Jamaica’s Track and Field Future in Jeopardy, says Racers Track Club Head Coach Glen Mills
After a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics, where Jamaica secured only six medals, Racers Track Club Head Coach Glen Mills is raising concerns about the future of track and field in the country. Mills, who notably coached sprint legend Usain Bolt, believes that without significant improvements in how the sport is governed, Jamaica could face a significant decline in its performance on the international stage.
The Paris Olympics saw Jamaica’s lowest medal tally since 2004, with no gold medals in the sprints for the first time since 2000. Mills attributes these outcomes to the cracks and weaknesses in the governance of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA). He emphasizes the need for urgent attention to prevent a decline similar to what West Indies cricket has experienced.
Mills suggests that a comprehensive review needs to be conducted by the JAAA to identify the problems and causes of the drop in medal earnings. He criticizes the lack of proactive action from the association, stating that the opinions and concerns of coaches and leaders in the sport are often ignored.
According to Mills, there is a disconnect between the JAAA’s leadership and those directly involved in working with the athletes. He calls for greater collaboration and involvement of coaches and club administrators in planning and decision-making processes to improve performance and achieve success on the world stage.
In light of the evolving nature of track and field globally, Mills urges the JAAA to undergo a drastic overhaul in its administrative structure. He emphasizes the need for a more professional and trained approach to running the sport, highlighting the importance of addressing current issues to enhance Jamaica’s competitiveness in international competitions.
Mills concludes by stressing the importance of self-reflection and administrative audit within the JAAA to identify and tackle existing problems. He warns that without corrective measures, Jamaica’s track and field program may continue to struggle to achieve the desired results at world competitions.
