The 2023 JAAA National Senior Championship took place at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica from Thursday, July 6 to Sunday, July 9. There were several outstanding performances, as also, a few disappointments. Many first-time champions were crowned including Rohan Watson (100m), Nickisha Pryce(400m), Rajay Hamilton (400m) and Jaydon Hibbert (triple jump). Shericka Jackson took the women’s sprint double titles in impressive fashion, while Andrew Hudson (200m), Janieve Russell (400m hurdles) and Natoya Goule-Toppin (800m) all successfully defended their titles.
Men’s 100m Final
The men’s 100m final did not go true to form. In fact, there were quite a few upsets and disappointments. To begin, many times National Champions and former World Champion, Yohan Blake was disqualified from the final. And, notwithstanding the fact, that, he was given a reprieve, he failed to advance to the final. Surprisingly, the event was won by a relatively unknown, Rohan Watson of MVP track Club, who posted 9.91 for the win in a 1.1m/s tailwind. Ryiem Forde was second in 9.96, while Oblique Seville of Racers was third in 10.00. The fastest Jamaican of the season, Ackeem Blake of Titan Track Club, could only manage fourth place in 10.01. The field was rounded-out by Tyquendo Tracey of Swept Track Club (10.09), Michael Campbell of MVP (10.13) and Kadrian Goldson of G.C. Foster Club (10.29).
Women’s 100m Final
The women’s 100m was won decisively by Shericka Jackson of MVP, in 10.65, with a 1.0m/s tailwind. Having used minimal efforts, to win her heat and semifinal, Jackson returned in the final, to obliterate all challenges to her title, and to demonstrate that she was the number one sprinter in Jamaica. Sashalee Forbes of Sprintec was second in 10.96 and Natasha Morrison of MVP was third in 10.98. Briana Williams came fourth as she did in 2021 and 2022, posting 11.01 on this occasion, while the double-double Olympic Champion, Elaine Thompson-Herah was fifth in 11.06. Ashanti More also posted 11.06 for sixth, while Alana Reid and Shokoria Wallace posted 11.10 and 11.21, respectively, for seventh and eighth. It should be noted, that, this was the very first time that Thompson-Herah did not make the National team in an individual event.
Men’s 200m Final
The men’s 200m final was won by the defending Puma athlete and National Champion, Andrew Hudson, in a time of 20.11, and in a headwind of -0.2m/s. Rasheed Dwyer of Sprintec Track Club was second in 20.26, while Tyquendo Tracey of Swept Track Club was third in 20.48. Yohan Blake laboured in 20.51 for fourth. The field was rounded-out by Nigel Ellis of Elite Performance (20.57), Adrian Kerr of Motorcade (20.92), Brian Levell of Edwin Allen (22.25) Shevioe Reid (38.28). It should be noted, that, only Hudson achieved the World Championship qualifying standard of 20.16.
Women’s 200m Final
Shericka Jackson of MVP won the women’s 200m final in 21.71, to retain her 2022 title. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Elite Track Club was second in 22.26, while Lanae-Tava Thomas was third in 22.55. The field was rounded-out by Natalliah Whyte (22.67), Kevona Davis of Texas University (22.80), Sashalee Forbes of Sprintec (22.91), Natasha Morrison of MVP (23.27) and Jodean Williams of Racers Track Club (23.35). The wind reading was -0.5m/s. It is interesting to note, that, Shericka Jackson has a “by” at the World Championship, and so will give Jamaica four spots. And, should Fraser-Pryce opt out of the 200m as she has intimated in recent days, this could provide Kevona Davis with her very first opportunity at a global Championship.
Men’s 400m Final
The men’s 400m final did not disappoint, as Sean Bailey and Antonio Watson provided much fireworks. Bailey, the younger brother of Veronica Campbell-Brown, posted 44.48 for the win. Antonio Watson of Racers Track Club was second in a Personal Best of 44.54, while Jevaughn Powell was third in 45.19. The field was rounded-out by Malik James-King of Titans Track Club (45.43), Demish Gaye of Sprintec Track Club (45.70), Zandrion Barnes of G.C. Foster College (46.10) and D’Andre Anderson of Clemson University (46.16). Interestingly, Sean Bailey, Antonio Watson and Zandrion Barnes have already met the World Championship automatic standard of 45.00 seconds. However, Jevaughn Powell, the third placed finisher at the National Championship, has achieved the non-automatic qualifying standard, being ranked number forty-eighth in the world at the time of the National Championship.
Women’s 400m Final
Twenty-two-years-old Nickisha Pryce posted 50.21, to capture her first national title in the 400m, while Janieve Russell of MVP was second in 50.76 and Candice McLeod was third in 51.01. Surprisingly, Charokee Young finished outside the top three, posting 51.37 for fourth. The field was rounded-out by Ronda Whyte (51.52), Shiann Salmon (51.73) and Joanne Reid 51.99. Unfortunately, Stacyann Williams did not report for the final due to an injury.
Men’s 800m Final
Rajay Hamilton created an upset, when he posted 1:47.28, to defeat the incumbent, Navasky Anderson, who posted 1:47.67 for second, and Tyrese Reid, who was third in 1:48.45. The field was rounded-out by Lamario Wright (1:51.42), Corlando Chambers of St. Jago High School (1:54.26), Cris Smith (1:55.24), Rodree Robinson of St. Elizabeth Technical (1:59.49) and Omari Walcott of Jamaica College (2:02.88). The disappointment was not to have Tarees Rhoden in the mix, as he did not report to the Trials due to an illness. None of the afore-stated times meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 1:44.70.
Women’s 800m Final
Natoya Goule Toppin won the women’s 800m final in 1:58.89, ahead of Adelle Tracey who posted 2:01.11 for second and Jessica Mclean who posted 2:05.76 for third. The field was rounded-out by Kelly Ann Beckford (2:06.66) and Jazmine Fray (2:06.78). Only Natoya Goule time meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 1:59.80.
Men’s 1500 Final
Nichalas Powers of Jamaica College posted 4:01.81, to win the men’s 1500m final, while Corlando Chambers of St. Jago High School was second in 4:02.52 and Noel Ellis was third in 4:10.58. The field was rounded-out by Omari Walcott of Jamaica College (4:23.48), Jelani Knight (4:24.26), Javon Sawyers (4:35.54), Winston Dehaney (4:37.73) and Andrew Powell (4:44.63). None of the afore-stated times meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 3:34.20.
Women’s 1500m Final
The women’s 1500m was undersubscribed. Adelle Tracey and Aisha Praught-Leer were the finalists with times of 4:19.23 and 4:23.05, respectively. None of the afore-stated times meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 4:03.50.
Men’s 110m Hurdles Final
Rasheed Broadbell of Elite Performance Track Club posted 12.94, to win the men’s 110m hurdles final. Reigning Olympic Champion, Hansle Parchment of the University of the West Indies, was second in 13.12, while Orlando Bennett of Racers Track Club was third in 13.19. The field was rounded-out by Tyler Mason of Elite Performance Track Club (13.22), Damion Thomas (13.41), Giano Roberts (13.44) and Dejour Russell of Pelican Track club (13.76). The wind reading was +0.7m/s.
Women’s 100m Hurdles Final
In a -1.9 wind, the 2021 Olympic Bronze medalist, Megan Tapper, posted 12.64, to win the women’s 100m hurdles final, to defeat a quality field. Ackera Nugent of Clemson University was second in 12.67, while Danielle Williams was third in 12.82. The field was rounded-out by Amoi Brown of MVP (12.87), Yanique Thompson of Sprintec Track Club (12.89), Crystal Morrison of Racers Track Club (12.98), Paula Salmon of North Carolina University (13.22) and Rosalee Cooper of Mississippi State University (13.53).
Men’s Triple Jump Final
Eighteen-years-old Jaydon Hibbert leapt to 17.68m (+1.4), to win the men’s triple jump final, the youngest to win a title at the National Championship. Jordon Scott was second in a distance of 16.73m (+3.0), while Ryan Brown was third in 16.03m (+2.5). The field was rounded-out by Malik Cunningham (15.78m), Chevaughn Parkinson (13.70m), Kobe-Jordon Rhooms (14.93m). Jaydon Hibbert was the only triple jumper, to achieve the World Championship qualifying standard of 17.20m.
Women’s Triple Jump Final
Shanieka Ricketts won the women’s triple jump final in a distance of 14.79m (+2.6m/s), while Ackelia Smith of the University of Texas was second in a distance of 14.26m (+0.9m/s) and Imani Oliver was third in 13.44m (2.1m/s). The field was rounded-out by Rhianna Phipps (13.34m) and Machaeda Linton (12.89m). Shanieka Ricketts was the only triple jumper, to achieve the World Championship qualifying standard of 14.52m.
Men’s Long Jump Final
Wayne Pinnock of the University of Arkansas won the men’s long jump final, cutting the sands in 8.32m (+0.4m/s). Tajay Gayle of MVP was second in 8.27m (-0.4m/s), while Carey McLeod of the University of Arkansas was third in 8.20m (+0.0m/s). The field was rounded-out by Shawn D Thompson of Sprintec Track Club (7.78m), Nikaoli Williams (7.77m), Jullane Walker (7.69m), Ryan Brown (7.55m), Kavian Kerr (7.48m). the top three long jumpers in Pinnock, Gayle and McLeod have achieved the World Championship qualifying standard of 8.25m.
Women’s Long Jump Final
Tissanna Hickling won the women’s long jump final in 6.85m (+1.5m/s), while Chanice Porter cut the sands in 6.72m (+3.5m/s) and Ackelia Smith was third in 6.66m (+5.9m/s). The field was rounded-out by Velecia Williams (6.34m), Nia Robinson (6.32m), Jodian Stewart (6.18m), Machaeda Linton (5.92m)Melissa Walker (5.53m) and Sashell Walters (5.20m). Tissanna Hickling is the only long jumper, to have achieved the World Championship qualifying standard of 6.85m.
Men’s High Jump Final
Romaine Beckford won the men’s high jump final in a clearance height of 2.23m, while Christoff Bryan with a similar clearance height was second on the count back. Lushane Wilson was third in a clearance height of 2.15m. Incidentally, none of these heights meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 2.32m.
Women’s High Jump Final
Lamara Distin of Texas A&M University and Kimberley Williamson were the top two qualifiers in the women’s high jump, clearing heights of 1.91m and 1.85m, respectively. Again, none of these heights meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 1.97m.
Men’s Shot Put Final
Rajindra Campbell (21.04m), Roje Stona (18.96m) and O’Dayne Richards (18.42m), respectively, were the top three performers in the men’s shot put final. The field was rounded-out by Kobe Lawrence (17.94m), Brandon Lloyd (17.66m), Trevor Gunzell (17.03m), Javon Osbourne ( 16.07m), Moses Parkinson (15.63) and Oneil Collins (14.31m). None of the aforementioned meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 21.40m.
Women’s Shot Put Final
Danniel Thomas-Dodd and Lloydricia Cameron were the two qualifiers in the women’s shot put final, with throws of 19.08m and 16.37m, respectively. Only Danniel Thomas-Dodd achieved the World Championship qualifying standard of 18.80m.
Men’s Discus Final
Traves Smikle won the men’s discus final with a throw of 66.12m, to finish ahead of Roje Stona (65.92m) and Fedrick Dacres (65.79m), respectively. Kai Chang was fourth with 63.57m. The field was rounded-out by Ralsford Mullings (61.64m), Chad Wright (61.37m), Racquil Broderick (57.74m), Trevor Gunzell (56.63m), Javon Osbourne (54.35m), Shamar Reid (52.73m) and Brandon Lloyd (52.16m). Incidentally, none of the throws meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 67m.
Women’s Discus Final
Samantha Hall of Legacy Athletics won the women’s Discus final with a throw of 59.81m, to finish ahead of Cedricka Williams of Holmwood (55.01m), Shadae Lawrence of Reckless Control (52.52) and Damali Williams of Hampton University (50.43m0. Like the men, none of these distances meets the World Championship qualifying standard of 64m.
Men’s 400m Hurdles Final
History was created when nineteen-years-old Roshawn Clarke of Swept Track Club posted a World Junior Record of 47.85, to win the men’s 400m Hurdles whilst being a Junior. Indeed, it was the fastest time ever posted on local soil for the event. Jaheel Hyde was second in a Season Best of 48.45 and Assinnie Wilson of Titans Track Club was third in 48.50. The field was rounded-out by Robin Black (49.02), Roxroy Cato (49.65), Shawn Rowe (49.82), Marvin Williams (51.94) and Sean Kalawan (53.44).
Women’s 400m Hurdles Final
The women’s 400m hurdles final was a very competitive event, with Rushell Clayton of MVP setting the early pace, and maintaining it for most of the way. Andrenette Knight went out very hard, following the pace of Clayton, with Shiann Salmon and Janieve Russell tracking them all the way. However, it was Janieve Russell who emerged as the winner in a time of 53.75, to clinched the victory from Andrenette Knight and Rushell Knight, both of whom finished in 53.78 and 53.81, respectively. Shaiann Salmon was fourth in 53.97. The field was rounded-out by Lashanna Graham of Clemson University (57.55), Terice Steen of New Mexico State University (57.64), Kenisha Chambers (58.58) and Sanique Walker (58.65).
Henley E. Taylor
Freelance Sports Writer
Briana Williams photo courtesy of Nick Reid of Source Athletics
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