Roshawn Clarke silenced any lingering doubts about his form and fitness on Saturday night, storming to victory in the men’s 400m hurdles final at the Jamaica National Championships. The 21-year-old SWEPT Track Club standout produced a season-best 48.02 seconds to retain his national title and stamp his ticket to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Clarke, who sustained an injury during his season debut at the Grand Slam Track meet in Miramar, Florida, in early May, revealed that he suffered a minor setback just two weeks ago during training. However, he insists that he is now back to full strength.

“I mean, the execution was good. I came out here just to execute my race as best as possible,” Clarke said after the race. “I think I did that today, and I came out here running a season-best. I almost got the 47, but, you know, I’m coming off an injury two weeks ago. I hurt myself again in training, so that’s why there’s even the [kinesiology] tape, but I’m fine. As you can see, I’m running fast again, so I’m grateful for that.”

Facing a competitive field that included Titans Track Club duo Assinie Wilson and Malik James-King — both of whom also dipped under the 49-second barrier with times of 48.42 and 48.49, respectively — Clarke knew he had to rely on his strengths.

“The two main threats were on my outside today,” he explained. “So the goal really was to execute my race. I’m the fastest one in the field, I carry the most flat speed, so I just used that to my advantage, came out hard and ran past everybody.”

Looking ahead, Clarke said he’ll use the coming weeks to build momentum ahead of the World Championships in September. He is scheduled to compete in a few Diamond League meetings to sharpen his form.

“I have some Diamond Leagues to run before the Games in Tokyo,” he said. “In terms of the injury, I’m fully recovered. I’m just using the tape as a precaution — nothing serious.”

With his place on the Jamaican team secured and his speed returning at the right time, Clarke now shifts focus to his ultimate goal: a medal on the global stage.