The curtain fell on four days of explosive competition at the 2025 Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Senior and Junior Championships inside the National Stadium on Sunday with Olympic bronze medalist Megan Tapper reclaiming her throne in the women’s 100m hurdles.
After last year’s fall, she surged to a personal-best 12.34 seconds—her fourth national crown—leaving defending champion Ackera Nugent (12.41 seconds) and Amoi Brown (12.67 seconds) in her wake.
“Once I got my lead leg perfect, I knew I would have won,” Tapper said, tears of relief and pride glistening.
On the men’s side, Orlando Bennett seized his maiden senior title in the 110m hurdles, clocking 13.10 seconds—just .01 shy of his personal best. With favorite Rasheed Broadbell sidelined by injury during the warm-up for the final, Bennett kept his cool to hold off Demario Prince with a personal best 13.12 seconds, and Tyler Mason (13.22 seconds).
Quarter-mile Queens and Kings
In the first senior final, Nickisha Pryce defended her women’s 400m crown for a third straight year, powering home in 49.97 seconds—a season’s best. Dejanea Oakley and Stacey-Ann Williams both clocked 50.08 seconds, but Pryce’s composed finish was untouchable.
On the men’s track, national record holder Rusheen McDonald finally captured his first 400m title in 44.89 seconds. Easing down to almost a walk, McDonald narrowly fended off Delano Kennedy, whose late charge produced a 44.91 seconds personal best, while Jevaughn Powell claimed bronze in 45.0 seconds.
200m redemption and rising stars
Bryan Levell turned frustration into triumph in the men’s 200m, powering from behind to win in 20.10 seconds—an automatic ‘A’ standard for the upcoming World Championships. “Making up for Friday’s disappointment was everything,” Levell reflected, eyes fixed on international glory. Christopher Taylor with a personal best 20.36 seconds and Adrian Kerr (20.49secs) completed the podium.
Ashanti Moore of SprinTec sprinted to the women’s 200m title in 22.66, outpacing Gabrielle Matthews (22.80) and Roneisha McGregor (22.86). Briana Williams was disqualified for a false start.
Field event fortresses
On his 28th birthday, triple jumper Jordan Scott soared to a wind-aided 17.15m, his fourth national crown. Jamaica College’s Chevez Penn thrilled the crowd with 16.53m for silver, while Calabar’s Romaine Lewis took bronze at 15.54m.
In the throws, Shaquane Dunn captured the men’s shot put with 18.33m, followed by Christopher Young (17.93m) and Moses Parkinson (17.38m). National record holder Nayoka Clunis continued her hammer-throw dynasty, hurling 69.05m for a fifth straight title. National record-holder Elvis Graham extended his javelin supremacy with 72.78m—his sixth straight championship win.
Qualifiers and contenders
— Bryan Levell’s 20.10 in the 200m secured the automatic ‘A’ standard for the World Championships, joining an elite Jamaican squad.
— Rusheen McDonald’s 44.89 positions him strongly, though official standards await confirmation.
— Megan Tapper’s 12.34secs, the sixth-fastest time globally this year, places her firmly in World Championship contention.
— Orlando Bennett and Ashanti Moore, despite national titles, must now chase qualifying marks ahead of major international meets.
— In the field, Jordan Scott, Shaquane Dunn, Nayoka Clunis, and Elvis Graham solidified their dominance at home but remain just short of global automatic standards.
As the track clears at the National Stadium, Jamaica’s best now turn their focus to the summer’s international challenges—carrying titles, national pride, and qualifying marks into a season that promises Olympic-level drama.
