KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has announced the final roster for the upcoming World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, set to take place from August 27-31. While the 43-member team features some of the island’s most promising young athletes, it will be missing some key figures due to unforeseen circumstances.
American-born quarter-miler Skyler Franklin and US-based long jumper Alliyah Foster are notable among the absentees. They join World Under-20 triple jump record holder Jaydon Hibbert on the list of key athletes who will not be competing in Lima.
Key Absentees
Jaydon Hibbert
Hibbert, who created a buzz by winning the Under-20 long jump at the JAAA National Championships in June, was initially slated to compete in both the men’s long jump and triple jump events in Lima. However, his season came to an abrupt halt following an injury he sustained after finishing fourth in the men’s triple jump at the recent Olympic Games in Paris. His absence leaves a significant gap in the team’s potential medal tally.
Skyler Franklin
Skyler Franklin, who won the girls’ Under-20 400m and secured second place in the 200m at the national junior trials in June, faced administrative hurdles. According to Head of Delegation Keith Wellington, Franklin was unable to secure a Jamaican passport in time.
“She was unable to present a Jamaican passport and she could not compete without that document,” Wellington explained.
Alliyah Foster
Foster, ranked number seven in the world at the Under-20 level, chose to withdraw from the team. She had impressed by winning the long jump at the trials, and her decision to step back is another blow to Jamaica’s medal prospects.
Team Highlights
Despite these setbacks, the team includes several luminaries expected to excel on the global stage. Kerrica Hill, who clinched gold in the 100m hurdles in Cali, Colombia two years ago, and Alana Reid, who earned a bronze medal in the women’s 200m, are among the prominent names. Their presence offers Jamaica a strong chance of maintaining its reputation as a breeding ground for athletic talent.
Complete Team Roster
Women:
- Abigail Campbell
- Abrina Wright
- Alana Reid
- Alliah Baker
- Anecia Campbell
- Briana Campbell
- Deschanique Douglas
- Habiba Harris
- Jade-Ann Dawkins
- Jaeda Robinson
- Kelly-Ann Kerr
- Kerricka Hill
- Kitania Headley
- Najhada Seymour
- Nastassia Fletcher
- Roshana Sudlow
- Sabrian Dockery
- Shamoya Morris
- Shanniqua Williams
- Shanoya Douglas
- Shanique Williams
- Theianna-Lee Terrelonge
Men:
- Chad Hendrick
- Chavez Penn
- Daniel Beckford
- Daniel Wright
- Deandre Daley
- Demarco Bennett
- Gary Card
- Jabari Matheson
- Jace Witter
- Javaughn Pinnock
- Junior Gallimore
- Kemarrio Bygrave
- Kyle Richards
- Marcino Rose
- Nyrone Wade
- Omary Robinson
- Richard Hall
- Romario Hines
- Shadane Smith
- Shaiquan Dunn
- Trevoy Smith
Management Team:
- Keith Wellington (Team Leader)
- Michael McIntosh (Assistant Manager)
- Cherine Richards (Assistant Manager)
- Nackesia Edwards (Safeguarding Officer)
- David Riley (Technical Leader)
- Coaches: Michael Dyke, Corey Bennett, Neil Harrison, Jeremy Delisser, Michael Vassell, Megan Wilson-Copeland
- Dr. Christopher Lynch (Team Doctor)
- Kamala Forbes (Physiotherapist)
Conclusion
Jamaica’s Under-20 squad may lack some of its potential star power, but the team is still brimming with young talent ready to showcase their abilities on the international stage. The athletes are set to depart for Lima on Sunday, and the nation awaits their performance with high hopes.
