Top international athletes, including Tobi Amusan, Julien Alfred, Abby Steiner, and Fred Kerley, are set to headline the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational (JAI) scheduled for Saturday, May 11 at the National Stadium.

The event promises to be a showcase of world-class talent, with athletes from various countries competing across multiple disciplines.

During the recent launch event held at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Marvin Anderson, the athletes’ liaison officer, announced the participation of these renowned athletes. Amusan, the Nigerian hurdler, is coming off a successful season, winning the Diamond League women’s 100m hurdles title for the third consecutive time.

Alfred of St Lucia recently secured her country’s first-ever global gold medal at the World Indoor Athletics Championships, while American sprint sensation Steiner made a triumphant return to the track after overcoming a challenging heel surgery.

Granted World Athletics Continental Tour Silver status

Kerley, the reigning world champion, is aiming to regain top form after a disappointing 2023 season.

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The event, which has been granted World Athletics Continental Tour Silver status, will also feature other notable international athletes such as Aleia Hobbs, Nia Ali, Daniel Roberts, Marvin Bracy, Trayvon Bromell, Shamier Little, and Donald Scott, among others. Promising Jamaican talent, including Jaydon Hibbert, Fedrick Dacres, Rushell Clayton, Jaheel Hyde, and Megan Tapper, will also compete in front of a home crowd.

Ludlow Watts, chairman of the local organizing committee, emphasized the significance of the meet in showcasing international talent in Jamaica. Ticket pricing has been structured to ensure maximum attendance, with finish-line tickets priced at $3,000 and seats in other sections of the Grandstand at $2,500. Bleacher seats will be available free of charge.

The meet will kick off with the women’s 400m hurdles at 7:35 pm and will feature a total of 14 events, including sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws, promising an exciting evening of athletics action.