Seville, Blake Among Headliners for National Championships

Reigning world champion Oblique Seville and World Indoor Championships bronze medallist Ackeem Blake are among the top names entered for the men's 100 metres at the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships, which gets underway on Thursday at the National Stadium.

 

Former national champion Rohan Watson, along with rising talents Gary Card, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie and Sandrey Davison, are also set to compete. However, World and Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson and World Championships 200m bronze medallist Bryan Levell are notable absentees.

 

On the women's side, two-time Olympic sprint double champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson, and World Championships silver medallists Tia and Tina Clayton headline the entries. Sabrina Dockery, Lavanya Williams, Kemba Nelson, Jonielle Smith and Alana Reid are also expected to feature.

 

The championships will serve as the selection meet for several international competitions, including the Pan American Senior Championships, Commonwealth Games, NACAC Under-23 Championships, CAC Games, NACAC Under-18 Championships and the World Under-20 Championships.

 

Speaking at the launch, JAAA President Garth Gayle said fans can still expect exciting competition despite the absence of some big names, pointing to Jamaica's strong performances at the recent NCAA Championships as a sign of the country's depth of talent.