Ackelia Smith completes championship double as Jamaica’s stars shine at Nationals

Ackelia Smith continued her impressive run at the JAAA Puma National Senior and Junior Championships, completing a championship double after capturing the women’s triple jump title on Saturday.

The World Championships representative produced a winning leap of 13.95 meters, adding another national senior title to the long jump victory she secured on the opening day.

Smith, who finished second in the event last year, moved to the top of the podium ahead of Jade-Ann Dawkins of Kansas State University, while NCAA Outdoor champion Shauntae Foreman of Clemson University placed third with a mark of 13.49 meters.

Her latest victory reinforced Smith’s status as one of Jamaica’s leading field event athletes heading into the international season.

Tajay Gayle returns to the top with season-best performance

Another major highlight came from Tajay Gayle, who reclaimed the men’s long jump title with a season-best effort of 8.37 meters.

The Doha 2019 world champion’s performance secured his third national senior championship in the event.

Gayle’s winning jump placed him ahead of Jordan Turner of Louisiana State University, who finished second at 8.22 meters, while Nikolai Williams claimed third with 7.89 meters.

The men’s discus final produced another victory for a rising Jamaican star.

Ralford Mullings of University of Oklahoma captured his second consecutive title, throwing 64.31 meters.

The recent NCAA Division I Outdoor champion held off veteran Fedrick Dacres, who finished second with 62.97 meters.

Racquil Broderick of University of South Carolina completed the podium with 62.87 meters.

Beckford and Anderson dominate the 800 metres

The middle-distance events also delivered familiar names at the top.

Defending champion Kelly-Ann Beckford controlled the women’s 800 meters from start to finish, winning in 2:02.74 minutes.

She crossed ahead of 1500m champion Adelle Tracey, who placed second in 2:03.93 minutes, while Leanna Lewis of University of Iowa finished third in 2:04.82 minutes.

On the men’s side, national record holder Navasky Anderson produced a commanding performance to secure the title.

Anderson improved on last year’s second-place finish, clocking 1:47.29 minutes. Kirk Dawkins of Florida A&M University was second in 1:50.26 minutes, with Dujhauntai Lewis of Racers Track Club taking third in 1:56.85 minutes.

Wilson breaks through in thrilling 400m hurdles final

The final senior event of the evening produced a new champion in the men’s 400m hurdles.

Assinie Wilson of Titans Track Club held off strong challenges from teammates Malik James-King and Romario Stewart to take gold.

Wilson crossed the line in 48.91 seconds, while Stewart produced a personal best 49.43 seconds for second place. James-King finished third in 50.07 seconds.

The women’s 100m hurdles final is expected to keenly contested after the semi-finals on Saturday.

Two-time World Under-20 champion Kerrica Hill emerged as the fastest qualifier after winning her heat in a season-best 12.69 seconds despite a strong headwind.

Defending champion Megan Simmonds qualified second fastest after running 12.79 seconds.

Other leading qualifiers include Demisha Roswell (12.74 seconds) and Jada Spencer (12.96 seconds).

In the men’s 110m hurdles, Demario Prince of Baylor University leads the field after recording the fastest qualifying time of 13.38 seconds.

He is followed by Shaquane Gordon (13.51), Sharvis Simmonds (13.52), and Jerome Campbell (13.63).

Rising junior stars make their mark

The next generation of Jamaican talent also impressed.

In the girls’ Under-20 100m hurdles, Tiana Marshall of Wolmer's Girls advanced comfortably after winning her heat in 13.57 seconds despite unfavorable wind conditions.

Her teammate Akeelah Bell followed with 13.69 seconds, while Ruana Pryce of Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) and Tashana Godfrey of Edwin Allen High School both recorded 13.77 seconds.

The boys’ Under-20 110m hurdles saw Tajoneal Gordon of Kingston College lead the qualifiers with 13.83 seconds.

Marques Page of St Jago High School followed in 13.94 seconds, with Noel Wright and Jonathon Clarke also advancing among the fastest qualifiers.

The championships continue to highlight Jamaica’s depth, with established champions and emerging talents sharing the spotlight.