Oblique Seville on his way to a world 100m lead at the Jamaican Championships (© Dwayne Richards of Yardie Sports)
World gold medallists Oblique Seville and Shericka Jackson were among the sprint stars who produced some quality performances during the first two days of the four-day Jamaican Championships (18-21) in Kingston.
During the first of this season's two outdoor national championships windows, Seville fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams by becoming the Jamaican 100m champion. In almost perfect sprinting conditions, Seville erased years of frustration with a commanding world-leading run of 9.82 (0.6m/s) to claim the coveted title. As well as being the fastest time in the world so far this year, it is the joint third-quickest performance of his career.
“It’s funny that I’m the world champion but I had never won a national title,” said a relieved Seville. “It shows that going forward, I’m still the best in the world.”
While celebrating his victory, Seville acknowledged the absence of his main rivals.
“It would have been more fun if Kishane (Thompson) and Bryan (Levell) weren’t absent,” he added, noting that he felt he could have run even faster.
History was made alongside Seville as 19-year-old Gary Card proved his wildcard entry among the seniors was a masterstroke by his management team at MVP. The world U20 4x100m champion ripped up the script with a jaw-dropping finish, clocking 9.93 to clinch second place and improve the national U20 record. The performance also moved him to joint third on the world U20 all-time list.
“Based on my training times, plus how I felt overall, I knew I could go where I’ve never gone before,” said an elated Card, who is open to competing at either the World U20 Championships or the Commonwealth Games this season. “I was excited and glad I did it.
“Running fast is not new to me as I train with the fastest man in the world (Kishane Thompson) and every day he beats me.”
The women’s 100m provided its own share of drama.
Two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson, competing in her first 100m of the season, displayed great top-end speed to overhaul world 100m silver medallist Tina Clayton. Jackson won in 10.81 (-0.3m/s) – her fastest time since 2023 – while Clayton equalled her season’s best (10.85) in second. Jonielle Smith was third in a PB of 10.94, completing the MVP top three.
“I just came out here to have some fun tonight,” said Jackson. “It’s an off year and fun year, and I’m having fun, I can’t complain.”
Noel Francis for World Athletics
At the Slovenian Championships in Maribor, 2022 world champion Kristjan Čeh threw 71.86m to win his eighth consecutive national discus title. All six of his throws surpassed 68 metres, his series also including a 70.73m.
Anej Čurin Prapotnik set a national record of 10.09 (1.6m/s) to win the 100m, while 2024 world indoor bronze medallist Lia Apostolovski won the high jump (1.86m) and 800m specialist Anita Horvat the 1500m (4:29.18).
