The World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, have brought thrilling moments for Jamaican athletes as they chase glory on the international stage. All eyes are on Deandre Daley and Gary Card, who have advanced to the men’s 100m final with contrasting semi-final performances. Daley secured his spot with a commanding win in 10.34 seconds, while Card finished third in his semi-final in 10.39 seconds. Both athletes will aim to match or surpass the silver medal achievement of Bouwahjgie Nkrumie from Cali, Colombia, two years ago. They will face stiff competition from Thailand’s Puripol Boonson, who led the semi-finals with 10.30 seconds, and two South Africans, Bradley Nkoana and Bayanda Walaza, who posted 10.30 and 10.33 seconds, respectively.
Jamaica’s proud tradition in the men’s 100m at these championships dates back to Dexter Lee’s triumph in Moncton in 2010, and Daley and Card will be keen to add their names to the illustrious list of champions.
In the women’s 100m, Alana Reid is on course to extend Jamaica’s dominance in the event. Reid, the world Under-20 leader, comfortably advanced to the final, winning her semi-final in 11.44 seconds. She aims to follow in the footsteps of her compatriots Briana Williams, who won in Tampere in 2018, and Tina Clayton, who claimed back-to-back titles in Nairobi in 2021 and Cali in 2022. Reid’s form suggests she’s well-positioned to maintain Jamaica’s winning streak.
Jamaican athletes have also made their mark in field events. Chavez Penn earned a spot in the men’s triple jump final with a leap of 15.32m, while Shaiquan Dunn advanced to the men’s shot put final after a best throw of 19.53m. However, not all Jamaican hopes have been realized, as the women’s discus throwers Shamoyea Morris and Najhada Seymoure, and 800m runner Kitania Headley, did not progress beyond the first round.
As the championships continue, Jamaica’s young athletes are determined to uphold the nation’s rich legacy in athletics, demonstrating their skill, perseverance, and potential on the world stage.
