Navasky Anderson delivered a landmark performance at the Mission Run Baltimore High Performance meet on Sunday (if ratified), setting a new Jamaican national record in the men’s 800 metres with a time of 1:44.61.

Anderson, representing UA Baltimore 800, edged out Morocco’s Moad Zahafi in a thrilling duel down the home stretch. Zahafi, the 2022 NCAA champion, clocked 1:44.72 for second, while Ghana’s Alex Amankwah finished third in 1:45.50.

The performance saw Anderson break the previous Jamaican record of 1:44.70 set on July 30, 2023, in Washington, D.C. It is the latest in a string of strong performances for the former Mississippi State standout, who continues to cement his place as Jamaica’s premier half-miler.

Sunday’s performance is not only a personal best for Anderson but a timely confidence boost as he ramps up preparations for the upcoming national championships in Kingston later this month and ultimately, the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

The race was part of the UA Mission Run High Performance series, designed to provide elite competition opportunities for middle-distance and distance athletes looking to hit qualifying marks for global events.