Campbell, Clayton lead Jamaican charge as Brussels produces 5 podium finishes

Jamaica closed the Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels with two Diamond League titles and three additional podium finishes, led by Rajindra Campbell’s historic shot-put triumph and Tina Clayton’s victory in the women’s 100 meters.

Campbell delivered the performance of his career, unleashing a Jamaican-record 23.08 meters in the sixth and final round to become only the fifth man in history to break the 23-meter barrier.

The Olympic bronze medalist’s monster effort also made him the latest Jamaican to claim a Diamond Trophy in a field event, joining discus thrower Fedrick Dacres.

American Jordan Geist finished second at 22.23m, while Joe Kovacs was third at 22.09m.

Campbell breaks through the 23-meter wall

Campbell entered the final having already raised the Jamaican record to 22.59m in Brescia, Italy, on August 30.

But Brussels produced something entirely different.

He opened with 22.25m, then improved the national mark to 22.62m in the second round before saving his biggest statement for last.

The 23.08m effort moved Campbell to fourth on the world all-time list in the account provided, behind Ryan Crouser, Kovacs and Randy Barnes.

“There have been signs in practice of a throw like this being on the way, but to put it together today feels incredible. The 23.00m line is a badge of honour for every shot putter so I’m extremely grateful to have crossed it.”

Campbell was not finished dreaming.

“There are still a lot of things that I can improve on, but every time I come closer to perfection, the throw will be further. That is an exciting challenge.”

He also made clear that the ultimate target remains the world record.

“There are still marks to hit,” he said. “A lot of shot putters are extremely strong. They bench press 500 pounds and squat 700 pounds [but] I’m nowhere close to that yet. The world record is definitely an ambition. If I can be more consistent next year then the outlier will be at an even higher level.”

Türkiye remains Campbell’s target

Campbell’s historic performance came against the backdrop of his continuing desire to switch allegiance to Türkiye.

Although World Athletics rejected his application to make the move in time for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Campbell said the decision has not changed his intentions.

“There are two more years left until the Olympics, which gives me time to become even better. Over there I want to represent Türkiye. The Turkish federation has given me all the support that I was missing, and it pays off immediately. I’m in my best shape ever.”

The throw was Campbell’s fifth Jamaican record of the year, underscoring the extraordinary progression that has carried him beyond the 23-meter mark.

Clayton adds another Jamaican Diamond Trophy

Clayton made it two Jamaican victories in Brussels by powering to the women’s 100m title in 10.93 seconds, ahead of Britain’s Amy Hunt and American Sha’Carri Richardson.

Hunt ran 11.06 seconds for second place, while Richardson finished third in 11.07 seconds. Jamaica’s Jonielle Smith was fifth in 11.08 seconds.

The victory placed Clayton in an exclusive Jamaican club.

She became the fifth Jamaican woman to win the Diamond Trophy in the event, following Veronica Campbell-Brown, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson.

“I guess it’s kind of a perfect night, because winning the Diamond League final is something special. We all want to go home with the trophy and, to be honest, there were a lot of candidates for the title. Tonight I was the most determined athlete, and that made the difference,” she said.

Clayton was equally satisfied with her winning time given the conditions.

“I’m satisfied with the time of 10.93, especially because it was a little bit too cold for sprinting. I would like to dedicate this victory to my coach, Stephen Francis, who passed away early this year. It’s very emotional but I have my family, the team around me that gives me all the support I need.”

Pryce and Simmonds keep Jamaica on the podium

Jamaica’s medal haul extended well beyond its two winners.

Nickisha Pryce claimed third in the women’s 400m in 49.36 seconds, finishing behind Dominican Republic star Marileidy Paulino, who won in a meeting-record 48.64 seconds, and Norway’s Henriette Jæger, who ran 49.20 seconds.

Paulino’s performance erased the previous meeting record of 48.83 seconds set by Sanya Richards-Ross in 2009 and earned her a fourth Diamond Trophy in the past five years.

Megan Simmonds then added another Jamaican podium finish in the women’s 100m hurdles.

She clocked a season-best 12.43 seconds for third behind American world record holder Masai Russell, who won in a meeting-record 12.20 seconds, and Bahamian Devynne Charlton, who lowered her national record to 12.33 seconds.

Scott completes Jamaica’s Diamond League podium sweep

Jordan Scott also finished third, taking the men’s triple jump podium with a first-round 17.18m.

Italy’s Andy Diaz Hernandez won with a meeting-record 17.74m, breaking Christian Taylor’s previous mark of 17.66m set in 2019. Portugal’s Pedro Pichardo was second at 17.51m.

Scott’s bronze gave Jamaica its third podium finish in Diamond League competition outside the two victories.

Lamara Distin, meanwhile, cleared 1.88m to finish sixth in the women’s high jump. Australia’s Eleanor Patterson won at 2.01m.

Dockery, Goldson Add Invitational Podiums

Jamaica also collected further success in the non-Diamond League events.

Sabrina Dockery won the women’s 100m invitational in 11.17 seconds, finishing ahead of Australia’s Torrie Lewis, who clocked 11.24, and Spain’s Jael Bestue, who ran 11.28.

Kadrian Goldson added a runner-up finish in the men’s invitational 100m, stopping the clock at 10.05 seconds.

Ghana’s Abdul-Rasheed Saminu won in 10.04, while American Max Thomas was third in 10.23.

For Jamaica, however, the lasting images from Brussels belonged to Campbell and Clayton.

One broke through a barrier few shot putters in history have conquered.

The other joined an elite lineage of Jamaican sprint champions.

Together, they powered Jamaica to a commanding finish at the Diamond League finale, with the nation leaving Brussels carrying two trophies and a broad collection of podium honors.