Jamaican sprinter, Tina Clayton announced her return to the top form with power and poise at the Racers Grand Prix 2025, clocking a season’s best 10.98 seconds (1.8m/s) to win the women’s 100m on Saturday night at the National Stadium in Kingston.
The two-time World U20 champion’s sub-11-second clocking was her first since 2022. That was the year she claimed her second junior world title and it now ties her for sixth-fastest in the world this year.
American Jacious Sears followed in second place with 11.04 seconds, while 2024 World U20 champion Alana Reid clocked a season’s best 11.16 seconds to take third. Tina’s twin sister, Tia Clayton, who was in strong contention for a podium finish, pulled up just before the line and settled for fifth with 11.24 seconds.
A Sister’s Inspiration
Though the win was impressive, it was Tina’s heartfelt post-race interview that truly captivated fans.
“I’m really proud,” she began. “Knowing that I had my challenges last year, I used my sister as motivation. You all saw what she did last year she was the drive.”
Tina spoke of a role reversal between the twins. Once the standard-bearer, Tina found herself drawing strength from Tia after a rocky 2024 season.
“She usually used me as an example. Then I guess the table turns and it’s my turn to use her as an example,” she said. “So we come to the line hungry. We want more.”
Her words reflected not just athletic hunger but emotional growth.
“Last year, I said I wasn’t okay mentally. But this year, I can say I am okay mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.”
Echoing a Bold Mantra
Tina then delivered a line that instantly resonated with the crowd and sprint fans worldwide. A phrase made famous by American sprint queen Sha’Carri Richardson:
“As I can say – the saying that Sha’Carri say – I am not back, I am better.”
Richardson coined the phrase during her own comeback season in 2023, using it as a rallying cry after overcoming public scrutiny, mental health struggles, and inconsistent form. The slogan has since become a mantra for many athletes reclaiming their strength and confidence.
For Tina Clayton, it wasn’t just a borrowed quote — it was a declaration of rebirth.
The win, her best time in nearly three years, is more than a personal milestone. It’s a signal to the world that Tina Clayton is ready to compete at the highest level once again.
“We come to the line hungry and we want more. That’s the drive every time we come out here,” she affirmed.
