Nugent Steals Spotlight on Final Night of National Trials

Former Excelsior High School star Ackera Nugent stole the spotlight on the final night of the JAAA National Championships by breaking the national record in the 100 metres hurdles.

Nugent, who reached the final of last year’s World Championships in Budapest, blasted her way to a stunning 12.28 seconds to erase Brittany Anderson’s record of 12.31 seconds set at the Eugene World Championships in 2022.

Megan Tapper, who clocked 12.69 seconds, will not be defending her bronze medal at the Olympics.

Danielle Williams, the reigning World champion, finished second in 12.53 seconds, while Janeek Brown finished third. All three will be running at the Olympics for the first time.

Meanwhile, there was drama in the men’s race and it took about six minutes for the reigning Olympic champion Hansle Parchment to confirm he will be going to Paris.

In the end, he edged out Tyler Mason for the crucial third spot as Rasheed Broadbell won in 13.18 seconds, the same time as second place finisher Orlando Bennette.

Nickiesha Pryce retained her 400 metres title in 50.01 seconds with Stacy-Ann Williams and Junelle Broomfield taking the two other Paris spots.

Bryan Levell won his first men’s 200 metres title in a lifetime best of 19.92 seconds, while Shericka Jackson retained her women’s title.

And, the championships ended on an anti-climatic note as Jamaica failed to secure the qualifying standards for the men’s 4×400 metre relay.

Three Jamaican teams were entered in a specially arranged mile relay along with St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Jamaica Green won in 2:59.87 from Jamaica Gold in 3:02.73 and Jamaica Black in 3:09.13. None of the three were able to run the required 2:59.11 to qualify for Paris.