Galaxy of stars at National Stadium

There is much anticipated excitement for the Jamaica Athletics Invitational (JAI) track meet set to get underway at the National Stadium today at 7 p.m. The meet boasts a plethora of world-class athletes set to clash in 10 track and four field events throughout the night.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated events of the night, the women’s 100m, is expected to bring fireworks to the track as Côte d’Ivoire’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith is set to open her season at the National Stadium.

She will face strong opposition from Jamaicans Briana Williams, Tia Clayton, Tina Clayton, Kemba Nelson and Alana Reid. American starlet Abby Steiner and French rising talent Gemima Joseph complete the field.

The men’s 100m field will see Jamaicans Akeem Blake, Kadrian Goldson, Julian Forte and Sanjay Davison do battle against Americans Ronny Baker and Brandon Hickling.

Reigning 60m world indoor champion Christian Coleman will be one to watch as he lines up in the men’s 200m. In a press conference on Thursday, Coleman announced his intention to challenge for a spot in the United States’ men’s 100m and 200m teams for the Paris Olympic Games.

He will face off against American teammate Fred Kerley with British athlete Zharnel Hughes expected to throw his hat in the ring as they battle in the half-lap event.

In the women’s equivalent, Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith will be looking to continue her fine vein of form this season as she contests a field that includes Briana Williams and Ashanti Moore.

It will be a rematch in the men’s 400m as reigning world champion, Jamaica’s Antonio Watson, will face off against world silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain. The two last competed at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest where Watson got the better of Hudson-Smith in a thrilling finish.

Also in the field will be former national champion Demish Gaye while Jovan Francis is slated to compete in the night’s second 400m event.

In the field events, world under-20 record holder Jaydon Hibbert is set to headline the men’s triple jump as he continues his debut professional season ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.

Reigning world indoor champion Thea Lafond of Dominica will line up in the women’s triple jump where she will face off against Jamaicans Shanieka Ricketts and Richelle Stanley.

The JAI is set to start at the National Stadium at 7 p.m. with the last event on track being the women’s 100m at 9:20 p.m.