JAAA boss hails athletes, administrators for successful 2023

PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Garth Gayle has praised the country’s athletes and administrators for a successful year in the sport.

“There are those who did well on the track and behind the scenes, working tirelessly to ensure the success of the sport they love,” Gayle said. Gayle also hailed what he described as ‘unsung heroes of the JAAA’ some of whom passed away this year.

“Jamaica fosters a sporting legacy that shines as brightly as the tropical sun. A small island nation with a big heart. We again took centre stage on the global athletics platform as our exceptional athletes found themselves in the spotlight of recognition and honour,” said Gayle.

“Our athletes were nominated for World Athletics awards and the JAAA was nominated for Federation of the Year. It’s a testament to the outstanding talent and unwavering commitment that has become synonymous with this nation’s prowess in the world of athletics. The outstanding dedication and underlying pursuit of excellence have not only brought glory to Jamaica but have also solidified our place as a powerhouse in the realm of track and field.”

After seeing Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce copping the World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year award last year, Gayle was proud that Shericka Jackson was nominated for the award this year.

“After seeing Fraser-Pryce walk away with the award last year, we were proud to see double world 200 metres champion Jackson being one of 11 athletes who were nominated for the award this year. She had an outstanding season, running a personal best of 21.41 seconds in the 200m in Budapest and also a personal best 10.65 over 100m at the National Senior Championships. She also had double sprint success at the Diamond League finals and there could be something special in store from her in 2024,” said the JAAA boss.

Gayle highlighted the achievements of young Roshawn Clarke who broke the 400m hurdles world junior and national record in Budapest and also received the Austin Sealy Award for being the most outstanding athlete at the 2023 Carifta Games in the Bahamas.

The JAAA president also pointed to Navasky Anderson who broke the national men’s 800m record setting a new time of 1:44 70, Rajandra Campbell with a new national record of 22.22m in the men’s shot put, Cedricka Williams with a local discus record of 57 84m, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie and Alana Reid with new national male and female junior 100m records of 9.99 and 10.92, respectively, at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

Gayle thanked the Government for its financial contribution to the sport.

“During the past year, we were well assisted financially by the Government and Minister of Sport Olivia Grange. This year their extraordinary financial contribution of $35 million facilitated the holding of our National Junior and Senior Athletics Championships as well as to attend the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary,” Gayle said.