Beckford clears 2.25m as Wilson faces final try at 2.28 in JAAA men's high jump

Romaine Beckford and Deshane Wilson remained the last two men standing in the high jump on the fourth day of the JAAA/PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships at the National Stadium, as officials worked through a bar that climbed from 1.90 metres through 2.25 before moving to 2.28.

Beckford, formerly of Buff Bay, had already gone over 2.25 metres when Wilson, a former St. Jago High athlete still coached by Marlon Gayle, was left with one attempt at 2.28 after twice failing at the lower height. On his first try at the new mark, Beckford had the height but knocked the bar when his hips did not rise enough at clearance, though his shoulders had crossed the bar.

Wilson, who also represented Jamaica in three-on-three basketball and reached the AmeriCup quarter-finals some years ago, had earlier come down on the bar at 2.25 and was granted two more attempts at that height before the competition advanced.

The field had already thinned considerably. Raymond Richards, who cleared 2.15 metres, withdrew from the contest after competing at the Doha Diamond League on Friday alongside elite jumpers. Kristoff Brian exited after failing three times at 2.10 metres, with a best clearance of 2.05. Santino Distant was also out with a best of 2.05 metres. Jordan Scott, another athlete who had been in Doha on Friday, was present but did not take part in the men's triple jump earlier in the day.

Commentary during the event noted the absence of a visible scoreboard and live results, leaving observers to track clearances from the competition floor. Beckford, regarded as Jamaica's leading high jumper, drew support from fans inside the stadium. He won Class Two high jump and discus titles in high school, events staged beside each other within the venue, and has recorded marks including 7.69 metres in the javelin and 6.33 metres indoors in the long jump in 2020.

Coach Marlon Gayle of St. Jago, who has guided Wilson throughout his career, was also referenced in connection with hurdler Demario Prince, who said Gayle had recruited him for the long jump and high jump. The 200-metre finals and the women's 400-metre hurdles final were still to come on the closing day of the championships.