Day 4 of track and field at the 2024 Paris Olympics saw three Jamaican women advance to the semi-final round of the 400m hurdles. Shian Salmon, Rushell Clayton, and Janieve Russell all secured their spots in the next round, where they will face stiff competition primarily from their American rivals for places in the final set for Tuesday, August 6.
Salmon emerged as the fastest Jamaican qualifier, running a solid 53.95 seconds to finish second in her heat. The heat was won by gold medal contender Femke Bol, who clocked an impressive 53.38 seconds.
Clayton also made a strong impression, comfortably winning the opening heat with a time of 54.32 seconds. Clayton’s smooth and confident run positions her well for a possible place on the podium come Tuesday assuming she advances from the semi-finals.
Russell faced a bit more competition but still managed to qualify with ease. She finished third in her heat with a time of 54.67 seconds. The heat was won by the USA’s Anna Cockrell, who crossed the finish line in 53.91 seconds.
In addition to the Jamaicans, the competition will be fierce with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the defending champion and world record holder, who cruised to victory in the final heat with a time of 53.60 seconds. McLaughlin-Levrone remains the strong favourite for the gold medal.
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
“I don’t feel like I’ve made it yet”- Olympic champion Julien Alfred hungry for more success
Julien Alfred’s 2024 season was one for the books and the St. Lucian superstar is eyeing even more success going forward.
The 23-year-old began her first full season as a professional athlete with a six-race win streak in the indoor 60m, culminating with her first major global title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland on March 2.
The 2023 Bowerman Award winner then embarked on a spectacular outdoor season which saw her become her country’s first ever Olympic medallist by winning 100m gold in Paris in a national record 10.72 in August before closing out her season by winning the 100m title at the Diamond League final in Brussels in 10.88 in September.
Alfred also won 200m silver at the Olympics in 22.08.
As a result of her exploits on the track, Alfred has been subject of an appropriate week of celebration by her home country St. Lucia since her return on September 24.
Alfred was greeted by a parade of fans upon her arrival to the island, September 27 was formally recognized by the St. Lucian Government as ‘Julien Alfred Day’ going forward, a mural celebrating her was painted at her alma mater Ciceron Primary School and she was named as a Tourism Ambassador for St. Lucia.
With all that being said, Alfred still feels like there is more work to do to solidify her legacy in the sport.
“I don’t feel like I’ve made it yet,” Alfred said on the latest episode of Out d Blocks on the SportsMax TV YouTube Channel.
“That alone keeps me pushing and going for more,” she added.
Most people with her accolades, even after just one year, would get comfortable and feel like they’ve already solidified themselves as a staple in their respective field but not Alfred.
“There are accolades that I still want in my life and my career. Yes, I accomplished an Olympic gold, World Indoors, Diamond League final winner but I don’t have accolades in the World Championships outdoors yet,” Alfred said.
“Even the 200m title at the Olympics. I feel like there’s still more I can chase and go after and just leave my legacy and pay tribute to all those who pour into me and give back to them in such a way,” she added.
After a grueling NCAA season, Alfred competed at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023. She got to the final of the 100m, finishing fifth in 10.93 before narrowly missing out on a medal in the 200m final, running 22.05 for fourth.
If her 2024 form is a precursor, Alfred could be in for a massive World Championships in Tokyo in 2025.
Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson to be honoured by University of Maryland
Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson, a 2015 graduate of the University of Maryland, will be honoured during the university’s football game against Northwestern on Friday night at SECU Stadium. LaFond-Gadson, who made history this summer by winning Dominica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be recognized on the field during the first quarter of the game.
LaFond-Gadson’s return to the University of Maryland is part of a broader celebration of her outstanding achievements. In addition to Friday’s honour, she will also serve as one of the grand marshals for the university’s Homecoming celebrations on October 18 and 19. Joining her as co-grand marshal is Alyssa Thomas, a 2014 graduate and basketball star who helped Team USA capture its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in women's basketball.
The honorary grand marshal role is a prestigious position reintroduced to homecoming for the first time in over a decade. LaFond-Gadson and Thomas will lead homecoming activities during the week of festivities, which culminates with Maryland’s football game against USC on October 19.
While LaFond-Gadson will be celebrated for her athletic prowess and for bringing pride to her home country of Dominica, Thomas will be further recognized with induction into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame that weekend.
Thea LaFond-Gadson’s incredible journey from collegiate athlete to Olympic champion exemplifies the values of hard work, determination, and resilience. Her return to the University of Maryland to be honored by her alma mater serves as an inspiration to current students, alumni, and the entire community.
World U20 100m Champion Alana Reid named brand ambassador for Burger King Jamaica
World U20 100m Champion Alana Reid has secured a major off-track deal, becoming the latest brand ambassador for Burger King Jamaica. The deal, initially set for one year but with the potential for extension until 2028, sees Reid joining the fast-food giant in a partnership that includes public appearances and involvement in sports development initiatives.
Reid made her first official appearance as brand ambassador on Tuesday at the launch of the 2024 Burger King 5K and Relay at Jamaica College in Kingston. The event, slated for November 10, will see Reid actively engaging participants, including leading them through warm-up exercises before the race.
The young sprinter’s achievements on the global stage have made her a standout figure in Jamaican athletics. First, she was part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team that finished fifth at the Paris Olympic Games in August, and following that, she delivered a stellar performance at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru. Reid claimed two gold medals—first with an impressive 11.17-second finish in the 100m, leading a Caribbean 1-2-3 sweep alongside Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands and Kishawna Niles of Barbados. She later anchored Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team to another gold, cementing her place as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the region.
This partnership with Burger King not only highlights her rising star status but also represents a commitment from both Reid and the brand to inspire and nurture the next generation of Jamaican athletes. Reid’s involvement in events like the Burger King 5K and her upcoming clinics will provide valuable exposure and guidance to aspiring young sprinters, further solidifying her influence both on and off the track.
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