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• Olympic medalists Stona and Ricketts head nominees for RJR Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year

  Olympic gold medalist Roje Stona and trailblazing triple jumper Shanieka Ricketts lead the charge as nominees for the prestigious RJR Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards for 2024. The announcement was made during a televised ceremony at the studios of Television Jamaica on Wednesday, unveiling a star-studded lineup of athletes who shone on the global stage.

   Stona, who made history by clinching Jamaica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the men’s discus at the Paris 2024 Olympics, headlines the list of eight male nominees. The field is dominated by track and field stars, all of whom delivered remarkable performances throughout the year: Akeem Blake, bronze medalist in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow; Rasheed Broadbell, 110m hurdles bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics; Rajindra Campbell, shot put bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics; Rusheen McDonald, 400m bronze medalist at the World Indoor Championships; Carey McLeod, long jump bronze medalist at the World Indoor Championships; Wayne Pinnock, Olympic silver medalist in the long jump; and Kishane Thompson, 100m silver medalist at the Paris Olympics.

   On the women’s side, Shanieka Ricketts, who became the first Jamaican woman to medal in the triple jump at the Olympics, is joined by a stellar group of nominees: Rushell Clayton, national 400m hurdles champion and finalist at the Paris Olympics; Ackera Nugent, record-breaking hurdler with a new national and world-leading time of 12.24 seconds in the 100m hurdles; Nickisha Pryce, the first Jamaican woman to break the 49-second barrier in the 400m; and Llori Sharpe, cyclist and gold medalist in the Women’s Road Race at the Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships in Guyana, breaking the track and field dominance among nominees.

   The ceremony also revealed six nominees for The People’s Choice Performance of the Year, recognizing standout moments that captured the imagination of sports fans: Rasheed Broadbell for his bronze medal-winning run in the 110m hurdles at the Paris Olympics; Ackera Nugent for her world-leading 12.24-second run in the Diamond League; Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw for a spectacular goal against Liverpool in the Women’s Super League; Roje Stona for his historic gold-medal throw in the men’s discus at the Olympics; Kishane Thompson for his 100m silver-medal sprint at the Paris Olympics; and Chavany Willis for his stunning goal for Arnett Gardens against Portmore United in the Jamaica Premier League.

   The winners will be announced at the RJR Gleaner National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards Gala on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. This prestigious event will celebrate the exceptional achievements of Jamaica’s athletes, recognizing those who have left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting legacy in 2024.

• Serrette defeats Comissiong to regain NAAATT presidency

  Track and field administrator Ephraim Serrette returned to the helm of the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAATT) on November 30 with a comprehensive win over incumbent George Comissiong at the Annual General Meeting, at Five Rivers Secondary School, Arouca.

  Serrette, who had served as the NAAA president from 2007-2021 before exiting to take up a role as advisor to Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, defeated Comissiong by a 56-21 margin.

  Paul Voisin and Dexter Voisin were elected unopposed as first vice-president and assistant secretary, respectively.

  Michelle Stoute defeated Jozette McLean 57-20 to win the role of second vice-president while former World 400-metre hurdles champion Jehue Gordon won the role of general secretary with a 57-20 victory over Eileen Blackman.

  The role of treasurer went to Davina Washington 56-18 over Marlene Roopchansingh Williams.

  The directors include Cuquie Melville, Michelle Pennie, Kelsey Toussaint Reid, Donelle Stafford, Sherwin Joseph, Enrico Camejo, Sheldon Mason, Kelvin Nancoo and Samuel Jason Roach.

  The NAAA executive will serve a four-year term.

• "‘Give me time, and I’ll do magic’: Coach John Smith’s bold vision for Briana Williams’ sprinting legacy

  Veteran sprint coach John Smith has expressed confidence that, with time, he can help Briana Williams evolve into one of Jamaica’s greatest female sprinters. Williams joined Smith’s camp in California in March, following two challenging years in Jamaica where she struggled to make significant progress in her sprinting career.

  Smith, who has worked with some of the sport’s biggest names, acknowledged that the journey to unlocking Williams’ full potential would take patience and perseverance. “I’m not a magician, but give me some time, and I do do magic,” Smith said, emphasizing the long-term nature of their partnership.

  Williams’ decision to join Smith’s group, which includes elite athletes such as Marie-Josée Ta Lou, was not taken lightly. Initially hesitant about the move from her Florida base to the West Coast, Williams ultimately decided to make the leap, citing Smith’s proven track record and the opportunity to learn from a new coaching philosophy. Smith himself believes that their collaboration has the potential to be transformative.

  “She has the basis to become one of the most formidable Jamaican sprinters of all time,” Smith said, highlighting her natural speed, work ethic, and openness to new techniques. However, he stressed the importance of a holistic approach to her development. “It’s about sharpening the tools—mind, body, and soul. The tools need to be kept sharp and in harmony, and from there, it’s in God’s hands.”

  

  The adjustment period has been challenging but productive, as the Olympic gold medalist works to embrace Smith’s philosophy of rhythm, patience, and fitness. Smith noted that adapting to a new system requires not just physical adjustments but also mental recalibration. “It’s not about unlearning what she’s done before but adding to it. You don’t throw the stew out; you add to the stew.”

  One of the key areas Smith is addressing is Williams’ mindset in the latter stages of races. Williams has previously expressed concerns about feeling pressure from competitors in the final 30 metres, a hurdle Smith is confident they can overcome. “Fear stops you from buying into the final analysis,” Smith explained. “We’re working on manifesting a perfect finish, so she can run free to win, rather than running for a time.”

  Smith has been encouraged by Williams’ progress and her eagerness to learn. He remains focused on the process rather than setting specific time goals, emphasizing that success will come as she continues to refine her technique and build confidence.

  

  Looking ahead, Smith envisions Williams becoming a dominant force on the global stage, provided she stays committed to the journey. “Times will come, but first, she has to learn how to shift gears and feel her race. If we can piece everything together, she’ll be one of Jamaica’s best.”

  As Williams adjusts to her new environment and coaching philosophy, she remains a promising talent poised to add to Jamaica’s storied sprinting legacy. With Smith’s guidance, she could become a cornerstone of the nation’s track and field success in the years to come.