Jamaica made history at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, with a spectacular double gold performance in the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays. The nation's young athletes displayed exceptional talent, heart, and determination, bringing pride to their homeland.
Men’s 4x100m Relay: A Victory for the Ages
The men’s 4x100m relay final was a nail-biting event that saw Jamaica claim their first-ever gold medal in this category at the World Under-20 Championships. The quartet, consisting of Jace Witter, Gary Card, Nyrone Wade, and Deandre Daley, clocked a season’s best time of 39.18 seconds, edging out Great Britain by the slimmest of margins.
Jamaica’s victory was nothing short of dramatic. After trailing in fourth place for most of the race, it was Deandre Daley’s blistering anchor leg that sealed the win. The crowd at Estadio Atlético de la Videna erupted as Daley powered past his competitors, clinching the gold right at the finish line. Great Britain finished just behind with a time of 39.20 seconds, while Thailand secured the bronze with a national Under-20 record of 39.39 seconds.
This gold medal ended an 18-year drought for Jamaica in the men’s 4x100m relay at the World Under-20 Championships. It also marked the end of a streak of three consecutive silver medals in the event, all of which had seen Jamaica finishing behind the USA. The victory is a testament to the relentless spirit and hard work of these young athletes, who have now etched their names in the annals of Jamaican athletics history.
Women’s 4x100m Relay: Continuing the Legacy
Not to be outdone, Jamaica’s women’s 4x100m relay team delivered a dominant performance, securing their third consecutive gold medal in this event at the World Under-20 Championships. The team of Shanoya Douglas, Alliah Baker, Briana Campbell, and Alana Reid cruised to victory with a time of 43.39 seconds.
In a strategic move, 200m bronze medalist Shanoya Douglas replaced Sabrina Dockery on the lead-off leg. The team’s smooth baton exchanges and impressive speed saw them come from behind, with Alana Reid, the 100m champion, comfortably anchoring the team to the finish line.
Originally, Australia had finished second, but they, along with the USA team, were later disqualified. This development elevated Switzerland to the silver medal position with a national Under-20 record time of 44.06 seconds, while Canada took the bronze with a time of 44.60 seconds.
Jamaica’s women have now solidified their dominance in the 4x100m relay at the Under-20 level, adding this latest gold to their previous wins in Nairobi, Kenya (2021), and Cali, Colombia (2022). Their continued success is a source of immense pride for Jamaica, showcasing the depth of talent in the country’s sprinting program.
A Golden Future
These triumphs at the World Under-20 Championships not only highlight the incredible potential of Jamaica’s young athletes but also set the stage for a bright future in global athletics. With the determination and skill displayed by both the men’s and women’s relay teams, Jamaica’s legacy in sprinting is in safe hands.
As the celebrations continue, Jamaicans worldwide can take pride in these remarkable achievements, knowing that their nation’s tradition of excellence in track and field remains as strong as ever.