As the countdown begins for the World Relays, all eyes will be on Team Jamaica. With the inclusion of legendary athletes like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and a fresh wave of dynamic talent, the Caribbean sprint powerhouse looks ready to light up the track once again
From explosive 4x100m races to the strategic mixed 4x400m relays, Jamaica promises excitement, excellence, and electrifying performances.
The world will be watching as Team Jamaica takes to the track in China.
From Fraser-Pryce’s resilience to Jackson’s comeback, and from the youthful exuberance of the Claytons to the steady leadership of Yohan Blake, this team represents the very best of what Jamaican athletics has to offer.
Fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the relays—not just for the speed and excitement, but for the compelling stories of grit, talent, and national pride.
For Jamaica, it’s a chance to shine once again on the world stage and remind everyone why the island continues to be the sprint capital of the world.
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Team Jamaica Gears Up for Glory at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in China
The anticipation is building as Team Jamaica officially announces a powerhouse squad for the 2025 World Athletics Relays, set to take place in Guangzhou, China, from May 10.1
With a roster that includes sprint legends and rising stars, Jamaica is positioning itself as a formidable contender across all relay categories—4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed relays.
Among the biggest headlines is the return of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the “Pocket Rocket” who continues to defy age and redefine greatness in track and field.
The multiple-time Olympic and World Champion made her 2025 season debut at the Velocity Fest in Jamaica, sending a clear signal to her rivals that she is far from finished.
In a recent post on her official social media pages, Fraser-Pryce shared her excitement about returning to competitive racing, promising fans that she’s ready for another electrifying season.
Her presence alone lifts Team Jamaica’s chances, as her experience and explosive speed are unmatched in global sprinting history.
Shericka Jackson’s Redemption Arc
Another inspiring story on the Jamaican squad is Shericka Jackson. After a heartbreaking 2024 season that saw her miss defending her Olympic title in Paris due to injury, Jackson has come back stronger.
She recently competed at the Miramar Invitational in April 2025, displaying excellent form and confidence as she eyes the World Athletics Championships later this year.
Jackson’s versatility and strength across both the 100m and 200m make her an invaluable asset in the 4x100m relay team. Her return not only boosts morale but also adds another layer of intimidation for rival nations.
Team Jamaica: Youth Meets Experience
The Clayton Twins and Rising Stars
Adding a youthful spark to the Jamaican lineup are the dynamic Clayton twins—Tina and Tia.2
Known for their blistering performances in the junior circuit, the Claytons have seamlessly transitioned to senior-level competition.
Their inclusion in the women’s 4x100m relay pool alongside seasoned stars like Fraser-Pryce and Jackson shows Jamaica’s commitment to blending experience with emerging talent.
Both Tina and Tia Clayton bring raw speed and fearless energy, qualities that are crucial in the high-stakes environment of relay racing.
Their development has been closely monitored by athletics fans and experts alike, and all eyes will be on their baton exchanges come May.
Yohan Blake and Kishane Thompson Lead the Men’s Charge
On the men’s side, veteran sprinter Yohan Blake headlines the 4x100m relay team. Blake, a former World Champion and Olympic medalist, remains one of Jamaica’s most consistent performers.
His experience in global competitions will be vital in guiding the younger athletes and ensuring seamless transitions during the race.
Joining him is the rising sensation Kishane Thompson, whose explosive start and consistent finishes have drawn comparisons to the greats of Jamaican sprinting.
His Olympic silver medal already marks him as a top-tier competitor, and his role in the relay squad could be pivotal in helping Jamaica challenge the United States and other leading teams.
A Deep and Talented Relay Pool
Team Jamaica’s strength lies not just in star power but also in depth. The athlete pools for the 4x100m and 4x400m relays include a mix of veterans, emerging talents, and specialists trained for the demanding relay formats.
For the mixed relays, Jamaica is expected to field strategically balanced teams that maximize speed and tactical prowess.
World Athletics recently released the official participant list for the World Relays, and Jamaica’s entries are among the most talked-about. With top-tier sprinters, seasoned 400m runners, and precise baton technicians, the nation is prepared to mount a serious medal campaign.
Team Jamaica: Relay Strategies and Tactics
While individual speed is crucial, relays are won and lost in the baton exchanges.3
Jamaican relay squads are known for their explosive speed but have occasionally faced criticism for inconsistent exchanges.
In recent years, however, the national team has placed renewed emphasis on relay-specific training camps to address these weaknesses.
With the World Relays acting as a qualifier for the 2025 World Athletics Championships and an important test ahead of the 2026 season, Jamaica’s coaching staff has been meticulously crafting race strategies.
Expect smooth handovers, well-thought-out leg assignments, and fierce competition in the final selection of runners.
Mixed Relays: A New Frontier for Jamaican Dominance
The mixed relays, which feature both male and female athletes, are a newer addition to global competitions but have quickly become fan favorites. Team Jamaica has embraced the format, leveraging its deep pool of talent to field competitive squads.
The 4x400m mixed relay, in particular, offers exciting possibilities. With speedsters like Jackson and Thompson likely to be involved, Jamaica has a strong chance of pushing for gold.
Success in this event would not only demonstrate versatility but also add a new dimension to the nation’s relay dominance.
Key Rivals: USA, Canada, and the UK
Jamaica won’t have an easy path to the podium. Traditional sprinting powerhouses like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom will bring their own elite athletes to Guangzhou.
The American squad, often led by a mix of NCAA stars and seasoned professionals, is expected to provide stiff competition, especially in the 4x100m events.
Canada and the UK have also made significant strides in relay performance over the past decade, with improved consistency and better baton exchanges.
These nations pose credible threats, particularly in the men’s 4x100m and the mixed relays. For Jamaica, every detail—from lane assignments to baton exchanges—will matter.
What’s at Stake Beyond Medals
The 2025 World Athletics Relays are more than just a medal opportunity—they serve as a key qualifier for future global championships.
Performances in Guangzhou will influence seeding, rankings, and momentum heading into the World Athletics Championships later this year.
Moreover, this event gives Jamaican athletes a chance to fine-tune their chemistry, boost national pride, and inspire the next generation of runners back home.
With the legacy of Usain Bolt still casting a long shadow, today’s athletes are eager to write their own chapters in Jamaican sprinting history.
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Full List of Team Jamaica’s Entries for World Relays
Jamaica, a nation renowned for its sprinting prowess, is once again ready to make a powerful statement at the World Athletics Relays.
Known for electrifying performances, the Jamaican squad heads into this year’s competition with a carefully selected group of elite athletes across various relay events.
From established legends like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to rising stars in both the men’s and women’s divisions, Team Jamaica is poised for action in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and the increasingly popular mixed relays.
Jamaica’s Relay Teams: An Overview
The Jamaican Athletics Administration has divided its relay team into two main categories: the 4x100m and 4x400m events.
In a modern twist, both categories will include mixed relays—4x100m mixed and 4x400m mixed—further emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and depth across gender lines.
In total, Team Jamaica features an impressive lineup of sprinters and quarter-milers, drawn from a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent.
Their combined experience and explosive speed offer a potent recipe for podium finishes.
4x100m Women’s Team: Sprint Queens Reunited
Few names in athletics resonate as powerfully as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson.
Together, they form the backbone of Jamaica’s 4x100m women’s squad. With Fraser-Pryce’s explosive starts and Jackson’s top-end speed, this team will be one to watch.
Full Roster:
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Shericka Jackson
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Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
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Niesha Burgher
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Serena Cole
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Natasha Morrison
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Alana Reid
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Tia Clayton
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Krystal Sloley
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Tina Clayton
This group features a blend of youth and experience. Rising stars like Tia and Tina Clayton, who have been lighting up the junior circuit, now stand ready to contribute on the world stage. Veterans like Natasha Morrison and Serena Cole bring invaluable composure and relay experience.
Debut of the 4x100m Mixed Relay
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s World Relays is the introduction of the 4x100m Mixed Relay, blending male and female sprinters in a strategic, high-octane event. Jamaica’s mixed relay team is expected to be formed from the larger 4x100m pool.
With athletes like Shericka Jackson, Tia Clayton, and Kishane Thompson available for selection, the mixed relay team offers explosive potential.
The challenge will lie in getting the baton passes just right in a co-ed format where the changeovers are less familiar and more nuanced.
Team Jamaica: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Return
One of the most anticipated aspects of this year’s World Relays is the return of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, affectionately known as the “Pocket Rocket.”
A multiple Olympic and World Champion, Fraser-Pryce’s presence not only boosts Jamaica’s medal hopes but also serves as inspiration to the younger athletes on the team.
Her decision to join the relay squad signals her commitment to national duty and could be one of her final major relay appearances before retirement. Expect fans around the globe to tune in just to watch her magic in motion.
Rising Talents to Watch
While seasoned athletes like Fraser-Pryce and Blake grab headlines, several up-and-coming Jamaican athletes are poised for breakout performances.
Tia and Tina Clayton, twin phenoms from the junior ranks, bring electrifying speed and a hunger for success. Similarly, Ackeem Blake, often called the “heir to the sprint throne,” will be under the spotlight.
In the 400m realm, Delano Kennedy and Javier Brown are names to remember—both have consistently clocked competitive times and now get the chance to prove themselves against the world’s best.
Baton Handovers: The Deciding Factor
In relay races, even the fastest teams can fall short due to a poor handover. With multiple mixed relays and new team combinations, Jamaica’s success will hinge on clean and well-timed baton exchanges.
Coach strategies will be pivotal. Proper synergy between runners—especially in mixed-gender relays—will be essential to ensuring maximum speed through the changeover zones. Smooth exchanges could be the difference between gold and silver—or making the final at all.
Jamaica enters the World Relays as a top contender, especially in the 4x100m women’s event and both mixed relays. With a mix of experience, youth, and world-class speed, they have all the tools necessary to dominate.
While traditional rivals like the United States and Great Britain will bring fierce competition, Jamaica’s chemistry and depth could give them the edge.
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