Jamaica Fields New Sprinting Talents for World Athletics Relays Amid Absence of Star Athletes

April 16, 2024

Charokee Young at the Oregon22 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, USA — Charokee Young

As the World Athletics Relays approach, slated for May 4-5, 2024, in Nassau, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has unveiled a team that, notably, will be without several of Jamaica’s premier sprinters. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Oblique Seville, and Antonio Watson, all key figures in Jamaica’s sprinting dominance, have not been listed for this year’s event.

Despite the absence of Fraser-Pryce, a two-time Olympic 100m champion and five-time world champion; Thompson-Herah, a double Olympic sprint champion; Jackson, a two-time World 200m champion; and top male sprinters Seville and Watson, the current world 400m champion, Jamaica remains confident in its deep talent pool.

ALSO READ: Brianna Lyston Drops 22.46w, but Courtney Lindsey Lights Up Tom Jones Memorial with 19.88

The women’s 4x100m relay will feature Kemba Nelson and Alana Reid, who are joined by Jodean Williams, Remona Burchell, Mickaell Moodie, Natasha Morrison, and Yanique Dayle. This lineup underscores Jamaica’s robust sprinting reserves, poised to maintain the country’s competitive edge in the absence of its star athletes.

Similarly, the 4x400m and mixed relay teams are primed with strong contenders such as Stacey Ann Williams, Charokee Young and Leah Anderson. They will be supported by Junelle Bromfield, Janieve Russell, Tovea Jenkins, Ashley Williams, and Roniesha McGregor, each hoping to make a name for themselves.

The men’s teams are also inexperienced. The 4x100m squad includes Ryiem Forde, Nigel Ellis, Bryan Levell, Kadrian Goldson, Odaine McPherson, Ackeem Blake, and Javorne Dunkley, who are trying to uphold Jamaica’s sprinting reputation.

The 4x400m and mixed relays will see action from Malik James-King, Rusheen McDonald, Zandrion Barnes, Roshawn Clarke, Demish Gaye, Anthony Cox, Karyme Bartley, Assinie Wilson, and Sean Bailey, ensuring robust performances across all relay events.

The management and coaching team, led by Team Leader Dennis May and Technical Director Maurice Wilson, alongside coaches Paul Francis, Reynaldo Walcott, and Mark Elliott, are focused on harnessing this young talent. Medical support from Dr. Yanique Weekes and Mr. Garfield Simmonds will ensure the athletes are in peak condition.

Women’s 4x100m Relay Team: