Quick-service restaurant giant, KFC Jamaica has inked a brand partnership with one of Jamaica’s most dynamic and exciting young athletes - triple jump sensation Jaydon Hibbert. The partnership with the world under-20 record holder begins on the eve of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Hibbert will represent Jamaica on the world stage.

Excited for the partnership and the Olympic games ahead, Hibbert celebrated the support from KFC, noting, “I’m really excited to be partnering with KFC for this Olympic season. It is an honour to be named the first track and field brand ambassador for KFC. Whenever I land in Jamaica, KFC is always my first stop, so this opportunity to represent the brand is truly special to me. I'm excited to see what the future holds. Without question, it's a big deal!”

Andrei Roper, Marketing Manager at Restaurants of Jamaica also expressed his elation at the deal with the strong Olympic-medal prospect.

“KFC is a long-time supporter of Jamaican sports and athletes. We believe in investing in our nation’s talented youth, and so we are extremely excited to partner with one of Jamaica’s brightest young sporting talents. We are pleased to welcome Jaydon to the KFC family, and we are delighted to be a part of his journey,” Roper shared.

In addition to being the current world under-20 record holder in the triple jump, Hibbert will now lead Jamaica’s medal hopes in the event at the Paris Olympics. Hibbert is also set to represent Jamaica at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru later in August.

Roper continued, “Jaydon’s attitude and dedication towards track and field has been commendable. He aligns perfectly with everything we hold dear at KFC – leadership, discipline, commitment, dedication, community, nation-building, and all-around Jamaican excellence. He is a great role model for young athletes.  We look forward to what will undoubtedly be a great partnership and are confident he will represent us, both KFC and Jamaica, well at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Hibbert will appear in upcoming KFC brand and retail marketing campaigns as he continues to excel on and off the field and help lay the foundation for the next generation of talented Jamaican athletes.

In a significant boost to Jamaica's youth sports development, real estate giant Century 21 has announced its sponsorship of promising young triathlete Samir Azan. The 13-year-old athlete is set to compete in the Carifta Triathlon & Aquathlon Championships in Barbados on August 17-18, 2024, marking his second appearance at this event.

 Samir, who first represented Jamaica in the 2022 Carifta Aquathlon in Bermuda, has been making waves in the triathlon community with his exceptional performances. His upcoming challenge will see him competing in a grueling event comprising a 400m open-water swim, a 10k bike ride, and a 2.5k run. Despite his young age, Samir has shown remarkable dedication and skill, positioning him as a standout competitor in the 13-15 age group.

 The sponsorship from Century 21 is a testament to the company's commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting sports development in Jamaica. Collet Kirkcaldy, General Manager of Century 21, expressed the company's enthusiasm for backing such a promising athlete.

 "We are absolutely thrilled to support and sponsor Samir Azan in his journey to the Carifta Triathlon & Aquathlon Championships in Barbados. At Century 21, we believe in nurturing potential and providing opportunities for young talents to shine on the international stage. We look forward to seeing Samir achieve great success and inspire others with his dedication and passion,” Kirkcaldy said.

 This partnership is not just a financial boost for Samir but also a morale booster for the entire Jamaican triathlon community. Natasha Cameron, Coach and Secretary General of the Jamaica Triathlon Association, highlighted the significance of the sponsorship.

 “We want to thank Century 21 for coming on board to sponsor one of our athletes. It is not a traditional sport, so getting a sponsor is a big thing for us. We are looking for great things from Samir. He is a dedicated athlete, and we are really hoping to bring home a medal,” Cameron stated.

 As the Carifta Championships approach, all eyes will be on Samir Azan. His training regimen has been intense, focusing on enhancing his endurance, speed, and technique across all three disciplines. The young athlete's journey is a source of inspiration for many aspiring triathletes in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

 The Carifta Championships have long been a breeding ground for young athletic talent, offering a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and gain invaluable international experience. For Samir, the event represents not just a competition but a stepping stone towards greater achievements in his sporting career.

 Century 21's involvement goes beyond just sponsorship; it signifies a broader commitment to community and youth development. By supporting athletes like Samir, the company hopes to inspire a new generation of sports enthusiasts and foster a culture of excellence and dedication.

As Samir gears up for the Carifta Championships, the support from Century 21 and the wider Jamaican community will undoubtedly fuel his drive for success. With his talent and determination, coupled with the backing of a committed sponsor, Samir Azan is poised to make a significant impact in Barbados and continue his ascent in the world of triathlon.

 The entire nation will be cheering for Samir as he takes on this challenging event, with hopes high for a podium finish. His journey serves as a reminder of the incredible potential that lies within Jamaica's young athletes and the importance of providing them with the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

On the brink of securing an Olympic berth in the historic city of Paris, Jamaica’s 2024 Men’s National 200m champion, Bryan Levell, has reached out to the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) for support. The JOA responded with a substantial investment of JMD$1,000,000.00 to aid his preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Levell, an Edwin Allen High graduate and a decorated Champs, Carifta, and Under-20 World Championship medalist, recently made a significant impact at the National Senior and Junior Championships where he ran a lifetime best of 9.97 in the 100m and won the national 200m title in another lifetime best of 19.97.

His remarkable performance cemented his status on the big stage and garnered the attention and support of the JOA.

In acknowledging the support, Levell expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am very proud to be the first recipient of the award, which will be very beneficial with me not having any support. By giving me this award, the JOA is supporting my dreams and aspirations."

The JOA’s swift and affirmative response to Levell’s request was anticipated. "Excellence and merit cannot be purchased; they are earned by giving it your all and do not subscribe to a ‘buy one, get one free’ mentality. It is this philosophy, this conviction, that drove the JOA to answer the call of Bryan and his team for support," stated JOA Secretary General and CEO, Ryan Foster.

Foster emphasized the significance of this partnership, describing it as "more than a smile and talk; it is a handshake that acknowledges excellence, empathizes with a need, and shares in an Olympic dream that has become a reality. It is a firm handshake of mutuality that says we’re in this together in realizing Bryan’s aspirations and for Jamaica’s glory."

Levell’s manager, Damia Russell, praised Levell’s resilience and determination in the face of having "zero sponsorship." She stated, "Bryan intends to advocate and show other young boys and girls that dreams do come true and hard work works."

The JOA’s commitment to supporting athletes is further reflected in their view that "making your mark is not time-bound or dependent on a condition that you must know your place until someone gives you space. It is grasping the moment in time, creating your space, and owning a place in history, which Bryan is doing," emphasized Foster.

The JOA's President, Christopher Samuda, added, "We have a social contract with our sportsmen and women who are our business, livelihood, and lifeblood. We are delivering opportunities on a level playing field, and with this financial investment, we are levelling the vibes for Bryan now so that he can ‘tun up di vibes’ as he pursues his athletic career and academic goals."

In a historic move in 2021, the JOA inaugurated and invested millions of dollars in its own coaches’ scholarship program, complementing the existing Olympic solidarity scholarships for athletes. At the official launch of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in May, the governing body announced increased financial support to other athletes, including Malik James-King, Samantha Hall, Shanieka Ricketts, and Nayoka Clunis, all of whom have earned a place on Jamaica’s track and field team for the Olympic Games.

The JOA’s "Young Olympic Changemakers" award serves as an Olympic appetizer for young athletes who thirst and hunger for, and indeed achieve, excellence. Bryan Levell's journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to this commitment.

Claude Bryan, the agent representing World Championships 400m finalist Sean Bailey, has strongly refuted statements made by JAAA Vice President Ian Forbes regarding the last-minute withdrawal of top athletes from the 4x400m relay at the Jamaica National Championships on Sunday night. Bryan clarified that his athlete had provided an explanation for his withdrawal, contrary to Forbes' claims.

Forbes had stated that none of the top three finishers in the 400m—Deandre Watkin (44.48), Bailey (44.65), and Jevaughn Powell (44.79)—nor the 400m hurdles champion Malik James-King, who were expected to run in the relay, offered any explanation for their decision to pull out. The relay was crucial for Jamaica's last-ditch effort to qualify for the 4x400m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, needing a time of 2:59.12 to secure a spot among the top 16 teams in the world.

In a response to Forbes' statements published by Sportsmax.TV, Bryan set the record straight, emphasizing the communication efforts made by Bailey and his team.

"For the JAAA VP to say that 'no explanations had been provided by the athletes for their late withdrawals' is wholly inaccurate," Bryan stated. "Sean Bailey’s physio, Sean Bailey, and myself went and spoke directly with Coach (Maurice) Wilson about his issue. Further to that, out of respect for the JAAA, an email was sent early on Monday morning detailing what had transpired, and said email was acknowledged by the JAAA."

Bailey had been experiencing discomfort in his hamstrings, and the decision to withdraw was made to prevent potential injury, which could jeopardize his chances of winning an individual medal in the 400m at the Olympic Games.

Speaking with Sportsmax.TV earlier this week, Forbes expressed his disappointment with the late withdrawals, noting the extensive preparations made to ensure the athletes were in optimal condition for the relay. "We need to have a pow-wow to look at what really transpired because the information from the coaches was very fast, things moved very quickly, so we haven’t gathered all the information. But it was most distressing that at the last minute, persons were pulling out," Forbes said.

To ensure the athletes were ready, meetings with athletes, coaches, and agents were held before the National Championships. On the recommendation of the athletes, the top 16 runners advanced to the semi-finals, with heats and semi-finals run on Thursday and the finals on Friday night. This schedule aimed to give the runners ample time to recuperate before the 4x400m relay, scheduled for 8:05 pm on Sunday. The athletes were also provided with hotel rooms for adequate rest and transportation. Additionally, two companies had put up JMD$1 million as an incentive for the runners to achieve the qualification time.

Despite the last-minute changes, four other athletes—Raheem Hayles, Zandrian Barnes, Tarees Rhoden, and Kimar Farquharson—stepped in to run the relay. They clocked a time of 2:59.87, which was just shy of the required time for Olympic qualification.

Bryan's clarification aims to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the athlete he represents.

Grace Allen could not contain her joy as her son, Kishane Thompson, clinched victory at the Jamaica National Championships at Kingston's National Stadium on Friday night. Allen's pride and happiness were palpable as she reflected on her son's journey from a small-town athlete to a national champion.

Thompson, who turns 23 later this month, won the blue-riband sprint in a world-leading 9.77s, Oblique Seville finishing second in 9.82 and Ackeem Blake third in 9.92. Thompson’s winning time was the third-fastest-ever run inside Kingston’s National Stadium. Yohan Blake’s 9.75 run in 2012 and Usain Bolt’s 9.76 set in 2008 are the only times faster than the one set by Thompson, who is now tied as the ninth fastest man in history.

It was an accomplishment that left his mother beaming with pride. After his historic run, Thompson hurried to the warm-up area outside the stadium and after thanking his coach Stephen Francis, passionately embraced his mom in a show of love and gratitude.

“Oh, I am so elated. I am so proud of my son. He deserves it,” Allen said with a broad smile. “I was always looking forward to this because I know he is someone who really concentrates on what he is doing; he puts his all into it.”

Kishane Thompson, affectionately known as "Bigga," grew up in Mitchell Town, a community that always believed in his potential. Born at Lionel Town Hospital, Thompson showed early signs of athletic talent, racing ahead of his peers at Mitchell Town Basic School. “He always loved to run, he always came first on sports day,” Allen recalled with a laugh. “I used to do high jump at school at Mitchell Town Primary. I think he got the genes from me.”

Kishane attended Bustamante High School before being recruited to Garvey Maceo High School by then-principal Orett Wallace. Under the guidance of coaches Kirk Beckford, Oliver Heywood, and the legendary Neville Myton, Thompson honed his skills and became a standout athlete. In high school, he competed in the 100m, 200m, 4x400m, and 4x100m relays.

In 2019, Myton, a middle-distance legend, saw something special in Thompson, likening him to the great US sprinter Bob Hayes. Nicknamed "Bullet Bob," Hayes was an American sprinter and professional football player. After winning gold medals at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he tied the then-world record in the 100m with a time of 10.06 seconds, Hayes played as a split end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys for 11 seasons. Hayes is the only athlete to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring. Myton predicted that Thompson would become one of Jamaica’s greatest sprinters.

That same year, Thompson won the 100m at Central Champs with a time of 10.59 seconds. Despite battling shin splints, he entered the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships (Champs) with a time of 10.47 seconds but unfortunately, he clocked a painful 43 seconds in his preliminary round. His rival, Oblique Seville, won the final in 10.36 seconds.

He also competed in the 200m, running 21.5 seconds in the heats but did not advance to the finals, which were won by Xavier Nairne in 20.81 seconds.

At the Penn Relays, Thompson anchored Garvey Maceo’s 4x100m team, leading them to a time of 43.16 seconds.

Allen, reflecting on her son's journey, expressed immense pride not just for herself but for the entire community of Mitchell Town. “All of Mitchell Town would be proud. I am sure they are.”

As Thompson's career continues to soar, his mother dreams of even greater accomplishments. “If he came back home with an Olympic gold medal? Oh my God! I would be so proud of him. I would be so elated.”

Thompson, who has a twin brother, has always had the support of his family and community. Now, as a national champion, he stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of dreams. His journey from Mitchell Town to the national stage is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration to young athletes across Jamaica.

Ackelia Smith, the standout 2024 NCAA long and triple jump champion, is channeling the lessons learned from last year’s World Championships in Budapest as she eyes the Paris Olympic Games. After recovery from serious injury early on in the season, her recent performance at the Jamaica National Championships, where she potentially qualified for both events, underscores her steely determination.

Her achievements at the Jamaica National Championships, including winning the long jump with 6.53m and placing second in the triple jump with 14.44m, further demonstrated her ability to bounce back. Although short of the Olympic standards of 6.86m and 14.55m, Smith’s season-best performances of 6.79m (with an indoor jump of 6.85m) and 14.52m at the NCAA Championships, have earned her rankings of 21st in the long jump and 23rd in the triple jump, respectively. This means the University of Texas graduate, who recently signed a professional contract with Puma, is on track to compete in Paris.

In March, Smith faced a significant hurdle when she suffered a hamstring injury, with doctors predicting a six to eight-week recovery. Defying expectations, she returned in early May to win both the long and triple jumps at the Texas Invitational with wind-aided marks of 7.10m and 13.51m. “That injury that I had was a hamstring tear. That has definitely healed. Being in explosive events, I try to stay as technical as I can. I am not perfect but I try to be as close to it as possible and make sure I work on my recovery, and always do my treatments. You have got to take care of your body so you can come back and do that every day,” she said.

However, injury has not been her only challenge. At the Budapest World Championships in 2023, a massive leap deemed a foul prevented her from advancing to the final. Reflecting on the setback, Smith shared, “It was a big jump; it was very frustrating because as a young athlete this is your time and going in with the world lead, I really wanted to make the final. But sometimes what you plan is not what you get but it was a lesson and I have learned from it. I kind of left it late and now I know that if I am going to do it I have got to get it out of the way early.”

Balancing a rigorous training schedule with the demands of a competitive season, Smith is preparing for the challenges ahead. Drawing on her experiences from two World Championships, she and her coach have fine-tuned their training to peak at the right time. “You know, I’ve already been to two World Championships and those were later on in August after having a whole NCAA season. I use those as experience, me and my coach, and we say ‘Okay, we need to adjust training, we need to address everything else around it and the goal itself is the Olympics,’” Smith explained. “Even though we have the nationals, the NCAAs, and all that, I think my coach was like, ‘You’ve got to be ready for the Olympics.’”

As she prepares for the biggest event of her life, Smith plans to participate in more competitions to fine-tune her skills and honour her country. Her journey is not only about personal success but also about inspiring the next generation of athletes. “It’s really great but I think even better it is for the young athletes coming up because they think they have to choose one,” Smith emphasized. “Making it in both shows that you don’t have to; once you qualify you can just perform, and you can do good and you can make it in both.”

With Hurricane Beryl barreling towards Jamaica and expected to make landfall later this week, the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) is proactively looking at ways to mitigate potential disruptions to the training programmes of Olympic athletes.

The athletes, who secured their spots on Jamaica's team for the 2024 Paris Olympics just this past weekend, face the looming threat of the hurricane's strong winds, which exceed 100 kph. These conditions could lead to blockages on roadways and significant damage to training sites, hampering the athletes' final preparations for the global competition, which kicks off in just over three weeks.

JAAA Vice President Ian Forbes spoke to Sportsmax.TV about the association's plans to address any significant disruptions caused by the hurricane. "One has to try forecast and plan ahead as best as possible," Forbes said. "A lot of that would possibly be done on a case-by-case basis, so in terms of contingencies, we have facilities. Once they are accessible, they will be allowed full access, the main one being the National Stadium for the locals and even some of the overseas athletes who might, for want of a better term, be trapped here because of the inclement weather. So certainly, full access would be granted."

Forbes also mentioned other potential sites that could be utilized to ensure the athletes' training is not compromised. "There are some other sites that could be called upon to facilitate, for example, GC Foster College, possibly UWI, Jamaica College, Calabar, and Kingston College, those places with synthetic surfaces."

The discussions within the JAAA are still in the preliminary stages, with a meeting scheduled soon to address all these issues comprehensively. "We are going to be meeting in a little while so all those issues will be addressed," Forbes added.

The association's contingency measures are geared towards providing the best possible support to the nation's athletes as they gear up for one of the most significant sporting events in the world.

Two of the fastest men in history, Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell, have heaped praise on rising star Kishane Thompson following his sensational performances at the Jamaica National Championships on Friday night.

Thompson, who was making his season debut, stunned the athletics world with a series of remarkable times: 9.82 seconds in the preliminaries, 9.84 seconds in the semi-finals, and a jaw-dropping 9.77 seconds in the final, despite trying to slow down towards the end. His efforts secured him a spot at the Paris Olympics and have reignited the hopes of Jamaican sprinting fans.

Blake, the second fastest man of all time with his 9.69 clocking in Lausanne in August 2012, expressed his excitement for Thompson’s future. Blake, who famously ran 9.75 at the 2012 National Championships and 9.69 in Lausanne later that year, sees immense potential in Thompson.

"I think great things are in store for Kishane. That was a big run! I am happy for him and I think he can go all the way and bring Jamaica the gold," Blake said.

Blake's words come with significant weight, given his own storied career. He famously defeated Usain Bolt at the 2012 National Championships and went on to finish second to Bolt at the London Olympics with a time of 9.75 seconds, a performance that remains one of the fastest in history.

Thompson’s performances have not only earned him accolades from legends but have also reignited the passion of Jamaican sprinting fans, who have been longing for a new hero since the retirement of Usain Bolt in 2017 and Powell’s subsequent exit from the track. Severe injuries limited Blake's performance in recent years, but Thompson’s emergence has given fans renewed hope.

In the finals on Friday night, Oblique Seville, who many considered the pre-race favorite, finished second with an impressive 9.82 seconds, while another rising Jamaican sprinter, Ackeem Blake, took third in 9.92 seconds.

Powell, known for his world record-setting runs of 9.77 in Athens in 2005 and 9.74 in Rieti in 2007, also had high praise for Thompson. Powell, who holds the record for the most wind-legal sub-10 second runs, believes Thompson is just getting started.

"Jamaica has been asking for an answer since we retired, and they now have it. Kishane will run faster than 9.77 this year. That’s what I think," Powell stated.

Powell’s confidence in Thompson’s ability to surpass his recent times adds to the anticipation surrounding the young sprinter’s future performances. With his lifetime best of 9.72 and a record 97 wind-legal times under 10 seconds, Powell has set a high standard for Jamaican sprinters, and his endorsement of Thompson signals the arrival of a new era in Jamaican sprinting.

2019 World Championship silver medallist Danniel Thomas-Dodd secured her ninth national title in the shot put on day three of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games champion produced a season’s best 19.32m to win ahead of Lloydricia Cameron (17.62m) and Danielle Sloley (13.55m).

Thomas-Dodd will be heading to her third Olympic Games.

The 31-year-old failed to make it out of the qualifying round in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021 and is hoping to go further in Paris.

“The number one aim is to make it to the finals and give myself a fair chance of putting together something nice,” she said.

“I know for sure it’s definitely going to take over 20m to get myself on the podium so my coach came to me and asked me to get 19.3 at the national championships. It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” she added.

Shericka Jackson claimed her third consecutive national 100m title on day two of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.

The two-time World 200m champion produced a season’s best 10.84 to take top spot ahead of 19-year-old Tia Clayton who ran 10.90 to finish second after running a personal best 10.86 to get to the final.

Two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce booked a spot at her fifth Olympic Games with 10.94 in third.

The top six was rounded out by Shashalee Forbes (11.04), Kemba Nelson (11.14) and Alana Reid (11.14).

“I’m feeling good. I just wanted to qualify and I did so I’m okay,” Jackson told the media after her race.

“I only ran one 100m before these championships and my 200m haven’t been the best but you just have to trust the process and I’m here today,” she added.

On the Men’s side, Kishane Thompson delivered on the promise he showed in both the heats on Thursday and the semi-finals earlier on Friday with a personal best and world leading 9.77 to win his maiden national 100m title.

Oblique Seville ran 9.82 to take second while Ackeem Blake ran a season’s best 9.92 in third.

Bryan Levell (10.04), Jelani Walker (10.04) and Jehlani Gordon (10.07) rounded out the top six in the final.

In the Under-20 100m finals, Edwin Allen’s Theianna-Lee Terrelonge ran a brilliant personal best 11.13 to win the girls final ahead of Muschett High’s Shanoya Douglas (11.28) and Lacovia’s Sabrina Dockery (11.29).

The boys equivalent was won by Gary Card of Wolmer’s Boys in a brilliant personal best of 10.07, the second fastest time ever by a Jamaican junior.

Herbert Morrison Technical’s Deandre Daley ran 10.16 for second while Kingston College’s Nyrone Wade was third in 10.36.

Malik James-King produced a stunning performance to win his maiden national 400m hurdles title on day two of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.

James-King became the second fastest Jamaican in the history of the event with a massive personal best 47.42, almost a full second faster than his previous personal best of 48.39 done earlier this season, to claim the win.

National and World junior record holder and World Championship finalist Roshawn Clarke ran 48.04 in second while Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jaheel Hyde ran 48.35 for third.

“I just executed my race as best as I could,” James-King said after his stunning performance.

“I was just focusing on how I train, taking every hurdle as they come. I wasn’t really watching anyone and just running my race,” he added.

Regarding the time, James-King said he’s more excited than surprised.

Clarke was happy to get on his first Olympic team.

“The strategy tonight was to execute as best I could, get myself in the top three and make the team and work from there,” he said.

“I wanted to go faster but I made the team so I can’t complain,” he added.

Two-time World Championships bronze medallist Rushell Clayton continued her fantastic form this season with a massive personal best to claim her second national 400m hurdles title on day two of the JAAA National Senior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.

Clayton ran a brilliant 52.51, the second fastest time ever by a Jamaican, to add to her national title back in 2019.

Her previous personal best was 52.81 set at last year’s World Championships in Budapest.

Five-time national champion Janieve Russell will be going to her third Olympic Games after running a season’s best 53.33 in second while Shiann Salmon will be heading to her first Olympic Games after running a personal best 53.71 for third.

Clayton's time was just outside of Melaine Walker's national record 52.42 set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

Kishane Thompson produced a stunning performance in the heats of the Men’s 100m on day one of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.

The Stephen Francis-coached sprinter produced a personal best 9.82, the joint, second fastest time in the world this year, to win the second heat. Ackeem Blake also went below 10 seconds for the first time this season with 9.95 to finish second behind Thompson in that heat and advance.

Sandrey Davison (10.00) and Sachin Dennis (10.04) both also made it through to Friday’s semi-finals from heat two after producing new personal bests while Nigel Ellis was the fifth semi-finalist from that heat with a time of 10.13.

Oblique Seville, who produced fourth place finishes at both the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, looked super comfortable on his way to 9.98 to win heat one ahead of Bryan Levell (10.07) and Jehlani Gordon (10.09). Levell’s time is a new personal best.

Julian Forte produced a confident 10.00 to win the third heat ahead of defending National champion Rohan Watson (10.07) and Tyquendo Tracey (10.09). Jazeel Murphy produced a personal best 10.11 to also make it through from that heat alongside Travis Williams whose 10.13 was also enough to make it through.

2023 World Championship finalist Ryiem Forde won the fourth and final heat in 10.02 ahead of Kadrian Goldson (10.12) and Jelani Walker (10.21).

The semi-finals and final are scheduled for Friday.

Two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and two-time World 200m champion Shericka Jackson officially got their bids to make it to the Paris Olympics underway by getting through to the semi-finals of the Women’s 100m on day one of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.

Fraser-Pryce, in her second race of the season, eased to a season’s best time of 10.98 to advance to Friday’s semi-finals as the fastest qualifier.

Tia Clayton ran a personal best 11.02 to also advance from Fraser-Pryce’s heat while Ashanti Moore ran 11.24 in third to also advance.

Jackson also looked in cruise control, jogging to a season’s best 10.99 to win her heat. Jodean Williams came agonizingly close to dipping below the 11-second barrier for the first time with a personal best 11.01 in second while Alana Reid also advanced with 11.20 in third. Niesha Burgher's 11.32 was also enough to take her through.

The third heat produced five semi-finalists with Natasha Morrison (11.12), Kemba Nelson (11.16), Shockoria Wallace (11.24), Briana Williams (11.25) and Lanae-Tava Thomas (11.27) all getting through to the semis.

Shashalee Forbes (11.03), Krystal Sloley (11.12), Tina Clayton (11.13) and Jonielle Smith (11.23) advanced to the semi-finals from heat four.

The semi-finals and final are scheduled for Friday.

Defending National champion Sean Bailey will get an opportunity to make it two in a row after successfully advancing to the final of the Men’s 400m on day one of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.

Bailey was the only man in the semi-finals to go below 45 seconds when he ran 44.95 to win his heat ahead of NCAA Championships bronze medallist Jevaughn Powell (45.00) and World Championship finalist Demish Gaye (45.18).

Raheem Hayles (45.55) and Anthony Cox (45.98) both made it through to the final from heat two.

Reigning World Champion Antonio Watson was also in this heat but pulled up with a calf injury about 120 metres into the race.

The first heat was won by Deandre Watkin in 45.19 ahead of Zandrion Barnes (45.34) and national record holder Rusheen McDonald (45.60).