2 months ago
5
IF OLYMPIC men’s 100-metre silver medallist Kishane Thompson has anything to say about it, expect something special at the Racers Grand Prix tomorrow at the National Stadium.
Thompson, who proved that he was a genuine 9.7-man last year, has not laid down the markers his talent allows him to just yet, but during an interview this week, the fast man reacted to the idea that fans are awaiting a world-leading time from him.
Thompson laughed at the expectation but suggested that it could come at the Grand Prix.
“Stay tuned to Racers Grand Prix,” he said.
Thompson’s superfast times last season that saw him miss out on Olympic gold by the slimmest of margins, means the sprinter, who seemed to come out of the blue in the last two years, is now very much in the spotlight.
A quiet person by nature, he is still embracing that spotlight.
“As long as I am alive, I am the one to watch,” he said.
“I can’t say that every time I step on the track that it’s going to be a superfast time. It’s life. Cnditions apply,” Thompson said.
The sprinter also said that he was excited about competing in Jamaica as his programme this year does not include many local meets.
Thompson said the Racers Grand Prix stands is one of his favourite meets in Jamaica and is expecting an excited crowd to turn out in the stands.
“I’m really excited to compete in Jamaica, even to compete anywhere. I don’t really have much local meets, so the Racers Grand Prix has been one of my favourite meets. I just didn’t get to run there, so I’m really excited for it,” he explained.
“I just want to see the vibe, the energy and just high competition and just enjoy myself.”
Thompson’s goal now is to ensure that he will be ready to compete at his best when he lines up on the track.
“Everything is not always going to be aligned. You just got to focus, execute, and on the given day and time, do what you got to do. That is as ready as I can be.”
Thompson holds a season’s best of 9.99 seconds.
The Racers Grand Prix’s 100 metres is set to be strongly contested as several of the sport’s top names, both local and international, are scheduled to show their talent at the National Stadium.
One such name is South African Bayanda Walaza, who has been enjoying a stellar 2025 season so far.
The teenage sensation dipped under the 10-second barrier for the first time this year and currently holds a personal best of 9.94.
Outside of the 100, another name that has caught headlines is Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor, who is scheduled to compete in the men’s 200 metres.
Taylor, who was suspended for two years for evading, refusing, or failing to submit a sample, made his long-anticipated return at the JAAA World Athletics Championships Preparation meet two weeks ago.
The Racers Grand Prix will be his second meet since his suspension ended on May 15.
Taylor will face off against Zharnel Hughes of Great Britain, Sinesipho Dambile of South Africa, while Jamaica’s Bryan Levell and Jevaughn Powell are expected to challenge the speedsters.
On the women’s side, the 100 metres is set to bring fireworks with several of the best rising talents in the sports listed to go head-to-head.
Jamaica’s Tia and Tina Clayton will face off against national junior record holder Alana Reid and the United States’ Jacious Sears.
The women’s 100-metre hurdles world record holder, Tobi Amusan, will also be among the players in the field, with Jamaica’s Kemba Nelson and the Ashanti Moore also set to compete.
The Racers Grand Prix is set to kick off at 7:15 p.m. with the triple jump and close with the men’s 100 metres at 9:40 p.m.
English (US) ·