Jamaica has unveiled its formidable 21-member squad for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, with Olympic Games bronze medalist Megan Tapper and World Champion gold medalist Tajay Gayle leading the charge across various disciplines.
The championships, scheduled from March 1 to 3, will witness Jamaica’s participation in a wide array of events, including the 60m, 60m hurdles, 400m, 4x400m relay, 800m, long jump, triple jump, and shot put.
Ackeem Blake will represent the nation as the sole competitor in the men’s 60m, while Shashalee Forbes and Briana Williams will showcase their talent in the 60m dash. Tapper will headline Jamaica’s challenge in the 60m hurdles, with Tyler Mason and Damion Thomas also featuring in the men’s event.
Middle-distance events
In the middle-distance events, Stacey-Ann Williams and Cherokee Young will vie for glory in the women’s 400m, while Rusheen McDonald will carry Jamaica’s hopes in the two-lap race for men. Moreover, both Williams and Young are set to play pivotal roles in the relay squad alongside other accomplished athletes such as Junelle Bromfield, Stephenie-Ann McPherson, Andrenette Knight, Leah Anderson, and Lanae-Tava Thomas.
The field events will witness Carey McLeod and Gayle competing in the long jump, Kimberly Williams taking on the triple jump, and Daniniel Thomas-Dodd and Rajindra Campbell showcasing their prowess in the shot put discipline.
Former JAAA president Dr. Warren Blake has been appointed as the team manager, with Maurice Wilson serving as the Technical Leader. The coaching staff includes Reynaldo Walcott, Paul Francis, Orville Byfield, and Mark Elliott, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the championships.
Commitment to excellence in track and field
Oral Thompson and Evan Allen will serve as massage therapists, while Mrs. Helen Francis will serve as Dr Blake’s assistant, with Marsha James as the team’s doctor. David Oughton is the safeguarding officer.
Jamaica’s participation in the World Athletics Indoor Championships underscores its commitment to excellence in track and field, with athletes aiming to build on the nation’s past successes and make their mark on the global stage once again.
Jamaica finished 12th on the medals table at the last World Indoors in Belgrade in 2022 with one gold and two bronze medals.
Full squad: Shashalee Forbes, Briana Williams (women’s 60m), Megan Tapper (women’s 60m hurdles), Stacy Ann Williams and Charokee Young (women’s 400m), Junelle Bromfield, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Stacy Ann Williams, Andrenette Knight, Leah Anderson, Lanae-Tava Thomas, Charokee Young (women’s 4x400m relay), Natoya Goule (women’s 800m), Tissanna Hickling (women’s long jump), Kimberly Williams (women’s triple jump), Danniel Thomas Dodd (women’s shot put), Ackeem Blake (men’s 60m), Tyler Mason Damion Thomas (60m hurdles), Rusheen McDonald (men’s 400m), Carey McLeod and Tajay Gayle (men’s long jump), Rajindra Campbell (men’s shot put).
