The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has named a formidable 60-member squad for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, set for September 13–21.
The announcement includes 32 men and 28 women, supported by a 20-member management team, signaling the island’s intent to make a strong mark on the global stage.
Among the headline selections is Shericka Jackson, who will seek to defend her title in the women’s 200m. The reigning sprint queen from Budapest 2023 will be joined by seasoned campaigners and rising stars across track and field, underscoring Jamaica’s continued depth in world athletics.
Thomas-Dodd’s notable absence
Conspicuously missing from the roster is 10-time national champion Danniel Thomas-Dodd, who is understood to have informed the JAAA she would not be available for selection. Reports are that JAAA President Garth Gayle confirmed the news on Saturday, noting that the 2018 World Indoor silver medalist and 2019 World Outdoor runner-up had opted out.
Thomas-Dodd, Jamaica’s national record holder both indoors and outdoors, is currently ranked 14th in the world this season with a best of 19.30 meters. Her absence represents a significant gap in the throws, where she has been the nation’s standout performer for more than a decade.
Depth across sprint and field events
The women’s team boasts a powerful line-up. In addition to Jackson, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Tina Clayton headline the 100m, while Gabrielle Matthews and Ashanti Moore join Jackson in the 200m. For the 400m, Dejanae Oakley, Nickisha Pryce, and Stacey-Ann Williams will fly the flag, while the hurdles are covered by Olympic medalists Danielle Williams and Megan Tapper, alongside rising star Ackera Nugent and Amoi Brown.
Jamaica’s presence in the field is equally strong: Shanieka Ricketts and Ackelia Smith lead the triple jump contingent, Lamara Distin anchors the high jump, and Samantha Hall takes on the discus. Shot put duties fall to Lloydricia Cameron, while Nayoka Clunis represents in the hammer throw.
Milestone for middle-distance
For the first time in World Championships history, Jamaica will field a full complement of three athletes in the women’s 800m—Kelly Ann Beckford, Natoya Goule-Toppin, and Adelle Tracey, who will also contest the 1500m. This landmark achievement underscores the nation’s growing reach beyond its traditional sprinting dominance.
On the men’s side, Jamaica’s 100m challenge will be spearheaded by Ackeem Blake, Oblique Seville, and Kishane Thompson, with Ryiem Forde as reserve. The 200m features Adrian Kerr, Bryan Levell, and Christopher Taylor, while Tokyo Olympic finalist Antonio Watson joins the 400m squad that includes Delano Kennedy, Rusheen McDonald, and Bovel McPherson.
In the hurdles, Olympic champion Hansle Parchment could only be declared a reserve in the 110m event, led by Orlando Bennett, Tyler Mason and Demario Prince, while Roshawn Clarke leads the 400m hurdles line-up. In the field, Tajay Gayle, Nikosli Williams and Carey McLeod anchor the long jump, while Fedrick Dacres leads a discus trio with Ralford Mullins and Chad Wright.
Relay depth and versatility
Jamaica’s traditional relay strength remains evident. The women’s 4x100m pool includes Fraser-Pryce, Jackson, and the Clayton twins, Tia and Tino, while the men’s quartet features Blake, Seville, Thompson, and Forde. Both men’s and women’s 4x400m teams are stacked with depth, and Jamaica will also field entries in the mixed 4x400m relay, providing additional medal opportunities.
Eyes on Tokyo
With sprint legends, rising stars, and a historic middle-distance presence, Jamaica will travel to Tokyo with one of its most balanced squads in recent memory. The absence of Thomas-Dodd will be felt, but the overall strength of the delegation promises fireworks when the championships get underway.
