Kingston, Jamaica — The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s (JAAA) National Championships kicked off Thursday evening at the National Stadium with a mix of familiar dominance and refreshing surprises, as the island’s top track and field stars began their battle for a spot on the team to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Levell Rises: A 9.99 Shockwave
On a night where the sprint giants mostly coasted through the opening rounds, it was 21-year-old Bryan Levell who stole the spotlight. Running a season’s best 9.99 seconds (-0.5 m/s), Levell became the only man to dip under the 10-second mark in the first round of the men’s 100m, sending a clear message to the old guard that a new contender is here.
Fresh off his wind-aided 19.79 in the 200m at the Racers Grand Prix, Levell’s performance wasn’t just fast — it was fearless.
“I just wanted to stay relaxed and trust my drive phase,” he said after the race. “There’s more in the tank.”
Veterans and Favourites Hold Their Ground
The usual suspects made it safely through to Friday’s semi-finals:
- Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson clocked 10.12s (-1.3 m/s) to win his heat.
- Ackeem Blake ran a controlled 10.07s (0.0 m/s), while Oblique Seville came from behind to win his heat in 10.12s (-0.9 m/s).
- Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, the national junior record holder, advanced comfortably in 10.14s.
- Yohan Blake, the seasoned warrior, impressed with a season-best 10.24s (-0.5 m/s), proving there’s still fire in his legs.
- Tyquendo Tracey and Christopher Taylor, who advanced from the morning’s qualifiers, also booked their lanes for the next round.
Shericka Shines, Shelly-Ann Soaks It In
On the women’s side, Shericka Jackson — in her first major 100m appearance this season — delivered a commanding 11.20s (-1.4 m/s) to top the field and silence questions about her fitness after sitting out last year’s Olympics due to injury.
But the emotional highlight belonged to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who began her final National Trials campaign with a confident 11.33s (-2.1 m/s) win. At 38, “The Pocket Rocket” looked as crisp as ever, controlling the race from the gun and reminding fans why she remains one of the most beloved figures in the sport.
This meet marks her last appearance at a Jamaican trials before retirement, and the atmosphere in the stadium swelled with admiration and respect. She’ll be gunning for one final Olympic run in Paris — and perhaps a final World Championship appearance in Tokyo.
Next-Gen Faces Keep the Energy High
The Clayton twins, Tia and Tina, also made their marks:
- Tia Clayton ran 11.21s (-2.6 m/s), winning her heat ahead of Jonielle Smith (11.28s) and Alana Reid (11.42s).
- Tina Clayton clocked 11.27s (-2.2 m/s) to edge Briana Williams (11.37s) and Shanoya Douglas (11.67s).
Their presence in the field, alongside young talents like Reid and Nkrumie, signals a strong future for Jamaica’s sprint legacy.
Day 2 Preview: Fireworks Ahead
Friday, June 27, promises fireworks with 27 finals on the schedule, including the men’s and women’s 100m finals. The sprint semi-finals begin at 7:05 p.m., with the main event — the highly anticipated 100m finals — scheduled for 9:00 p.m. under the Kingston lights.
Fans can expect a showdown of eras: will the rising stars pull off an upset, or will the veterans show why they’ve ruled the sprint world for so long?
Where to Watch and More Info
- Live Stream: 1SpotMedia
- Official Details: Visit athleticsja.org for updated results, entry lists, and JAAA’s calendar.
- Meet Dates: June 26–29, 2025
- Purpose: Selection for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Junior Pan American Games, and NACAC Championships.
The 2025 Jamaica National Trials are already proving to be more than a qualifier — they are a celebration of legacy, a glimpse into the future, and a reminder that Jamaican sprinting never sleeps. From Bryan Levell’s electric opener to Shelly-Ann’s graceful farewell, the nation’s track and field heart beats loud and proud.
Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.
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