The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) named the contingent that will represent Jamaica in Budapest, Hungary for the 2023 World Athletics Championships set to run from August 19 to 27. 

For the first time in the nation’s history Jamaica will have a competitor in the Hammer Throw as Nayoka Clunis was named to the 65-member squad. An even spread of men and women (32-33) hints at a small resurgence in men’s senior athletics after a largely underwhelming showings in the last few years. The likes of110m hurdles world leader Rasheed Broadbell, up and coming Antonio Watson and now 2-time 200m National Champion Andrew Hudson are some of the men to look out for. Despite losing out to Rohan Watson for the 100m national title, Oblique Seville will still be seen as the greatest hope in the showpiece event.  Meanwhile outstanding youngsters Roshawn Clarke and Jaydon Hibbert will make their debuts on the senior international stage.

In the women’s section, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson headline the strong list of entrants, both of whom have been listed for the 100m and 200m events. Fraser-Pryce has stated in the past that she would no longer compete the latter – but this is the same woman that was said to be retiring for 3 years now – so let’s see what happens. 400m hurdles specialist Janieve Russell has been listed for her pet event and the 4x400m but will not compete in the flat 400m, despite placing in the final at the National Championships. Meanwhile the rest of the entrants for both 1-lap events are capable competitors as well. Adelle Tracey will be running the middle distance double of the 1500m and 800m – the ever-present Natoya Goule-Toppin joins her in the 2-lap event. And finally Shanieka Ricketts, will look to add to her medals as the experienced triple jumper leads out a fairly young but talented women’s field team.

There was no space on the list for Yohan Blake. The second fastest man in history was disqualified for a false start in the 100m semifinals at the National Championships and failed to make the qualifying time at subsequent track meets leading up the squad selection. Meanwhile the fastest living woman, Elaine Thompson-Herah was listed for the 4x100m despite her lack of form all season. Whether she takes up the call remains to be seen. 

The full squad is listed below: