In a weekend packed with emotional highs and agonizing lows at the World Athletics Relays, Jamaica’s men’s 4x400m team emerged as the unlikely heroes, clinching a coveted spot at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with a gritty, come-from-behind performance in Sunday’s second-round heat.
Their dramatic qualification joins the women’s 4x100m team, who had already sealed their place in the global showpiece a day earlier—making them the only two Jamaican squads to book tickets to Tokyo in what was otherwise a turbulent showing for the island’s famed relay teams.
Redemption run: Men’s 4x400m delivers when it matters most
After falling short on Saturday, the men’s 4x400m unit returned with sharpened focus and an urgent mission. Sparked by a sensational third-leg surge from Zandrion Barnes, who clocked a blazing 44.78 seconds—the second-fastest split of the race—Jamaica clawed into third place, clocking 3:02.00 minutes to snatch the final qualifying position.
It was a moment of vindication for a squad still stinging from failing to qualify for the 2024 Olympics.
The quartet saw one key change from Saturday’s line-up: Demar Francis, fresh off the mixed relay, replaced Javier Brown, joining Rusheen McDonald, Barnes, and Tarees Rhoden, who anchored cleanly to the line.
Fraser-Pryce, Jackson lead Women’s 4x100m to bronze and World Champs Qualification
On the women’s side, Jamaica’s sprint royalty lived up to their billing. Having already secured their World Championships slot on Saturday, the 4x100m squad returned Sunday to claim bronze, finishing behind a surging Great Britain (42.21) and Spain (42.28), with Jamaica clocking 42.33 seconds.
Veteran Natasha Morrison started the charge, passing to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who linked with Tina Clayton before Shericka Jackson brought the baton home.
“We came out, took the chance, got a medal, qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo. All in all we are very pleased,” said Fraser-Pryce, reflecting on the performance.
“[We are] grateful for getting a bronze medal, and we will leave the fight for another day… there is some youth in our team so it is good to have them get experience through the competition because, ultimately, they are the ones who [will] carry on the legacy,” she added.
Mixed 4x100m impresses, while mixed 4x400m misses out
In a spirited but bittersweet display, the mixed 4x100m relay team clocked 40.44 seconds to finish second behind Canada, who set a world-best 40.30 seconds. Jamaica’s line-up—revamped with Serena Cole and Bryan Levell—showed promise, though a slight baton hesitation between Krystal Sloley and Javari Thomas may have cost them gold.
Still, the team’s energy was palpable.
“We are satisfied with the result — we are grateful, I should say. [We are] not at our best, we are hungry for the gold, it’s in our flag: green, black and gold!” said Sloley.
Levell added: “…competing here, I am happy — and I would be even more happy if we can get a gold medal.”
The mixed 4x400m team, featuring Javier Brown, Kelly-Ann Beckford, Delano Kennedy, and Roniesha McGregor, ran 3:14.42 minutes, finishing fourth in their heat—just shy of automatic qualification. They now await the final qualifying list at the end of August, currently tied 12th with Colombia.
Men’s 4x100m faces back-to-back devastation
It was a weekend to forget for Jamaica’s men’s 4x100m team, who suffered back-to-back breakdowns on the global stage. Saturday’s effort imploded after a failed exchange between Julian Forte and Yohan Blake. On Sunday, misfortune struck again—Forte pulled up injured on the second leg, ending Jamaica’s hopes for redemption and qualification.
Despite a promising line-up of Rohan Watson, Forte, Blake, and Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson, the unit never reached full flight.
Women’s 4x400m fizzles after early exit
The women’s 4x400m relay team also faltered, recording 3:40.54 minutes in the opening round and finishing last overall. The team did not appear for the second round, effectively ending their qualifying bid.
With just two teams qualified, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) must now navigate a delicate road to August’s deadline, hoping for time-based entries or unforeseen opportunities to bring the men’s 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m into the World Championships fold.
But for now, the island’s flag will still wave in Tokyo—thanks to the bold, brilliant efforts of its men’s 4x400m and women’s 4x100m warriors.
