Ackera Nugent is now the national record holder in the 100-metre hurdles, having captured the spotlight during the closing day at the JAAA/PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships held at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Nugent dominated the event, sprinting away from her competitors to clock an impressive 12.28 seconds, surpassing Britany Anderson’s previous record set in 2022.
Twice World Champion Danielle Williams secured her first Olympic team spot by finishing second in 12.53 seconds, followed by Janeek Brown, who took third place with a time of 12.61 seconds. Defending champion and Olympic bronze medalist Megan Tapper placed fourth with a time of 12.69 seconds.
“I am happy. I did well in my build-up coming into the Championships and to win and make my first Olympic team in my first year as a professional is a dream come true. Now it is just to get back to training with my coach as there are some phenomenal women out there in the event,” Nugent said.
Broadbell narrowly retained his title
In the men’s 110-metre hurdles, Rasheed Broadbell narrowly retained his title, finishing just ahead of Orlando Bennett, with both clocking 13.18 seconds. Olympic champion Hansle Parchment was close behind, securing third place with a time of 13.19 seconds.
Meanwhile, double world champion Shericka Jackson triumphed in the 200 metres, setting herself up for a 100-200 sprint double gold bid at the Paris Olympics. Jackson, who had already secured the 100 metres title, clinched the 200 metres in 22.29 seconds, with a wind speed of 1.6 mps.
Jackson’s performance was particularly impressive in the absence of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is focusing on the 100 metres, and Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who is currently injured and did not compete. Lanae-Tava Thomas took second place with a time of 22.34 seconds, followed by Niesha Burgher in third with a time of 22.39 seconds.
In the men’s 200 metres, Bryan Levell emerged victorious with a time of 19.97 seconds and a wind speed of 1.3 mps, succeeding despite the absence of 100 metres stars Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville.
Nickisha Pryce retained her title
Andrew Hudson finished closely behind in 20.02 seconds, with Javara Thomas achieving a personal best of 20.32 seconds to take third place.
In the senior women’s 400 metres, world number two and defending champion Nickisha Pryce retained her title and earned her first Olympic spot by winning the event in 50.01 seconds. Stacy-ann Williams achieved a season’s best of 50.56 seconds to take second place, while Junelle Bromfield finished third with a season’s best of 51.24 seconds.
Rajinda Campbell, the national record holder, won the men’s shot put with a throw of 20.01 metres, while Kobe Lawrence took second place with a throw of 19.88 metres. Jordan Scott was crowned champion in the men’s discus with a distance of 16.87 metres, followed by Obrien Wasome in second with 16.19 metres and Chevaughn Parkinson in third with 15.38 metres.
Despite a valiant effort, Jamaica will not have a team in the men’s 4×400 metres relay at the Olympic Games. In their fourth and final attempt to qualify, the team fell short. The Jamaica Green team, comprising Reheem Hayles, Terese Rhoden, Zandrion Barnes, and Kimar Farquharson, finished first in 2:59.87 minutes, just shy of the 2:59.12 needed to overtake Zambia for the 16th and final spot. The Jamaica Gold team placed second in 3:02.73, with Jamaica Black team finishing third in 3:09.13.
