The men’s 100m final was delayed for several tense minutes as Oblique Seville, one of the event favorites, knelt in visible discomfort on the track, his head buried in his hands, seemingly fighting back tears.
With concern mounting, medical personnel rushed to his aid, delivering a quick massage to his leg as fans inside Kingston’s National Stadium watched in near silence on the second of the four-day Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Senior and Junior Championships on Friday night.
Eventually, Seville gathered himself and took his mark again. The gun fired—and it was Kishane Thompson who exploded out of the blocks and roared down the track like a man possessed, storming to a world-leading, stadium-record, and personal-best 9.75 (0.8mps) seconds, matching Yohan Blake’s 2012 mark at the same venue.
Behind him, Seville, running tentatively at first but finishing like a freight train, claimed second in a personal-best 9.83 seconds, drawing admiration for his bravery and grit. Ackeem Blake also delivered a lifetime best 9.88 seconds for third in one of the deepest Jamaican sprint finals in recent memory. Ryiem Forde posted his first sub-10 clocking at 9.98 seconds, while Rohan Watson followed in 10.04 seconds.
A farewell with purpose – Fraser-Pryce secures World Champs spot in women’s 100m
The women’s 100m final wasn’t just a race—it was a generational torch moment and a fitting chapter in a legendary career.
Tina Clayton, almost 21, delivered a coming-of-age performance, blasting to a personal best 10.81 seconds to secure her first national senior title. She held off a charging Shericka Jackson, who ran a season’s best 10.88 seconds, to deny her a fourth consecutive crown.
But the story that brought the house down belonged to the incomparable Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. In what will be her final season representing Jamaica, the five-time world champion summoned one last burst of magic, crossing the line in 10.91 seconds, equaling her time from last year’s championships. The third-place finish secures her a coveted spot on the Jamaican team to the World Championships in Tokyo, a fitting final stage for the “Pocket Rocket.”
The standing ovation that greeted her as she crossed the line was not just for another podium finish—but a salute to nearly two decades of brilliance, courage, and grace in the black, green and gold.
“To make another World Championships team in my final season—especially here, at home—is something I’ll treasure forever,” Fraser-Pryce said, visibly emotional after the race.
The field also included Jodean Williams (4th, 11.02 seconds), Jonielle Smith (5th, 11.06 seconds), and Alana Reid (6th, 11.13 seconds), while Tina’s twin sister, Tia Clayton, heartbreakingly pulled up while in contention mid-race after running a personal-best 10.86 seconds in the semis.
Blistering semis set up 400m showdowns
A fast and furious semi-final round set the stage for a blockbuster final in the men’s category. Jevaughn Powell led all qualifiers with a season’s best 44.90 seconds, while Delano Kennedy broke 45-second for the first time with a 44.97-second PB. Rusheen McDonald, the national record holder, looked smooth in 45.18 seconds, and two-time champion Sean Bailey clocked 45.38 seconds to progress. Also advancing: Bovel McPherson, Zandrian Barnes, Shaemar Uter, and defending champ Deandre Watkin. Reigning world champion Antonio Watson failed to finish his heat, pulling up within the first 100m.
Meanwhile, Nickisha Pryce, the defending champion, dominated her heat in 50.51 seconds, with Leah Anderson (51.03) and Shaquane Foote (51.44) also earning automatic spots. Dejanae Oakley (51.05), Stacy-Ann Williams (51.12), and Roneisha McGregor (52.12) emerged from the second semi-finals. Candice McLeod (52.43) and Joanne Reid (52.50) advanced as fastest losers.
Tracey, DeCambre reign in 1500m distance duels
Adelle Tracey retained her national title with a well-timed surge to win in 4:17.80 minutes, overhauling Gabrielle Wilkinson (4:19.30) in the final 100 meters. Jodian Walker finished third in 5:51.60 minutes.
Twenty-year-old Dylan DeCambre of Virginia Tech seized control early and powered home in 3:46.59 minutes, ahead of Amini Whittle (3:52.72) and Navasky Anderson (4:06.65).
NCAA standout Romaine Beckford claimed gold on countback in the men’s high jump with a clearance of 2.25m, the same height as runner-up Raymond Richards. Zayne Palomino was third (2.15m).
U20 Shot Put:
Despiro Wray of Kingston College outclassed the field with a throw of 19.39m, in the Under-20 shot put, backed by Devonte Edwards (18.77m) and Nkosana Johnson (16.81m). Kamari Kennedy claimed the U18 title with 18.07m.
Rising stars shine bright in junior events
Keano Charles (47.68 seonds) and Omary Robinson (47.76 seconds) led the way, while Kevin Bliss (47.92secs) and Sawayne Kerr (48.10secs) were also impressive in the Under-20 boys’ 400m semis.
In the girls’ Under-18 1500m final, Alexia Palmer surged ahead late to win in 4:48.37 minutes, besting Abigail Richards (5:00.30) and Tabbrel Williams (5:13.76).
Saturday’s penultimate day begins at 10:30 a.m. with the men’s 200m heats and features eight senior finals, including the men’s and women’s 800m and the hotly anticipated field events: shot put, triple jump, and discus.
