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Thompson, Nugent headline World Champs roster
September 01, 2025
WORLD leader in the men's 100 metres, Kishane Thompson, and Diamond League women's 100m hurdles champion, Ackera Nugent, headline a strong 60-member Jamaican team for this month's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The squad, announced by the Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association, includes 30 men and 30 women.
Thompson, who leads the world with 9.75 seconds, will be joined in the 100 metres by Oblique Seville, ranked fifth with 9.83, and Ackeem Blake, ranked 10th with 9.88.
In the 200 metres, Bryan Levell, world number three with a personal best of 19.69, will carry Jamaica's hopes.
On the field, long jumper Tajay Gayle, ranked third with a season best 8.34m, will lead the charge. He will be joined by Jordan Scott, third in the triple jump at 17.52m, and Ralford Mullings, ranked fourth in the discus with 72.01m.
Nugent won the 100m hurdles at the Zurich Diamond League in 12.30.
National champion Tina Clayton, ranked third in the world with a personal best 10.81, also strengthens the team. Olympic silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts, ranked fifth in the triple jump with 14.64 metres, is another medal hopeful.
Tina's twin, Tia, will join the 4x100m relay pool. She narrowly missed individual qualification after placing second at the Zurich Diamond League finals and is ranked fourth in the world with 10.82.
Veteran shot putter and multiple national champion, Danniel Thomas-Dodd, has withdrawn from the team despite qualifying.
JAAA President Garth Gayle explained Tia's selection.
"We have a selection committee, and this was a discretionary decision. After she missed out individually at the Diamond League, she was drafted into the relay pool. That was the only way she could make the team," Gayle said.
On Thomas-Dodd's absence, he added: "We got a letter at the last minute from Thomas-Dodd stating her wish to withdraw. No reason was given, but we accepted it and wish her the best."
Three Olympic medallists from last year -- Wayne Pinnock, Rajindra Campbell, and Roje Stona -- along with rising star Jaydon Hibbert, are missing after reports of them switching allegiance to Turkey. Still, Gayle believes the team is well-balanced.
"This team has youth and experience. We do miss those athletes, but the way is open for others. It's all about performance on the day, and I think the coaches have done a wonderful job," said Gayle.
