JAAA proud of Jamaica’s field contingent to Budapest

Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association selection committee chairman Lincoln Eatmon and JAAA president Garth Gayle have expressed pride in the strength of Jamaica's field contingent as the World Championship squad was announced yesterday.

The 65-member squad is headlined by five-time World Championships 100 metres winner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and reigning World Championships 200 metres title holder Shericka Jackson. Of the 65 members, 18 be participating in field events.

Gayle said that the strength in the field shows how much Jamaica have evolved in the disciplines.

"We are not only a country of sprinters and jumpers, but are now breaking new frontiers and are happy about that. I believe we have covered most of the disciplines at Budapest, and we look forward to excellent performances," Gayle said.

Among the standouts in the field will be Under-20 World Championships triple jump champion and record holder Jaydon Hibbert, competing in his first senior World Championships; Roje Stona in the discus; and Rajindra Campbell in the men's shot put.

History-making Nayoka Clunis will be Jamaica's first-ever representative in the hammer throw at the World Championships. Eatmon said that as a national champion and based on her rankings, Clunis deserved the selection.

"Look at the hammer throw. It is the first time we are having someone in the hammer throw, and she is in a position where we feel she deserves selection as national champion. We are opening a new area, and it would be good for the sport to have her there," Eatmon said.

"It shows how far we have come in the field events, especially the long jump. Look at us having three people having the qualifying standard for the World Championships."

A crucial decision of the selection committee was the inclusion of Zandrion Barnes in the men's 400 metres, while Rusheen McDonald makes the team for the mixed relay and the 4x400 metres. Fraser-Pryce, who had earlier stated that she doesn't foresee doing the 200 metres at the World Championships, will do the double.

There will be a camp for the athletes between August 9-15 before the athletes move into the athlete's village on August 15.