on September 14, 2024, finishing second to Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet. Eisa’s time shattered the previous record of 14:30.88 held by Tirunesh Dibaba since 2004. Meanwhile, China’s Yan Ziyi set a world U20 javelin record of 64.41m, also on September 14, in Quzhou, improving on her earlier record of 64.28m from April.

Hibbert, a former youth star from Jamaica, has been steadily rising in the international athletics scene, with his performance in Monaco marking a breakthrough moment. His achievements have raised expectations for his potential as he continues to develop in the discipline.

Alongside these U20 achievements, World Athletics also ratified Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s world high jump record of 2.10m, achieved in Paris in July. The Ukrainian star surpassed one of the longest-standing records in the sport, set by Stefka Kostadinova in 1987. Mahuchikh’s historic jump of 2.10m was part of a spectacular season, as she went on to win Olympic gold in Paris in August.

On October 25, 2024, Fayetteville State University celebrated the remarkable career of Jamaican Olympian Inez Turner by bestowing upon her a Lifetime Achievement Award and inducting her into the 2024 Wall and Hall of Fame. Turner, the head coach of Track and Field and Cross Country at Fayetteville State, was recognized for her enduring contributions to athletics, her stellar coaching career, and her legacy as an elite competitor on the international stage. 

The induction ceremony, held at the John D. Fuller, Sr. Recreational Athletic Complex, was organized by Chairman Stephen Sims and his committee. Turner joined an esteemed group of inductees, including other former athletes, coaches, and the celebrated 2002 CIAA Championship Football Team, as they were formally enshrined into the institution’s Hall of Fame.

A native of Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, Turner’s journey in athletics began at Barton Community College, where she earned an impressive 16 National Junior College All-America honors and set multiple school records. In 1993, she captured the NJCAA Division I Championship in the 800m with a record-breaking 2:04.88, setting the stage for her future as an elite athlete. Representing Jamaica on the global stage, Turner competed in the 800m and 4x400m relay at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She won gold in the 800m at the 1994 Commonwealth Games and a bronze in the 4x400m relay at the 1997 World Championships, adding to her collection of medals from the CARIFTA Games and CAC Junior Championships. 

Turner’s athletic achievements transitioned seamlessly into a coaching career beginning in 2004, with stints at New York Track Club and North Carolina A&T State University. As head coach at Winston-Salem State University, she led her teams to nine conference titles and was named CIAA Coach of the Year eight times. Her success continued upon joining Fayetteville State University in 2017, where she transformed the program into a powerhouse. Under her guidance, the women's cross country team secured six consecutive CIAA titles, while the indoor track & field team also excelled, capturing multiple championships. In total, Turner has led her teams to 23 CIAA Championship titles, each one cemented with a Coach of the Year honor.

Turner’s influence extends beyond the track, as evidenced by the Inez Turner Foundation, which she founded in 2012 to support disadvantaged students at her alma mater, Vere Technical High School. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University, Turner’s dedication to empowering others reflects the purpose of Fayetteville State University’s Athletics Hall of Fame: honoring those who have made outstanding and significant contributions to the program.

 Turner’s recognition serves as a testament to her profound impact on the sport and the lives she has touched throughout her career. Her legacy, both as an athlete and a coach, will inspire generations to come, underscoring the power of commitment, resilience, and a passion for excellence.

St. Kitts Athletics (SKNA) has launched a four-day sports seminar focused on field events, led by renowned Grenadian throws coach Paul Phillip. With participation from 32 athletes and 26 coaches, the seminar aims to strengthen field events training and development on the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis.

 Phillip, who brings a wealth of experience in coaching top-tier throwing events, is guiding the seminar participants through intensive sessions designed to refine techniques in discus, shot put, and javelin. The program emphasizes foundational skills essential for athletes competing at the junior level and beyond.

 SKNA President Delwayne Delaney highlighted the strategic focus on field events as part of SKNA's broader commitment to developing a diverse range of athletic disciplines. “We have seen progress in the field events areas at the junior level and decided it was imperative we honed in this area at a youth and junior stage,” Delaney explained. “We intend to host additional workshops on hurdles and middle-distance events, following last year’s sprints seminar with Glen Mills.”

 The seminar underscores SKNA’s dedication to a holistic development approach, ensuring young athletes receive specialized training across multiple disciplines. The organization’s initiative continues to expand opportunities for athletes and coaches, with plans for more seminars and workshops in the near future.

Following an internal investigation by Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), significant gaps in training have been identified, leading to stewarding practices at Caymanas Park falling short of international standards. As a result, SVREL Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to address these issues and ensure the future integrity of horse racing in Jamaica.

The investigation was prompted after the Heroes’ Day race meet at Caymanas Park was abandoned on Monday, October 21, 2024. A group of punters reacted violently to the stewards’ decision in Race 2, leading to the event’s cancellation for safety reasons. Sharpe stressed that the current state of officiating is not up to par for a racing jurisdiction aspiring to world-class status.

“Our internal investigation has identified significant training gaps that have resulted in local stewarding practices falling short of international standards,” Sharpe said. He explained that while SVREL provides the facilities for racing, the stewards' oversight falls under the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), a government-appointed body. Sharpe believes this disparity between local and international standards must be addressed immediately.

In his statement, Sharpe emphasized that improving stewarding standards is critical for the growth of horse racing in Jamaica. He called for the implementation of mandatory certification programs for stewards, ensuring that they are properly trained to handle the complexities of modern racing. He also advocated for regular assessments and retraining of officials to maintain a high level of competence and consistency in their decision-making.

Sharpe further stressed the need for clear accountability frameworks to be established, so that all decisions made by stewards are transparent and based on consistent, well-defined criteria. This, he believes, would help avoid situations like the one on Heroes’ Day, where the lack of clarity led to confusion and frustration among punters. Moreover, Sharpe called for the introduction of an independent appeals mechanism that would allow for the review of stewarding decisions, ensuring fairness and trust in the system.

Sharpe explained that these reforms are essential to creating a level playing field and restoring confidence in the integrity of horse racing at Caymanas Park. He expressed frustration that despite previous discussions with the JRC about the need for improved officiating, little progress has been made.

The incident on Heroes’ Day, which caused significant financial losses estimated at over JMD$70 million, underscored the importance of addressing these issues urgently. While Sharpe acknowledged the passion of racing fans, he firmly condemned the violent behaviour that followed the stewards' decision, stating that it endangered lives and tarnished the reputation of the sport. "While we value our patrons' enthusiasm, any expression of discontent must remain within acceptable bounds of sporting behaviour,” he asserted.

Sharpe also expressed disappointment with the lack of response from industry stakeholders following the incident. He pointed out that many who are typically vocal about SVREL’s operations have remained silent on this serious breach of sporting conduct. He called on all stakeholders to take equal responsibility for the sport’s integrity and to advocate for improvements in officiating and the overall management of races.

“The growth and sustainability of horse racing in Jamaica require more than just infrastructure investment and promotional efforts,” Sharpe said. “It demands the consistent application of international best practices across all aspects of racing.”

SVREL remains committed to modernizing Caymanas Park and advancing Jamaican horse racing. However, Sharpe made it clear that this vision can only be achieved through collective responsibility, with all stakeholders playing an active role in improving the industry’s standards and holding each other accountable.

“The time has come for all stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to the industry's growth not merely through words, but through actions, consistent engagement, and a willingness to address difficult issues head-on,” Sharpe concluded.

Jamaican race drivers Tommi Gore and Senna Summerbell delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday, earning a podium finish in the ADAC GT4 Racing Series in Germany. Competing as the "Reggae Racers," the duo secured third place in the first race and finished in the top five in the final race, marking Jamaica’s first-ever trophies in the prestigious European racing series.

Gore and Summerbell, who drive the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport #32 with its distinctive Jamaican design, made history not only by reaching the podium but also by becoming the first Jamaican team to participate in the renowned ADAC GT4 Series. The competition, which runs across six legendary race courses in Germany and Austria, featured some of the best drivers in Europe, making the achievement even more remarkable.

For Gore and Summerbell, both sons of prominent Jamaican race drivers, the result marks a significant step in their careers. The 22-year-old Summerbell and 19-year-old Gore have quickly established themselves as rising stars on the international racing scene.

Reflecting on their success, Gore credited their mid-season switch to W&S Motorsport as a pivotal moment. "We ended up switching teams mid-season to W&S Motorsport, driving their Porsche GT4 RS. This was a great move and allowed us to showcase our talent," he said. "Since the move, we’ve finished in the top 10 in four out of the last six races, including three top-five finishes and a podium in the penultimate race."

Gore added, "Another great result to end off the year, along with the podium yesterday! Actually putting us 14th overall in the championship with only scoring points for the last three events in the Porsche!"

The team’s strong performance in Germany against experienced professional drivers, some with over three years in the championship, impressed their new team and demonstrated the potential of Jamaican motorsport talent. "Immediately having the pace in a new car and being able to fight on track with much more experienced and accomplished drivers was a testament to our local roots and the level of Jamaican motorsport," Gore explained.

Gore and Summerbell’s efforts saw them currently 14th overall in the championship, a commendable achievement for their first season in the series. Their success has garnered attention both in Jamaica and Europe, and the duo is eager to continue representing their country on the international stage.

The Reggae Racers expressed their gratitude for the support from their sponsors, including S Hotel, Q8 Oils, Sandals Resorts, Visit Jamaica (JTB), Sherwin Williams, Barita Investments, the Jamaica Sim Racing Association (JSRA), Mobay Freight Services, and Bell Safety.

With a promising future ahead, Gore and Summerbell are poised to continue building on their achievements and representing Jamaica with pride in the world of motorsport.

Jamaica's bodybuilders made their mark at the 51st Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships in Georgetown, Guyana, held from October 19-20, bringing home five medals in a competitive field that featured over 200 athletes from more than 20 countries. While the host nation dominated the event with 25 medals, Jamaica held their own with two gold and three silver medals.

 Leading the charge for Jamaica were Rayon Henry and Sean Taylor, who both captured gold in their respective categories. Henry, fresh off winning a national title, triumphed in the Medium Class (176 cm), showcasing his refined physique and superior form. Taylor, competing in the Short Class (170 cm), delivered a standout performance after a challenging year, rebounding from earlier fourth-place finishes in the Muscular Men’s Physique and Men’s Physique Short Class to claim the top spot.

 Nicolas Wilson also impressed on his international debut, taking home a silver medal in the highly competitive Bodybuilding Middleweight category (80 kg). Wilson's disciplined preparation paid off, as he made a strong impression against seasoned competitors, proving that he's a rising talent in the sport.

 On the women’s side, Jamaica’s national champion Dianne Brown captured a silver medal in the Bikini Fitness Tall Class (169 cm). A former pageant expert, Brown dazzled both the audience and the judges with her flawless physique and commanding stage presence, solidifying her place among the top contenders in the region. Shana Davis Roman added another silver to Jamaica's medal tally in the Fitness Challenge, displaying exceptional athleticism and versatility in the demanding category.

 Natasha Gordon also delivered commendable performances, placing fourth in both the Bikini Fitness Open and Masters divisions, contributing to the overall success of Jamaica’s six-member team, which was led by former JABBFA and CAC President, Lt. Col. Bruce Bartley.

 Despite competing against a large field of athletes, Jamaica’s bodybuilders proved they could hold their own on the international stage, bringing home valuable hardware from the prestigious event.

Jereem Richards, the 2024 Paris Olympics 400m finalist, has expressed his excitement about joining the upcoming Grand Slam Track League, which is set to begin in April 2025. Richards, known for his strong performances under pressure, is eager to compete against the world’s best athletes in what promises to be a groundbreaking professional track and field series.

“I like competition. My best performances have always come when the stakes were high, the best athletes were there, and it was a high-pressure, high-intensity type of race. I think that is what Grand Slam Track League brings,” Richards shared with FloTrack, highlighting the appeal of the league's elite competition format.

The Grand Slam Track League is a premier global professional track league, featuring head-to-head matchups between the fastest athletes in the world. The league will host four annual Slams from April to September, with eight Racers competing in one of 12 event groups. Four athletes will make the starting roster for each Slam, while four Challengers can earn their way into the field through recent performances.

Richards, who thrives in competitive environments, is thrilled to be part of the inaugural season. “I am definitely really excited. Big names are expected to sign up, and to be part of the big names in such a prestigious track meet means a lot to me,” he said. "Matthew Hudson-Smith and other Olympians will be there. Everybody that’s running fast is going to be there, so I’m just excited to be part of it and to be part of history.” Olympic champion Quincy Hall and Muzala Samukonga have also been signed to the league.

The league offers the largest prize pool in the history of track and field, with athletes competing for a total prize money pool of $400,000 over the course of the season. Points will be awarded based on finishing positions, with the overall Slam champion receiving $100,000. Prize money will be distributed from first place through eighth place, ensuring that every race matters.

Richards is expected to be a strong contender in the Grand Slam Track League, with his experience and competitive spirit positioning him among the favorites for the title. The league promises to deliver thrilling matchups and high-intensity races, with athletes competing twice over the weekend, and the combined placing determining the Slam champion.

The Rough Fight League (RFL) Ocho is set to take place this Saturday, October 26, at Funland in Hope Gardens, Kingston, promising an action-packed night of mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing. The event, which starts at 8 pm, will feature eight thrilling bouts, including two high-profile main events that fans won’t want to miss.

Headlining the card, Shiaeinie ‘Da Great’ Blake, a dominant figure in Caribbean MMA, will make his professional debut against Daron ‘Avatar’ Weir. Blake, who has held the number one spot across three weight classes in the Caribbean, will be tested by Weir, an accomplished boxer now stepping into the professional MMA scene. “We expect fireworks from that,” said event organizer Kyle Chin. Weir’s transition to MMA promises an explosive bout, as both fighters bring top-tier experience in their respective disciplines.

In another main event, Theron ‘The Iron Prince’ Rose Green will take on Jaheem ‘Imru Makonnen’ Morrison in an amateur welterweight championship fight. Rose Green, an emerging MMA star who has already made waves with wins in Trinidad and Jamaica, will face Morrison, a skilled kickboxer building a strong reputation in the sport. “It’s a classic wrestler versus striker match-up,” Chin explained, noting Rose Green’s well-rounded skill set, honed through international competition in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, beach wrestling, and MMA.

'Tank' Thompson

Adding to the excitement is Tyrece ‘Tank’ Thompson, the 2024 Pan American Super Heavyweight International Mixed Martial Arts Champion, who will be competing against Samuel Campbell. Thompson, fresh off his Pan Am gold, will look to continue his dominance in the super heavyweight division.

The event will also see the pro debut of Demar ‘Force’ Haslam, RFL’s 145-pound amateur champion, who will face Nakia Anderson in what promises to be another intense match. “It’s going to be an exciting night,” Chin said, emphasizing that the card will feature a mix of MMA and kickboxing fights, showcasing the depth of talent in the region.

This is the first major RFL event of the year, following the pandemic-induced hiatus. “We did have a level of consistency with seven events, but we are trying to return to that now,” Chin said, adding that the sport continues to grow in Jamaica. “Jamaica has always been known as a strong striking country. We have good boxing, karate, kickboxing, and now we are seeing an evolution in our game.”

With a new venue, a stacked fight card, and the return of some of Jamaica’s top combat athletes, Rough Fight League Ocho is set to be an unforgettable night for MMA and kickboxing fans.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at Jacana New Kingston, Jangas Soundbar, The Life Store and Jacana Manor Park.

Great Britain’s Olympic medalist Zharnel Hughes and his Jamaican girlfriend Shenel Francis are set to become parents, as the couple revealed their exciting news on Instagram. On Sunday, Shenel shared a photo of her advanced baby bump, confirming that the pair are eagerly expecting their first child together.

Shenel, a dental hygienist and entrepreneur, has been by Hughes' side throughout much of his record-breaking career. The couple has been together since at least 2018, though they only went public with their relationship in September 2022. Earlier this year, they took their relationship to the next level, moving in together in early March 2024.

Shenel, who graduated with honours in 2021 from the University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica, is not only a dental professional but also a businesswoman. She launched her own luxury hand-poured scented candle brand, Esenek.co Candles, in 2021. The couple’s bond has been a strong source of support for Hughes, who has continued to achieve major milestones in his athletic career, including breaking the long-standing British 200m record in 2023.

Hughes, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics as part of Team GB's 4x100m relay squad, has often spoken of Shenel's influence on his life. In a 2023 interview with GQ, Hughes mentioned how Shenel was present as he meditated before one of his historic races where he surpassed John Regis' 200m record, setting a new British mark of 19.73 seconds.

Before his relationship with Shenel, Hughes was linked to European sprint champion Dina Asher-Smith. However, his relationship with Shenel has flourished, with both supporting each other's professional and personal endeavors.

Even though he is a resident of Great Britain, Hughes, who attended Kingston College in Jamaica, purchased a home in Jamaica earlier this year.

Olympic gold medalist Hansle Parchment and his coach Fitz Coleman were among the sporting icons honoured at Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards 2024 on October 21, 2024, celebrated as National Heroes Day. The event, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of athletics.

 Parchment, who won the 110m hurdles gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander Class. His accolade recognizes his outstanding achievements in track and field, which include an Olympic bronze in 2012, World Championship silver medals in 2015 and 2023, and his Olympic triumph.

His longtime coach, Fitz Coleman, was also recognized for his invaluable contributions to the sport. Coleman was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer Class for his role in Parchment’s success and his broader impact on Jamaica’s track and field development. Coleman, who once headed the IAAF High-Performance Centre, played a crucial role in shaping the career of sprint legend Usain Bolt and many other athletes.

 Joining Coleman on the distinguished list of honorees was Paul Francis, head coach at the MVP Track Club. Francis, celebrated for his contributions to athletics, was also awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.

The world of football was also represented among the honorees, with Wendell Downswell, Technical Director of the Jamaica Football Federation, being awarded the Order of Distinction Officer Class for his long-standing contribution to Jamaican football. Downswell has been instrumental in the development of national teams, both as a former player and as a manager of various youth teams over the decades.

 Dr. Paul Wright, a prominent figure in sports medicine, was conferred with the Order of Distinction Officer Class as well, in recognition of his services to the field of medicine and his work in developing the Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine.

 This year’s National Honours and Awards celebrated the enduring contributions of these individuals to Jamaica’s sporting success and their continued influence in shaping future generations of athletes.

Mt Pleasant Academy staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw with defending champions Cavalier SC, as the Jamaica Premier League resumed on Sunday. Cavalier had looked set for a comfortable victory after taking a commanding 2-0 lead, but Mt Pleasant struck twice in the final stages to snatch a share of the points.

 Cavalier opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Christopher Shaw converted from the penalty spot. Jalmaro Calvin added to their advantage in the 34th minute, giving the champions a solid lead heading into halftime. However, Mt Pleasant Academy fought back late, with Kimoni Travolta scoring in the 84th minute and Tevin Shaw netting the equalizer three minutes into stoppage time, completing a thrilling comeback.

 Elsewhere, Warner Brown stole the spotlight with a brace as Arnett Gardens registered their second win of the season, defeating Molynes FC 3-0. Brown opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and Kimani Arbourine doubled Arnett’s lead in the 22nd. Brown added his second and Arnett’s third goal in the 47th minute, sealing the victory and lifting spirits in the ‘junglists’ camp.

 Portmore United edged Chapelton Maroons 2-1, courtesy of a brace from Junior Grizzle, while Vere Phoenix blanked Dunbeholden FC 3-0, with Alex Gayle scoring and Romarion Thomas netting twice.

 Despite these results, Montego Bay United remains top of the table on 13 points, just one point ahead of Portmore United and two points ahead of Cavalier SC, keeping the race for the top spot tight in the early stages of the season.

Jamaican judoka Ebony Drysdale-Daley is considering legal action against the Jamaica Judo Federation (JJA) after her one-year ban, which was imposed in June 2024, was overturned by the JJA Appeals Committee last week. The athlete, who became Jamaica’s first judoka to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021, expressed her relief at returning to the sport she loves but voiced disappointment over how the situation was handled by the federation.

 “I feel really relieved that I can come back to the sport I love. It’s been so depressing not being able to be a part of something that’s been a part of most of my life,” said Drysdale-Daley. “I feel hugely disappointed, the way I felt abandoned, it’s been very hurtful and I am now considering suing.”

 One of her legal representatives, Dr. Emir Crowne, lashed out at the JJA, describing their actions as shocking and unjustified. He criticized the federation for imposing the ban without granting Drysdale-Daley the opportunity to defend herself, stating that it was one of the most egregious cases he had encountered in his legal career.

 “It is absolutely shocking what the Jamaica Judo Federation has done to Ms. Drysdale-Daley, a promising Olympian,” Dr. Crowne said. “It banned her on the heels of an Olympic qualifying event, where she was ranked No.1 and would have received a bye to the finals, thereby earning enough points to qualify for the Olympics, irrespective of whether she placed first or second.”

 The suspension was initially imposed by JJA President Dwayne Barnett under the federation’s Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy, citing a violation of the federation’s Code of Ethics. Drysdale-Daley was accused of actions that allegedly brought the JJA into disrepute. The suspension letter, issued on July 26, 2024, notified her of the one-year ban, which would last from June 13, 2024, to June 12, 2025.

 The JJA justified conducting the disciplinary hearing without Drysdale-Daley’s presence, claiming it was in line with the policy. However, the Appeals Committee found significant procedural errors, including the failure to notify Drysdale-Daley of informal resolutions or grant her the opportunity to respond to the accusations.

 In his statement, Dr. Crowne further criticized the JJA’s handling of the case. “To ban her in those circumstances, and completely deprive her of any right to be heard or any due process at all, is absolutely indefensible. The initial ban—of indefinite duration—was apparently initiated by the President, Mr. Dwayne Barnett, and then replaced with a one-year ban by the Executive Committee (of which Mr. Barnett was a member). Even the appeal itself, Mr. Barnett appeared for the Jamaica Judo Federation in defense of the Executive Committee’s decision. It was akin to a High Court judge appearing before the Court of Appeal defending his decision. Most unusual.”

 The Appeals Committee, after reviewing the case, found that the JJA had not adhered to its own policies or Statutes. The Committee ruled that the Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy was invoked prematurely, without exhausting reasonable measures to resolve the issue through informal dialogue, as required. Additionally, the Committee found no evidence that Drysdale-Daley was formally invited to appear before the Executive Committee, further invalidating the decision to suspend her.

 As a result, the Appeals Committee overturned the suspension and reinstated Drysdale-Daley’s membership with immediate effect, highlighting that the federation’s actions violated its governance structures.

 “At the end of the day, the Appeals Committee ‘saw through’ the glaring transparency breaches committed by the Jamaica Judo Federation and ordered that her membership be reinstated with immediate effect,” Dr. Crowne added. “To say that this is one of the most egregious cases I’ve seen in my career would be an understatement. It is but another example of a federation acting with absolute impunity. ‘Wrong and strong’ till the end.”

 With her membership restored, Drysdale-Daley can now return to competitive judo. However, her legal team is now exploring the possibility of suing the JJA for damages caused by the suspension, which came at a critical time as she aimed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

 As the dust settles on her successful appeal, the legal battle between Drysdale-Daley and the JJA may be far from over.

The President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC), Alfred Emmanuel, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Julien Alfred after her stunning achievements at the inaugural CANOC Sports Awards held in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday night. Alfred was honored with the Female Sports Personality of the Year and Caribbean Breakthrough Award, adding to her growing list of accolades during an exceptional 2024 season.

On behalf of the entire Olympic family in St Lucia, Emmanuel praised Alfred’s dedication and hard work, which have propelled her to the pinnacle of world athletics.

“On behalf of the executive board of the St Lucia Olympic Committee and the entire Olympic family in St Lucia, I want to extend sincere congratulations to Julien for attaining yet two more awards during her outstanding 2024 season,” Emmanuel said. “She has shown that dedication and hard work pays off. We have no doubt that before 2024 is over there are many other awards that she will receive for her outstanding season. Congratulations Julien and remain focused and healthy, and we look forward to the 2025 season.”

Alfred’s Caribbean Breakthrough Award celebrated her remarkable rise in track and field, where she delivered electrifying performances throughout the year. She shared the honour with Thea LaFond of Dominica, who has also shone on the international stage, particularly in the triple jump.

The prestigious Female Sports Personality of the Year award solidified Alfred’s standing as one of the Caribbean’s brightest stars in athletics. In 2024, she won the World Indoor 60m title in Glasgow, followed by a historic victory in the Olympic 100m final, setting a new national record of 10.72 seconds, the second-fastest time in the world this year. She capped her season by claiming the 100m Diamond League title in Brussels.

Alfred’s triumphs have not only brought immense pride to St Lucia but have also inspired countless young athletes across the Caribbean. As she continues her journey, both on and off the track, the nation eagerly anticipates more success from her in the future.

Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by five wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the first ODI at Pallekele on Sunday, marking their third consecutive victory after winning the last two T20 Internationals to clinch the series 2-1.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 232 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka’s pursuit was powered by a crucial 137-run partnership between Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka. The pair's half-centuries laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s victory, which came with 31 balls to spare. Their century stand came in just 88 balls, as they took full advantage of the wayward West Indies bowling.

Madushka and Asalanka were ruthless in their approach, capitalizing on poor deliveries, with only Gudakesh Motie providing any resistance. Motie was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 3-47, while Alzarri Joseph chipped in with 2-39. However, their efforts were not enough to stifle Sri Lanka’s charge, as they raced to 200 in just 27.3 overs, making victory inevitable.

After Asalanka’s departure, Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis put on an unbroken 47-run partnership to secure the win. Liyanage remained unbeaten on 18, while Mendis finished on 30 not out.

Earlier in the day, the West Indies had been frustrated by rain, which halted their innings at 185 for 4 after 38.3 overs. Sherfane Rutherford had mounted a counter-attack, scoring an unbeaten 74, while Roston Chase contributed 33 not out in an 85-run fifth-wicket stand. Their partnership came off 78 deliveries and provided a much-needed boost after Sri Lanka’s spinners had dominated the early proceedings.

Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 2-18, while Jeffrey Vandersay and Charith Asalanka claimed a wicket apiece. Despite the interruption caused by rain, Sri Lanka’s spinners laid the groundwork for a comfortable chase, leaving the West Indies unable to capitalize on the toss and their decision to bat first.

With this five-wicket win, Sri Lanka takes an early lead in the three-match ODI series, continuing their momentum from the T20s.

The suspension of Jamaican judoka Ebony Drysdale-Daley by the Jamaica Judo Federation (JJA) has been overturned following a hearing by the Appeals Committee last week. The committee ruled that the federation failed to follow proper procedures in enforcing its Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy, resulting in an invalid disciplinary process.

The Appeals Committee, chaired by Rashid Hall and Lyle-Anthony Golding, convened on October 14, 2024, to hear the appeal submitted by Drysdale-Daley, who had been handed a one-year suspension by the JJA for allegedly violating its Code of Ethics. The suspension, which was originally set for the period June 13, 2024 to June 12, 2025, had been imposed by the JJA’s Executive Committee, which included President Dwayne Barnett, Vice-President Marvin Anthony Rickards, and Treasurer Fernando Gonzalves.

During the hearing, Drysdale-Daley was represented by Dr. Emir Crowne, Matthew Gayle, Jason Jones, and Sayeed Bernard, while Dwayne Barnett represented the JJA.

The case centered around the JJA’s use of its Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy to justify Drysdale-Daley’s suspension and the decision to conduct a disciplinary hearing without her being present. However, the Appeals Committee found significant procedural flaws in the federation’s handling of the case.

Drysdale-Daley, who became Jamaica’s first judoka to compete at an Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, claimed the JJA initially registered her for an event in Lima, Peru, but later removed her, depriving her of the opportunity to challenge Ashley McKenzie for the sole available judo spot for Jamaica. McKenzie had secured a silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games last year.

“They have removed me from the competition registry. I feel the Jamaican Judo Association has favoured the other athlete in contention over me. They have effectively secured the other athlete’s qualification ahead of mine by blocking me from this final tournament, of which I have paid flights for,” Drysdale-Daley said.

The Dwayne Barnett-led JJA, in a statement, firmly denied these accusations, asserting that the federation’s decisions were based on adherence to deadlines and procedures, including missed Anti-Doping tests, which Drysdale-Daley reportedly failed to attend.

“The JJA categorically refutes any claims of impropriety or personal interests influencing the selection process. The General Secretary and other mentioned individuals have no personal or vested interests that would compromise the integrity of these processes,” the statement read.

She was subsequently suspended.

One of the key issues identified was the failure to exhaust all reasonable measures before invoking the policy, as outlined in Point 1.4 of the policy, which mandates that it should be used "only as a last resort." The Appeals Committee determined that there were no attempts by the JJA to resolve the matter through informal channels or standard procedures before resorting to disciplinary action.

Additionally, the Appeals Committee found that Drysdale-Daley was not properly notified or given an opportunity to address the situation before sanctions were applied, violating Point 4.2 of the policy. This failure to follow due process rendered the JJA’s decision invalid.

Further scrutiny of the JJA’s Statutes also revealed that Drysdale-Daley had not been formally invited to appear before the Executive Committee to address the accusations against her, as required by Article 17. This failure to follow the association’s own statutes constituted another breach, further invalidating the suspension.

In its ruling, the Appeals Committee concluded that the Jamaica Judo Federation had not adhered to the correct procedures in both invoking the Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy and enforcing its Statutes. Consequently, the committee overturned the suspension and ordered Drysdale-Daley's immediate reinstatement as a member of the federation.