Jamaica’s finest athletes battled for coveted spots on the national team heading to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last weekend.
From explosive sprints to emotional farewells, the 2025 JAAA National Senior Championships served up world-leading performances, breakout stars, and historic moments inside the National Stadium.
Kishane Thompson
Kishane Thompson lit up the men’s 100m with a stunning world-leading personal best of 9.75 seconds (0.8 m/s), the fastest time recorded globally since 2015. Earlier in the semifinals, Thompson had already dropped a warning shot with 9.80, indicating what was to come. The 24-year-old now sits sixth on the all-time list and is rapidly emerging as one of the top gold medal contenders in Tokyo.
Oblique Seville, a three-time global finalist, continued to show his class with a season’s best of 9.83 to secure second, while Diamond League champion Ackeem Blake also impressed with a personal best of 9.88 to round out the top three.
The Rise of the Clayton Twins
The Clayton twins continue to redefine Jamaica’s future sprinting landscape. Tina Clayton announced her arrival on the senior stage by storming to the women’s 100m title in a personal best 10.81 seconds (0.1 m/s). After missing the final last year, the two-time World U20 champion showed poise through the rounds and delivered when it mattered most. She denied Shericka Jackson a fourth consecutive national crown, as the reigning 200m world champion finished second in 10.88.
Meanwhile, Tia, an Olympic finalist, was unable to compete. She suffered an injury. Despite the setback, the presence of the Clayton sisters signals a generational shift as the country transitions from legendary veterans to a new wave of talent.
Shericka Jackson’s Grit Pays Off
Despite having a wildcard entry into the 200m in Tokyo, Shericka Jackson still fought hard to make the 100m team. In recent weeks, Jackson faced inconsistent training and mental fatigue, casting doubt on her ability to double. But her second-place finish in 10.88 showed her resilience and affirmed her status as a major medal hopeful. Now fully qualified in both sprints, she’ll look to defend her 200m title and chase another podium in the 100m.
A Historic Sendoff for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
The women’s 100m wasn’t just a race, it was a farewell. Multiple Olympic and World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took her final bow on home soil with a third-place finish that symbolized both excellence and endurance. Her legacy remains unmatched, and with Tokyo marking the end of her international journey, the National Stadium crowd offered a fitting tribute to one of Jamaica’s greatest ever.
Nickisha Pryce Leads Deepening 400m Talent Pool
Jamaica’s resurgence in the women’s 400m is gaining real momentum, with national record holder Nickisha Pryce once again leading the charge. Pryce retained her national title in 49.97 seconds after executing a controlled, composed race.
Behind her, Dejanae Oakley and Stacey Ann Williams both clocked 50.087, signaling exceptional depth in the event. With Leah Anderson and Shaquena Foote also running competitive times, Jamaica’s women’s 4x400m relay team now looks like a legitimate medal threat heading into Tokyo.