Day one of the Jamaica National Senior and Junior Championships saw the country’s top track and field athletes ignite the National Stadium with solid performances, led by sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Kishane Thompson, and Oblique Seville, who all cruised into the semi-finals of the 100 metres.

In what she has confirmed will be her final National Championships, the legendary Fraser-Pryce made a smooth return to the track, winning her heat in 11.33 seconds with minimal effort. The five-time world champion crossed the line ahead of Carleta Bernard (11.47) and Kemba Nelson (11.48), setting the stage for one last run at a national title.

Meanwhile, it was Shericka Jackson who laid down the marker, clocking the fastest time of the day—11.20 seconds—in the opening women’s heat. Rising sprint stars Tia Clayton (11.21) and Tina Clayton (11.27) also looked sharp, posting the second- and third-fastest times heading into this evening’s semi-finals.

Men’s 100m Heats: Levell Leads the Way

On the men’s side, Bryan Levell grabbed the spotlight with a blazing 9.99 seconds, the fastest time of the heats and a sign of his serious intentions this season. Ackeem Blake wasn’t far behind, stopping the clock at 10.07 seconds.

Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville, both running controlled races, posted identical times of 10.12 seconds, comfortably booking their places in the semi-finals.

Field Events: Distin and Smith Dominate

In the field events, Lamara Distin claimed victory in the women’s high jump with a best clearance of 1.86 metres, while Ackelia Smith soared to 6.81 metres to win the women’s long jump, outdistancing Nia Robinson, who managed 6.52 metres.

400m Highlights: Assinie Wilson Leads the Men

In the men’s 400m heats, Assinie Wilson set the pace with a 49.27-second run, ahead of Roshawn Clarke (49.99) and Malik James-King (50.74), as the race toward the national title continues.

Women’s 400m Hurdles: Knight Leads the Pack

In the women’s 400m hurdles, Andrenette Knight produced the standout performance, clocking 54.63 seconds to comfortably qualify for the next round. She was joined by Rushell Clayton (55.77) and Shiann Salmon (55.90), both of whom looked composed and in control.