The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has laid out a clear path for securing relay qualification spots ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
With no relay events scheduled at this year’s National Senior and Junior Championships, the association has instead pinpointed three key international meets where they believe Jamaica’s remaining teams can safely book their tickets to Tokyo.
Currently, the Jamaican men’s 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m teams are yet to qualify for the World Championships after missing out on automatic spots at the recent World Athletics Relays. However, the JAAA remains optimistic about completing the task before the qualification window closes on August 24.
Targeted Meets for Qualification
JAAA First Vice-President Ian Forbes confirmed that the association has identified the Barbados Grand Prix, the London Diamond League, and the NACAC Senior Championships as the key meets where Jamaica will focus their efforts.
“We have been looking for opportunities to facilitate their qualification, and we can announce that come July 5, in Barbados, there will be a meeting held in which the relays will be on the programme,” Forbes told Jamaica Gleaner.
He further outlined that the London Diamond League on July 19, which will feature 4x100m relay events, presents another vital opportunity, followed by the NACAC Senior Championships scheduled for August 15 to 17.
Forbes stressed that the JAAA proactively collaborates with athletes and coaches to build the strongest relay squads.
“We are actively coordinating with coaches and athletes to make sure the best possible teams are available for those meets,” he said.
Confidence in the Process
Despite the pressure, JAAA President Garth Gayle expressed confidence in Jamaica’s qualification chances, citing productive discussions with coaches and meet organizers.
“We already have confirmation,” Gayle noted.
“Hence the reason why those three events are the ones we can safely speak to based on arrangements that are in place with both the coaches of these athletes and the meet organisers.”
Jamaica’s teams must secure one of the next two fastest global times to qualify, following 14 teams’ automatic qualification.