Blake backs Relays squad despite big-name blows

Despite the withdrawal of several of Jamaica’s top athletes from the national squad, team official Dr Warren Blake remains confident that the country will deliver strong performances at this year’s World Athletics Relays, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Gaborone, Botswana.

Reigning World 100 metres champion Oblique Seville and World Championships silver medallist Kishane Thompson are among the notable absentees, along with 400m runners Roshawn Clarke and Tajh-Marques White.

However, Blake, who is the assistant team leader and the safeguarding officer with the team, said the squad assembled is capable of rising to the occasion.

“Overall, I expect the team will do well, and I think we should qualify for all the relays finals even with the depleted 4x100m men’s relay team,” said Blake.

He pointed to improved preparation and a renewed focus on relay execution as key factors behind his optimism going into this championship.

“We have some very good athletes that will be competing at this championships because we are taking it very seriously,” he said.

“I think that the coaches are taking it very seriously because in the lead-up to this championships, we have been having relays warm-ups where the different clubs have made their athletes available to practise with baton changes, and so I think we should perform well at this championships like we have done in the past.”

Blake, who is a former president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), noted that the championship is going to be tough but that he was confident Jamaica could hold its own.

“Overall, this is really a very good team that we have assembled, but it is going to be tough, like all championships, but I think we will survive, and we will come out good.”

The men’s 4x100m team will be led by Ackeem Blake and includes Rasheed Foster, Kadrian Goldson, Rohan Watson, Ryiem Forde, Adrian Kerr, and Odaine McPherson.

On the women’s side, the team boasts a wealth of experience and quality, including double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, 2022 and 2023 World 200m champion Shericka Jackson, young sprint stars Tina and Tia Clayton, Jonielle Smith, and Briana Williams.

Jamaica is set to compete in six events at the championships - the men’s and women’s 4x100m, mixed 4x100m relay, men’s and women’s 4x400m, and the mixed 4x400m relay.

SQUADS

4x100m women: Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Jonielle Smith, Jodean Williams, Natasha Morrison, Lavanya Williams, Tia Clayton, Tina Clayton, Briana Williams.

4x100m men: Ackeem Blake, Rasheed Foster, Kadrian Goldson, Rohan Watson, Ryiem Forde, Adrian Kerr, Odaine McPherson.

4x400 women: Shana Kay Anderson, Rochelle Clayton, Andrenette Knight, Shian Salmon, Leah Anderson, Janielle Josephs.

4x400 men: Jeremy Bembridge, Raheem Hayles, Jevaugn Powell, Antonio Watson, Assinie Wilson, Deandre Watkins.