Two of Jamaica’s rising stars in sprinting lit up the track at the Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Development Meet on Saturday, leaving no doubt about their early season form.
Thompson Outguns Field in Explosive Finish
Kishane Thompson, Olympic and World silver medallist, showcased his trademark top-end speed with a scorching run in the men’s 60m dash. Competing out of lane five for MVP Track Club, Thompson stopped the clock at a blazing 6.52 seconds, propelled by a +2.8 mps wind. It was a fierce showdown to the line as Odaine McPherson of Sprintec pushed him all the way, clocking 6.53 seconds in a razor-thin margin. Bryan Levell, the World Championship 200m bronze medallist running for Uptimum Track Club, claimed third in 6.54.
Another key highlight from the heats saw Nishon Ebanks of MVP seize command with a 6.61-second finish, ahead of teammate Rohan Watson (6.63), while Dynamic Track’s Ackeem Blake—World Indoor bronze medallist—could only manage third in his heat, crossing in 6.70.
Clayton Shatters Personal Best in Dominant Fashion
In the women’s section, Tia Clayton stamped her authority from the gun, leaving no room for doubt. The World Championship relay medallist delivered a career-best performance, storming to victory in 7.02 seconds with a legal wind of +1.2 mps. It marked a substantial improvement from her previous best of 7.14, signaling her continued evolution as a top-tier sprinter.
Jonielle Smith, also of MVP, chased her training partner hard and was rewarded with a personal best herself, clocking 7.06 for second place.
Statement Made
The meet at GC Foster served as a proving ground, and both Thompson and Clayton sent a clear signal to domestic and international rivals alike: the engine room of Jamaican sprinting remains well-oiled and ready for global combat.
