August 25, 2026

National Stadium track paradox – Steeplechase facility not certified

Written byRoger Hasfal

Questions have surfaced as to why the steeplechase facility at the National Stadium in Kingston does not meet World Athletics technical requirements and is excluded from the venue’s official Class One certification.

This is after the picture posted by Sports Minister Olivia Grange last week, indicating she has the certificate in hand, shows that the steeplechase section of the track is not included in the certification.

It’s understood that while the unique black, green, and gold track received official Class One certification from World Athletics and Independence Park Limited, the steeplechase area was specifically excepted due to non-compliance with layout or technical rule.

Prior to the Minister posting the picture, Opposition Spokesman on Labour and Sports Wavel Hinds had called on Grange to produce the World Athletics certificate.

Hinds had indicated, that the recently published World Athletics certification system’s list of certified facilities dated August 7, 2026, does not include Jamaica’s National Stadium among the certified class one facilities.

The official list identifies 116 class one facilities across several countries including the Haseley Crawford Stadium in Trinidad.

Grange remained adamant that the stadium track was certified and on Friday August 21, she posted a picture of herself holding the certificate indicating that the government is in possession of the official certification from World Athletics confirming the that the track is certified as a class one facility up until March 2031, with the notation that the steeplechase is not included.