JAAA names powerhouse squad for World Indoors

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has unveiled a formidable squad set to represent the island at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships, scheduled for March 20-23 in Poland.

The selection sees Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson headline a men’s team brimming with speed and experience.

Thompson, who secured global silver in the 100m in both Paris and Budapest, will lead a cadre of sprinters including Ackeem Blake, Bryan Levell, and Demario Price.

The squad also boasts depth in the field and hurdles, with Jerome Campbell, Delano Kennedy, Reheem Hayles, Navasky Anderson, Rivaldo Marshall, Kimar Farquharson, Tyrice Taylor, Demar Francis, Carey McLeod, Tajay Gayle, and Jordan Scott all donning the black, green, and gold.

The JAAA has also named Jordan Turner, Vashaun Vascianna, and Kadrian Goldson as travelling reserves.

The women’s roster is headlined by in-form sprinter Jonielle Smith. However, the headline story is the inclusion of Brianna Lyston, who receives her first-ever call-up to a senior national team.

Lyston joins a powerful women’s contingent featuring Megan Simmonds, Oneka Wilson, Nickisha Pryce, Kelly-Ann Beckford, Shana Kaye Anderson, veteran campaigner Natoya Goule-Toppin, Lamar Distin, Nia Robinson, and Shantae Foreman.

The team has been hit by one late change; however, Shanoya Douglas withdrew from the squad despite her initial nomination. World 100m silver medalist Tina Clayton has been named as a reserve, ensuring the team retains significant firepower.

Brian Smith has been appointed as Team Manager for the duration of the championships. He will be supported by a high-profile coaching staff comprising Paul Francis, Michael Frater, and Kerrylee Ricketts.

Jamaica will be looking to improve upon their 17th-place finish from the last World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, in 2025, where the team secured four medals, two silver and two bronze.

CMC