JAAA exploring mixed events

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) first vice-president Ian Forbes says that they are exploring possible changes to meet formats to include both genders competing in specific events.

Forbes was speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the JAAA Jubilee Series, which starts on Friday at the National Stadium at 5 p.m. The series represents an opportunity for the nation's senior athletes to compete in the lead-up to the World Athletics Championships in Oregon this summer.

"We could see some innovations," Forbes said. "As you know the sport is evolving and World Athletics is eager to add some drama here and there, as well in terms of piquing the interest of spectators and ensuring that they remain committed, they remain engaged."

Mixed events were introduced to the circuit with the debut of the mixed 4x400m relays at the World Athletics Relays in 2017 and the event has gone on to feature at the Doha World Athletics Championships in 2019, and the Olympic Games in Tokyo last year.

Forbes says that the events for a mixed format could include the throwing disciplines (javelin, shot put, discus), and the long jump, however, it would be dependent on the number of entries received.

"For the vertical jumps it would not necessarily be practical unless you have a very outstanding female competing amongst the males," Forbes said. "It also depends on the numbers. Because if the numbers are large for both genders, it would not be practical. So it is usually in a case where the numbers are relatively small and they are incorporated into."

While those options are being explored, JAAA treasurer Ludlow Watts said that he believes that the limited series will give the athletes sufficient opportunities to make the qualifying standard and balance their workload.

"Some of the more elite athletes travel overseas to compete in other events and some have camps elsewhere," Watts said. "The other thing is that the National Championships will be on June 23 and some athletes don't want to compete so close to National Championships because injuries can befall them."

Entry into the grandstand is free for the Jubilee Series. Other meets in the series are scheduled for May 21 and June 4. The JAAA has committed $3 million towards the series through a partnership with the Sports Development Foundation and Puma.