KINGSTON, Jamaica — With just weeks to go before the 2024 North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Senior Track and Field Championships, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has announced a formidable 47-member squad to compete in Freeport, Bahamas, from August 15–17.
Yet amid the excitement and high expectations, uncertainty surrounds one of the most eagerly anticipated comebacks of the season.
Dynamic sprinter Tia Clayton, who was named to contest the 100 meters and participate in the 4x100m relay, has reportedly withdrawn from the team. While the JAAA has not issued an official statement, a reliable source close to the federation has confirmed her removal from the squad, casting fresh doubt on her fitness following a hamstring injury sustained in the national 100m final on June 27.
Tia Clayton: From return to retreat
Clayton, still only 20, was poised to make a highly anticipated return after pulling up mid-race during the national championships final. Despite the injury, she had entered the event as the fastest qualifier, clocking a personal best of 10.86 seconds in the semi-final—cementing her status as a rising force in global sprinting.
Her inclusion in the NACAC team was seen as a bold show of confidence in her recovery. However, if the unconfirmed report is accurate, fans and selectors alike will be forced to wait a little longer to see the young star in full flight.
“She was originally listed to run the 100 meters and take part in the 4x100m relay,” the source revealed. “But based on current developments, she has been pulled from the roster. The reasons remain unclear.”
Clayton’s withdrawal—though not yet officially confirmed—would be a significant blow to Jamaica’s sprint line-up. Her absence opens the door for others, like Jodean Williams, to lead the charge in the individual 100m.
Speed, strength, and depth: Jamaica sends balanced contingent
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Clayton, the rest of the Jamaican squad remains stacked with both seasoned veterans and ascendant stars, all looking to cement qualifying standards for upcoming global meets.
Among the female athletes, the spotlight will now shift to Ashanti Moore, who will contest the 200m after winning the event at the National Championships. Moore will be joined by Gabrielle Matthews, while Kelly-Ann Beckford leads the 800m charge.
In the field, Shanieka Ricketts, a seven-time national champion, headlines the women’s line-up in the triple jump. She will be supported by Samantha Hall (discus), Nayoka Clunis (hammer throw), and Lloydricia Cameron (shot put).
The women’s 4x400m relay squad, which failed to qualify earlier this season at both the World Relays and Barbados Grand Prix, will mount another serious attempt in Freeport. National champion Nickisha Pryce leads a well-rounded unit that includes Leah Anderson, Roneisha McGregor, Stacy-Ann Williams, Shaquena Foote, and Dejanea Oakley.
McDonald, Taylor among key men’s contenders
On the men’s side, Rusheen McDonald, the national record holder and newly crowned 400m champion, will be joined by Delano Kennedy in pursuit of the World Championships standard (44.85secs).
In the sprints, Christopher Taylor and Adrian Kerr will compete in the 200m, while Ryiem Forde and Rohan Watson spearhead the 100m challenge. Jamaica will also seek redemption in the men’s 4x100m relay, having come up short at the Barbados Grand Prix. That team will include Kadrian Goldson, Bouwahjuie Nkrumie, Taylor, Kerr, Forde, and Watson.
Field events feature a strong cast, including Jordan Scott (triple jump), Carey McLeod (long jump), Fedrick Dacres and Chad Wright (discus), and Romaine Beckford and Raymond Richards (high jump).
Coaching and support staff
The squad will be led by Team Leader Julette Parkes, supported by Assistant Manager Claude Doyley and Technical Leader Maurice Wilson. The coaching panel includes Paul Francis, Gregory Little, and Marlon Gayle, with Team Doctor Paul Auden and Massage Therapist Oral Thompson also traveling with the delegation.
Beyond regional supremacy, the NACAC Championships serve as a critical opportunity for athletes to meet qualification standards for the 2025 World Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics. With the window narrowing, Freeport represents one of the final testing grounds.
While the potential loss of Tia Clayton is a major headline, Jamaica’s roster still possesses the depth and talent to challenge for top honors and hit key qualifying marks.
List of athletes selected: WOMEN (21 athletes)
Sprints – 100m: Tia Clayton (reportedly withdrawn), Jodean Williams
200m: Ashanti Moore, Gabrielle Matthews
400m: Dejanea Oakley, Stacy-Ann Williams
800m: Kelly-Ann Beckford
Hurdles – 100m Hurdles: Amoi Brown, Kerrica Hill
400m Hurdles: Janieve Russell, Sanique Walker
Field Events – Long Jump: Nia Robinson
Discus: Samantha Hall
Shot Put: Lloydricia Cameron
Hammer Throw: Nayoka Clunis
Triple Jump: Shanieka Ricketts
Relays – 4x100m Relay Pool: Tia Clayton (reportedly withdrawn), Jodean Williams, Ashanti Moore, Jonelle Smith, Gabrielle Matthews
4x400m Relay Pool: Nickisha Pryce, Dejanea Oakley, Stacy-Ann Williams, Leah Anderson, Shaquena Foote, Roneisha McGregor
MEN (26 athletes)
Sprints – 100m: Ryiem Forde, Rohan Watson
200m: Christopher Taylor, Adrian Kerr
400m: Rusheen McDonald, Delano Kennedy
800m: Navasky Anderson, Tyrese Taylor
Hurdles – 110m Hurdles: Demario Prince, Tyler Mason
400m Hurdles: Assinie Wilson, Malik James-King
Field Events – Long Jump: Carey McLeod, Shawn D. Thompson
High Jump: Raymond Richards, Romaine Beckford
Discus: Fedrick Dacres, Chad Wright
Triple Jump: Jordan Scott
Javelin: Ellvis Graham
Relays – 4x100m Relay Pool: Kadrian Goldson, Ryiem Forde, Rohan Watson, Christopher Taylor, Adrian Kerr, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie
4x400m Relay Pool: Rusheen McDonald, Zandrion Barnes, Shamer Uter, Delano Kennedy, Deandre Watkins, Novel McPherson
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