Ackera Nugent and Wayne Pinnock named to Jamaica’s team for Nanjing

National 100m hurdles champion and record holder Ackera Nugent and Olympic long jump silver medalist Wayne Pinnock have been named in Jamaica’s squad for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25.

Nugent, ranked fourth in the world this year after clocking 7.75 seconds in France on February 13, will aim to become the first Jamaican woman to win the 60m hurdles title at a World Athletics Indoor Championships when she competes at the event in China from March 21-23. The Olympic 100m finalist will be joined by Amoi Brown, who has shown steady progress on the circuit.

Pinnock, who finished fourth at the 2022 World Indoor Championships, is among Jamaica’s top medal prospects. The long jumper has been preparing diligently for the event and will be joined by 2019 world champion Tajay Gayle, who has already surpassed the 8m mark this season.

With Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson sidelined due to injury, Nishion Ebanks and Rohan Watson will represent Jamaica in the men’s 60m sprint, with Travis Williams named as a reserve.

Jodean Williams and veteran sprinter Natasha Morrison will contest the women’s 60m, aiming to build on Jamaica’s strong record in the event.

Rusheen McDonald, who secured bronze at the 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, will compete in both the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay. He will lead a relay squad that includes Jasauna Dennis, Demar Francis, Tarees Rhoden, and Kimar Farquharson.

Jamaica’s team for Nanjing 25:

Women

60m: Jodean Williams, Natasha Morrison
60m Hurdles: Ackera Nugent, Amoi Brown
400m: Leah Anderson, Joanne Reid (Janieve Russell - Reserve)
Shot Put: Lloydricia Cameron

Men

60m: Rohan Watson, Nishion Ebanks (Travis Williams - Reserve)
60m Hurdles: Jerome Campbell, Demario Prince
400m: Rusheen McDonald
4x400m Relay: Rusheen McDonald, Jasauna Dennis, Demar Francis, Tarees Rhoden, Kimar Farquharson
High Jump: Romaine Beckford, Raymond Richards
Long Jump: Tajay Gayle, Wayne Pinnock
Triple Jump: Jordan Scott
Shot Put: Rajindra Campbell