‘We did all we could’

THE JAMAICA Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), in congratulating the relay teams that qualified for the Olympics in Paris this summer, has also made it clear the organisation did not take the World Relays, from which the quartets achieved the feat, lightly.

The JAAA’s pronouncement came on the back of rising concerns about the inexperience of the teams sent to the World Relays last weekend.

The four teams, the men’s and women’s 4x100 metres, the men’s and women’s 4x400 metres units, were bereft of the big names normally associated with Jamaica’s big-sprinting reputation.

The men’s 100-metre team was made up of Bryan Levell, Kadrian Goldson, Ryiem Forde, and Sandrey Davison. It was missing the likes of Yohan Blake, Ackeem Blake, and Oblique Seville.

Despite the missing speed, the team qualified for the summer games.

The men’s 4x400-metre team of Malik James-King, Zandrion Barnes, Assinie Wilson, and Demish Gaye wasn’t so lucky.

That team missed names like Antonio Watson, the reigning World Champion, fourth-place, and were forced to have Rusheen McDonald and Roshawn Clarke run in the mixed relay along with Leah Anderson and Janieve Russell.

While the other teams, the women’s 4x400 and 4x100, also qualified, they, too, were a ‘weakened’ bunch.

The team of Jodean Williams, Tia Clayton, Alana Reid, and Remona Burchell in the 4x100s, while chockfull of talent, cannot scare any of the top teams in the world.

The same can be said of the 4x400 team of Charokee Young, Ashley Williams, Junelle Bromfield, and Roneisha McGregor, all talented young ladies but none of the stars who make us a threat on the world stage.

In a release, the JAAA said it went through its regular planning for big events but were plagued by setbacks it had no control over.

“As is the norm, prior to selection, athletes, coaches and agents were contacted with a deadline date regarding their availability. This is then passed to the Selection Committee,” read the release.

“After selection and team entry, we were plagued with withdrawals and had to continue with those available.”

According to the release, the JAAA would be making no further pronouncements on the matter until it receives reports from the management team at the World Athletics.

Still, the JAAA has commended the ‘make-shift’ teams for their performances.

“Heartiest congratulations to those who represented us as we strive to keep Jamaica’s flag high,” read the release.