The National Stadium in Kingston sizzled with raw power and redemption this weekend as Jamaica’s best track and field athletes delivered electrifying performances at the JAAA National Senior Championships, igniting hopes and dreams ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
In the men’s 400m hurdles, Roshawn Clarke roared back into form, reminding the world that he’s not done yet. Clocking a season’s best 48.02 seconds, Clarke reclaimed the national title he lost last year and secured his ticket to a second shot at a World Championships medal.
The World U20 record holder, who narrowly missed the podium in Budapest in 2023, was all business on Saturday. His time not only bettered his previous season’s best of 48.20 but now stands as the sixth-fastest in the world this year.
Joining him on the plane to Tokyo are Assinie Wilson, who clocked a gritty 48.42 for second place in what will be his first global championship, and Malik James-King, who marked his 26th birthday with a bronze medal in 48.49 seconds.
Rushell Clayton: The Queen Reigns Again
In a race few predicted she’d win, Rushell Clayton defied the odds and turned heads by defending her women’s 400m hurdles title. Despite having only three races over the hurdles this season, Clayton unleashed a perfectly timed run, crossing the line in 53.81 seconds, a season’s best.
With three hurdles left, Clayton shifted gears, surging ahead of the favoured Andrenette Knight, who settled for second in 54.52. Shiann Salmon took third in 54.65, rounding out a thrilling contest that showed Clayton’s championship pedigree is alive and well.
Kishane Thompson: Hunger, Grit, and 9.75 Seconds of Fire
The message from Kishane Thompson was loud and clear: He’s not just running—he’s chasing greatness. On Friday night, he exploded out of the blocks and into Jamaican sprinting history, clocking a personal best of 9.75 seconds to defend his 100m title.
Already the 2024 Olympic silver medallist, Thompson is racing with purpose, grit, and a renewed sense of calm. “I work because I want to win,” he told reporters. “I don’t think I’ll ever surprise myself. I know what I’m capable of.”
Despite carrying physical niggles like many of his peers, Thompson’s mindset has evolved. He credits last season’s trials by fire for giving him the mental edge he now brings to the track.
His performance wasn’t just fast—it was fearless. “It’s about trusting my speed and getting the execution right,” Thompson said. “Now it’s within my grasp. I just have to claim it.”
Carey McLeod: Long Jump Royalty Retains His Throne
In the men’s long jump, Carey McLeod soared once again, winning back-to-back national titles with a leap of 8.16m. The World Indoor bronze medalist left no doubt about his form, registering two jumps over 8.00m to seal the deal and reaffirm his place among the global elite.Having already hit the World Championships qualifying mark of 8.27m earlier this season, McLeod’s sights are now firmly set on the international podium. Shawn-D Thompson (7.84m) and Nikaoli Williams (7.82m) completed the top three.