Vincentian Shafiqua Maloney continued her impressive start to the 2024 season with a national record to take top spot in the women’s 600m at the Miramar Invitational at the Ansin Sports Complex in Florida on Saturday.

Maloney, an 800m gold medallist at the NACAC U-23 Championships in 2021, ran 1:23.80 to win ahead of Americans Sadi Henderson (1:27.81) and Ajee Wilson (1:27.86).

The 25-year-old is coming off an excellent season indoors that included 800m wins at the Arkansas Invitational on January 12, Razorback Invitational on January 27 and the Tyson Invitational on February 10.

Also among the winners on Saturday were Bajan two-time World Championships 400m bronze medallist Sada Williams, Jamaican sprint hurdler Tyler Mason and Bahamian quarter miler Alonzo Russell.

Williams produced 22.82 to take the women’s 200m ahead of Denmark’s Ida Karstoft (23.010 and American Kynnedy Flannel (23.32).

Mason took the win in the men’s 110m hurdles with a time of 13.57. American Eric Edwards was second in 13.60 while Great Britain’s Andrew Pozzi was third in 13.63.

Russell ran a season’s best 45.35 to win the men’s 400m ahead of Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic (45.36) and Bahamian Wendell Miller (46.00).

World Indoor 60m bronze medallist Ackeem Blake ran 10.28 to finish second in the men’s 100m, just behind American Courtney Lindsey who ran the same time as Blake. Another Jamaican, Andre Ewers, ran 10.43 to finish third.

In the field, 2019 World Championships silver medallist Danniel Thomas-Dodd threw 18.72m for third in the women’s shot put behind American Maggie Ewen (18.95m) and Chase Jackson (19.88m).

Jamaican Chanice Porter jumped 6.36m for second in the women’s long jump. The USA’s Taliyah Brooks narrowly won the event with 6.38m while Puerto Rico’s Alysbeth Felix-Boyer was third with a season’s best 6.28m.

Jamaica’s national 800m record holder, Navasky Anderson, will open his 2024 season at the 2024 Penn Relays set for April 25-27 at Franklyn Field.

Anderson, a bronze medallist at the 2023 Pan Am Games in Chile, will compete in the Olympic Development 800m at the meet.

“May the divine presence guide, protect, and empower me on this profound journey, enabling me to accomplish remarkable feats and inspire greatness,” he said in a statement on Instagram on Thursday announcing his participation.

Anderson’s personal best 1:44.70, which he did to qualify for last year’s World Championships in Budapest, makes him the third fastest man scheduled to line up in the field with only Kenyan Festus Lagat (1:44.31) and Great Britain’s Kyle Langford (1:44.49) going faster.

The field is completed by Kenyan Noah Kibet, Americans Vincent Crisp, Luciano Fiore, Sam Ellis, Japan’s Sho Kawamoto and Spain’s Mario Garcia Romo.

Two-time World 200m champion Shericka Jackson has withdrawn from the Miramar Invitational scheduled for Saturday at the Ansin Sports Complex.

This marks the third instance in which the current Olympic 100m bronze medalist has postponed her season opener.

Jackson previously withdrew from the JAAA Puma/Fuller/Anderson Development Meet at GC Foster College in Spanish Town on January 13 due to illness, and the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Development meet at the National Stadium on January 26.

"Never Quit. Unfortunately, Shericka won’t be competing at the Miramar Invitational this Saturday. Will definitely keep y’all updated whenever the season opener is scheduled," Jackson said in a post on her Facebook page on Friday.

She was scheduled to compete in the 200m.

Jackson is the second high-profile athlete to withdraw from the meet as reigning world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson of the USA also announced her non-participation on social media on Wednesday.

St Lucia erupted in joyous celebration on Friday afternoon as World Indoor 60m champion Julien Alfred returned home to launch her much-anticipated foundation, the Julien Alfred Foundation, on Saturday morning. Alfred's arrival was marked by a hero's welcome, with thousands of adoring St Lucians gathering at the airport and lining the streets to greet their beloved sprinting sensation.

Amidst the cheering crowds and vibrant displays of cultural festivities, Alfred embarked on a spirited motorcade that led to the Prime Minister's official residence, where she met with cabinet ministers amid an atmosphere of jubilation.

As the first-ever St Lucian to secure a global gold medal, Alfred's return symbolized a momentous occasion for her homeland. The scenes of dancers, stilt walkers, and exuberant supporters underscored the profound impact of her achievements on the island's youth, many of whom aspire to follow in her illustrious footsteps. (See video below)

Sports Minister Kenson Casimir noted that due to logistical considerations, only a limited number of individuals, a 1000, were permitted inside the Hewanorra International Airport to greet the superstar athlete, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for the festivities.

Supported by her generous sponsors, Puma and First National Bank, in addition to her personal contributions, the Julien Alfred Foundation aims to address critical needs within St Lucia's youth community, particularly focusing on the provision of essential school supplies and athletic equipment.

Reflecting on her own modest beginnings, Alfred expressed a heartfelt commitment to nurturing the potential of St Lucia's youth. "I just wanted to give back to the youth," she emphasized, "whether it's academically or in sports, I want to provide them with opportunities I wish I had at their age."

Alfred's return home and the imminent launch of her foundation represent a pivotal moment in her journey, signaling a deep-rooted commitment to uplifting her community and inspiring future generations of aspiring athletes and scholars.

LSU Head Track Coach Dennis Shaver has bold aspirations for Brianna Lyston, aiming to mold her into a sprinting powerhouse akin to Jamaican legends Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah. However, he emphasizes the importance of patience as Lyston continues her journey towards greatness.

 "My goal over her career here at LSU is to make her an elite 100m sprinter because I think that as a professional track and field athlete, your ability to earn money is better in the hundred than it is being a 200m," he explained.

“But it's still in the early stages. We need to get to where she's just a beast all the time because that's like Shelly Ann, that's like Elaine Thompson. Those people that are just durable and you can always count on them.”

Following Lyston's impressive performance at the Battle of the Bayou, where she clocked a blistering 10.87s (wind 2.6m/s), the fastest time ever recorded for an opener by a collegiate woman under any conditions, Coach Shaver remains optimistic about her development. Despite her recent accolades, the experienced coach  stresses the importance of steady progress and physical development, underscoring Lyston's growth in strength since joining LSU.

"In the shorter sprint races, we had her pretty well prepared. She's been accelerating quite well, and her top-end speed, obviously, has always been pretty good. But I think the biggest change for her, in her development at this point, is she's just physically a little stronger than what she was when she came in August," Coach Shaver told Sportsmax.TV in an exclusive interview.

"And I think it's made a big difference this year, her second year here. I was very patient with her last year because I know how talented she is and how important it is that we take good care of her and have her prepared for summertime, too."

In discussing Lyston's aspirations for the upcoming summer, Coach Shaver revealed her goal of securing a spot on Jamaica's Olympic team for Paris. This summer is especially important, and one of Lyston’s goals is to make Jamaica’s team for the Olympic Games in Paris, he shared.

To get on the team, she will have to run faster than she has ever done before. At the Jamaican trials, she will likely face three of the fastest women of all time in Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson, the latter two over 200m as well.

Coach Shaver believes in Lyston's competitive spirit, sharing that she can run lifetime bests later this summer. "I think realistically, I'm more about consistency than what the PR time is. But I think if anybody, as a collegian, can consistently line up and run 10.90 on a fairly regular basis, then when you get towards championship time, or in her case, maybe the Jamaican trials, or maybe if she makes the team with Jamaica to represent in Paris, which is obviously probably one of her goals, is to be able to do that.

“And I think if we can just get the 10.90s on consistent basis, I think we can have her ready to run faster than that when we get to late into the summer.”

Highlighting the importance of patience in Lyston's journey, Coach Shaver emphasized injury prevention and physical development. "That's kind of been our outlook with everybody that's talented like her here at LSU. You know, we've always tried to show patience and give them a chance to mature," he remarked.

"I still think she has room for growth. And I think that's where the patience and the education part of how the training helps you overcome that also, when we're talking about, you know, strength training and so forth.

“She's a little fragile and so we've tried not to do too much with her, and especially last year. And I think now she's physically a little stronger, and I think she's gained confidence about the ability to be able to consistently run fast in more than one race. But, she's got a ways to go yet and I think this is an important season for her.

“This weekend we're competing and she's only going to run a four by one. But when we go to Tom Jones Florida the following week, if the weather's good, which it usually is, I think that'll be her 200m opener. I'm anxious to see what she runs in the 200m in a couple of weeks.”

The 2024 CARIFTA Games has provided fourteen-year-old Belizean jumper Jaaden Williams with the opportunity of a lifetime as he has, according to reports from Belize, been offered an athletic scholarship by Jamaican track & field powerhouse, Jamaica College.

Williams, who hails from Punta Gorda, has been given the opportunity to further his education and athletic training in Jamaica, a country renowned for its track and field success.

This offer marks a significant milestone for the youngster, who expressed his surprise and optimism about the future upon his return to Belize from the games.

“The offer came out of the blue despite my performance at the Games,” Williams shared with Belizean reporters.

At the Games, Williams jumped 5.37m to finish 17^th in the Under-17 Boys long jump and 11.36m to finish 13^th in the triple jump.

Williams, who is set to start his new journey in September, also aspires to become a pilot.

Belize celebrated success at the CARIFTA Games through Demetrie Meyers’ in the 3,000 meters and Brooklyn Lyttle in the Under-17 girls’ long jump.

Meyers secured gold to add to his 1500m and 3000m gold medals from Nassau last year while Lyttle took bronze.

Track and field enthusiasts worldwide have reason to rejoice as a thrilling new international meet is set to grace Kingston on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The Jamaica Athletics Invitational (JAI) promises to captivate audiences with a dazzling showcase of elite athleticism, alongside an infusion of entertainment to delight sports and music aficionados alike.

Featuring 14 prestigious events, the JAI will draw top-tier athletes from Jamaica, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe to compete on the hallowed grounds of Kingston. With World Athletics designating the event as a Silver Continental Tour, anticipation is running high for a world-class spectacle.

Ludlow Watts, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), expressed his delight at welcoming this event to Jamaica's shores. "Fans will be in for a treat with some of the world's best on show," Watts exclaimed. "Jamaica's dominance in the world is unquestionable, and we are intent on putting on a great show as hosts."

With ambitions to pack the stadium to capacity, Watts and his team are committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for spectators. The event's timing couldn't be more opportune, serving as a crucial warm-up for athletes ahead of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, scheduled for July. Additionally, the JAI will provide a platform for athletes to showcase their prowess before their respective National Championships, slated for the end of June.

The event lineup boasts a entertaining array of competitions, including staple events such as the 100m, 200m, 400m, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, discus throw, high jump, and triple jump for male athletes, and the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, and triple jump for female athletes.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has outlined three primary objectives for the meet: to bring quality competition to the fans, provide a platform for athletes to excel, and promote Jamaica as a premier sports destination on the global stage.

Scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM, the Jamaica Athletics Invitational promises an electrifying fusion of athletic prowess and entertainment, setting the stage for a memorable evening of sporting excellence in the heart of the Caribbean.

Reigning world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson has withdrawn from Saturday’s Miramar Invitational.

She was scheduled to compete in both the 100m and 200m events at the Ansin Sports Complex.

“Hey everyone, I just want to let everybody know that I will not be competing this weekend at Miramar,” Richardson announced in a social media post on Wednesday.

Fans were anticipating a clash between Richardson and two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson but they will now have to wait for the battle to possibly pan out in the Diamond League.

To make her decision clear, she claimed that a new year has prompted her to take a new approach toward her Olympic journey.

“Different year, different approach, different energy to my preparation this year,” she said.

She went on to state that she didn’t want her fans to find out about the news from anyone else, rather insisted they learned about it directly from “the horse’s mouth.”

“I don’t want anybody to get their hopes up,” Sha’Carri added.

However, the American assure fans that “it’s going to be a great meet, great athletes.” 

“Lock in, enjoy the meet and stay tuned for when I do step on the track,” she added.

The 24-year-old won her maiden world title with a personal best 10.65 in Budapest last year.

St. Lucia's beloved track sensation, Julien Alfred, World Indoor 60m champion, is poised to make a triumphant return to her homeland on Friday, April 5th, 2024, for a deeply significant purpose - the launch of the Julien Alfred Foundation.

Driven by a deeply rooted commitment to give back to her birthplace, Alfred, in an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV, revealed her heartfelt motivation behind the foundation's creation. Supported by her generous sponsors, Puma and First National Bank, along with her personal funds, the foundation aims to provide critical support to the island's youth, addressing pressing needs for school supplies and athletic equipment.

Reflecting on her own humble beginnings, the 2023 Bowerman Award winner expressed a burning desire to provide opportunities she lacked during her upbringing. "I just wanted to give back to the youth," she explained, "whether it's academically or sports-wise, I want to provide them with opportunities I wish I had at their age.

"I grew up without much, sometimes running without shoes or having to depend on like (Commonwealth champion) Levern Spencer; like one time she donated her shoes to me and some equipment as well.

"Growing up in poverty, you have some children that struggle with going to school; they are not able to go to school or seeing their companions with things they don’t have, so I think it would be a good idea to give back to the youth, just doing things that I wish I had at a young age, to help them grow in the sport or whatever they want to do."

Her journey from running barefoot to becoming the second-fastest woman of all time over 60m has instilled in Julien a profound sense of responsibility to uplift her community. Drawing inspiration from her studies in Youth and Community Studies at the University of Texas in Austin, she is determined to make a meaningful impact, starting with her alma mater, Leon Hess Secondary School, where many children face daunting challenges.

“It was something I always wanted, studying Youth and Community Studies. Doing community studies, I learned a lot about starting a foundation and working with the youth as well. Lots of children from my community who attend Leon Hess really struggle,” she revealed.

She also intends, through the foundation, to support local track clubs with equipment.

Originally intending a quiet launch, Julien's plans were swiftly altered as news of her impending arrival spread across the island. Despite the sudden spotlight, Julien remains humbled by the overwhelming support of her fellow St. Lucians.

“I was hoping to go home and launch silently but now that everybody knows that I am coming home, it’s completely different. It is a bit overwhelming. Getting the amount of support I get from St Lucians, I really appreciate it,” she remarked.

“It’s kind of hard to believe what has been happening in my life, knowing where I came from.”

Upon her arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, Julien will be greeted with an official welcome, followed by a motorcade to Castries, where she will meet with Prime Minister, The Honourable Philip J Pierre, and his Cabinet at the prime minister's official residence. The foundation's official launch is scheduled for Saturday morning, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Julien's journey to uplift and empower the youth of St. Lucia.

In a message resonating with pride and admiration, Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of Olympic Committees (CANOC), has reflected on the remarkable achievements of Caribbean athletes at the recent Carifta Games in Grenada and the Carifta Aquatic Championships in the Bahamas.

Jamaica secured a 38^th consecutive title at the 51^st Carifta Games in Grenada winning 84 medals, 45 of them gold, while in the Bahamas, the home team won a record-extending sixth aquatics title further enhancing their reputation as kings and queens of the pool.

"We have recently celebrated the annual Easter weekend events across the world. For us in the Caribbean, we are still reflecting on the outstanding performances of our athletes at both the Carifta Athletics Championships in Grenada and the Carifta Swimming Championships in the Bahamas," the CANOC president said.

Joseph wasted no time in lauding the athletes, acknowledging their remarkable efforts and dedication. "While not all athletes would have won medals," he remarked, "scores of them have achieved personal best performances. All participating athletes are winners insofar as having gained national selection is itself a major feat and an important part of their personal and their respective country’s sporting history."

Indeed, the records shattered and the triumphs achieved at these championships were nothing short of extraordinary. Jamaica's 38th consecutive title at the Carifta Games in Grenada, along with an impressive haul of 84 medals, exemplified the caliber of talent present in the Caribbean. Similarly, the Bahamas' record-extending sixth consecutive swimming title, won in front of their passionate home crowd, showcased the region's dominance in aquatic sports.

"Records have been broken by athletes we expect will follow the long-held tradition of becoming the next generation of sporting stars of the Caribbean," Joseph enthused. "Small we may be as countries in the global environment but through sport we have competed well and blazed a trail of success consistent with our immense potential, resilience, and resolve."

Joseph extended heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes who represented their countries at these prestigious events, emphasizing the significance of their accomplishments. He also expressed gratitude to the governments and people of Grenada and the Bahamas for their unwavering support and financial commitment to the sporting spectacles.

Moreover, Joseph emphasized the importance of government involvement in facilitating the sports development process in the Caribbean. "The continued challenges of hosting major sport competitions at the Caribbean level impact the broader sport development process," he noted. "There is an important need for us to have governments play a more important role in facilitating the sport development process in the Caribbean."

 In closing, Joseph highlighted the call for Caribbean unity and collaboration in sport, as advocated by Grenada's Minister of Sport, Gayton J La Crette. He underscored CANOC's commitment to facilitating research initiatives aimed at developing a sustainable sport development strategy for the region.

"Together," Joseph concluded, "we can show the difference sport can make to our Caribbean reality."

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist known affectionately as the "Pocket Rocket," ignited the spirit of Easter joy in her beloved Waterhouse community with a heartwarming gesture that echoed her commitment to social outreach. On the bright Saturday morning of March 30th, the SFP Pocket Rocket Foundation launched its annual Easter Treat, marking the onset of its community engagement efforts for the year 2024.

With the indomitable Shelly-Ann herself at the forefront, the Foundation embarked on a mission to spread cheer and goodwill. Armed with over $500,000 worth of the quintessential Jamaican Easter fare—bun and cheese—the Mommy Rocket took to the streets of Ashoka Road, beckoning her neighbors to partake in the festivities.

In a display of her down-to-earth demeanor, Shelly-Ann extended a simple yet heartfelt invitation to the community members, urging them to gather at her grandmother's humble abode to receive their Easter treats. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as residents eagerly lined up, each clutching their PRF-branded bags in anticipation of the delights within.

The scale of this year's Easter Treat dwarfed its predecessors, a testament to the growing impact of the Foundation's endeavors. Where once a modest gathering of around a hundred souls had been the norm, now over 300 individuals found themselves beneficiaries of Shelly-Ann's generosity.

The significance of this event reverberated throughout Waterhouse, a neighborhood that had long been touched by the benevolent efforts of the Pocket Rocket Foundation. Just a few months prior, the Foundation had celebrated a decade of unwavering dedication to community development with a grand Fundraising Gala. Thanks to the unwavering support of donors, the Foundation had been empowered to expand its reach, ensuring that even more souls could partake in the joyous Easter festivities.

As the day drew to a close and the last bag of bun and cheese found its home, the echoes of laughter and gratitude lingered in the air. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, with her boundless energy and compassionate spirit, had once again exemplified the true essence of Easter—unity, generosity, and the simple joy of giving. In the hearts of the Waterhouse community, her legacy as a champion both on and off the track would forever endure.

An international quartet of Dina Asher-Smith, Rhasidat Adeleke, Lanae-Tava Thomas and Julien Alfred combined to clock a new world’s best 1:27.05 4x200m at the Texas Relays in Austin on Saturday.

Britain’s 2019 world champion Asher-Smith ran the first leg before handing the baton to Ireland’s Adeleke. Jamaica’s Thomas took on the third leg and then Saint Lucia’s world indoor 60m champion Alfred ran the anchor, her split time reported as 20.8.

While the mark cannot count as a world record as the athletes represent different nations, their 1:27.05 is faster than the world record of 1:27.46 set by USA in 2000.

“I think it was just a matter of trusting each other and running our own race,” Alfred said after the race.

Trinidad and Tobago's Jaenae De Gannes was named winner of the prestigious Austin Sealey Award after three days of pulsating competition at the 51st edition of the Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics in Grenda.

The 17-year-old smashed the girls’ Under-20 long jump record during the morning session of Monday’s final day, and later returned to anchor the twin island republic to a silver medal in the girls’ Under-20 4x400m relay.

Named in honour of Sir Austin Sealy, who started the Carifta Games in 1972, the award is given to the most outstanding athlete of the three-day spectacle.

While there were a number of breathtaking performances, De Gannes topped the pile when she measured 6.50 metres to win gold and establish a new record in the girls’ Under-20 long jump. The effort erased the old mark of 6.48 metres – ironically set in Grenada eight years ago – and positioned her third in the world in the Under-20 category.

She returned later in the evening to partner with Kaori Robley, Saana Frederick and Kaziah Peters to finish second in the girls’ Under-20 4X400m in 3:47.51. The event was won by Jamaica in 3:34.69, with Barbados (3:48.21) in third.

By virtue of winning the Austin Sealy Award, De Gannes joins a long list of outstanding athletes to have won the award, including Usain Bolt, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Yohan Blake, and Kirani James.

Jehue Gordon and Darrel Brown are among the Trinidad and Tobago athletes to have won the award previously.

Meanwhile, Jamaica topped the medal standings with 83 medals comprising 44 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze, while the Bahamas ended with 34 – nine gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze. Trinidad and Tobago picked up four gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze to finish the championship with 28 medals overall.

Hosts Grenada were the only other team in double digits with 14 medals, logging one gold, six silver and seven bronze.

Jamaica asserted its dominance on the track as the curtains closed on the 51st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada, clinching victory in all four 4x400m relays on Monday. With commanding performances reminiscent of their sprint hurdles dominance earlier in the final session, the Jamaican teams showcased their class, bringing the Games to a thrilling conclusion.

However, the final race of the night, the Under 20 Boys 4x400m relay, was not without its share of drama. As Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and Grenada set off in the race, they halted unexpectedly, anticipating a recall that never came. They were allowed to re-run for time during which Trinidad and Tobago ultimately emerged victorious, with the Bahamas crossing the line second.

However, neither team were able to eclipse Jamaica's winning time of 3:10.58 from the original race. Trinidad were eventually awarded silver having run a time of 3:11.10. Guyana was third in a time of 3:14.05. Bahamas were disqualified.

In the Under 17 Girls 4x400m relay, Jamaica's team, led by Britannia Bailey, Nastassia Fletcher, Kevongaye Fowler, and Tresha Lee Sutherland, surged to victory in 3:41.84. The Bahamas secured silver in a time of 3:47.13 while Trinidad and Tobago claimed bronze in 3:54.49.

Similarly, in the Under 20 Girls 4x400m relay, Jamaica's formidable quartet of Abigail Campbell, Shanique Williams, Kitania Headley, and Shanoya Douglas clocked a time of 3:34.69, securing another gold medal for the nation. Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas clinched silver and bronze, in times of 3:47.51 and 3:49.82, respectively.

Jamaica’s U17 Boys executed flawlessly to win in dominant fashion in a time of 3:18.43. Trinidad and Tobago won the silver running 3:21.24 with the bronze medal going to Grenada who ran 3:21.92.

With an impressive medal haul of 45 gold, 23 silver, and 16 bronze medals, Jamaica emerged as the overall victor of the Carifta Games.

The Bahamas finished second overall with 35 medals; nine gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals with Trinidad and Tobago third with 27 medals, four gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Guyana won eight medals; four gold, three silver and a bronze medal while Guadeloupe finished fifth with five medals, two gold, a silver and two bronze medals. Hosts Grenada had an outstanding Carifta Games winning one gold, six silver and six bronze medals which placed them seventh in the standings.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Janae De Gannes won the prestigious Austin Sealy Award for her record-breaking jump of 6.50m in the U20 Girls Long Jump.