National record holder Roshawn Clarke reclaimed his title in the men’s 400m hurdles with a commanding performance at the 2025 JAAA/Puma National Junior and Senior Championships.
Roshawn Clarke clocked 48.02 seconds on at the National Stadium in St Andrew. He surged past the field in a strong finish, holding off Assinie Wilson, who took second in 48.42 seconds. Malik James-King was placed third in 48.49.
Roshawn, who is the World Under-20 record holder, was fourth in Budapest two years ago. He made up for his loss in last year’s finals at the national championships, lowering his previous best 48.20 seconds with the sixth best time in the world so far this year.
In the women’s event, Rushell Clayton dominated to win her third national title, stopping the clock at 53.81 seconds. She finished comfortably ahead of Andrenette Knight (54.52) and Shiann Salmon (54.65). World Championships spot in Tokyo already confirmed for the three.
Elsewhere on the track, Tyrice Taylor, 23, claimed the men’s 800m title in a dramatic sprint to the line. He clocked 1:45.26. Though his time fell short of the World Athletics qualifying standard, his win was a statement of grit and emerging promise in Jamaica’s middle-distance scene.
Megan Tapper
The women’s 100m hurdles semifinals saw Olympic bronze medalist Megan Tapper equal her season’s best of 12.50 seconds (-0.7 m/s). She lead all qualifiers into final. Tapper also outpaced defending world champion Danielle Williams, who finished her semi in 12.76 seconds.
Ackera Nugent, last year’s champion and national record holder, also advanced comfortably. She clocked 12.76 seconds (-0.8 m/s) to win her heat. She’ll be joined in the final by World U20 champion Kerrica Hill (12.77), Demisha Roswell (12.89), and Janela Spencer (13.03).
In field events, Shanieka Ricketts retained her women’s triple jump title with a leap of 14.52m, edging out Ackelia Smith (14.44m) and Kimberly Williams (13.80m).
Shot put veteran Danniel Thomas-Dodd celebrated a decade of dominance, claiming her 10th national title with a winning throw of 18.33m. She topped the podium ahead of Lloydricia Cameron (17.24m) and Rochele Salmon (13.70m).
