Ja’s NACAC leader praises medal haul

Jamaica's team leader to the North American Central American and the Caribbean (NACAC) Championships in Freeport, Bahamas, Dennis May, believes the athletes rose to the occasion to finish second overall by winning six gold, nine silver and nine bronze, the largest haul ever from the event.

The medal haul from the 37-member team exceeded the previous high of 22 by the 42-member 2018 team. The NACAC Championships over last weekend featured victories by Shericka Jackson, Traves Smikle, Shiann Salmon, Ackeem Blake, Christopher Taylor and Andrew Hudson.

"It really was an awesome performance, I think, overall from the team. We surpassed the last record, which was 22 medals. In fact, if we look at the whole thing, we were a smaller team, but sometimes compactness means we have a bit more control. At the same time, I think the athletes rose to the occasion," May recounted.

May, based on what he saw in Freeport, reckons Jamaica will do well next year at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and in 2024, when the Summer Olympics will return to Paris, France.

"Some people felt it was a weakened team and it probably was, but this weakened team certainly surpassed the last performances and for that, I am really excited for next year and the Olympics the year after," May reflected.

Jackson, the winner of the 200 metres in 2018, set a meet record of 10.83 seconds to win the 100 metres, with teammate Natasha Morrison third. Smikle and Fedrick Dacres went one/two in the discus, as did Salmon and two-time Commonwealth Games champion Janieve Russell in the 400 metres hurdles.

Blake and Hudson continued the revival of Jamaica's fortunes in the men's sprints, winning the 100 and 200 metres, respectively. Blake broke Jamaican Tyquendo Tracey's meet record of 10.02 seconds with his fourth sub-10 clocking of the season at 9.98 seconds.

Hudson unveiled a smashing personal best of 19.87 seconds. His time made him the ninth-fastest Jamaican in history, displacing 2004 Olympic finalist Asafa Powell to No. 10. Hudson was, however, hampered by cramp in the 4x100 metres relay, where Jamaica was third.

"I know he was in good shape because of what happened at Trials (National Championships, where Hudson clocked 20.11), but he blew our minds, and then he ran on the backstretch in the 4x100 metres not long after, but he got a cramp in his legs, his calves, but I can imagine after such a hard run (in the 200 metres).

"I'm expecting great things from him. He has the temperament and is a very introspective young man. Something of an introvert, I think; but, we can see, very intelligent and a deep thinker. I'm expecting great things from him," May predicted.

Olympic and World Championship finalist Taylor logged a personal best of 44.63 seconds to lead teammate Nathon Allen home in the 400 metres.