'Cubby' Taylor (45.66) makes impressive return in Kingston after two-year absence

Written by Leighton Levy. Posted in Athletics. | 25 May 2025 | 1192 Views
Tags: Candace Mcleod, Christopher Taylor, Kishane Thompson, Sada Williams, Tia Clayton, JAAA World Championship Preparation Meet

After a two-year absence from competition, Christopher Taylor made a powerful and emotional return to the track on Saturday night at the JAAA World Championship Preparation Meet inside the National Stadium, Kingston, clocking 45.66 seconds to win the men’s 400m and signal his readiness for a serious comeback in this World Championship year.

Taylor, now 26 and noticeably more physically imposing, got out strong from the blocks and attacked the opening 200 metres with authority before powering down the home stretch to a commanding finish. The effort drew a standing ovation from the small but enthusiastic crowd that gathered to witness his highly anticipated return.

Running out of lane seven for Titans International Track Club, Taylor outpaced a solid field that included Delano Kennedy, who finished second overall in 45.72, and veteran Demish Gaye who clocked 46.05.

Taylor is next slated to compete in the 200m at the Racers Grand Prix on June 7, also at the National Stadium, as he continues his build-up toward the JAAA National Championships later this month—where Jamaica’s team for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will be selected.

In the women’s 400m, Sada Williams of Barbados opened her season with a confident run of 51.71. Behind her, Candice McLeod, who is working her way back to form after undergoing knee surgery last year, continued her steady progress with 52.44, while Roneisha McGregor posted 52.67 for third.

The women’s 100m was won in fine style by Tina Clayton of MVP Track & Field Club. The 21-year-old, who has been building form throughout the season, clocked 11.16 seconds (-0.2 m/s) to earn a J$50,000 bonus for going below the 11.30-second benchmark. Alexxe Henry (11.45) and Kishawna Niles (11.52) followed her across the line.

In the men’s 100m heats, Kishane Thompson led the field with a wind-aided 10.04 (+2.3 m/s). Shakur Williams (10.15) and Bouwahjgie Nkrumie (10.20) also advanced with quick times, but none of the top qualifiers returned for the final.

As Jamaica’s top athletes continue their preparations for the World Championships in Tokyo, Taylor’s return provided one of the most encouraging signs of the evening—a clear reminder of his immense talent and the role he may yet play in Jamaica’s quarter-mile resurgence.